Ecuador
Four Worlds, Infinite Wonders
Discover Ecuador
A Symphony of Ecosystems
Nestled on the equator, Ecuador captivates with extraordinary diversity — from the wildlife wonderland of the Galápagos Islands, where blue-footed boobies dance and giant tortoises roam, to the mist-shrouded Amazon teeming with pink dolphins and shaman-led jungle treks. Ascend the Avenue of Volcanoes to hike snow-capped Cotopaxi or wander UNESCO-listed Quito's colonial plazas, then unwind in Cuenca's artisan ateliers crafting iconic Panama hats.
This compact gem packs equatorial beaches fringed by whale-watching waters, cloud forests alive with toucans, and Andean markets bursting with colour. Beyond postcard perfection lies authentic encounters: sipping cacao with indigenous communities, swinging at the "end of the world" in Baños, and snorkelling with sea lions. Ecuador delivers profound, unscripted magic for the curious traveller.
Ecuador and Peru share a border — and much more. The same Quechua language Aleksander grew up speaking in Jauja is spoken in Ecuador's highlands. Our Ecuadorian partners are naturalists and indigenous community leaders who bring the same depth of local knowledge that defines our Peru journeys. When we add Galápagos to your itinerary, we work with small-vessel operators who prioritise wildlife welfare.
Explore the Regions
Where to Go in Ecuador
Each region offers a distinct character and experience. We design itineraries that weave them together — or let you dive deep into one.
- Snorkel with sea lions & marine iguanas
- Giant tortoise breeding centres
- Blue-footed booby nesting sites
- Small-vessel cruises & island hopping
- UNESCO Old Town — best preserved in Latin America
- Mitad del Mundo equator monument
- Cotopaxi Volcano & Quilotoa Crater Lake
- Otavalo indigenous market — Latin America's largest
- Yasuni National Park — world's most biodiverse place
- Pink river dolphin & monkey spotting
- Indigenous community homestays
- Canopy walks & night jungle treks
- UNESCO riverside colonial city
- Panama hat workshops & artisan studios
- Cajas National Park hiking
- Ingapirca — Ecuador's most important Inca ruins
- Swing at the End of the World
- Ruta de las Cascadas waterfall route
- Hot springs beneath Tungurahua volcano
- Canyoning, rafting & zip-lining
Signature Experiences
Must-Do in Ecuador
The experiences that define a journey here — each one designed to be more than a tick on a list.
Slip into the water beside playful Galápagos sea lions — one of the most magical wildlife encounters on the planet.
Ascend to the refuge at 4,864 m on one of the world's highest active volcanoes, with panoramic views of the Avenue of Volcanoes.
Navigate Ecuador's Amazon tributaries spotting pink dolphins, monkeys, caimans, and hundreds of bird species from a jungle lodge.
Browse Latin America's largest indigenous market — handwoven textiles, carved tagua nuts, and Andean crafts at the foot of Imbabura volcano.
Soar over the Tungurahua valley on the famous swing in Baños — the most Instagrammed spot in Ecuador.
Hike the rim of this volcanic crater filled with luminous turquoise water — one of the Andes' most stunning natural features.
Planning
Best Time to Visit
June–September offers dry highland weather, clear volcano views, and excellent Galápagos marine life. The Galápagos is a year-round destination with different wildlife highlights each season. The Amazon is accessible year-round though drier June–November.
Essential Information
Before You Go
Everything you need to know to travel Ecuador with confidence.
Visa-free for up to 90 days for most nationalities with a valid passport. No advance forms required. Passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond entry date.
Quito sits at 2,850 m — acclimatise by hydrating, resting on arrival, and avoiding alcohol on Day 1. If heading to higher-altitude hikes (Cotopaxi, Quilotoa), build in acclimatisation days. Travel insurance is essential.
US Dollar (USD) is the official currency — no exchange needed for US travellers. ATMs are widely available. Carry small bills ($1, $5, $10) for markets and taxis. Cards accepted in cities and tourist areas.
Quito (UIO) is the main international gateway with connections from Miami, Houston, Amsterdam, and Madrid. Dublin connects via US or European hubs. Galápagos flights depart from Quito or Guayaquil.
Equatorial climate varies by altitude. Coast: 25–31°C year-round. Quito: 10–21°C. Amazon: hot and humid. Galápagos: 20–30°C. Pack layers for the highlands and light clothes for lowlands.
Stay vigilant in cities — use Uber, stick to tourist areas in Quito's Historic Centre and Cuenca. Petty theft is the main risk. The Galápagos and rural highlands are very safe. Register with your embassy before travel.
7-Day Highlights
Sample Itinerary
A curated overview of what seven days in Ecuador can look like. Every itinerary is fully customised to your pace and interests.
Arrive in Quito. Explore the UNESCO Old Town — Plaza Grande, La Compañía church, San Francisco monastery. Evening in La Mariscal.
Visit the Mitad del Mundo equator line. Drive to Otavalo for Latin America's largest indigenous market. Return to Quito.
Day trip to the stunning turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake. Hike the rim with panoramic Andean views. Optional descent to the water.
Drive to Baños. Ruta de las Cascadas waterfall route. Swing at the End of the World. Hot springs in the evening.
Cotopaxi National Park. Hike towards the refuge on this iconic snow-capped volcano. Picnic lunch with volcano views.
Fly to the Galápagos. Afternoon snorkelling at Tortuga Bay. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and giant tortoises.
Morning island hopping — blue-footed boobies and sea lion colonies. Afternoon flight to Guayaquil or Quito. Connect home.
Start Here
Ready to Discover Ecuador?
Tell us about your dream trip and we will get back to you within 24 hours with a personalised proposal — designed by people who know Latin America from the inside.