Language

The official languages of Ecuador are

and

. English and a few other European languages may be spoken in some establishments catering to tourists in Quito and the most popular tourist destinations. Away from these places, knowledge of Spanish is essential. So learn some Spanish before you come to Ecuador or begin your travels in Ecuador with a period of language study. Language training opportunities abound. Increasingly popular are travel-study programmes, where you travel in Ecuador with your private Spanish teacher.

Those who are planning to work or have extensive contact with highland indigenous groups, would do well to learn some Quichua beforehand. There may be opportunities to do so at the

in Quito, at the

 and

in Cuenca; enquire well in advance.