south & central america
Picturesque plazas, cobbled streets and historic churches await you in the charming capital city of Quito, from where the magical cloud forests and the colourful Otavalo market are easily reached. Following the Andes southwards, past Cotopaxi and along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, lie sleepy towns such as Baños and Cuenca, where you can relax in thermal hot springs or wander the age-old streets. To the east of the Andes lies the verdant and biologically diverse Amazon Rainforest, home to the Napo River and Yasuni National Park.
Whilst often a holiday in its own right, a visit to mainland Ecuador is the perfect accompaniment to any trip to the wonderful Galápagos Islands.
Trailfinders offers a range of Ecuador holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore colonial Quito on a private tour, or discover the Amazon Rainforest on a small group adventure tour – they are the perfect people to ask.
Speak to an Ecuador Holidays Expert
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HOW TO GET AROUND ECUADOR
If you’d rather travel with a group then why not join a sociable guided small group adventure, whilst our multi centre holidays are a great option for combining Ecuador with neighbouring Peru or beautiful Costa Rica.
A Galápagos cruise offers a fantastic way to discover the unique wildlife of the archipelago, whilst our private tours also offer the option of exploring the islands from the comfort of a hotel.
OUR HOLIDAYS TO ECUADOR
Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular Ecuador holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
Ecuadorian Adventure
Ecuador
14 days / 13 nights
Northern Ecuador & the Galapagos in Style
Ecuador
15 days / 14 nights
Classic Ecuador
Ecuador
8 days / 7 nights
Banos Extension
Ecuador
3 days / 2 nights
Hacienda La Danesa Extension
Ecuador
3 days / 2 nights
Cloud Forest Extension at Mashpi Lodge
Ecuador
4 days / 3 nights
WHERE TO GO IN ECUADOR
Quito’s colonial old town with its cobbled streets and expansive plazas should not be missed, while a journey into the Amazon Rainforest is a wonderful addition to any Ecuador holiday. Discover the towering peaks of the Andes in the Avenue of the Volcanoes, or head to the cloud forest for stunning lodges and beautiful wildlife.
Click on the tiles below the Ecuador map for more details on each destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants?
Quito
Galápagos Islands
Cloud Forest
Ecuadorian Andes
Amazon Rainforest
Guayaquil
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN ECUADOR
What you won’t find here are thousands of Ecuador hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Casa Gangotena
Quito
Mashpi Lodge
Cloud Forest
Napo Wildlife Centre
Ecuadorian Amazon
Hacienda Zuleta
Otavalo
Hacienda La Danesa
Guayaquil
Hotel del Parque
Guayaquil
WHAT TO DO IN ECUADOR
One day you might be standing with a foot in each hemisphere at the towering Equatorial Monument, the next exploring lagoons at the foot of mighty peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Discover the astronomical observations of ancient sun cultures, or hike through protected forests whilst colourful hummingbirds hover above.
Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your Ecuador holiday to life.
Discover Otavalo
- Bargain for colourful textiles and local handicrafts at Otavalo market
- Visit a traditional village, known for its weaving, farming and Andean music
Panoramic Quito by Night
- Experience Quito colonial architecture by night
- Marvel at the incredible views across the city
- Enjoy a delicious dinner
Live like a local
- Discover Old Town Quito with a local resident
- Visit bustling markets and ancient churches
- Wander cobblestone streets
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ECUADOR?
Set high in the Andes, Quito can experience cold nights, but average daily temperatures of around 20˚C.
Whilst the nature of the Amazon means rainfall is a common occurrence, the region experiences a wetter season from December to June, when higher water levels allow for greater exploration. The dry season brings animals out of the dense jungle to the water’s edge.
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Ecuador Top Tips From Our Travel Experts
Mike Waldon-Smith
Napo Wildlife Centre offers an incredible wildlife experience in the only protected part of the Ecuadorian Amazon, with numerous monkeys, tropical birds, giant otters and caimans in full view. Be sure to visit the fascinating Cultural Centre which gives you a window into how the local community lives.
Ed Bailey
One of the most untouched areas of the 'lungs of the world' - the Ecuadorian Amazon is often overlooked on trips to Ecuador due to the popularity of the Galapagos Islands. Why not do both and experience a completely different environment with world class opportunities to watch wildlife.
Elliott Fisher
The Old Town is the nicest part of Quito with lots of lovely architecture, shops, markets and historical buildings to have a look at. Be sure to include a trip on the Telefonica - a cable car that goes up one of the mountains which gives you amazing views over the city and the rolling mountains which surround it.
Ecuador Fast Facts
Tales from the Trail
Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team
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