The main international gateway is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. From there, you can take taxis, shuttles, or Uber/Lyft to transport to your hotel.
Yes. Uber operates in Quito, including the airport and most central neighborhoods, making it an easy and reliable option for getting around. Lyft is not available in Ecuador. Traditional taxis are also widely used and easy to find. Public transportation is available, but it can be crowded and a bit confusing for visitors, so we generally recommend using Uber or taxis for convenience and comfort.
Thousands of tourists visit Ecuador each year, but it’s important to stay mindful. In busy areas, be aware of pickpockets and avoid displaying valuables such as jewelry or large cameras. We recommend using a small crossbody bag or a pouch that hangs close to your chest, which is safer and more comfortable when walking around. For the wedding, you will have private transportation to and from the hotel. We are also recommending tour companies we trust and know will take excellent care of you. Most tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants in Ecuador are very safe, especially in Quito, Cuenca, and the Galápagos. These regions are well-developed for tourism and commonly visited by international travelers. We do not recommend choosing Ecuador’s coastal areas—such as Guayaquil, Manabí, or Esmeraldas—as vacation destinations. However, using the Guayaquil airport as a transit stop is perfectly fine.
Children are welcome for our international guests who may be traveling with their families. We will have a professional childcare area available so parents can relax and enjoy the celebration. Kids are welcome to join you for most of the wedding events. For the Catholic ceremony and speeches, we kindly ask to keep those moments quiet and intimate. Thank you for understanding! For our local guests, we kindly ask that you attend without children unless your child’s name appears on your invitation. >>>Please make sure to RSVP for your kiddos as well, so we can plan appropriately for childcare and seating<<<
Ecuador uses the U.S. Dollar, so no currency exchange is needed for American guests. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for taxis, markets, and small shops. ATMs are also available if needed—banks like Banco Pichincha accept international cards. Expect an ATM fee of about $5 in Ecuador, plus any additional fee your U.S. bank may charge.
Most visitors, including travelers from the U.S., Canada, and the EU, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Just bring a valid passport with at least 6 months left before expiration.
Not necessarily. In hotels, airports, and tourist areas, English is commonly spoken. Learning a few Spanish phrases is always appreciated, but you’ll get by fine without it.
Quito and the highlands have spring-like weather year-round, with daytime temperatures around 50–70°F (10–21°C). At night, it can get quite cool — typically 45–55°F (7–13°C), and in higher towns or mountain areas it can drop to around 35–40°F (2–5°C). The higher you go, the colder it gets, so if you’re planning to visit volcanoes such as Cotopaxi or Chimborazo, bring a warm mountain jacket, gloves, and a hat. The Amazon is hot and humid, similar to Florida. The Galápagos is warm, less humid, and very comfortable. For these areas, we recommend packing shorts, hats, sunglasses, flip-flops, and a light rain jacket—especially for boat excursions, where you can actually get quite soaked.
Yes. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants throughout Quito. Speeds are usually reliable and more than enough for maps, FaceTime, and everyday communication. >>Please note that WhatsApp is the most common way people communicate in Ecuador, and it works perfectly with Wi-Fi—allowing you to text, call, and video-call without needing a local phone plan<< Most U.S. carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) offer international roaming, so you can use your regular phone plan—just check your provider, since some charge daily fees while others include free texting/data. If you prefer a cheaper option, you can buy a local SIM card from Claro or Movistar at the airport or any mall. They offer affordable prepaid plans with data, and they work very well in all the areas you’ll be visiting.
Yes. Restaurants, hotels, and cafés in Quito follow good hygiene standards and are safe for travelers. Tap water in Quito is treated, but visitors often prefer bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available. If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to bottled water and avoid raw street foods unless they’re from busy, reputable vendors.
No special vaccinations are required to visit Quito or the surrounding highland areas, where all of our wedding events will take place. Routine vaccines (Tdap, flu, COVID, etc.) are always recommended for travel, but nothing additional is needed. If guests plan to visit very remote areas of the Amazon rainforest, the yellow fever vaccine is recommended. However, this is not necessary for regular tourist destinations such as the main Amazon lodges, or for any of the common trips including Quito, Cotopaxi, Baños de Agua Santa, Mindo, Otavalo, or the Galápagos Islands.
Quito is perfectly located for incredible day and multi-day trips! Check out our "Plan Your Trip" tab for more details, and don’t hesitate to text us if you have any questions—we’re happy to help.