Things to Do in Ecuador in August

August Weather in Ecuador

26°C (79°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 8 rainy days and just 45mm (1.8 inches) total precipitation means excellent visibility for Andean mountain views and Galápagos wildlife spotting
Optimal whale watching season along the coast - humpback whales are most active in Pacific waters from June through September, with August offering the best weather conditions for boat trips
Perfect hiking weather in the Sierra - daytime temperatures around 20-22°C (68-72°F) with low humidity make multi-day treks like Quilotoa Loop and Cotopaxi approaches comfortable without excessive heat or mud
Galápagos marine life peaks - sea lion pupping season and penguin activity are at their highest, while calmer seas (compared to December-May) mean better snorkeling conditions and fewer seasick passengers

Considerations

High season pricing across accommodations and tours - expect 40-60% price premiums compared to April or October, with Galápagos packages particularly expensive due to North American and European summer holiday demand
Extremely intense UV radiation at altitude - UV index reaches 11+ at 2,400m (7,874 ft) elevation in Quito, requiring constant sun protection and causing rapid sunburn even on cloudy days
Crowded popular attractions - Otavalo Market, Baños adventure activities, and Galápagos visitor sites see peak visitor numbers, requiring advance bookings and earlier start times to avoid crowds

Best Activities in August

Galápagos Islands Multi-Day Cruises

August offers the driest weather and calmest seas of the year for Galápagos exploration. Sea lion pupping season means active wildlife encounters, while penguin colonies are most visible. Dry conditions create optimal hiking on volcanic trails and crystal-clear snorkeling visibility up to 20m (66 ft). Water temperature averages 22°C (72°F) - cool enough to see penguins but warm enough for extended swimming.

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 months ahead for August departures. 4-day cruises typically range $2,800-4,200, 8-day cruises $4,500-7,500. Look for boats with naturalist guides certified by Galápagos National Park. Avoid boats with more than 100 passengers for better wildlife access.

Cotopaxi National Park Trekking

August's dry season provides the clearest mountain views and most stable weather for high-altitude hiking. Morning temperatures start at 8°C (46°F) but warm to comfortable 18°C (64°F) by midday. Snow-capped Cotopaxi (5,897m/19,347 ft) is visible on 85% of August days compared to 40% during rainy season. Páramo ecosystem shows unique high-altitude vegetation adaptation.

Booking Tip: Day hikes cost $80-120 including transport from Quito. Multi-day treks with refugio stays range $200-350. Book through certified mountain guides for glacier approaches. Allow 2 days minimum for altitude acclimatization from sea level.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

Humpback whale migration peaks in August with 90% success rate for sightings from Puerto López and Salinas. Whales perform breaching, tail slapping, and singing behaviors most actively during mating season. Calm morning seas (before 11am) provide stable platforms for photography. Water temperature 24°C (75°F) allows for swimming with whale sharks near Isla de la Plata.

Booking Tip: Half-day whale watching tours cost $45-75 from Puerto López. Full-day trips to Isla de la Plata (poor man's Galápagos) range $65-95 including lunch and snorkeling gear. Book morning departures for calmest conditions and highest whale activity.

Quilotoa Loop Highland Hiking

August's dry trails and clear skies create ideal conditions for this 3-4 day indigenous village circuit. Daily temperatures range 5-18°C (41-64°F) with no mud on mountain paths. Quilotoa crater lake shows brilliant turquoise color under clear skies. Local markets in Saquisilí (Thursdays) and Pujilí showcase authentic highland culture without tourist crowds of weekend markets.

Booking Tip: Independent hiking costs $25-40 per day including basic accommodation and meals. Guided 4-day circuits range $180-280. Rent warm sleeping bags in Latacunga for $8-12 per day. Start in Sigchos for easier acclimatization gradient.

Amazon Rainforest Lodge Stays

August marks the beginning of the 'dry' season in the Amazon, though daily afternoon showers still occur. River levels are optimal for both canoe navigation and jungle walking trails. Wildlife activity peaks as animals concentrate around water sources. Bird watching is exceptional with over 600 species active during early morning hours 6-9am when temperatures are coolest at 22°C (72°F).

Booking Tip: 3-day/2-night lodge packages range $280-480 from Tena or Puyo. 5-day expeditions cost $450-750. Choose lodges deeper than 2 hours from road access for better wildlife. Include night walks and canopy towers for maximum species diversity.

Cuenca Colonial City Walking

August's mild temperatures 14-22°C (57-72°F) and minimal rain create perfect conditions for exploring Ecuador's UNESCO World Heritage colonial center. Morning light illuminates cathedral domes and cobblestone streets ideal for photography. Panama hat workshops demonstrate traditional crafts, while thermal baths at nearby Baños provide evening relaxation after day walks.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking costs nothing beyond museum entries $2-5. Food tours range $35-55 for 4-hour experiences. Day trips to Cajas National Park for hiking cost $65-85 including transport. Stay minimum 3 days to appreciate colonial architecture and local culture.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Yamor Festival in Otavalo

Indigenous celebration honoring corn harvest with traditional music, dance, and chicha de jora (fermented corn drink). Features authentic Andean music performances, colorful traditional dress, and ceremonial rituals not performed for tourists. Local families open their homes for traditional meals and cultural exchange.

August 10th

Guayaquil Independence Day

Coastal Ecuador's largest city celebrates independence with street festivals, live music concerts, and traditional coastal cuisine festivals. Malecón 2000 hosts free outdoor concerts featuring national artists. Local ceviche and encebollado competitions showcase coastal culinary traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 11+ at Quito's 2,850m (9,350 ft) altitude, causing burns within 15 minutes even on cloudy days

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 8°C (46°F) at dawn to 22°C (72°F) midday in highlands, requiring base layers, fleece, and wind/rain shell

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - for volcanic terrain on Cotopaxi and muddy Amazon trails after afternoon rains

Insulated water bottle - altitude dehydration requires 3-4 liters daily, while cold morning temperatures make warm drinks essential

Altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide) - rapid elevation changes from sea level to 2,850m (9,350 ft) affect 60% of visitors within first 24 hours

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes but can be intense, particularly in Amazon regions

Warm sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) - for Quilotoa Loop village stays and potential Cotopaxi refugio overnight

Quality binoculars 8x42 minimum - essential for whale watching at distance and Galápagos wildlife observation

Reef-safe zinc oxide sunscreen - required in Galápagos marine reserve and better protection than chemical sunscreens at altitude

Portable altitude oxygen canister - available in Quito pharmacies for $8-12, helpful for Cotopaxi approaches above 4,500m (14,764 ft)

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights to Galápagos through Ecuadorian airlines (LATAM Ecuador, Avianca) rather than international sites - often 20-30% cheaper and includes mandatory transit control card processing in Quito or Guayaquil

Use August's clear mountain weather for early morning photography sessions 6-7am when Andean peaks reflect pink alpenglow - afternoons often bring clouds even in dry season

Take advantage of whale watching season by combining Puerto López trips with stays in Montañita for surfing - August offers consistent 1-2m (3-6 ft) waves and warm 24°C (75°F) water

August marks harvest season for highland quinoa and potatoes - visit local markets like Saquisilí on Thursdays for authentic produce at lowest annual prices and traditional preparation demonstrations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects in Quito - many visitors attempt Cotopaxi or Quilotoa within 24 hours of arrival, leading to severe altitude sickness. Spend minimum 2 days acclimatizing at 2,850m (9,350 ft) before higher elevation activities

Booking Galápagos trips too late - August is peak season with 90% occupancy rates. Budget boats sell out 3-4 months ahead, luxury options need 6+ months advance booking or face $1,000+ price premiums

Ignoring UV protection at altitude - many visitors from sea level don't realize UV intensity doubles every 300m (984 ft) of elevation. Equatorial sun at 3,000m+ (9,843 ft+) causes severe burns through light cloud cover