Although famous for the Galapagos Islands, mainland Ecuador also has spectacular scenery, wildlife, history and Andean cultures. Straddling the equator, from which comes its name, this tiny country is easy to explore, from the Pacific Coast to the towering snowcapped volcanoes of the Andes and then down again to pristine Amazon Rainforest! The towns of Quito and Cuenca are treasure troves of architecture, with beautiful churches, convents, museums and wonderful crafts.
Our selection of programs in Ecuador include city stays, overland tours, rainforest eco-lodges, haciendas and Galapagos small ship cruises. To find our more about our range of programs in Ecuador, please download the Ecuador section of our South America brochure. For information on the Galapagos Islands, please click here.
Highlights of Ecuador include:
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito
• Famous Indian markets of Otavalo
• Explore Ecuadors rainforests
• Picturesque Andean scenery
• Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano
• Train ride down The Devil’s Nose
• Stay at a traditional colonial hacienda
• Cruise to the Galapagos Islands
When to Go
Generally, Ecuador has two seasons, wet and dry, however local weather patterns vary greatly depending on geography. In the highlands, the dry season is Jun - Sep and Dec, but even the wet season isn't particularly rainy. The central valley is spring-like all year, with temperatures no higher than 24°C. The Amazon experiences hot and humid conditions year-round, although Jul - Aug are the wettest months. The mainland coastal areas and the Galápagos are sweltering and wet between Jan - Apr. The high seasons are Dec - Jan and Jun - Aug.
Culture
Ecuador is a blend of a whole range of cultures. Amazonian frontier towns, Pacific coast fishing villages, packed markets and colonial cities are the places where the Ecuadorian Culture prevails. Handicrafts still continue to be a popular passion right from the ancient times whilst Afro-Ecuadorians are known for their marimba, an enthusiastic type of music and dance.
