Tailor-made Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
Ecuador, as its name implies, straddles the equator. It is a land of startling contrasts and, when combined with the unique islands of the Galapagos, offers the wildlife enthusiast perhaps the ultimate holiday with a simply staggering number of species, many of which are endemic. These range from the high Andes and desert-like mountain plateaux to the lush green jungles of the Amazon Basin and rocky marine paradise of the Galapagos archipelago.
The Galapagos archipelago sits astride the equator, 960 kilometres west of the Ecuadorian mainland (you fly from either Quito or Guayaquil to the islands of Santa Cruz or San Cristobal). These volcanic islands have a unique biological identity, never having been connected to another landmass, and over millions of years species endemic to the islands have formed. In addition, the absence of large predators means that wildlife on the Galapagos shows little or no fear of man, and it is possible to approach birds, mammals and reptiles openly and very closely - it's a photographer's dream! Sealions, seals, dolphins and whales are present throughout the archipelago due to a constant supply of nutrient rich water and the islands are home to a wealth of bird species including the unique finches that played such a prominent role in the development of Darwin's theory.
Things to see in Ecuador & Galapagos
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Cotopaxi National ParkCotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary surrounding the Cotopaxi Volcano - one o... 
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Cruising the GalapagosWe offer a selection of vessels to take you around the Galapagos. We favour the smaller an...
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EspanolaMagnificent seabird colonies include blue-footed and masked boobies and swallow-tailed gul...
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FernandinaAn active volcano with rugged slopes, unusual lava formations and a huge population of lan...
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FloreanaDensely studded with volcanic cones and relatively luxuriant.
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GenovesaBreeding ground for the South American fur seal and sealions.
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IsabelaBy far the largest island and home to some 6,000 Galapagos tortoises around the volcanic s...
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Mindo Cloud ForestHeading north-west from Quito is Mindo Cloud Forest. Considered to be one of the most impo...
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OtavaloThis beautiful area of lakes and mountains, indigenous communities and lots of handicrafts...
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Papallacta & AntisanaLess than two hours east of Quito is Papallacta, nestled at the foot of Mt. Antisana, Ecua...
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Quito & the AndesQuito, the capital of Ecuador, sits at an altitude of 2,850 metres on the slopes of the ac...
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San CristobalHome to frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and sealions, this island was the first that Cha...
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Santa CruzIts rocky coastline and maze of mangrove-lined inlets is good for sea turtles, sharks and ...
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Santiago and BartolomeLava lizards are common on Santiago and the island is good for birds such as Galapagos dov...
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The AmazonThis vast region protects more species of plant and mammal than almost any area of a simil...
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Places to stay in Ecuador & Galapagos
Cotopaxi National Park - San Agustin de Callo [High] |
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Built on top of a former Inca temple during the colonial times, this is perhaps one of the most... |
Galapagos - Beluga [High] |
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The Beluga is a spacious, comfortable first-class 36-metre motor-yacht carrying 16 passengers i... |
Galapagos - Finch Bay Eco Hotel [High] |
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At the end of your Galapagos voyage you may wish to spend a little time staying at one of the s... |
Galapagos - Isabela II [High] |
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The Isabela II is a deluxe 53-metre motor-yacht carrying 40 passengers in 21 cabins. All cabins... |
Galapagos - La Pinta [High] |
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La Pinta is a motor-yacht offering a luxurious expedition around the Galapagos Islands. |
Galapagos - Sagitta [High] |
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The beautiful and spacious first class, three-masted sailing ship Sagitta is 36 metres long. |
Galapagos - Samba [Mid] |
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The Samba is a 24-metre motor-sailor accommodating 12 passengers in six air-conditioned cabins,... |
Galapagos - Santa Cruz [High] |
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The Santa Cruz is a first-class 72-metre motor-cruiser carrying 90 passengers in 47 cabins, all... |
Galapagos - The Alta [High] |
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The Alta is a first-class 42-metre ketch-rigged motor-sailor carrying 16 passengers in eight ca... |
Galapagos - The Cachalote [Mid] |
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The Cacahlote is a tourist class 21-metre ketch-rigged motor-sailor, carrying 16 passengers in ... |
Mindo Cloud Forest - Sachatamia Lodge [Mid] |
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Satchatamia Lodge is a well-placed lodge from which to enjoy Mindo. |
Mindo Cloud Forest - Septimo Paraiso [Mid] |
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Septimo Paraiso is a simple lodge with 24 rooms, adjacent to the forest. The food is good and t... |
Papallacta & Antisana - Guango Lodge [Mid] |
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Guango Lodge is set in a forested area 11 kilometres from Papallacta. |
Quito & the Andes - Hotel Patio Andaluz [Mid] |
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This is a lovely, boutique hotel, which was declared a National Monument by UNESCO in 1978 as i... |
Quito & the Andes - Hotel Relicario del Carmen [Mid] |
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A small historic hotel in the heart of the colonial centre. It is an old house said to date bac... |
The Amazon - La Selva [Mid] |
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La Selva is a simple and rustic lodge built to a native design. |
The Amazon - Napo Wildlife Centre [High] |
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Napo Wildlife Centre is run in conjunction with the local Anangu Quichua Community and is invol... |
The Amazon - Sacha Jungle Lodge [High] |
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The 26 individual en-suite cabins at Sacha Jungle Lodge are constructed using local materials a... |
Fact!:
We work with a local partner in Ecuador and the Galapagos who helps to keep these precious environments pristine by participating in clean-up events and other practical measures to help Galapagos conservation.
Fact!:
If you're visiting Ecuador between June and September, visit Machalilla. It is peak whale-watching season and it's estimated that some 300 humpback whales pass through the area on migration.
Fact!:
Due to the popularity of the Galapagos Islands and of the vessels, early booking is always recommended for the best chance of getting your choice of boat.
The Galapagos is a fantastic location for diving. Please call our Head of Sales, Helen Brown, for more information. She enjoyed a trip there in 2009.
Special occasion? Why not ask us for business class upgrades? We can offer competitive prices and it'd be a lovely start to your trip.