Things to Do in Ecuador in September

September Weather in Ecuador

23°C (73°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season begins - clearest skies for Galápagos wildlife viewing and mountain photography with visibility up to 50 km (31 miles)
Perfect hiking weather in the Andes with daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and minimal rain - ideal for acclimatization treks
Whale watching season peaks along the coast with humpback whales most active before migration south in October
September marks the start of tourist shoulder season - 30-40% fewer crowds at popular sites like Cotopaxi and Quilotoa compared to July-August

Considerations

Strong winds in the Galápagos (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) can make boat rides choppy and snorkeling challenging for beginners
Highland temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) at night above 3,500m (11,483 ft) - proper gear essential for mountain lodges
Coast remains overcast with persistent garúa mist reducing beach appeal - water temperature only 18°C (64°F)

Best Activities in September

Galápagos Wildlife Cruises

September offers the clearest waters and calmest morning conditions before daily winds pick up around 2pm. Marine iguanas are most active basking in morning sun, and sea lions have playful juveniles. Book morning departures for best visibility - underwater visibility reaches 20-25m (65-82 ft).

Booking Tip: Reserve 3-4 months ahead for September departures. Last-minute boats (booked 2-3 weeks out) typically cost $2,200-2,800 for 8-day cruises versus $3,200-4,000 for advance bookings. Look for boats with stabilizers due to afternoon wind conditions.

Cotopaxi National Park Trekking

September's dry conditions make the refuge hike to 4,864m (15,958 ft) most accessible. Clear morning skies provide stunning volcano views before afternoon clouds roll in around 1pm. Perfect weather for acclimatization before attempting the summit - temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) at base to -5°C (23°F) at refuge.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $85-120 including transport from Quito. Multi-day climbing packages run $380-520. Book through certified mountain guides and start early (6am) to avoid afternoon weather changes. See current options in booking section below.

Quilotoa Crater Lake Circuit

The 4-hour rim walk is ideal in September's stable weather with minimal wind and clear visibility. Morning temperatures of 12°C (54°F) warm to comfortable 18°C (64°F) by midday. The turquoise lake appears most vivid under September's intense UV - perfect for photography without weather disruptions.

Booking Tip: Independent visits cost $2 park entrance plus $25-35 for return transport from Latacunga. Guided day tours from Quito range $65-95. Stay overnight in Quilotoa village to catch sunrise - hostels cost $12-18/night with spectacular views.

Amazon Jungle Lodge Experiences

September's lower rainfall means easier hiking on jungle trails and better wildlife spotting as animals congregate around water sources. Mosquito activity decreases compared to wet season. River levels are optimal for both navigation and walking excursions - daily temperatures stay steady at 28°C (82°F).

Booking Tip: 4-day lodge packages typically cost $320-480 from Coca or Tena. September availability is high with 20-30% lower prices than peak months. Choose lodges with canopy towers for bird watching - morning departures see 40% more wildlife activity.

Cuenca Colonial Architecture Tours

September's mild temperatures 20°C (68°F) and minimal rain create perfect conditions for walking the cobblestone streets. The dry season brings excellent light for photographing the blue domes of Catedral Nueva and colorful facades without afternoon showers interrupting exploration.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours depart daily at 10am and 3pm from Parque Calderón. Private guided tours cost $35-55 for 4 hours. September hotel rates drop 25-35% from peak season - colonial boutique hotels average $45-75/night versus $70-110 in July.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

Humpback whales are most active in September before beginning southern migration. From Puerto López, morning trips have 85% success rates with calmer seas before afternoon winds. Water clarity improves as rainy season ends - ideal for spotting breaches and tail slaps from 100m (328 ft) viewing distance.

Booking Tip: Half-day whale watching tours cost $35-55 including Machalilla National Park fees. September bookings can be made 5-7 days ahead versus 2-3 weeks in peak season. Combine with Isla de la Plata visits for blue-footed booby viewing - full day packages run $65-85.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Fiesta de la Jora

Traditional chicha de jora (corn beer) celebration in Cotacachi featuring indigenous music, traditional foods, and ceremonial drinking. Local families open their homes to visitors for authentic cultural exchange and traditional fermentation demonstrations.

Late September

Festival de la Luz

Quito's light festival illuminates colonial buildings and churches throughout the historic center. Evening concerts and artisan markets complement the light displays, creating ideal conditions for night photography with September's clear skies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures vary 15°C (27°F) between morning and afternoon in the highlands

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 at altitude with thin air providing little protection

Waterproof hiking boots rated for rocky terrain - essential for volcanic landscapes and morning dew on trails

Warm sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) for mountain lodges above 3,500m (11,483 ft) where heating is limited

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 8 days per month lasting 15-30 minutes

Insulated water bottle - prevents freezing during early morning starts and reduces plastic waste

Polarized sunglasses - reduces glare from crater lakes and improves wildlife spotting in bright conditions

Motion sickness medication - essential for Galápagos boat rides and winding mountain roads to Quilotoa

Quick-dry pants and shirts - laundryman services in small towns take 2-3 days during dry season

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages common in mountain areas and early morning starts require reliable light

Insider Knowledge

Local buses to Quilotoa run more frequently in September as road conditions improve - save $40-60 compared to tourist transport by taking the 9am bus from Latacunga market

September marks mango season on the coast - roadside stands sell massive Manila mangoes for $0.25 each, perfect for hiking snacks and significantly cheaper than processed trail food

Altitude sickness affects 40% more visitors in September due to clearer skies allowing deeper mountain access - spend 2 nights in Quito before heading to Cotopaxi or Chimborazo

Galápagos cruise prices drop significantly for September departures booked in July - last-minute deals appear 2-3 weeks before sailing as operators fill remaining cabins

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings in the Andes - tourists regularly suffer hypothermia at mountain refuges by packing only for daytime temperatures of 18°C (64°F) while ignoring nighttime lows of 5°C (41°F)

Scheduling Galápagos activities for afternoons when 15-25 km/h (9-16 mph) winds create choppy conditions and reduce wildlife visibility - morning departures see 60% more active animals

Booking coastal accommodations expecting sunny beach weather - September's garúa mist and 18°C (64°F) water temperatures disappoint beach-focused travelers who should head to the Amazon or Andes instead