Ecuador Guided Tours and TripsExplore Ecuador: Unforgettable Guided Tours and Trips of Ecuador & the Galapagos
When do you want to go?
2024
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Our Ecuador Tours
Combine a guided tour of Ecuador or Peru's mainland with the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands. We offer a choice of three handpicked small group tours: Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands and Peru & Galapagos Discovery, which both include a 7-night cruise aboard MC Galapagos Seaman Journey, and Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopping, which includes 3-4 star hotels on the islands. Accommodation, transport, and guided touring are all included in these packages, as well as plenty of meals and airport transfers, providing the ultimate Ecuador adventure!
Welcome to Ecuador!
Ecuador, located in the heart of South America, is a land of incredible diversity and natural beauty. Ecuador has a spectacular variety of scenery, ranging from the snow-capped heights of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest and the clean Pacific shoreline. Its crown gem, the Galápagos Islands, captivates visitors with its unrivalled biodiversity and evolutionary miracles. Beyond its natural beauty, Ecuador has a rich cultural tapestry that combines indigenous traditions with Spanish colonial influences in its vibrant marketplaces, colourful festivals, and historic cities such as Quito and Cuenca. Whether you're hiking through misty cloud forests, seeing ancient Inca ruins, or savouring the flavours of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, every corner of this fascinating country welcomes exploration and discovery.
The colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca have well-preserved architecture, vibrant plazas, and churches covered with beautiful artwork. Along the coast, magnificent beaches entice surfers and sunbathers alike, while Guayaquil, Ecuador's busy port city, provides a glimpse of the country's modern life. Indigenous tribes in the Amazon region preserve their historical knowledge of the jungle, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about medicinal plants and sustainable living methods. Ecuadorian cuisine is a culinary treat, with meals ranging from fresh seafood ceviche to substantial soups such as locro de papas. Whether you're an adventurer, history buff, nature lover, or gastronomic explorer, Ecuador promises a memorable experience full of kindness, diversity, and breathtaking beauty.
From Quito to the Amazon and the incredible Galapagos Islands. Visit Ecuador on a private tour package.
Small in stature. But immense in diverse natural beauty and cultural fascination. Check out its charming capital, Quito. UNESCO-listed and with a beautiful colonial centre. Attention deservedly goes to the green Galapagos Islands and the astonishing Amazon. Covering a large portion of Ecuador’s land mass, the Ecuadorian Amazon contains some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet with a staggering variety of wildlife. Packed full of thousands of indigenous tribes that call it home and the rich birdlife of the cloud forests.
Our Ecuador tours take you to the heart of this incredible and diverse country. Book your package today!
Our Galapagos Cruises
Looking for a Galapagos adventure? Many visitors to Ecuador visit the Galapagos archipelago to witness the indigenous flora and fauna, as well as the stunning volcanic environment. Our range of island-hopping cruises departs mostly from Quito, and the cruise packages include the services of a large crew and skilled naturalist guides.
Take a Private Tour to Ecuador
We provide a variety of options in Ecuador for people who prefer to travel individually, with only their friends or family, rather than on a group tour. These tours can be bought off the shelf with a variety of lodging options, accompanied by a guide, and including airport transfers. Guided tours are available in Quito, Cuenca, the Andean Highlands, and lesser-known sites like Mindo and Baños. Why not add a Galápagos Island trip to your Ecuador private tour? The Galápagos Islands provide an unrivaled opportunity to see unusual fauna and beautiful natural landscapes, making your journey even more memorable.
Frequently asked questions
Will I visit Ecuador's capital, Quito, on your trips?
All of our Ecuador tours with the exception of Galapagos Island Hopping begin in Quito. Whilst Wilds of Ecuador includes a guided walking tour in the city, on our Galapagos adventure tours you leave early on day 2, so we recommend booking pre- or post-tour accommodation if you would like to further explore the city.
Why are the Galapagos Islands so special?
Isolated nearly 1,400 km off the Pacific coast, the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands has evolved in isolation from the rest of the world for millions of years. Hence the weird and wonderful species found here, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and the only penguin species to be found north of the equator. Other species include sea lions, the iconic blue-footed booby, and the Galapagos hawk. Charles Darwin developed his ground-breaking theory of evolution in the Galapagos Islands by studying finches. And this wildlife is heavily protected—97% of the Galapagos Islands, plus a large portion of the surrounding ocean, forms part of the Galapagos National Park. The 25,000 human inhabitants live on the other 3%, and eco-tourism is the foundation of the economy.
When is the best time of year to visit Ecuador?
Ecuador is a year-round destination but also a country of extremes, so dramatic weather can be encountered all year round. If you are visiting west of the Andes, in places such as Quito, then the dry season lasts from June to September. The dry season in the east lasts from October to May. And the Amazon is best visited from December-March and June-AAugust. There's more detailed information in our guide on when to visit to help you plan your Ecuador tour.
Will I be escorted by a guide on my Ecuador tour?
Our Ecuador tours are not fully escorted, but you will enjoy plenty of included sightseeing with expert local guides. On all included excursions during our Galapagos Islands tours, you will enjoy the services of an expert naturalist guide who will be able to tell you all about the ecology and geography of the archipelago.
What sort of accommodation do you use on your Ecuador tours?
In Quito and the rest of mainland Ecuador, we stay in good-quality 3- to 4-4 star accommodation. On our Galapagos Cruises, you will spend your first night at a 3-star hotel in Quito before flying to the archipelago. You will then explore the Galapagos Islands, staying aboard our first-class catamaran. You can find details about the M/C Anahi catamaran on our tour pages or by clicking here On our Galapagos Island Hopping Tours, you will stay in a 4-star hotel and a simple lodge on Floreana Island and travel between the islands aboard the first-class Element Wind Yacht.
What is the currency in Ecuador and the Galapagos?
The currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the US Dollar (USD). Check OANDA for current exchange rates.
Are Ecuador and the Galapagos a safe destination for travellers from the LGBTQ+ community?
According to the 2022 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands score a B rating for LGBTQ+ traveller safety, ranking 32nd out of 203 countries. Same-sex marriage is legal, and there are broad constitutional and worker protections in place for people of all sexual orientations. Hate crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community are criminalized, and 26–50% of consulted citizens consider Ecuador a good place to live for gay and lesbian people. There are no legal punishments for same-sex relations, and most trips for LGBTQ+ travellers to Ecuador are trouble-free. The LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index is designed to provide a good overall picture of attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in each country and may not reflect the experience of foreign travellers to the country.
Can I drink the tap water?
The tap water in mainland Ecuador and on the Galapagos Islands is not safe to drink, and you risk making yourself unwell by consuming it. Stick to bottled water on our Ecuador tours; this is readily available in hotels and on cruise boats in the Galapagos. Be extremely careful not to litter, especially in the Galapagos Islands. Not only does this disturb the pristine Galapagos ecosystem, but there can be heavy fines for anyone caught littering.
Are there rules to be aware of in the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are one of the world's only truly intact ecosystems, and as a result, they are heavily protected. Travellers caught damaging the environment will be heavily fined. It is extremely important that when visiting the Galapagos Islands, you follow these rules: do not leave any litter on the islands. Do not take anything, even a shell or a pebble. - Do not get too close to wildlife; stay on marked trails; and do not try to feed or touch any animals. As animals here have no or few predators, they can be curious and may come to you; still, make sure not to touch any creature. - Smoking is also not permitted within the Galapagos National Park. So if you are a smoker, you may want to bring alternatives with you, such as nicotine patches. Following these simple rules helps to protect the environment and the unique species that call the Galapagos home.
What is the current travel advice for Ecuador and the Galapagos?
As a UK-based company, we follow the latest, up-to-date advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO). You can see the latest travel advice for your Ecuador / Galapagos trip here.
The Best of Ecuador
With pristine landscapes of great contrast, colourful indigenous tribes and market towns, unique and inspiring wildlife, and superb colonial architecture, Ecuador is full of attractions. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of our favourite destinations in Ecuador.
Quito
Steeped in history, capital city Quito demands a visit from anyone passing through the country. A combination of colonial and more modern buildings gives the city an incredibly diverse landscape, especially with the Andes reigning supreme in the background. The city is a staggering 9,350 feet above sea level and the only place on earth where you can stand with one foot on each side of the equator!
Galapagos Islands
Known for the role they played in informing Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are a living museum of natural history. With roughly 95% of its pre-human wildlife diversity still roaming the islands and its surrounding waters, the islands make up the most pristine ecosystem in the world. Licensed guides take explorers on tours to acquaint themselves with fearless animals, including giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, and more.
Otavalo
The market, which spreads across Otavalo, is a hive of activity and has single-handedly put this city on the map. The market offers some fabulous shopping opportunities and brilliant cultural displays of traditional crafts and costumes. The Otavaleno people have retained virtually all of their traditional heritage, making the city a telling insight into the country’s rich history and culture.
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, and the Ecuadorian portion is right up there. Its famous Yasuni National Park has been acclaimed as the single most biologically diverse area on the planet. Hundreds of species of fish, reptiles, mammals, and thousands of different birds and insects live within the lush canopy of the jungle, making it a blissful haven for nature-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
