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Wildlife is the first reason travelers are drawn to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. But this incredible country also contains barren volcanic landscapes, remnants of an ancient Incan civilization, a remote portion of the amazon and stunning white sand beaches with emerald green waters. Importantly, this is the land where chocolate was invented! An equatorial region, the Spanish Latino culture is felt immediately through colonial architecture, delicious cuisine and warm, and friendly locals. We guarantee your experience in Ecuador will be unforgettable.
GEt in touchEcuador’s mainland and its outer-lying Galapagos Islands are a magnet for outdoor, adventure and wildlife aficionados alike!
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with action-packed days spent snorkeling, swimming with sea lions, hiking, kayaking, beach time, educational visits to research stations and sunsets over the ocean. Once on the mainland, picturesque scenery with Andean mountains and volcanoes will be your backdrop. Discover colonial Spanish towns filled with funky bars and eateries, and beautiful churches. Explore markets in search of colorful and intricately woven textiles and handicrafts. Head into the depths of the Amazon jungle to find rare wildlife and secluded civilizations.
The Essence of Ecuador — Grab your snorkel mask, dive straight off your boat and into the natural Galapagos aquarium where you can swim with playful and curious sea lions. Marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and penguins may make a visit too!
The wildlife has never been hunted or threatened so they harbor no fear of humans and can be observed at close range.
Explorations deep into the Amazon—Immerse yourself in the depths of the Amazon jungle, spattered with remote villages and ancient tribes. You’ll learn about ancient medicinal plants, and cruise the Amazon river in search of monkeys, sloths, toucans and possibly even piranhas.
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin: Ecuador & the Galapagos hosts some of the most biodiverse flora and fauna worldwide, including over 3,000 species of birds and over 300 mammals. The Galapagos was made famous by Charles Darwin who completed his ‘theory of evolution’ here, with more endemic wildlife than any archipelago on earth due to its remote isolation. Its 19 islands and more than 40 islets were created six million years ago, emerging after spectacular volcanic activity.
Channel your Inner Adventurer: There are opportunities to hike volcanic landscapes, zip line, river raft, search for ancient Incan ruins, snorkel, spot rare bird species, learn how to make chocolate according to ancient traditions, kayak with penguins and even SCUBA dive with sharks. In Ecuador, you can push your limits and step out of your comfort zone into the adventure zone and feel truly alive!
Direct flights are easily arranged into Quito from US gateways including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Atlanta and Houston. You can also fly into the Galapagos Islands, usually via Quito or Guayaquil.
Ecuador and the Galapagos have a varied, humid and equatorial climate, with a prominent dry and wet season. Based on your dates of travel, we will design the best itinerary for you with weather in mind.
Wildlife viewing is good year-round in the Galapagos. The best time to go to Ecuador will depend upon which areas you wish to visit.
Galapagos: October through May is the recommended time to travel; while it is the wet season with some afternoon showers, you’ll have lovely warm days, warmer ocean temperatures and smoother cruising. June through September is the cool dry season; with cooler ocean temperatures, bumpier seas, and occasional overcast skies.
Quito and Highlands: June through September provide warmer weather with sunny days and less rain. December through May is cooler, and rain is common. The altitude provides cooler temperatures, especially at night.
Amazon: Be prepared for hot and humid weather year-round, and frequent rains providing lush green jungles.
Indulge in an all-inclusive luxury small ship cruise of the Galapagos Islands with specialized naturalist guides, elegant cabins, and thrilling shore excursions. The array of the flora and fauna is enthralling.
On mainland Ecuador, in Quito and larger cities we love boutique hotels with colonial architecture and a Spanish influence, whilst our favorite Amazon lodges provide a truly remote wilderness adventure; some only accessible by boat. Every property booked on a Rothschild Safari is vetted by staff and offer the highest standards in each category.