Luxury Safari
Embark on a Luxury Ecuador & Galapagos Safari, combining the wonders of the mainland with the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands.
From $12,000 per personMenu
Ecuador Safari Holidays
Following in the footsteps of Darwin, uncover a world of adventure and unforgettable experiences. From rich Amazonian rainforests home to howling primates and scattered with looming volcanoes, to the sugar-white sand beaches of the Galapagos Islands dotted with sea lions, blue-footed boobies and turtles, Ecuador will take you to some of the most untouched corners of the Earth. Located in the Northwest of South America, this environmentally diverse country has contributed notably to environmental sciences, with research led by renowned naturalists including Alexander von Humbolt and Charles Dawin, establishing basic theories of modern geography, ecology and evolutionary biology. With a rich cultural heritage, much of what is now Ecuador was once included in the Inca empire, the largest civilisation of pre-Columbian America.
The Ecuador Safari Holiday Experience
- Witness the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi
- Learn about condor conservation with dedicated researchers
- Venture through one of the last coastal mangrove and tropical forests of Ecuador, Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve, and meet the ‘crab catchers’
- Hike on self-guided trails in the shadow of the towering Cayambe Volcano around the crater lake of Cuicocha
- Make your way through Ecuador’s Amazon and spot howler monkeys, sloths, caiman, river otters an abundance of birds
- Seek out over 400 species of birds in the northwest cloud forest
Ecuador Safaris
Classic Ecuador Safari
Embark on a timeless adventure in Ecuador. Experience the breath-taking diversity of landscapes and wildlife on this classic safari.
From $10,000 per personEcuador & Galapagos: Islands, Andes and Amazon Adventure
Commence on an 18-day adventure in Ecuador & the Galapagos, experiencing wildlife, luxury yachting, and Amazon rainforest exploration.
From $22,000 per person
Talk to a Ecuador Destination Specialist
Why NWS for your Ecuador Safari?
As a leading specialist operator we have excellent partnerships with naturalists and conservationists. We have built connections with major conservation efforts in Ecuador including projects such as Hacienda Zueleta’s Andean Condor Husai Project and the Zuleta Spectacle Bear, where we encourage guests to visit to see first-hand the behind-the-scenes work into species conservation.
How much does Ecuador cost?
Typically with Ecuador safari holidays, expect to budget around $10,000 per person for a 12-day safari in Ecuador. This will generally include premium accommodation with most meals, road and light aircraft transfers and National Park entrance fees.
Where to Stay in Ecuador?
From glorious mansions converted into elegant boutique hotels in some of Ecuador’s finest colonial cities and remote eco-lodges in the heart of the Amazon basin, Ecuador enjoys a terrific variety of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. For a taste of authentic Ecuador, there are local and family-owned hotels and haciendas offering exceptional hospitality and detailed guiding knowledge.
When to Go to Ecuador?
Straddling the Equator as its name suggests, it is possible to travel to Ecuador at any time of the year, but there are different regional zones that have their own microclimates and best times to visit, which should be considered when you are planning your trip. For dry and sunny days, the best time to travel to Ecuador is between the months of June through to September.
Ecuador Safari Highlights
Client Reviews
Rated 5/5 based on 1 customer reviews
- —Kathleeen Ames, Ecuador, November 2025
Lou was amazing. She planned an amazing trip, changed dates to work with our schedule. People we met asked us how we arranged such a great trip. We said Lou and NWS. The Wyndham in Quito is so convenient. The food in the restaurant is great. You all have done an amazing job with this trip, and our trip to Africa, and our trip to Svalbard and Norway. We would never have been able to do it without you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wildlife can you see in Ecuador?
Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to jaguars, monkeys, sloths, macaws, pink river dolphins, spectacled bears, and thousands of bird species across the Amazon rainforest, Andes, and cloud forests.
When is the best time to visit Ecuador for wildlife?
Wildlife viewing in Ecuador is good year-round, although the dry season from June to September offers clearer weather in the Andes and Amazon.
Where is the best place to visit the Amazon in Ecuador?
Yasuní National Park and the surrounding Amazon reserves are among the most biodiverse places on Earth and excellent for rainforest wildlife experiences.
What animals live in the Ecuadorian Amazon?
Wildlife includes jaguars, monkeys, sloths, river dolphins, macaws, frogs and thousands of insects and bird species.
Is Ecuador good for birdwatching?
Yes. Ecuador is one of the world’s top birdwatching destinations with over 1,600 recorded bird species.
What national parks protect wildlife in Ecuador?
Key reserves include Yasuní National Park, Cotopaxi National Park, and the cloud forests of Mindo.
Can you combine the Amazon and Andes in one trip?
Yes. Ecuador’s compact geography allows travellers to experience rainforests, volcanoes, and cloud forests in one itinerary.
Is Ecuador safe for wildlife travel?
Ecuador’s wildlife destinations are widely visited by travellers and are typically explored with experienced guides.
What wildlife experiences are unique to Ecuador?
Visitors can explore Amazon rainforest lodges, Andean landscapes, and cloud forest reserves within short travel distances.
What accommodation options exist for nature travel in Ecuador?
Accommodation includes Amazon eco-lodges, mountain lodges, and cloud forest reserves designed for wildlife viewing.
Is the Ecuadorian Amazon worth visiting?
Yes. The Ecuadorian Amazon contains some of the highest biodiversity on Earth, with monkeys, macaws, river dolphins and rare rainforest wildlife.
What is Yasuní National Park famous for?
Yasuní National Park is known as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to thousands of species of plants and animals.
Can you see monkeys in Ecuador?
Yes. Several monkey species live in Ecuador’s Amazon including capuchins, squirrel monkeys and howler monkeys.
What ecosystems exist in Ecuador?
Ecuador includes Amazon rainforest, Andes mountains, cloud forests and coastal ecosystems.