Bordered by Colombia, Ecuador and the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador more than make up for its lack of size with a wealth of tourist attractions. Top of that list are the peerless Galapagos Islands with its astonishing natural wildlife. The islands’ splendid isolation has lead endemic species, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, as well as its famous finches which played a pivotal role in the establishment of the theory of evolution. The waters that surround the islands are equally as magnificent, and draw experienced scuba divers to encounter hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, seals, penguins, huge pods of dolphins, mantas and whale sharks. Other natural wonders include Amazon jungle retreats, the Cotopaxi and Cajas National Parks, Chimboraxo volcano, the Nariz del Diablo, the hot springs of Baños, and the beaches of Salinas, Montañita and Bahia. Activities include tours, as well as mountain hikes and white water rafting. Ecuador also has indigenous and Spanish colonial cultures, and you can experience these as you explore Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca.

Llama in Ecuador

In absolute numbers, the tourism sector might not appear that significant to Ecuador. Tourism accounts for only 2.3% of its GDP, and 2 million visitors arrived in 2019. However, on a per capita basis of the host country’s population, Ecuador ranks 14th in the world in popularity.

The tourism sector was abruptly interrupted with the arrival of first COVID case on 29 February 2020, with first Guayaquil and later Quito being epicenters for the virus. By 13 March the government had ordered the closures of schools, and the borders were closed on 14 March. The government paid informal workers a stipend to stay at home, but half a million Venezuelans had the ride out the storm with no support. It is estimated that the pandemic caused a contraction of the economy of 10%. International borders were re-opened to international tourists without quarantine on 15 August 2020. Visitors are currently required to provide a negative COVID PCR test result or full vaccine certificate upon arrival. Additionally, the government required visitors to Galapagos to be fully-vaccinated from 1 September 2021, but this requirement was dropped 11 September. Further information on current entry requirements can be found here: Ministry of Tourism entry requirements. 42% of the Ecuadorian people are now fully vaccinated.

The official stats for Ecuador show a total 500,000 confirmed cases and 32,000 deaths, with the biggest wave around May 2021. This ranks Ecuador 37th in the world in deaths per capita. However critics have condemned the Ecuador government for covering the extent of the catastrophe. Various media outlets reported that Guayaquil was overwhelmed in April 2020, with bodies piling up in the streets and cardboard coffins being utlised to dispose of them in makeshift cemeteries. Excess death statistics show that the real COVID death rate is nearer 97,000 – 3 times or 300% higher than admitted.

The Galapagos liveaboards are fully operational, as well as the wildlife and natural history cruises. Due to the drop in tourism, there are some amazing deals around for a destination that is usually very expensive and fully booked many months in advance. So why not take advantage and plan a trip now to enjoy the amazing scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands.