available in Ecuador
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
Ecuador packs a huge amount into its borders. It is by comparison a tiny South American country, but with a huge amount on offer, often billed as four worlds in one place. Starting in the west there are the amazing Galapagos Islands, the stunning Pacific Coast and the towering Andes mountains, which drop down into the limitless bio-diversity of the Amzaon basin.
There is a wealth of ancient and vibrant indigenous cultures alongside the remnants of a colonial administration with its faded architecture. You really can try it all in an adventure travel trip to Ecuador, with so much close at hand – one minute you could be at a chilly altitude in a village in the Andean mountains and the next thing you are gliding silently through the Amazon rainforest in a dugout canoe.
A real draw to an Ecuador visit is of course the Galapagos Islands. It was here that Darwin visited and formulated his theory of evolution and natural selection, noticing the differences in finches from island to island. The wildlife in the oceans around these islands is boundless – snokel with giant whale sharks, watch marine iguanas and scuba dive with thousands of rays and sharks.
The incredible Amazon rainforest is a very different world, home to monkeys, sloths and river dolphins as well as a wealth of birds such as toucans, macaws and tanagers. Just 79kms from Quito is Mindo Cloud Forest, a birders paradise, where you can find up to 120 species of hummingbirds.
With a huge range of amazing outdoor adventures, from sea based marine adventures and birding in the Andes to expedition camping adventures in the Amazon and a myriad of activities on offer such as trekking, horseback riding, biking, and whitewater rafting, Ecuador has something to suit every safari goer.
Travel Seasons
- Dec – Apr – High Season on the coast, warm temperatures and some showers
- Jan – May – High Season in the Galapagos, hot and humid, with frequent afternoon showers
- Jun – Sep – Sunny, clear days in the highlands, best time to visit the mainland, less rain in the Oriente
- Dec – May – Cooler, rainier days in the highlands.
- Jun – Dec – Low Season in the Galapagos, with cooler, drier weather and mist (Sep-Oct seas are roughest)
- Apr – Jul – Low Season in the Oriente (eastern Ecuador) with heavy rains
General Information
- Capital city – Quito
- Currency – USD
- Languages – Spanish, English
- Size – 285,000 sq kms – United Kingdom combined with Belgium
- Population – 16.39 million (2016)
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism has recently confirmed that from 01/05/18 it is mandatory for all foreigners visiting Ecuador to have health insurance Click below to find out more:
Travel Health
- The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Ecuador: hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
- Malaria is present in Ecuador – get medical advice on which prophylaxis to take.
- It is best to stick to bottled water.
Pros
- Incredible landscapes – Galapagos Islands, Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest
- Remarkable wildlife
- Architectural gems
- Vibrant cities and cultures
- Huge range of activities
Cons
- High deforestation
- Crime in some cities
Arriving in Ecuador
- Most travellers arrive by air, usually through the main airports at Quito and Guayaquil
- Regular services from Miami, Houston and Atlanta and in Europe from Madrid and Amsterdam
- Regional connections are available for destinations in Central and South America
Getting Around
- There are plenty of taxis in the urban centres, but ensure you use a registered one
- If you are feeling adventurous you can use the extensive and reliable local bus service
- Most safari itineraries include all transport arrangements
Visas
- Visas are not required for visitors of trips up to 90 days, but check before you travel Ecuador Visas >>
Ecuador Safaris
7-Day Zancudo Cocha Ecuadorian Amazon Safari Tour
- 7 Days
This is the most adventurous tour into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest in our program and includes camps...
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Country:Ecuador,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:7 Days
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Start/end:Start in Lago Agrio, end in Lago Agrio
5-Day Yasuni Paddling Expedition
- 5 Days
This paddling expedition takes place in the Yasuni National Park, heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. A natural...
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Country:Ecuador,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:5 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Coca
Galapagos Island Hopping
- 5 Days
This 5-day Island Hopping program is the perfect affordable option to spot the extraordinary wildlife...
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Country:Ecuador,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:5 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Fly in/out from Guayaquil or Quito
6-Day Ecuador Cycling Vacation
- 6 Days
The Grand Tour, Ecuadorian style. Are you up for a challenge? Imagine hitting varying terrain of smooth...
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Country:Ecuador,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:6 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Quito
8-Day Diving Cruise in the Enchanted Islands
- 8 Days
This amazing cruise has been carefully designed for travelers who want to travel “deeper” into the...
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Country:Ecuador, Galapagos,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:8 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Mariscal Sucre Aiport, Quito
8-Day Safari Cruise through the Galapagos Islands
- 8 Days
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our marvelous Galapagos cruise, tailored for enthusiasts of...
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Country:Ecuador, Galapagos,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:8 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Mariscal Sucre Aiport - Quito
8-Day Wildlife Encounters & Island Hopping
- 8 Days
Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the captivating Galápagos Islands with our thoughtfully...
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Country:Ecuador, Galapagos,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:8 Days
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Start/end:Start in Galápagos Ecologic Airport, end in Airport Isla San Cristobal
5-Day Cuyabeno Jungle Trip
- 5 Days
Embark on a transformative 5-day, 4-night expedition to the heart of Ecuador's...
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Country:Ecuador,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:5 Days
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Start/end:Start in Quito, end in Quito
100 Species Herping Tour Ecuador
- 11 Days
This remarkable tour in Ecuador is perfect if you want to photograph 100 species of amphibians and reptiles...
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Country:Ecuador,
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Departures:May
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Length:11 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Quito
7-Day Galapagos Essentials
- 7 Days
Experience the Galapagos Islands from the comfort of a land-based expedition! The islands offer endless...
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Country:Ecuador, Galapagos,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:7 Days
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Start/end:Start in Quito, end in Quito
Partners offering Safaris in Ecuador
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