Ecuador & Galapagos
COLOURFUL COMMUNITIES: Indian woman in a hat, Otavalo, Ecuador
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands have almost an embarrassment of riches, an influence and reputation far beyond their physical size.
Natural beauties range from the world's deepest and densest rainforest in the east, across mountain landscapes patchworked into tiny fields by indigenous Indians, over the world's second-highest volcano and skim Pacific waters to Darwin's 'Natural Laboratory' of the Galapagos.
Offering the best of Latin America in miniature, within its compact borders Ecuador contains everything a traveller could wish for in abundance. Its national parks and wildlife reserves include some of the richest Amazon jungle to the east of the Andes, and the high-altitude forests of Cotopaxi's volcanic flanks. Overlaying this natural beauty, Ecuador also has a cultural depth unequalled elsewhere in South America, with stately colonial buildings in the world's highest capital, Quito, and a dramatic mountainous landscape, where thriving Indian communities throng local markets and proudly maintain their ancient cultures.
However the highlight more often then not are the Galapagos islands, an archipelago of national parks nearly a thousand kilometres offshore. Darwin's living laboratory is a world apart, exceptional for its fearless and exceptional wildlife. Any visitor to the islands can swim with a sea lion, paddle alongside a penguin, be amused by the ?fool' booby bird and watch a 200 kg giant tortoise wallowing in the swamps of Santa Cruz Island. The wildlife is truly unparalleled, the landscape barren, volcanic and markedly beautiful. Never connected with the continent, the islands contain many endemic (only found in the Galapagos) species; a quarter of the shore fish, half of the plants and almost all of the reptiles are found nowhere else.
Lying on the Equator, 600 miles west of Ecuador, the Galapagos consist of 18 islands and over 40 small islets. Discovered in 1535 by the Bishop of Panama drifting off course on his way to Peru, the Galapagos Islands provided water and fresh food (giant tortoises) for buccaneers and whalers for over three centuries. Ecuador officially claimed the Archipelago in 1832 and Charles Darwin, the islands' most famous visitor, arrived in 1835 on HMS Beagle where he was inspired to write his theory of evolution. Officially declared a national park in 1959, today the islands represent one of the most unique places on Earth.
The Galapagos are a two-hour flight from Quito or Guayaquil. Whilst there are seasonal variations, the islands are a year-round destination.
A&K Recommends
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Central and South America | Ecuador and The Galapagos
Duration: 16 days
Quito (1nt) - Cuenca (3nts) - Guayaquil (1nt) - Galapagos Cruise (7nts) - Otavalo (2nts) - Quito (1nt)
• Cuenca, ‘the most beautiful city in Ecuador’
• Magical Galapagos Islands
• Colourful market towns
• The flora and fauna of Cajas and Cuicocha
• Traditional haciendas
SPECIAL OFFER: Reduced Rates (Gold)
Active | Culture | Wildlife
from £3,675 per person
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Central and South America | Peru
Duration: 17 days
Lima (1nt) - Cusco (2nts) - Machu Picchu (1nt) - Cusco (2nts) - Quito (2nts) - Galapagos Cruise (7nts) - Quito (1nt)
• Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu
• Cruise the unique wildlife islands of the Galapagos
• Visit the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco
SPECIAL OFFER: Reduced Rates (Gold)
Active | Culture | Wildlife
from £4,595 per person
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Central and South America | Ecuador and The Galapagos | Galapagos
24 rooms
Discover the Galapagos Islands on board one of the finest small cruise ships in the islands. Owner operated and managed, the Eclipse allows the more discerning traveller to experience one ...
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from £335 per person per night
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Central and South America | Ecuador and The Galapagos | Galapagos
20 rooms
La Pinta, the Spanish name for Abington Island, is a new luxury yacht with a capacity for 32 guests all accommodated in outside cabins on the upper deck. Facilities include ...
from £370 per person per night
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Central and South America | Ecuador and The Galapagos | Galapagos
46 rooms
The Santa Cruz is the only ship built exclusively for Galapagos Island cruising. Renowned for its excellent standards, including good service, expert crew and knowledgeable guides, the Santa Cruz is ...
Family Friendly
from £292 per person per night
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Central and South America | Ecuador and The Galapagos | Otavalo
25 rooms
Offering a taste of rural life and an insight into Ecuador’s colourful past, these restored haciendas were originally built as farmhouses on the grand estates of the colonial era. Their ...
from £48 per person per night
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Central and South America | Ecuador and The Galapagos | Galapagos
20 rooms
The Eric, Letty & Flamingo are three 20-passenger motor yachts that travel together. Each yacht is similar in design and has air-conditioned cabins, briefing area, see-through kayaks and sun deck. ...
SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Discount:
Family Friendly
from £242 per person per night
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Central and South America | Ecuador and The Galapagos | Galapagos
20 rooms
Recently refurbished, Isabella II is fully air-conditioned with 20 outside cabins. Elegant and well appointed, her three decks offer a saloon, dining room and sun deck. She carries a crew ...
from £342 per person per night
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Central and South America | Ecuador and The Galapagos | Amazon
Duration: 4 days
Napo (3nts)
• Unique wildlife experience
• Wonderful Amazon setting
• Jungle trekking
• 50ft viewing tower
Active | Culture | Wildlife
from £698 per person
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Central and South America | Ecuador and The Galapagos | Galapagos
8 rooms
Anahi offers the exclusivity of a small vessel, fast cruising speeds and unparalleled catamaran stability. Her eight cabins have air-conditioning and picture windows. There is a Jacuzzi, bar and lounge, ...
from £270 per person per night