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 Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs using a UK credit or debit card, but the permitted withdrawal may be a lower amount than at home.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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  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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