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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Ecuador
Ecuador
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ecuador
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ecuador
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ecuador
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Ecuador?
Ecuador, a land of diverse landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains and the Pacific coast, offers a unique travel experience. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore this beautiful country at your own pace. Here’s why booking a car is the best way to experience Ecuador.
Unmatched Flexibility: Public transportation in Ecuador can be unreliable and infrequent, especially in rural areas. A rental car allows you to create your itinerary and travel whenever and wherever you want.
Access to Remote Locations: Many of Ecuador's hidden gems, such as remote villages in the Andes or secluded beaches along the coast, are difficult to reach by public transport. A car allows you to discover these off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Comfort and Convenience: Traveling by bus in Ecuador can be crowded and uncomfortable. A rental car offers a comfortable and private way to travel, especially for families or groups with luggage.
Scenic Road Trips: Ecuador boasts stunning scenery, and a road trip is the perfect way to soak it all in. From the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the coastal highways, a rental car allows you to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes at your own pace.
Driving in Ecuador: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Spanish
Average petrol price
€0.65 per litre or €2.46 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
90 km/h or 56 mph
Currency
US Dollar
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
7.5/10
Dialling Code
+593
Driving in Ecuador can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to be aware of the local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
1. General Traffic Laws Traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device.
- Always carry your driver’s licence and car rental documents.
2. Speed Limits Speed limits are typically posted in kilometres per hour (km/h). Observe the posted speed limits, as they can vary depending on the type of road and location.
- Be aware that speed limits are strictly enforced.
3. Road Conditions Road conditions can vary widely in Ecuador, from well-maintained highways to unpaved rural roads. Be prepared for potholes, gravel, and uneven surfaces, especially in mountainous areas.
- Drive cautiously and adjust your speed accordingly.
4. Driving in Mountainous Areas Driving in the Andes Mountains can be challenging due to steep inclines, sharp curves, and narrow roads. Use lower gears when climbing or descending hills, and be prepared to yield to uphill traffic.
- Be aware of altitude sickness and take breaks as needed.
5. Toll Roads Some highways in Ecuador have toll roads. Be prepared to pay tolls in cash at toll booths.
- Have small bills and coins readily available.
Top drives in Ecuador:
Ecuador, with its diverse landscapes, offers some of the most scenic driving routes in South America.
From the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest and the Pacific coast, there's a road trip for every type of traveler. A rental car allows you to explore these routes at your own pace and discover the hidden gems along the way.
Car Rental Prices in Ecuador – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $32 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €25
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Ecuador
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £45 / $56 / €51 per day*
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £25 / $32 / €28 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Ecuador
Renting a car in Ecuador can be a cost-effective way to explore the country, but it's essential to be mindful of expenses. Here are some tips to help you save money on your car rental.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Car rental prices tend to increase closer to your travel date. Booking well in advance can help you secure lower rates.
2. Compare Prices from Multiple Rental Companies.: Use online comparison tools to compare prices from different rental companies. This will help you find the most competitive rates.
3. Consider Renting a Smaller Car.: Smaller cars are generally more fuel-efficient and cheaper to rent than larger vehicles. If you don't need a lot of space, opt for a compact or economy car.
4. Decline Optional Insurance Coverage.: Check if your existing car insurance or credit card provides coverage for rental cars. If so, you can decline the rental company's optional insurance coverage.
5. Refuel Before Returning the Car.: Rental companies often charge exorbitant prices for refuelling. Fill up the tank before returning the car to avoid these charges.
6. Avoid Airport Rentals.: Rental car companies located at airports often charge higher rates than those located in the city. Consider taking a taxi or shuttle to a rental location in the city.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Ecuador?
To rent a car in Ecuador, you'll need to meet certain requirements. Here's a list of the essential documents and criteria.
Valid Driver's Licence: You'll need a valid driver's licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required.
Passport: You'll need to present your passport as proof of identity.
Credit Card: A valid credit card in the name of the main driver is required for the security deposit.
Minimum Age: Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have higher age restrictions.
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Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Ecuador as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 15.11.2024
Ecuador was breathtaking! A spontaneous weekend trip, and having a car made exploring so easy.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
Pretty good, really.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.02.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 03.02.2025
Family Ecuador trip: Incredible landscapes, so much freedom exploring!
Olivia Hernandez
Reviewed: 24.01.2025
Ecuador exceeded expectations! Cruising the coast with our rental car was so relaxing.
Evelyn Martinez
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Peaceful Ecuadorian coast! Having a car made getting around so easy, perfect for relaxation.
Katherine Lee
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Amazing weekend in Ecuador! Exploring the Andes with our rental car was incredibly convenient and scenic. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 11.02.2025