Glaciated mountains in the Andes or wildlife extravaganzas in the Galapagos, Ecuador has it covered
Ecuador Tours
It is often the smallest countries that reveal the greatest variety. Although Ecuador is – by South American standards – a small country both in area and in population, there’s a wealth of experiences on offer within its borders. On Ecuador holidays, there’s a lot to take in, from the Andes to the Amazon Rainforest, some of the best Pacific beaches in South America and even the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands.
The Pan-American Highway, which meanders through the central part of the country, is known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes, and much of the highlands are quite fertile here: the most typical view you’ll see on Ecuador tours will be of brightly snow-capped volcanic cones jutting out above the high páramo (the high-altitude moorland unique to tropical America) and the heavily terraced and cultivated fields of the rich farmlands. It’s an adventure-seeker’s paradise and Exodus runs a range of exciting walking and wildlife Ecuador holidays.
The backbone of Ecuador is the Andean Cordillera, a continuous chain of glaciated peaks and snow-capped volcanoes that stretches some 650km from Colombia in the north to Peru in the south. The country’s capital, Quito, is a colonial city of around a million inhabitants nestled 2850m up in the mountains and overlooked by Pichincha volcano; its lively and cosmopolitan feel is quite a contrast to the more traditional indigenous communities that dot the highlands. The varied terrain in the Ecuadorian Andes makes the mountains perfect for walkers, with treks ranging form gentle day walks to the tough ascent of Cayambe. The fabled Devil’s Nose train ride is a stunning journey through eye-popping scenery.
Charles Darwin and countless of his successors have been enthralled by the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. Each of the individual volcanic islands is home to unique species of birds, plants and animals, and the marine environment is equally diverse. Although humans have lived on the Galapagos for many years, the animals do not see them as natural predators, and so any walk on the islands is guaranteed to bring you into close contact with blue-footed boobies, the lumbering Galápagos tortoise, marine iguanas and albatross.
To the west of the Andes, the vast expanse of the Amazon Basin stretches to the border with Brazil and far beyond until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. The rainforest is an amazing sensory overload – all at once you’ll be taking in the sights of huge trees and brightly coloured birds, the sounds of insects and animals, the smells of unique flora and the perpetually damp earth.
Ecuador’s little-visited coastal lowlands offer some of the best Pacific beaches in South America, as well as the down-to-earth attractions of its largest city, Guayaquil – a major port with a colourful historic section and an almost Caribbean atmosphere. Just off the coast and easily accessible from the fishing village of Puerto López, Isla la Plata is known for its variety of bird and animal life.
Machu Picchu and Galapagos.
This was an absolutely phenomenal trip. We went in April/May 2026 and we were fortunate to be in a group of 12 extremely friendly people. Everyone was very helpful to their fellow travellers.
As the tour details state, this is moderate level. It is not for the feint of heart (or lungs, muscles, stamina, etc.)…lol. You will be continually on the go. If you do not suffer from FOMO, then you could to take a couple of breaks from the group and relax. Otherwise, it’s a very active itinerary. You get to see so many things that you certainly would not see if you were to book something on your own. By staying at local accommodations, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
The Inca Trail hike was a bit of a challenge for me, but everyone survived it and was very supportive of each other and their limitations. Machu Picchu was awe-inspiring and we were fortunate to be there on a sunny day. I loved the city of Cusco, with its many attractions. It’s small enough that you can walk and see many of the wonders available.
Quito was a bit of a short stay. It was great to see some of the local culture, and to enjoy the experience from our visit to the Equator.
Galapagos was on my bucket list, and I’d go back there in a heartbeat. By staying at hotels on the different islands, we were able to partake in some local culture after our daily excursions. Everything was very well organized, for boats, buses, planes, etc. etc. that we had to access. The wildlife in Galapagos is amazing. We got to see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, penguins…I could go on forever.
This was a remarkable tour and Exodus did an outstanding job of organizing such an incredible experience.
This was my first solo long-haul adventure and I felt privileged and grateful to be immersed in such a unique, fragile and important environment. The wildlife was abundant and spectacular – on land, air and sea. The boat accommodation was excellent and the guide and crew were always on hand, helpful and good-humoured.
This trip surpassed expectations, travelled early May . Covers 4 islands ( with stays ) plus another as a day visit . Lots of snorkeling and one long hike ( volcano Sierra Negra ) , others are short duration of couple hours . Lots of marine wildlife and land wildlife. Sea lions in abundance , very playful and curious. Swam with penguins, sea lions , hammerhead sharks, turtles, copious amounts of fish , many types of birds seen ( obviously including blue footed boobies) , lots of marine iguanas .
As long as you’re vigilant and take care of your belongings in Ecuador, the country is a reasonably safe place to travel. Lying on the South American coast, Ecuador boasts a diverse landscape and is home to the Galapagos Islands, Amazon Jungle and Spanish colonial centre. So, there’s plenty of things to see and amazing experiences to be had for tourists seeking adventure. Its social infrastructure and transport are well developed, making it easier for tourists to explore the country.
What is the best month to go to Ecuador?
Many of our Ecuador tours are centred around the wildlife, with trips to places like the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest, so depending on where you want to visit, the best months to go will vary.
Any season is a good time to go to the Galapagos Islands as you’ll witness an abundance of wildlife year-round. Late May through to December is considered the dry season but there’s still a chance of light rain. It’s best to plan Ecuador tours around the wildlife highlights. If you want to see the famous green sea turtles laying their eggs, January is the best time to visit but if you’re keen to watch the mesmerising courtship of the blue-footed boobies, then opt for May. In April, the eggs of the green sea turtles begin to hatch, and rookeries of albatross begin their courtship rituals. Or head to Ecuador in July if you want to go whale and dolphin watching around the western islands.
What can you see in Ecuador for 10 days?
You can pack a lot into 10 days on our Ecuador tours, especially if you’re visiting the Galapagos Islands. Sail around the islands either by catamaran or boat, visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre and learn about the islands’ history, enjoy guided nature walks and witness an array of wildlife while snorkelling, kayaking or on Zodiac rides.
Alternatively, explore the mainland of Ecuador with nature tours of the jungle, volcanoes and coast. You can also visit Ecuador’s capital, Quito, stay overnight in a cloud forest reserve, take a boat through the mangroves and go deep into the Amazon Rainforest to mingle with monkeys, sloths, macaws and other wonderful wildlife.
Is Ecuador cheap to travel?
Prices for Ecuador tours can vary greatly depending on what you want to see and do whilst you’re there and how long you stay. If you want to stay in premium and comfortable accommodation and enjoy a wide range of activities during your trip, the cost of a guided holiday can range from £4,000 – £8,500. At Exodus we select the best accommodation possible and include lots of activities and tours led by expert guides.
How many days are needed in Ecuador?
Between 9 and 14 days is a good amount of time to spend in Ecuador as it allows you to see the highlights at a relatively leisurely pace. This will give you the opportunity to discover the diversity of the country, delve into the history and witness a vast range of wildlife on Ecuador tours.
