Straddling the equator, this land of startling contrasts extends from Amazon jungle across the desert-like páramo and snow-capped Andean volcanoes to the Pacific coastline and Galapagos Islands. Wildlife enthusiasts can see a staggering number of species, many of which are endemic – there are 1,650 bird species alone.
17 recommended trips.Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Take a journey through Ecuador’s varied topography to see the best of the country’s wildlife. Immerse yourself in the cloud forests of Mindo and follow hiking trails to see colourful tanagers and hummingbirds, before spending a few days in the Amazon jungle, home to an astonishing repertoire of wildlife.
Find out more about Ecuadorian Odyssey
Spend a week cruising some of the larger islands in the Galapagos, including Isabela, the largest of the archipelago and home to flamingos, Galapagos penguins, green turtles and land iguanas. Discover a host of unique bird species, including magnificent frigatebirds and iconic blue-footed boobies.
Find out more about Western Galapagos Highlights
This 8 day cruise visits the archipelago’s smaller islands, exploring them by panga (dinghy) and on foot. You’ll discover noisy sealion colonies leisurely wandering around, fiery coloured iguanas, blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs surrounding the rocks, and a wealth of colourful birdlife.
Find out more about Eastern Galapagos Highlights
This small group tour to Ecuador explores some of its major habitats to enjoy the sheer abundance of life that can be found in this biodiverse nation. Led throughout by TV naturalist Mike Dilger, we will experience the cloudforest, Amazon rainforest and the Andean páramo during our two-week trip to Ecuador.
Find out more about Ecuador’s Birds & Mammals with Mike Dilger
Journey through two of the most wildlife-rich destinations on Earth - the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest. From the remote volcanic landscapes of the Galápagos to the vibrant jungles of the Ecuadorian Amazon, this adventure offers the opportunity to witness rare and extraordinary species up close.
Find out more about Unforgettable Galápagos & Amazon Rainforest Retreat
Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest, the Amazon Rainforest and the rugged landscapes of the Andes in company of wildlife photographers Nick Garbutt and Alex Hyde in search of the varied wildlife and macro photography opportunities that the diverse country of Ecuador has to offer.
Find out more about Andes to Amazon Rainforest Photography Workshop
Combine two of South America’s finest wildlife destinations – the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. View the outstanding variety of wildlife on walking trails and by boat from a luxury eco-lodge in the Amazon jungle, and cruise the unique Galapagos archipelago for close-up wildlife encounters.
Find out more about Wildlife of Ecuador & the Galapagos
Take a look at the fantastic wildlife of Ecuador with three days in the Amazon jungle in a private reserve, taking guided boat trips and enjoying bird’s eye views from the canopy walkway. A week’s cruise around the Galapagos Islands tops off the trip with close bird and marine life encounters.
Find out more about Amazon & the Galapagos
Accompanied by team member Helen Bryon, we cruise around the Galapagos Islands to observe and enjoy the remarkable wildlife of this enchanting and untouched archipelago. During the voyage we hope to encounter Galapagos sealion, giant tortoise, blue-footed booby and more iconic species.
Find out more about Galapagos Wildlife Cruise
Take a journey to the enchanting cloud forests of the Andes, staying in a unique biodiversity reserve, and viewing the varied wildlife from walking trails or a rainforest canopy. A luxury naturalist-led cruise in the Galapagos Islands offers emerald waters, rugged coves and a remarkable number of endemic species.
Find out more about Galapagos & Ecuador in Style
Sail the northern Galapagos Islands on this luxury small-ship expedition. Encounter iconic wildlife, volcanic wonders and visit some of the more remote and less accessible islands. This 8-day cruise showcases the best of the northern islands, including shore excursions to Genovesa, Isabela, Fernandina and Rábida.
Find out more about Northern Galapagos Highlights
This small-ship expedition explores the enchanting Galapagos Islands, known for their incredible biodiversity and unique ecosystems. Explore the beaches and bays of the southern islands and encounter an astonishing array of wildlife species including giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas and flocks of flamingos.
Find out more about Southern Galapagos Highlights
Travelling aboard the exclusively chartered MV Beluga in the company of broadcaster Mark Carwardine and Founder Chris Breen, we have designed a comprehensive itinerary to experience and photograph the famed wildlife of the Galapagos gaining a fascinating insight into the ecology of the archipelago.
Find out more about Galapagos Exclusive with Mark Carwardine
Discover the natural wonders of the Galapagos archipelago and its unique wildlife by land, sea and air. Accommodation is a tented safari camp on Santa Cruz Island, with daily excursions to some of the surrounding islands, where you will find Galapagos sealions, green turtles, flamingos and white tip reef sharks.
Find out more about Galapagos Islands: Luxury on Land
This 7-night luxury expedition voyage, uncovers the delights of the eastern islands, combining unparalleled natural beauty, exotic wildlife, and remarkable history. Your companions on the trip include endemic giant tortoise, Galapagos penguin, dense colonies of land iguana and the rare waved albatross.
Find out more about East Galapagos Luxury Expedition
Explore the west Galapagos Islands, on board a luxury expedition superyacht. Home to large colonies of marine iguana, sea lions basking in the sun, and iconic blue-footed boobies displaying their legendary mating dances, these enchanting islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Find out more about West Galapagos Luxury Expedition
Boasting an astonishing array of wildlife, this bucket-list expedition combines the very best of the east and west Galapagos islands, in search of exotic marine life, a wonderful array of bird species, and fascinating terrestrial animals, all from the comfort of a luxurious, expedition superyacht.
Find out more about Ultimate Galapagos Luxury Expedition
Price
(exc. flights): 15 days
from £17,725
Trip type:
Voyage
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Wildlife Locations
12 recommended locations.Please contact us for further suggestions.
This ecological sanctuary surrounds one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, and is easily visited as a day trip from Quito. Andean fox and puma frequent the park, and the rare Andean speckled bear is found on the eastern slopes. Birdlife is also plentiful, including orange-faced falcon and Andean gull.
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Where: Cotopaxi Province
Ideal for viewing: Andean condor, Andean fox, carunculated caracara, great thrush, guanaco
The town of Puyo is the jumping off point for this part of the Amazon, with most lodges being accessed by light aircraft from here. You can explore on foot and by boat with naturalist guides, learning about the rainforest and its prolific birdlife. In addition to a profusion of flowers, many medicinal plants are found here.
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Where: Pastaza Province
Ideal for viewing: harpy eagle, pink river dolphin, osprey, three-toed sloth, coati
This vast rainforest east of the Andes protects more species of plant and mammal than any area of similar size. It is home to an astonishing repertoire of wildlife, including 15% of the world’s bird species. There are over 100 species of mammals, and a network of rivers, steams and lakes to explore by boat or canoe.
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Where: Amazon
Ideal for viewing: blue and yellow macaw, harpy eagle, jaguar, three-toed sloth, capybara
Submarine volcanic activity caused this remarkable archipelago to rise from the seabed. Millions of years of isolation then allowed species to evolve through natural selection, creating a unique biological identity. There are no predators, so the animals know no fear – allowing close encounters.
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Where: Galapagos
Ideal for viewing: blue-footed booby, Galapagos penguin, land iguana, marine iguana, giant tortoise
This Pacific Coast park became a Ramsar site in 1990, when recognized as a vital wetland. One third is ocean, a breeding ground for humpback whales, while the islands provide feeding areas for sea birds such as frigatebirds and boobies. On land you will find tropical dry forest, fog forest and coastal scrub desert.
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Where: Manabi Province
Ideal for viewing: black howler monkey, humpback whale, brown pelican, poison arrow frog, waved albatross
This private reserve is part of a bio-region that stretches along the Pacific slope of the Andes from Panama to Peru. Its rich ecosystem is home to 500 bird species, butterflies, amphibians and orchids which thrive in the moist conditions. An aerial tram offers a unique vantage point in the rainforest canopy.
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This area of primary forest is considered to be one of the finest birding areas in South America. The varied terrain supports more than 400 species of birds, including the elusive Andean cock-of-the rock. There is a remarkably high number of endemic plants, and orchids, bromeliads and heliconias grow in abundance.
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Where: Pichincha Province
Ideal for viewing: Andean cock-of-the-rock, club-winged manakin, long wattle umbrellabird, puma, torrent duck
The Napo River region and the biologically diverse Yasuni National Park lie at the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Bird species number around 600 and mammal diversity is very high, with numerous primates and predators. A motorised canoe down the Napo takes you into the heart of the rainforest and its creeks.
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Where: Napo Province
Ideal for viewing: sungrebe, harpy eagle, tropical kingbird, howler monkey, capuchin monkey
Nestling at the foot of Antisana volcano, Papallacta’s scenery is spectacular with rocky peaks and a vast sweep of bleak páramo above the tree line. At Antisanilla you can see an impressive lava flow and a deep canyon where Andean condor are regularly sighted. Gentians and orchids surround the many lakes.
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From the high mountain peaks down to the Pacific on the west and Amazon Basin on the east, the opposite slopes of the Andes form very different, yet diverse and ever-changing forest ecosystems. Both eastern and western slopes provide fascinating habitat for a great variety of birds and mammals.
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This beautiful area of lakes and mountains north of Quito is home to small indigenous communities with a way of life that has changed little for centuries. With colourful handicraft markets to explore, Otavalo makes a good day trip from Quito, or an overnight stay in a colonial hacienda.
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Ecuador’s capital stands at an altitude of 2,850 metres on the slopes of the active volcano of Pichincha. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, the old town is very atmospheric, and several day tours are available, including the Mitad del Mundo monument on the equator.
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You can visit Ecuador any time of year. The Andes can have ‘four-seasons-in-a-day’ weather, with many micro-climates and the Pacific coast and Amazon are humid all year round.
Seasons
Year-round
Jan to Dec: Ecuador can be visited year-round, with no discernable seasons
Wildlife events
Jul to Aug: Whales migrate along the coast, best time for whale watching
Wildlife cruise vessels
13 recommended wildlife cruise vessels.Please contact us for further suggestions.
The Beluga is a small but surprisingly spacious and comfortable, first-superior class, motor yacht carrying 16 passengers in eight double or twin cabins. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout, and facilities include a lounge, bar, dining area and plenty of deck space. The crew of ten includes a naturalist guide.
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This intimate and luxurious superyacht boasts custom-designed interiors, a sun deck with outdoor dining, a panoramic indoor lounge and a lower deck swim platform. With seven individually designed cabins and a timeless, yet contemporary, style throughout, Aqua Mare is a superb luxurious choice.
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Origin, Theory & Evolve are luxury expedition yachts, boasting superb social areas including a comfortable lounge, a stylish bar where you can unwind, and a relaxing library. On the sundeck there are daybeds and a hot tub. Cabins are sophisticated and spacious and enjoy panoramic views.
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A first class catamaran, Analí ensures maximum stability, providing a safe and comfortable cruising experience in the Galapagos Islands. This vessel features eight cabins, all with large windows, offering stunning views of the islands. All cabins have private bathrooms, storage space for luggage and air-conditioning.
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This charming vessel provides comfortable accommodation for your exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With a maximum of 16 passengers, in eight well-appointed cabins, this small-ship offers an intimate sailing experience and all the amenities you would expect of a high-quality motor vessel.
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Anahi is a power catamaran yacht, which provides great stability, and is the ideal vessel for passengers with little or no experience at sea. Eight cabins equipped with portrait windows, air-conditioning, lower berths, and a private bathroom, provide comfortable accommodation for Galapagos cruises.
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Experience the Galápagos Islands aboard the Endemic, a luxury catamaran designed for intimate wildlife adventures. With panoramic windows, private balconies, and stylish interiors, this vessel offers superb comfort, breathtaking views, and excellent amenities, making it an ideal choice.
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Step back in time aboard Evolution, a luxury expedition yacht that captures the elegance of the 1920s while offering an array of modern comforts. With refined style, personalised service, and spacious decks, this vessel promises an intimate and unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes.
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The Nemo II is a first class sail catamaran accommodating a maximum of 12 passengers in six tastefully designed cabins, each slightly different in size and configuration. There is a common area both inside and out, as well as a small sun deck complete with lounge chairs, and a small bar.
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For the ultimate treat, this deluxe class motor cruiser is the ideal choice. Its 24 spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows can hold 48 passengers; triple and interconnecting cabins are available for families. La Pinta carries a glass-bottomed boat and sea kayaks, and the crew includes four naturalist guides.
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The Santa Cruz II is an elegant vessel, which carries 90 passengers in 50 modern cabins. Air conditioned throughout, facilities across the five spacious decks include indoor and outdoor dining, a lounge bar, library, a gym and two hot tubs overlooking the ocean. Activities include kayaking and snorkelling.
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Embark on a wildlife adventure through the Galápagos Islands aboard Infinity, a luxurious motor yacht. With spacious decks, tasteful interiors, and excellent amenities, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and a sun deck with hot tub, Infinity offers supreme comfort and style for exploring the Galápagos.
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Passion is a luxury motor yacht, accommodating only 14 passengers in seven boutique-style cabins, each individually crafted. Fully air-conditioned and with a hot tub on the top deck, this vessel provides a spacious and comfortable accommodation for your Galapagos adventure.
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