Ecuador: High Andes, Cloud Forests & Stunning Islands

Ecuador may be small, but it’s one of the most diverse places on Earth. In a single journey, you can wander colonial streets in Quito, climb into the Andes, drift through cloud forests alive with hummingbirds, meet Indigenous communities shaping the future of sustainable tourism, and then end the trip sailing through the otherworldly Galápagos.

It’s a country rich in warmth, history and dramatic landscapes. Ecuador suits travellers who enjoy variety mountains one day, rainforest the next, and sea lions sunbathing at your feet by the end of the week.

Highlights of Your Ecuador Journey

Quito & The Andes

A city of cobblestone plazas, brilliant churches and Andean culture. From here, you can head into the Avenue of the Volcanoes, visit artisan markets in Otavalo, walk around crater lakes, or enjoy a relaxed hacienda stay with farm-to-table meals and beautiful mountain views.

Cloud Forest

Only a couple of hours from Quito lies a completely different world – dense, mossy forest filled with orchids, butterflies and birdlife. This is a wonderful place to slow down, walk shaded trails, enjoy spa time, and learn about conservation from local naturalists. Expect peaceful lodges, incredible birdwatching and fresh local food.

The Amazon

Ecuador’s Amazon is one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet. You can stay in comfortable eco-lodges along quiet tributaries, paddle down creeks looking for monkeys, and learn about ancient traditions from Indigenous communities who protect these forests.

Galápagos Islands

A once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you choose a small expedition yacht or a relaxed eco-lodge on land, the wildlife encounters are extraordinary with blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins and sea lions. The islands are strictly protected, so each day is spent with expert naturalists who help bring it all to life.

Cuenca & The Southern Andes

A calm, heritage-rich city full of markets, museums and riverside charm. From here, you can visit national parks, artisan villages, and family-run weaving workshops that keep centuries-old traditions alive.

Off the Beaten Track 

Ecuador rewards those who take the slower, quieter routes. You might explore a working cacao farm, stay in a remote paramo lodge overlooking sweeping Andean plains, or spend a day with local communities preserving ancient agriculture and craft.

We also love weaving in conservation experiences whether in the Amazon, cloud forest or the Galápagos so travellers can understand the real heartbeat of the country.

Cuisine & Culture

Ecuador’s food scene is shaped by altitude and landscape: fresh ceviche on the coast, roasted corn and warming soups in the highlands, cacao-rich desserts, and fruit you’ve probably never heard of. There’s a strong sense of local pride here, and meals are both comforting and full of flavour.

Indigenous culture is a natural part of daily life. Markets, music, textiles, and community-led guiding bring you closer to the people who make Ecuador so special.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round. Ecuador’s climate shifts by region rather than season.

• Galápagos: excellent any time

• Andes: clear skies June–September

• Amazon: warm and humid year-round

• Cloud forest: evergreen and misty, always atmospheric

Our Top Tips

Mix your regions – Ecuador is small enough to explore several landscapes without long travel days.

Choose smaller lodges – local, nature-led properties offer the most meaningful experiences.

The Galápagos is best booked early – the top yachts and lodges fill quickly, especially for high season.

Regional Highlight: Peru

Ecuador pairs beautifully with Peru, just a short flight away.

Combine the wildlife and contrasts of Ecuador with Peru’s Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Amazon lodges, colonial cities and world-famous food. It’s an ideal two-country journey for travellers wanting depth, variety and culture.