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.
6 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
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
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
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
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
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 Z) Andes to Amazon Rainforest Photography Workshop
Price
(inc. flights): 19 days
from £10,995
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
When to go:
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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
