Things to Do in Ecuador in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Ecuador
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak whale watching season along the coast - humpback whales migrate through December with 85% visibility rates, especially near Puerto López and Isla de la Plata
- Dry season in the Sierra highlands with crystal-clear mountain views - perfect 18-25°C (64-77°F) temperatures for hiking and volcano climbing
- Christmas markets and festivities in Cuenca and Quito create unique cultural experiences with traditional foods like colada morada and guaguas de pan
- Lower accommodation prices compared to July-August high season, with 30-40% savings on Sierra hotels and Amazon lodges
Considerations
- Rainy season peaks in the Amazon with 250+ mm (9.8+ inches) of rainfall, making some remote lodge access difficult and muddy
- Galápagos enters choppy sea conditions with rougher boat rides and occasional tour cancellations due to swells
- December holiday crowds from domestic tourists increase prices and bookings at popular destinations like Baños and Montañita
Best Activities in December
Whale Watching Tours from Puerto López
December marks peak humpback whale migration season along Ecuador's coast. Waters are calmer than November, and whale sightings reach 85% success rates. Morning tours (7am-11am) offer best visibility and calmer seas. The 28°C (82°F) coastal temperatures make boat trips comfortable without overheating.
Andean Volcano Trekking and Climbing
December's dry season brings perfect conditions for volcano climbs with minimal cloud cover and stable weather patterns. Cotopaxi and Chimborazo have their clearest summit visibility. Cool morning temperatures of 5-10°C (41-50°F) at altitude prevent overheating during climbs, while afternoons warm to comfortable hiking temperatures.
Colonial Quito Walking Tours and Markets
December transforms Quito's historic center with Christmas decorations and seasonal markets. Daily temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) make walking tours comfortable all day. Traditional holiday foods appear in markets, and afternoon rain showers (typically 2-4pm) create natural break times for museum visits or café stops.
Cloud Forest Birdwatching Expeditions
December begins prime season for endemic bird species in Mindo and Tandayapa cloud forests. Morning mist clears earlier than wet months, extending prime birdwatching hours. Temperatures stay cool at 16-24°C (61-75°F), perfect for dawn birding sessions when activity peaks. Over 400 species remain active despite some migration.
Cuenca Architecture and Artisan Workshops
December's mild 23°C (73°F) temperatures make Cuenca's cobblestone streets comfortable for full-day exploration. Local artisans increase workshop offerings for holiday season, including Panama hat weaving and ceramic painting. Christmas festivities add traditional music performances in central plazas, creating authentic cultural immersion opportunities.
Thermal Springs and Adventure Sports in Baños
December's combination of warm days 26°C (79°F) and cool evenings makes Baños ideal for mixing adventure sports with thermal spring recovery. Clear skies provide excellent conditions for swing-at-end-of-world photos and zip-lining. Thermal springs feel most refreshing after warm-weather hiking and cycling activities.
December Events & Festivals
Pase del Niño Viajero in Cuenca
Cuenca's most important religious procession featuring elaborate floats, traditional dancers, and thousands of participants. Children dress in biblical costumes while adults parade decorated cars and horses through colonial streets. The celebration combines Catholic traditions with indigenous Andean customs.
Quito Christmas Markets
Traditional Christmas markets fill Plaza Grande and Plaza San Francisco with artisan crafts, seasonal foods, and live nativity scenes. Local vendors sell traditional holiday treats like pristiños and hot canelazo. Evening concerts feature both classical and folk music in cathedral settings.
New Year Celebrations with Año Viejo
Unique Ecuadorian tradition where families create life-sized dolls representing the old year, then burn them at midnight. Streets fill with creative Año Viejo displays, from political figures to cartoon characters. Accompanied by traditional foods and family gatherings throughout the country.