Ecuador & the Galapagos

Welcome to Ecuador & the Galapagos!

A land of ancient traditions, majestic volcanoes, swathes rainforests and endemic wildlife found nowhere else on earth.

Ecuador offers a diverse experience, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains and vibrant cities like Quito. The Galápagos Islands, located off its coast, are a highlight, renowned for unique wildlife like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. August is a cooler, drier month in the Galápagos, ideal for wildlife watching and snorkeling, as the waters are clearer. On the mainland, you can explore rich cultural heritage, lush cloud forests, and volcanic landscapes, making Ecuador a destination rich in natural beauty and adventure.

The uniqueness of the Galapagos islands is unparalleled in the world

The Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are famed for their unique wildlife and stunning natural beauty. Located 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast, the islands are home to species found nowhere else, like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The archipelago’s volcanic landscapes are as diverse as its ecosystems, ranging from lush highlands to arid zones. Snorkeling and diving reveal vibrant marine life, including sea lions and hammerhead sharks. The Galápagos inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, making it a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and those seeking unparalleled wildlife encounters.

A mainland of dramatic landscapes and colonial heritage

Ecuador’s mainland offers a blend of stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The Andes run through the country, featuring dramatic volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, and picturesque towns like Otavalo, known for its vibrant markets. Quito, the capital, boasts well-preserved colonial architecture and historic sites. The Amazon rainforest in the east teems with biodiversity, offering opportunities for eco-tourism and indigenous cultural experiences. Coastal regions, like Guayaquil, provide tropical beaches and fresh seafood. Ecuador’s mainland is a compact but diverse destination, where you can experience everything from mountains to rainforests in a single trip.

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Meet Val, your Ecuador & Galapagos travel expert!

Cruising around the Galapagos islands was a privilege and an experience I will never forget, whilst mainland Ecuador brought the surprise of beautifully preserved colonial towns, a rich cultural heritage and awe inspiring landscapes.

Ecuador & Galapagos Adventures

Luxury Galapagos Island Hopping

7 days from £5,500 per person

Step into a world like no other on this unforgettable journey through the Galapagos Islands.

Quito and Galapagos Cruise

8 days from £3,800 per person

Embark on an unforgettable journey combining the vibrant culture and history of Quito with a spectacular 5-night Galapagos cruise aboard a comfortable mid-range small ship.

Ecuador explorer: history, rainforest and Galapagos Cruise

17 days from £9,995 per person

If you’re after a true once-in-a-lifetime holiday, this is it.

Avenue of volcanoes and Galapagos island hopping

13 days from £4,140 per person

The famous Avenue of Volcanoes is one of the highlights of Ecuador! Amazing landscapes, a plethora of volcanoes and colonial gems. The perfect mix of adventure and culture!

Finish off with a few nights on two islands in the Galapagos for an unforgettable and affordable holiday.

Natural Ecuador

12 days from £3,630 per person

Add this itinerary to a Galapagos cruise or land based program because you don’t want to miss out on the riches Ecuador’s mainland offers.

Your wildlife adventure doesn’t end with the Galapagos, it is only the beginning as you explore the cloud forest, volcanoes and one of the best experiences in the Amazon rainforest.

All your Galapagos questions answered

Galapagos Travel Guides

You want to travel the Galapagos your way, after all, this is a once in your life experience! Whether you are travelling with family, as a couple, with friends, you want to make sure you will make the most of a holiday to the islands.

Quito

Capital of the country and one of the continent's most beautifully preserved colonial cities.

Cotopaxi volcano

One of the world's most photogenic volcanoes! Visit the beautiful and eponymous park.

Otavalo

Charming town, full of indigenous culture and a famous market.

Mindo cloud forest

A birdwatcher paradise!

Coca

The gateway to the an immersive experience into Ecuador's pristine Amazon rainforest.

Banos

Charming town with a lovely square, wonderful nature around and capital of adrenaline sports (if you are so inclined).

Riobamba

A lovely town on the Avenue of volcanoes. Enjoy a 'hornado' (pig roast) al mercado La Merced.
The town is also the getaway for tours to Chimborazo volcano.

Cuenca

Beautiful Cuenca deserves a special mentions as it is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the continent. The lovely square is gorgeous and the whole city is welcoming and friendly. Go and visit the outdoor flower market for an injection of colour!

Guayaquil

Often overlooked, Guayaquil is mainly an arrival or departure point. However, the malecon is worth having a walk on, and La Penas is the oldest and most pleasant part of the city.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are famed for their unique wildlife and role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. They are located about 1,000 km (620 miles) off Ecuador’s coast, they feature volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Iconic species include giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galápagos penguins. The islands offer a rare glimpse of nature’s adaptability in an isolated paradise and should be on everyone's bucket list.