Travelers visiting the northern coast of Ecuador may have questions about the logistics of touring the area. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Northern Coast.

Question: What should I bring on my trip to the northern coast?
Answer: Every traveler to the coast should bring a raincoat and sunscreen to prepare for the weather. If you plan to hike through the rainforests, it would be wise to bring along a pair of rubber boots. While light, loose clothing is good for the warm climate of the region, you should also bring along a sweater for the cool evening breezes. A water bottle and flashlight might also prove useful, as water is not always available in small towns, and electricity can be a bit erratic outside of the major cities.

Question: What is an appropriate budget for visiting the northern coast?
Answer: Your budget will be determined by the level of luxury you want. In the larger cities and resort towns, there are deluxe accommodations and restaurants with fine dining, and you can spend $200 per day. At the same time, those locations also have hostels and local eateries, so travelers can spend as little as $25 per day. Small towns tend to have inexpensive lodging and dining facilities.

Question: How should I visit the northern coast?
Answer: There are a number of bus routes to the region, and there are flights from Quito and Guayaquil to Manta and Esmeraldas. If you are more comfortable booking a tour, there are a number of agencies in Quito and Guayaquil that can arrange your visit. Many tours, as well as higher-end hotels, can be booked online. The duration of the trip will depend on your interests and time constraints, and can range from a weekend to a month or longer.

Question: Is it safe to visit the northern coast?
Answer: Thousands of visitors travel to the region without any problems. In the larger cities, you should take precautions like you would in any large city and travel by taxi at night. The small towns in general are quite safe. When visiting the beaches, always ask before swimming, as some areas can have dangerous currents and riptides.

All three provinces in the region have reported cases of malaria, so you should talk to a doctor about preventative treatment before traveling. Dengue fever is also present in the area, so be sure to use bug spray to keep mosquitoes away. Manta, Portoviejo and Esmeraldas all have hospitals.

Question: What is the climate like?
Answer: The climate varies based on the location and season. The whole region is quite warm, with temperatures sometimes approaching 90°F (32°C). The eastern edge of Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas province is cooler. In general, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas and Esmeraldas are rainier than Manabí is. The rainy season usually lasts from January to April, though even then the days are mostly sunny. The rest of the year can be a bit cloudier, but with less frequent precipitation.