Ecuador

A Galápagos tour allows you to relax and enjoy all the sites in comfort. Adventurers with an interest in Ecuador travel know that Quito has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, but besides this beautiful colonial city, you can also explore spectacular cloud forests, the Amazon basin and the majestic Andean highlands, all proof of the spectacular diversity that Ecuador has to offer. What are you waiting for? Dare to book your Ecuador & Galapagos vacation today.

Ecuador is a land of beautiful contrasts and endless possibilities. Would you like to go deep into the untouched rainforest? How about climbing a volcanic crater? Or coming face to face with the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, unseen anywhere else on Earth?

All of this is possible in Ecuador, and with us, you can explore this incredible country in comfort and ease. From the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of colonial Quito to the stunning cloud forests, from the Andean highlands to the Amazon basin, Ecuador is rich with possibilities for adventure.

Nearly 1,000 kilometers off the coast lies the unique volcanic archipelago of the Galápagos. Nowhere else on Earth has such a concentration of unique species, including the iconic giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Darwin’s Finches—the birds that helped the famous naturalist develop his theory of the origin of species.

The wet and dry seasons determine the weather in Ecuador, depending on the geographic region. Since Ecuador is on the equator, the temperature fluctuations over the year are relatively small, but significant between day and night. Depending on the altitude, the temperature is determined. Temperatures on the coast are pleasant between 24-28 °C. In the highlands, it is getting colder and wetter. And snow can be discovered at around 4,500 m. The Amazon region generally has a hot and humid climate and has the most rainy days, which usually take the form of short, heavy rain showers.

Our South America specialists can advise you on all aspects of a visit to this fascinating country.

Ecuador is a wonderfully diverse country. Lying between Colombia and Peru in the northwestern part of South America, it is named after the equator—the line that divides the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

There's so much to see in Ecuador, but here are a few of the highlights.

Galápagos Islands A “bucket list” destination for travelers all over the world, the Galápagos is a standout destination for anyone interested in wildlife and nature. Because of the isolated location 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos is home to more unique species than anywhere else on Earth.

Whether on the land or in the ocean, one-of-a-kind creatures and plants are around every corner, from the iconic giant tortoises and marine iguanas, to the comical blue-footed boobies. Even the rather ordinary-looking Darwin’s finches played a vital role, inspiring the famous naturalist to develop his theory of evolution.

Visit uninhabited and pristine islands, snorkel with penguins and rays, and enjoy the busy old-world charm of the port town of Puerto Ayora, where sea lions wait to be fed scraps from the fish market.

Amazon Rainforest and the Cloud Forest Ecuador is one of a few South American countries that is actively protecting the Amazon Rainforest that lies within its borders. Within the protected region, there are more than 1,400 different animal species, including 200 mammals, 121 reptiles, and almost 600 birds. That’s a lot of biodiversity! And we haven’t even counted the 70,000 different insects and nearly 1,000 species of trees. Off the beaten track, you can stay with local families who have lived within the rainforest for generations and are happy to share their way of life with you.

Ecuador is also home to the subtropical forest that grows high on the Andean slopes, known as the cloud forest. The cloud forest is easily accessible with a short drive from Quito, and many lodges offer accommodation in this cooler jungle landscape.

Quito Quito is not only the second-highest capital city in the world, at 2,800 meters above sea level, but its entire old town was the first city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Full of 16th-century buildings from the height of the Spanish Conquest, Quito's Old Town has jaw-dropping architecture on every corner. Rambling, narrow streets, beautiful open plazas, and towering churches can all be explored on foot. If you are feeling energetic, a climb up to the twin towers of the basilica will reward you with a fantastic panorama across the entire city.

Cotopaxi Volcano Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano on Earth—it beats Kilimanjaro by about 2 meters. You can take a car up to around 4,600 meters, but from there have to hike on foot to make it to the 5,900-meter summit. A two-day excursion is possible if you're fit, experienced with mountain hikes, and accompanied by a guide. After climbing the glaciated cone of an active volcano, you can look out at the Andes from above the clouds.