Ecuador Tours & Trips

The Galapagos Islands put you right in the middle of what feels like your own nature documentary. Our customers keep telling us their trips really shine when they get incredibly close to those famous giant tortoises, watching them move about freely at local ranches and breeding centers. Jump into the water and you'll find sea lions swimming loops around you, putting on quite a show. Over at Kicker Rock (León Dormido), snorkelers regularly spot hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and also rays gliding through the clear waters. If you like hiking, the volcanic paths of Sierra Negra take you across landscapes that look like another planet, with species you won't find anywhere else in the world. The sweet spot for wildlife viewing falls between December and May - the water's warmer and calmer then, perfect for snorkeling. That said, each season brings its own special wildlife shows, from waved albatross making their nests to blue-footed boobies doing their distinctive courtship dances.

Dive into the Pacific's chill vibes. Sail through Fiji's gorgeous islands, trek New Zealand's epic Milford Track, and explore Australia's jaw-dropping Great Barrier Reef. Savor tasty Polynesian eats, hang with friendly locals, and discover incredible marine life.

Machu Picchu stands as the crowning jewel of Andean experiences, where our travelers consistently tell us that photographs simply can't capture its true scale and majesty. The ancient Inca citadel reveals itself differently throughout the day as clouds drift past, creating an almost mystical atmosphere that leaves visitors spellbound. The Inca Trail journey itself has become legendary among our customers - it's a genuine mountain adventure with challenging ascents, ancient stone pathways and nights spent camping under star-filled skies. Our guides, who share deep knowledge of Inca history and local ecology, have earned particular praise for turning what could be just a tough trek into an enriching cultural experience. Travelers often describe how the changing ecosystems along the trail, from cloud forests to alpine grasslands, create a sense of walking through multiple worlds in just a few days.

From the ancient Inca city of Quito to the lush canopies of the Amazon jungle, Ecuador is full of surprises. The Galapagos Islands are the main attraction with most people jumping to the islands to revel in the amazing wildlife, however, a hike through the alpine scenery is equally spectacular.

Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes offers proper trekking with real challenges and rewards. The best multi-day route takes you through the Andean mountains near Chimborazo, reaching 16,732 feet where you'll get unique views from Earth's center's highest point. Our groups love stopping in Chugchilan, where local farmers still use traditional bartering - it's authentic and unchanged by tourism. The Quilotoa area combines tough crater rim walks with nights in isolated mountain lodges, while Cotopaxi National Park provides gentler trails where you might spot wild horses, Andean condors and loads of birds. What makes these walks special is the mix of high-altitude routes and local culture - you could find yourself learning about healing plants from indigenous guides or sharing home-cooked meals in mountain communities.

Ecuador mixes wildlife watching with physical challenges and genuine cultural experiences. Popular trips combine horse riding in Cotopaxi National Park with white-water rafting on the Jatunyacu River, which feeds right into the Amazon. The multi-sport options include biking the Baños Waterfall Route past three different waterfalls, with Tungurahua volcano as your backdrop. These trips stand out because you get such variety - one morning you might be cooking with the Siona community, then by evening you're walking through the rainforest looking for nocturnal creatures. Our travelers really like moving between high Andes activities and Amazon lowland exploration, staying in comfortable eco-lodges between outings. For something quieter, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve offers kayaking where you can quietly watch river dolphins and tropical birds.

You really need 7-10 days to experience the Galapagos properly by boat. The Grand Daphne yacht does it particularly well with small groups and knowledgeable naturalist guides who make all the difference. The sailing routes reach places like Kicker Rock, where you can snorkel alongside hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. Most trips stop at Las Tintoreras on Isabela Island - it's brilliant for watching Galapagos penguins and marine iguanas just doing their thing. The trips work so well because you get both land and water activities; your day might start with a volcano hike and finish with sea lion snorkeling. Our guests often tell us how much they appreciate the crew members who know exactly when and where to find specific wildlife, from blue-footed boobies to flightless cormorants.

Ecuador's explorer tours really come alive in the Galapagos Islands where our most popular routes mix water and land activities. You'll go snorkeling with sea lions at Las Bachas, hike the huge Sierra Negra Volcano crater and visit centers where giant tortoises are bred. One day you're kayaking around Isabela Island, the next you're walking through forests filled with opuntia cacti. Our travelers consistently praise the naturalist guides who spot wildlife others might miss - from blue-footed boobies and penguins to marine iguanas. The Charles Darwin Research Station features on many itineraries, and at Kicker Rock the clear waters make it easy to swim alongside sea turtles.