Ecuador

From the rainforests of the Amazon to the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, with magnificent mountains, smoking volcanoes and beautiful colonial cities along the way, Ecuador is fascinating country to explore. Whether you chose to tour the highlights of Ecuador’s mainland or take an intimate small ship cruise to the unique Galapagos Islands, a trip to Ecuador is one you will never forget. Ecuador’s weather is typically good, but temperatures vary depending on altitude. The Andean highlands can be warm and sunny by day, but regularly drop below freezing at night. The Amazon region remains hot, wet and humid all year round. The Galapagos Islands experience hot, sunny weather with short showers from January to June, with the rest of the year being mainly drier, cooler and overcast.

The Galapagos

You don’t have to be an evolutionary biologist to appreciate one of the few places left on the planet where the evidence of human presence is kept to a minimum. The Islands of the Galapagos are a destination of contrasts, from the stark volcanic islands with immense lava fields to islands rich with vegetation and rimmed with sandy beaches. The diverse range of animals that live on these remote islands have no fear of mankind and it is clear to see why Charles Darwin was so fascinated with this area, it inspired him to write his theory of evolution. The fearlessness of the animals is one of the foremost attractions for visitors to the Islands, their relative lack of exposure to man and other predators enables visitors to get closer to the wildlife than is possible almost anywhere else in the world. It is important however to understand the fragility of the islands’ ecosystem, to maintain the pristine and unspoilt environment which makes the Galapagos so desirable. There are marked trails which must be followed and strict regulations which your guides and boat crews will enforce. Although the Galapagos can be visited all year round, the climate can be divided into two seasons – from January to June is the hot season, while the rest of the year is generally cloudier and cooler.

Quito- Ecuador

Quito is 12,000 feet above sea level and set in an Andean valley overlooked by the Pichincha volcano. As the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito is renowned for its historical centre, the largest and best preserved in all of the Americas.

Otavalo- Ecuador

Located just two hours from Quito, Otavalo is famous for its colourful and vibrant markets. The array and quality of products for sale is astounding. You can choose to visit Otavalo on a day trip from Quito, or stay in a nearby hacienda and spend some time exploring the surrounding countryside.

Amazon

The Amazon Jungle, the world’s largest remaining rainforest, stretches from eastern Ecuador to the Atlantic Ocean. Within its dense vegetation and hundreds of winding rivers and lagoons an abundance of exotic flora and fauna can be found.

Cuenca

This beautiful Spanish colonial city is rich in history and architecture and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Small enough to explore by foot this city is renowned for its plazas, churches and handicraft.