Ecuador may be slightly dwarfed by other South American countries, but it punches well above its weight. It’s tempting to pass through only the mainland en route to the celebrated Galapagos Islands, but our specialists would urge you to vacation in continental Ecuador, too. They’re able to help you experience all the country’s beguiling variety in a tailor-made Ecuador vacation.
Lovers of textiles and artisan crafts can head to the animated markets of Otavalo and the capital, Quito, or observe authentic Panama hats being made in the colonial city of Cuenca. You can explore, and hike on, the geological spectacle of the almost conical Cotopaxi in the Avenue of Volcanoes. One of the feathers in Ecuador’s cap is its restored railway network, which offers visitors panoramic vistas of the Andean landscapes. Meanwhile, you’re able to immerse yourself in birdwatching and horticulture in cloudforest reserves.
Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years
Suggested tours for Ecuador
Encountering fearless wildlife in the Galapagos, listening to birdsong in the cloudforest, and visiting remote indigenous markets in the highlands — whatever you’re interested in, our suggested itineraries are a great starting point as you begin to plan your trip to Ecuador.
Suggested activities for Ecuador
Enjoy a guided walk around Otavalo Market, follow a naturalist on hikes into the Amazon rainforest, and take a private tour through downtown Quito. Whatever your interests, our specialists will suggest experiences designed to enhance your trip to Ecuador.
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Amazon Excursions ![Toucan]()
Amazon Excursions
Amazon Excursions
Daily activities include visits to the butterfly farm, ascending the observation tower, a canopy walk, treks on well-marked trails, and canoe rides through the blackwater creeks.
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Charity Volunteering with ME to WE ![Monkeys, Amazon]()
Charity Volunteering with ME to WE
The AmazonCharity Volunteering with ME to WE
A stay at the Minga Lodge offers a unique opportunity to get to grips with what life is really like in the Amazon. Culturally, this is far more in-depth, interactive and rewarding than a regular Amazon visit and allows you to spend time with the local community during your stay.
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Otavalo Market ![Otavalen girl]()
Otavalo Market
OtavaloOtavalo Market
The market features a dazzling array of crafts, textiles and jewelry, all of which are of high quality and good value.
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Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Ecuador, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Ecuador, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
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Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
Ecuador in pictures
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![Amazon River in Ecuador]()
Stay at an ecolodge in the Amazon -
![Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador]()
Walk, bike or ride in Cotopaxi National Park -
![Cuenca]()
Visit beautiful Cuenca -
![Old hacienda in Pichincha Province]()
Have an outdoor adventure from a hacienda -
![Panama Hat maker, Cuenca]()
Get yourself a Panama hat -
![Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica]()
Travel through the Avenue of Volcanoes -
![Otavalo Food markets]()
Browse the stalls at Otavalo Market -
![Quito, Ecuador]()
Absorb the colonial architecture
Our expert guides to traveling in Ecuador
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Ecuador. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Ecuador at its best.
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![A specialist's guide to Ecuador]()
A specialist's guide to Ecuador
See our suggestions for what to do and see in the vibrant country of Ecuador, from the Devil’s Nose train journey to the scenic Cotopaxi National Park.
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Where to go in the Amazon: planning your journey into the rainforest ![Caiman, Peruvian Amazon]()
Where to go in the Amazon: planning your journey into the rainforest
Where to go in the Amazon: planning your journey into the rainforest
Audley specialist Rebecca shares why she loves the Amazon, but explains that planning a trip there comes with a few caveats. She suggests you ask yourself: what is it I really want to see and do in the rainforest?
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A typical day in the Galapagos: what to expect ![Galapagos Islands, Ecuador]()
A typical day in the Galapagos: what to expect
A typical day in the Galapagos: what to expect
Michael, one of our specialists, takes you through what to expect on a visit. He outlines a typical morning, afternoon and evening routine on a cruise boat, and explains the major differences between a cruise and land-based stays.
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What to do in Ecuador: our highlights guide ![Canoe trip to Napo Wildlife Centre, Ecuador]()
What to do in Ecuador: our highlights guide
What to do in Ecuador: our highlights guide
Although famous for the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador offers the visitor a wealth of other attractions, from active volcanoes and spectacular train journeys, to UNESCO World Heritage cities and wildlife trips to the Amazon.
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Machu Picchu plus one: tried-and-tested South American combinations ![Machu Picchu, Peru]()
Machu Picchu plus one: tried-and-tested South American combinations
Machu Picchu plus one: tried-and-tested South American combinations
Did you know that thanks to ever-improving flight connections, you can easily combine Machu Picchu with other South American destinations such as the Galapagos and Argentina — without the need to extend your trip drastically? Our specialists explain how.
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Wildlife highlights of the Galapagos Islands ![Marine iguana, Galapagos Islands]()
Wildlife highlights of the Galapagos Islands
Wildlife highlights of the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos specialist Holly shares her top wildlife experiences in the Galapagos Islands. She looks at its unique variety of bird, marine and animal species including giant tortoise, albatross, penguins, sea lions and iguanas.
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South America’s greatest railway journeys: Peru’s Andean Explorer & Ecuador’s Tren Crucero ![Belmond Andean Explorer Sleeper Train]()
South America’s greatest railway journeys: Peru’s Andean Explorer & Ecuador’s Tren Crucero
South America’s greatest railway journeys: Peru’s Andean Explorer & Ecuador’s Tren Crucero
Travel on South America’s foremost luxury sleeper train service, Peru’s Belmond Andean Explorer, or voyage down Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes on comfortable day trains. Audley specialist Holly describes why you might want to experience the continent from a railway carriage.
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The Inca civilization ![Machu Picchu, Peru]()
The Inca civilization
The Inca civilization
Discover the culture and history of a country on a tailor-made trip, with visits to explore famous sites and others not quite so well known but equally impressive.
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Ecuador's wildlife beyond the Galapagos: the Amazon and cloudforest ![Monkey in the Amazon, Ecuador]()
Ecuador's wildlife beyond the Galapagos: the Amazon and cloudforest
Ecuador's wildlife beyond the Galapagos: the Amazon and cloudforest
While Scott from our Latin America team believes that the Galapagos are fundamental to any amateur naturalist’s trip to Ecuador, he’d also encourage you to consider exploring the mainland’s Amazon and cloudforest regions as part of your Ecuador wildlife tour.
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Other popular destinations
Still looking for ideas? If Ecuador has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.
