Isla de la Plata

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Pacific coast

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Isla de la Plata

When is the best time to visit the Pacific Coast?

The weather is typically hot and sunny (over 28°C) with heavy rain showers Jan-Apr, cooler and more overcast outside this period. Beaches can be crowded in local holiday periods.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.

What language is spoken on the Pacific Coast?

The main language spoken in the Pacific Coast is Spanish.

What currency do I need on the Pacific Coast?

The US dollar is the main currency used on the Pacific Coast. There are a number of banks in Guayaquil and Manta. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs using a UK credit or debit card, but the permitted withdrawal may be a lower amount than at home.

What is the time difference between the Pacific Coast and the UK?

The time difference between the Pacific Coast and the UK is GMT -5 hours.

What places combine well with the Pacific Coast?

The Galápagos Islands, 1.5hrs by air from Guayaquil; the southern upland city of Cuenca, 175km (2hrs 40mins by road) from Guayaquil.  

How do you get to the Pacific Coast?

Access is by air to Manta, a Pacific port, and then by road via Montecristi, a town where panama hats are made.

If you still have questions, please contact us and one of our Travel Experts will be happy to help.

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Real Latin american experts

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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