Latin America

Ecuador

Local Time 06:52
Local Weather 45°F
When to go year round

Gateway to the Galapagos, Ecuador is a vibrant country with stunning volcanoes, steamy jungles, colourful markets and much more.

Why Ecuador holidays are truly unique

Elegant colonial cities, picturesque Andean highlands, Amazonian adventures, vibrant indigenous culture and encounters with some of the world’s most fearless wildlife; Ecuador is a microcosm of Latin America in one temptingly accessible package.If possible, some Spanish will be appreciated and very well received by friendly Ecuadorians, although English is widely spoken in all major tourist centres and by our chosen local guides. 

As well as a fascinating standalone destination, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands can be easily combined with Peru, due to regular flights from Lima to Quito (or Guayaquil, the jumping-off point on the Ecuadorian coast for the Galapagos Islands) and vice versa. Accommodation in Ecuador ranges from decadently converted mansion houses in Quito and historic countryside haciendas, to deluxe cruise yachts and eco-lodges in the steamy Amazonian rainforest. 

Experiences are limitless, explore the architectural wonders of the Baroque churches, hike the slopes of active volcanoes, contemplate the wildlife of the National Parks and uninhabited islands, and watch the sunset from pristine beaches, whilst the Ecuadorian world goes by.

Ecuador highlights

Riot of colour

The famous Otavalo Market is well worth exploring, vibrant and colourful, it is filled with locally weaved textiles.

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Devil’s Nose

This is an exhilarating train ride famous in Ecuador.

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Mashpi Cloud Forest

Home to an estimated 500 birds alone, this steamy forest is excellent for wildlife and jungle experiences.

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Huge volcanoes

Visit the enormous Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world.

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Why we like Ecuador

Ecuador is not just the gateway to the Galapagos Islands, it is home to an amazing array of wildlife, landscapes and a whole host of adventure.

Incredible combinations

Combine the steamy amazon, home to a whole host of wildlife and experiences and where ancient traditions meet amazing wildlife, with the astounding wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

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Wonderful wildlife

See monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a huge range of birds, then head to the Galapagos for even more up close wildlife encounters.

Discover Ecuador's wildlife

Natural wonders

Whether you’re looking for jungle adventures, misty cloud forests, rugged beaches or towering volcanoes - you can find it in Ecuador.

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Mainland and the Galapagos

It is impossible not to be overwhelmed by gorgeous Quito, a UNESCO heritage site and the country’s capital. The magical and outstandingly preserved Old Town is filled with green plazas, panoramic vistas and brilliant white cathedrals. The stunning scenery south of Quito has been penned ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ and is filled with soaring Andean peaks at every turn, of which Cotopaxi is the most famous, weaving through colonial cities like Cuenca and colourful markets that buzz with local life. Not forgetting of course that Ecuador also has easy access to the Amazon basin where you can float by the banks and tributaries of the Amazon River and spot tapir, caiman and possibly even Jaguar, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.

1,000 kilometres across from mainland Ecuador awaits one of the most exciting wildlife experiences imaginable, the Galapagos Islands. An archipelago of land and marine ecosystems that inspired Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, here endemic species including marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins can be viewed in close range from the comfort of cruise vessels of various sizes, with routes and durations to suit you.

Steamy jungles, friendly wildlife, towering volcanoes and buzzing markets.

ecuador safari practicalities

As well as a fascinating standalone destination, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands can be easily combined with Peru, due to regular flights from Lima to Quito (or Guayaquil, the jumping-off point on the Ecuadorian coast for the Galapagos Islands) and vice versa. Accommodation in Ecuador ranges from decadently converted mansion houses in Quito and historic countryside haciendas, to deluxe cruise yachts and eco-lodges in the steamy Amazonian rainforest. Experiences are limitless, explore the architectural wonders of the Baroque churches, hike the slopes of active volcanoes, contemplate the wildlife of the National Parks and uninhabited islands, and watch the sun set from pristine beaches, whilst the Ecuadorian world goes by.

If possible, some Spanish will be appreciated and very well received by friendly Ecuadorians, although English is widely spoken in all major tourist centres and by our chosen local guides. 

Ecuador wildlife

DID YOU KNOW...

In the town of Misahualli, a group of cheeky capuchins have taken over - expect encounters that may be a little too close.

When it comes to interesting delicacies, Ecuador tops that charts with roasted guinea pig.

There are four different geographical regions in Ecuador; coastal lowlands, eastern jungle lowlands, Galapagos Islands and mountain highlands.

Our favourite Ecuador Holidays

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Why book with us

We are destination specialists

Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground knowledge and have all lived, guided or explored in great detail the destinations that they sell. They will design your journey around you, at the right place at the right time.

We are wildlife specialists

As a leading specialist operator we have excellent partnerships with naturalists and conservationists. We know our wildlife and do what we can to preserve its natural habitat.

We really care about our destinations

At Natural World Safaris we frequently monitor the social, economic and environmental impact of our travel operations to ensure we are at the forefront of a sustainable and ethical tourism industry. 

BOOK YOUR ECUADOR SAFARI

Contact our destination specialist to start planning your journey.

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