Things to Do in Ecuador in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Ecuador
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- October sits right in the sweet spot between Ecuador's two main seasons - you'll catch the tail end of the dry season in the Highlands (which means clearer Andean views) while the coast is warming up nicely without the December-April crowds. Quito typically sees maybe 8-10 rainy days, and when it does rain, it's usually a quick afternoon shower that clears within 30-40 minutes.
- Whale watching season along the coast (particularly near Puerto Lopez) extends through late October, giving you one last shot at seeing humpbacks before they head south. The waters are calmer than earlier months, and you're looking at roughly 70-80% success rates on tours versus the 90%+ in July-August, but significantly fewer boats competing for space.
- The Galapagos hits what locals call the 'transition season' - water temps are climbing from 18-20°C (64-68°F) to 21-23°C (70-73°F), visibility improves to 15-20m (50-65ft), and you'll see both cool-water and warm-water species overlapping. Sea lion pups are active, marine iguanas are nesting, and the blue-footed boobies are in their mating dance phase on Española Island.
- Accommodation pricing drops noticeably after the September high season ends - you're looking at 20-30% lower rates in Quito and Cuenca compared to June-August, and you can actually book decent Galapagos last-minute cruises (though I wouldn't recommend waiting that long). October also avoids the European summer vacation crush and the December-January South American holiday wave.
Considerations
- The Amazon basin is deep in its wet season during October, with Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca) averaging 250mm (9.8 inches) of rainfall. Trails turn muddy, river levels rise significantly, and while wildlife viewing is still possible, you'll spend more time dealing with rain and less time on comfortable hikes. That said, the rain does bring out certain species, so it's not a total loss.
- October weather in Ecuador is genuinely unpredictable because you're caught between seasons - the coast might be sunny one day and overcast the next, the Highlands can surprise you with heavy afternoon downpours even during what should be dry season, and microclimates mean you could experience three different weather patterns in a 2-hour drive. Pack for everything.
- Some Galapagos activities face rougher seas during the transition period, particularly on the western islands. If you're prone to seasickness, the swells between islands can be challenging, and certain snorkeling sites might be skipped if conditions aren't favorable. Cruise operators are experienced with this, but it's worth factoring in if you have limited time.
Best Activities in October
Galapagos Multi-Island Cruises
October offers what I'd call the Goldilocks window for Galapagos visits - not too hot, not too cold, and far fewer tourists than the June-August peak. Water temperatures are transitioning upward, which means you'll likely see both penguin species (who prefer cooler water) and tropical fish in the same week. The blue-footed booby courtship displays on Española are particularly active in October, and sea lion pups are playful and curious. Visibility underwater typically reaches 15-20m (50-65ft), significantly better than the plankton-rich months. Book 4-6 month ahead for better cabin selection on quality vessels, though you'll find last-minute deals if you're flexible.
Quito Colonial Quarter Walking Tours
The capital sits at 2,850m (9,350ft), and October weather here is actually quite pleasant - mornings are crisp and clear (perfect for those postcard views of Pichincha volcano), with afternoon showers that rarely last more than 30-40 minutes. The UNESCO-listed old town is best explored between 9am-2pm before clouds roll in. October avoids the intense sun of June-August (when that UV index at altitude is brutal) while still giving you mostly dry mornings. The city celebrates the Day of the Dead preparations in late October, so you'll see markets filling with traditional foods and flower vendors setting up.
Cotopaxi Volcano Hiking and Cycling
October catches the tail end of the dry season in the Highlands, which means the access road to Cotopaxi (one of the world's highest active volcanoes) is typically in good condition, and the trails to the José Rivas refuge at 4,800m (15,748ft) aren't the muddy mess they become by November. Morning visibility is your best bet - clouds usually roll in by 1-2pm. The high-altitude cycling descent from the parking area at 4,500m (14,764ft) is spectacular when weather cooperates, and you'll see wild horses and the occasional Andean condor. Just remember that altitude hits hard up here, so acclimatize in Quito for at least 2 days first.
Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching and Zip-Lining
This cloud forest reserve about 2 hours northwest of Quito experiences moderate rainfall in October (maybe 12-15 rainy days), but interestingly, the rain doesn't diminish the experience much - it actually brings out certain bird species and keeps the forest lush. October is prime time for spotting the cock-of-the-rock during their morning lek displays (around 6-7am), and hummingbird activity at feeders is constant. The zip-line canopy tours operate rain or shine (you'll get wet either way from the mist), and the chocolate farm tours are excellent for rainy afternoons. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof bag for your camera.
Quilotoa Loop Multi-Day Hiking
This crater lake circuit through indigenous villages hits different in October - you're catching the dry season's last hurrah before November rains arrive, which means trails are firm and views of the turquoise crater lake are typically clear in the mornings. Temperatures at this altitude (3,800-4,000m or 12,467-13,123ft) range from 8-15°C (46-59°F), so you'll need proper layering. October also falls between major festivals, so you'll experience authentic village life without the tourist crowds. The 3-4 day trek staying in community-run hostels gives you genuine interaction with Kichwa communities, and the homestays include meals cooked in traditional wood-fired stoves.
Cuenca Architecture and Artisan Workshop Tours
Ecuador's third-largest city enjoys particularly pleasant October weather - daytime temps around 18-20°C (64-68°F), occasional afternoon showers, and that perfect sweater-weather vibe that makes wandering the cobblestone streets genuinely enjoyable. October is ideal for visiting the Panama hat workshops (which are actually made here, not Panama), ceramic studios, and silver jewelry ateliers because you're not competing with cruise ship groups or summer vacation crowds. The Tomebamba River walk is lovely in the mornings, and the city's many museums are perfect rainy-afternoon backup plans.
October Events & Festivals
Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead) Preparations
While the actual holiday falls on November 2nd, late October sees markets throughout Ecuador preparing for this important celebration. You'll find vendors selling colada morada (a thick purple drink made from black corn and fruits) and guaguas de pan (bread shaped like swaddled babies). The preparations are particularly visible in Quito's San Francisco and San Roque markets, and in smaller Highland towns. It's not a tourist event - it's genuine cultural observation, which makes it more meaningful.
Guayaquil Independence Day
October 9th marks Guayaquil's independence, and the coastal city goes all out with parades, concerts, and fireworks. If you're planning to visit the coast anyway, it's worth timing your trip to catch the festivities. That said, expect hotels to be fuller and prices slightly higher around this date. The Malecón 2000 waterfront hosts most of the major events.