• Ecuador

Let Us Plan Your Travel to Ecuador

It may be one of the smallest countries in South America, but Ecuador is jam-packed with things to see and do. One of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, it’s bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Colombia, and Peru, home to everything from spectacular beaches and the Amazon Rainforest to the towering Andes Mountains and the Galapagos Islands. Then there are cities like Quito and Cuenca with historic centers that are filled with magnificent architecture, including 17th-century churches, gorgeously restored mansions, and photogenic plazas. If you want to delve into unique indigenous culture, you can visit remote settlements in the Amazon, where shamans are still harvesting the rainforest for traditional medicines the same way their ancestors did before them. There are also beautiful Andean villages with lively markets and Afro-Ecuadorian towns known for their fresh seafood and breathtaking sunsets.

This nation truly offers it all with something for every type of traveler, including the outdoor adventurer. In the Andes one can trek from village to village, staying in local guesthouses along the way. It can be done on the back of a horse or via mountain bike too. Along the coast, there are outstanding breaks for surfing, while rivers running through the jungle are ideal for rafting. Wildlife enthusiasts will be more than happy too, with the famous Galapagos Islands lying 600 miles off the mainland renowned for close encounters with sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and of course, the Galapagos tortoise. One can also spot toucans, parrots, sloths, monkeys, caiman and river dolphins in the Amazon or head to the Mindo Cloud Forest, a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 1,600 species.

Talk to the Expert

Maite Paz

I have been designing trips to my home country of Ecuador for over 20 years. Traveling itself has always felt like magic to me: my mind is always on travel, but my heart is forever in the Galapagos.

Maite Paz

Latin America Specialist

+44 208 004 2345

Suggested Itineraries for Ecuador

Our experts know Ecuador like the back of their hand and have traveled extensively around the country. We have put together some trips and tours to get you inspired.

Get in touch with our travel experts today.

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Best Hotels in Ecuador

Here are some of our favourite places in Ecuador. We have been to all of these hotels so please get in touch to discuss your trip!

 

FAQs

Is there more to Ecuador than the Galapagos Islands?

Most people think of only the Galapagos Islands when they think of a trip to Ecuador. There is no doubt that the Galapagos Islands are a bucket list destination and offers an incredible wildlife experience. However, this is not the only amazing part of Ecuador, the Amazon Rainforest, the markets of Otavalo and hiking up volcanoes are just some of the highlights of the mainland.

Should I spend some time in Quito?

The capital city of Ecuador has so much to offer, we always recommend guests spend 2 nights there and do a city tour. The old town is one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is set high in the Andes Mountains with spectacular views, and you can visit the equator!

Can I visit a rainforest?

On the mainland, there are two rainforests, the Cloud Forest and the Amazon. To access the Amazon you will need to take a two hour flight from Quito and then take a boat along the river to reach your chosen lodge. The Cloud Forest is much more accessible, just a two hour drive from Quito. A Cloud Forest is a type of rainforest but it is at a much higher altitude than somewhere like the Amazon. It does not have the mammals that the Amazon is famous for, its focus is on the birds especially hummingbirds and toucans. It is still a beautiful area to visit and allows you to experience the beauty of a rainforest environment.

Can I see an active volcano?

Ecuador is a very volcanically active country with 55 extinct volcanoes and 8 active volcanoes. The ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ is a 200km route flanked by 9 volcanoes including Tungurahua which is one of the most active craters on the continent, Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and Cotopaxi which is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

 

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