Visit the World Heritage Site of Quito, the Andean landscapes of Cotopaxi, colourful markets and beaches of San Lorenzo.
Sailing on board the luxurious Natural Paradise yacht, spend 10 days exploring the natural highlights of the Galapagos Islands; snorkelling with sea lions and sea turtles, observing the abundant birdlife and encountering marine iguanas and other endemic wildlife.
This family-friendly trip includes a tour of Ecuador's capital city, Quito; two nights in the lush Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve, home to hundreds upon hundreds of fascinating species; and a week-long exploration of the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands.
Spot wildlife in the Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve, delve into the dense jungles of the Amazon and explore the highlands of the Andes on this thrilling trip through Ecuador's most stunning wilderness regions.
Embark on a fortnightly odyssey through some off South America’s most iconic natural and cultural sites, from the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, as well as the bustling cities of Lima, Quito and Cuzco.
As did Darwin nearly two-hundred years ago, experience the diverse environments that make up the Galapagos Archipelago. You will see a place as unique and well-studied as any on earth. Side by side with an expert naturalist guide, it is fascinating to absorb the impact the Galapagos has on our understanding of how the world works.
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.
The famous Otavalo Market is well worth exploring, vibrant and colourful, it is filled with locally weaved textiles.
This is an exhilarating train ride famous in Ecuador.
Home to an estimated 500 birds alone, this steamy forest is excellent for wildlife and jungle experiences.
Visit the enormous Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world.
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.
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.
See monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a huge range of birds, then head to the Galapagos for even more up close wildlife encounters.
Whether you’re looking for jungle adventures, misty cloud forests, rugged beaches or towering volcanoes - you can find it in Ecuador.
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.
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.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.
View our Ecuador safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Ecuador. Please note we recommend a budget of from £7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination.