Zaruma

The questions people ask first about Zaruma, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).Ecuador-wide
• SIM or eSIMClaro and Movistar (plus CNT) sell prepaid SIMs in malls and shops with a passport; Claro has the widest coverage.Ecuador-wide
• Tap waterNot safe from the tap in most places (Quito and Cuenca's water is treated but pipes vary); drink bottled or filtered.Ecuador-wide
• TippingRestaurants: 10% service often included; add a little for good service.Ecuador-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ecuador-wide
• SafetyZaruma is generally safe; petty theft can occur in crowded markets – keep valuables secure.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee$1–2
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$12
• Mid-range bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomUS$45
• High-end bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomUS$70

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$15 · Mid US$30 · High US$45

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

GYE José Joaquín de Olmedo International (Guayaquil) (Main gateway for southern Ecuador; long-distance bus onward to Zaruma, roughly 5–6 h (check)) · LOH Ciudad de Catamayo (Loja) (Closer regional airport; bus or taxi onward to Zaruma, roughly 3–4 h (check)) · UIO Mariscal Sucre International (Quito) (Longer overland run south; bus via Machala or Loja, 10 h+ (check))

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$15–25 excl. bed

Mid

$25–45 excl. bed

• Rainfall can be heavy Dec–Apr; bring rain gear.
• Some ranchera routes have limited schedules; check times locally.