Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

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 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!

• We recommend 7-14 days in Ecuador including a combination of 5-8 days in the Galapagos and 3-7 days on the mainland. It is a perfect complement to a Peru discovery – with two weeks you can cruise the Galapagos and experience the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.
• On mainland Ecuador you will have a private driver and guide throughout your stay. Whilst visiting the Galapagos, you have the option of an all-inclusive 5-8 night cruise or to base yourself on an island and do day trips to neighboring islands.
• Visas for Ecuador are not required for most visitors, however there is an official national park fee to pay upon arrival ($120) at the Galapagos Islands airport. Inoculations may be recommended. We suggest you see a travel medicine specialist for advice.
• English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in the hospitality industry. Spanish is very useful as well.
• Ecuador has some outstanding guides with high quality training, especially in the Galapagos. Their knowledge of flora and fauna is unparalleled.

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.

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.