Tours of Ecuador

Darwins Ecuador: Andes to Galapagos

Tour Map of Darwins Ecuador: Andes to Galapagos

Straddling the equator on the Pacific coast, wedged between Colombia and Peru, the smallest of the Andean nations covers an area no bigger than 284,000 square kilometres. For all its diminutive size, however, the country is packed with the most startling contrasts of scenery, and the diversity of this tiny country is simply dazzling. Encompassing tropical islands, towering snow-capped peaks, cloud forests, and simmering jungle, visitors are treated to a variety of unique landscapes, and many say that Ecuador manages to capture an entire continent in one country. This trip incorporates traditional villages, bio-diverse cloud forests, colonial towns and the incredible volcanic Galapagos Islands, where the vast variety of flora and fauna will delight the nature lover and activity seeker alike.

From wildlife safaris in Africa to tiger tracking in India and visits to the chattering penguins of Antarctica, Explore offers a diverse range of wildlife adventures for everyone, whatever your passion. Join us in Spitsbergen in search of Polar bears or in Madagascar to see reclusive lemurs; experience face-to-face encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda or track elusive jaguars in Guyana. Search for the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo and elephant – in Africa’s world-famous game parks; or for the ultimate African wildlife experience join a walking safari, where the thrill of being on foot among the wildlife is second to none. Closer to home you could observe the rare European brown bear in Finland, the whales and dolphins of the Azores or the prolific birdlife of the Scottish islands. By exploring in small, inconspicuous groups you can not only get into the heart of the animal kingdom for exciting wildlife encounters, but also enjoy longer periods of relaxed observation with excellent opportunities for photography and video.

Volcanoes and Galapagos

Tour Map of Volcanoes and Galapagos

On this trip we combine the main highlights of Ecuador with a visit to the Enchanted Isles of the Galapagos. We visit bustling Indian markets in Latacunga and Otavalo, tour the colonial capital Quito and explore the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes. We also discover the captivating world of the Galapagos Archipelago as we search for rare species of wildlife.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

Ecuador Discovery

Tour Map of Ecuador Discovery

Explore the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' and discover the colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca on this exciting trip to Ecuador. We also visit Otavalo Market and discover Cotopaxi - one of the world's highest active volcanoes (5897m), search for wildlife in the Amazon and travel on the exciting Devil's Nose Railway.

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Tour Map of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

A land once ruled by the Inca, with a rich native Amerindian and Spanish colonial heritage, snow-capped volcanic peaks, dense Amazonian jungle and Andean highlands, Ecuador is one of South America’s most exciting and rewarding destinations. Discover the UNESCO-listed old towns of the capital, Quito, and charming Cuenca, stand in the mysterious Temple of the Sun at Ingapirca, where Inca priests celebrated the solstices and browse colourful markets where indigenous people sell their handmade textiles. Our Ecuadorian tour is followed with a four-night cruise through the incomparable Galapagos Islands, which hold a pivotal place in the history of science. Little changed since Charles Darwin, then resident naturalist aboard the Beagle, first stepped ashore in 1835, this remote archipelago is home to unique wildlife which has evolved over millennia to suit these particular habitats. Darwin’s research here culminated in his landmark work, ‘On the Origin of Species,’ and a visit to these astounding islands is the ultimate adventure for any nature lover.