Best for those looking for diversity from colonial cities, jungles and mountains to the incredible archipelago of the Galapagos.
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Ecuador is most famous for the Galapagos Islands, situated 1,000km off its coast. This was Charles Darwin’s living laboratory and is one of the most unique destinations anywhere in the world and offers cruises sailing between its many islands. And thanks to Ecuador’s charm and diversity, visitors have plenty of opportunities to extend a Galapagos cruise to include the mainland’s highlights. Varied accommodation options includes boutique hotels, colonial haciendas, and eco-resorts deep within the Amazon Basin. For the more adventurous, Ecuador has a lot to offer from trekking in the Andes, to scuba-diving in the Galapagos.
Due to Ecuador’s small size, you can reach many different areas in little time. This allows you to include an enormous amount of variety into even the shortest visit.
Located some 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands offer one of nature’s remarkable spectacles. This incredible archipelago is one of the world’s most enthralling and sought-after destinations. The best way to experience the Galapagos is on a cruise vessel with an onboard naturalist guide. Sailing between the islands you will receive informative lectures between shore excursions and a cruise through the dramatic landscapes. Amongst its spectacular natural diversity is an experience like no other. Below the water, the Galapagos Islands teem with a diversity of life and beauty that is equal to anything found on land, making snorkelling an enriching part of any Galapagos cruise.
Situated high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m, Ecuador’s lofty capital lies in a narrow valley at the base of the imposing slopes of Pichincha volcano to the west. Old Town, with its captivating mix of colonial architecture and lively markets, has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The narrow streets of this colonial city offer a rich contrast of its grand elegance against the spectacular backdrop of towering snow-covered mountains.
Covering some 40% of the South American continent and shared by nine different countries, the Amazon Basin is home to a bewildering array of natural and cultural diversity. This includes indigenous tribes, elusive jaguars, pink dolphins, some 4,000 species of birds and the longest river on the planet. Ecuador offers easy access to the Amazon and a range of eco-lodges and rainforest river cruises. Activities can include trekking, canopy walks as well as boat and canoe excursions on the Amazon river.
Located some 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands offer one of nature’s remarkable spectacles. This incredible archipelago is one of the world’s most enthralling and sought-after destinations. The best way to experience the Galapagos is on a cruise vessel with an onboard naturalist guide. Sailing between the islands you will receive informative lectures between shore excursions and a cruise through the dramatic landscapes. Amongst its spectacular natural diversity is an experience like no other. Below the water, the Galapagos Islands teem with a diversity of life and beauty that is equal to anything found on land, making snorkelling an enriching part of any Galapagos cruise.
Situated high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m, Ecuador’s lofty capital lies in a narrow valley at the base of the imposing slopes of Pichincha volcano to the west. Old Town, with its captivating mix of colonial architecture and lively markets, has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The narrow streets of this colonial city offer a rich contrast of its grand elegance against the spectacular backdrop of towering snow-covered mountains.
Covering some 40% of the South American continent and shared by nine different countries, the Amazon Basin is home to a bewildering array of natural and cultural diversity. This includes indigenous tribes, elusive jaguars, pink dolphins, some 4,000 species of birds and the longest river on the planet. Ecuador offers easy access to the Amazon and a range of eco-lodges and rainforest river cruises. Activities can include trekking, canopy walks as well as boat and canoe excursions on the Amazon river.
Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city and considered by many to be the country’s most attractive. At an altitude of 2,550m, Cuenca sits in Ecuador’s highlands and is a quintessential Spanish colonial city, also designated a UNESCO World Heritage City. With its cobbled streets, plazas, and colonial buildings, the city retains its traditional atmosphere. Cuenca is also a centre for artisan work and despite its misleading name, the Panama hat was born in the nearby town of Montecristi.
South of Quito and extending for 325km through the central highlands, the Avenue of the Volcanoes provides visitors with some of the most inspiring landscapes in the Americas. This is start of Ecuador’s indigenous heartland and passes through rich landscape of dense forest. Superb for photography and walking, the national park includes no fewer than 11 major peaks, including the snow-covered summits of Chimborazo as well as Cotopaxi with its perfect cone shape. Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, stunning to look at and a challenge to climb.
Two hours north of Quito, the small town of Otavalo sits among surrounding snow-tipped volcanoes, lake-filled craters and rolling hills. The town is most famous for its bustling indigenous market, one of the most vibrant markets in Latin America. The best way to experience the town and the countryside is to stay in one of Otavalo’s charming haciendas and use that as a base for your explorations.
At The Explorer Society, we are always discovering new pockets of wonder on our own adventures and through chats with our local logistics team. Get in touch with us to find out what hidden gems you might discover on your trip.
At The Explorer Society we firmly believe that there is no right or wrong time to go anywhere.
Instead, we think that each time of the year offers different experiences that better suit different travellers.
After all, high and low season often refers to the amount of travellers present, not whether something is ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
Warm temperatures in the Galapagos Islands are fairly consistent throughout the year allowing visitors to enjoy the region at the best time that suits them. However, as the Galapagos is such a popular destination, peak season can be very busy.
Cruising in the Galapagos can vary, with cruise boats offering three to seven night cruise itineraries. Mainland Ecuador is compact and easy to get around. Because of this, you can reach these different areas in very little time. Allow 12 to 14 days if combining a Galapagos cruise with a mainland itinerary.
Everyone is different, so please note that these guidelines are general in nature.
Ultimately it will depend on your own expedition’s requirements.
Planning travel should be exciting, but it can be exhausting. There is so much information and so little clarity, you often end up more confused than when you began.
Sometimes it’s simple and easy to figure out. Sometimes it means asking you more questions and diving deep into your motivations.
We’ll walk you through the whole planning and booking process. We want to make sure you are travelling on the trip that best suits you, not anyone else.
We will be there from the first moment you get in touch until after you come back home with countless memories to share.
