Hotel rooms should be booked at least one week in advance. Outside the main towns, a more or less standard price is charged per person for one night in a pensión, residencial or hotel. There is, however, a minimum charge per person. A 10% service charge and 5% tax are added to upper- and middle-range hotel bills. Cheaper hotels usually charge 5% at the most. There is also a range of accommodation on the Galápagos Islands. Booking hotels during fiestas and festivals can be difficult. Visitors should book well in advance.

Grading: Hotels in Ecuador have been graded into three main categories according to standard and price bracket. All categories provide at least basic facilities.

Basic and cheap accommodation can be found in pensións, residencials and hostals. It is recommended to view the room before checking in. Hot water is uncommon, apart from in the highlands and in more upscale hotels, but rooms often have air conditioning or, at least, a fan.

Attractive colonial haciendas and jungle lodges make unique places to stay.

Camping facilities in Ecuador are very limited, although it is allowed in most parks and reserves, and some hotels may offer cheap rates for camping in their grounds. Camping is prohibited on the Galápagos Islands except in one of the designated campsites, or sometimes in a pension garden. A permit is required and can be obtained from the park offices.

Federación Hotelera del Ecuador (AHOTEC)
Avenida América 5378 y Diguja, Edificio San Francisco, Piso 2, Quito, Ecuador
Tel: (2) 245 3942 or 244 3425.
Website: www.hotelesecuador.com