Ecuador, one of the most biodiverse countries in South America, offers captivating landscapes and diverse cultural experiences.
Quito, the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cultural scene. In the Andes, you will find picturesque haciendas and traditional market towns, while the Amazon Rainforest boasts incredible biodiversity and rich indigenous cultures. The Galapagos Islands attract visitors year-round with their unique wildlife and pristine landscapes. From December to May, the islands offer the best opportunities to encounter marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and other marine life. Ecuador and the Galapagos provide a journey through some of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders and cultural treasures, making it a must-visit destination for any traveller.
Throughout the year, the wildlife of the Galapagos grows and evolves with the seasons. Starting in January, land iguanas begin to mate and land birds begin to nest. In February, head to Santa Cruz island to watch marine iguanas begin their nest before they move to Seymour Island and Fernandina Island in March.
Come April, the Waved Albatross flocks will have migrated to Espanola island and in May the blue footed booby will display their mating dance on Seymour island.
If you’re looking to get up close and personal with sea lions during your time in the Galapagos, mating season begins across the archipelago in May with pups being born in August across the central and western islands. They become more inquisitive of humans as they get older and you’ll find around November they may begin to approach you as your explore their native habitat
Whales can be spotted throughout the year in the Galapagos with whale sharks swimming towards the north west of the islands in June, in July they move towards Wolf and Darwin islands and in September, humpback whales can be spotted off the northwestern islands.
Currency: US Dollar
Local Time: GTM + 6
Galapagos
Quito
Travelling to the Galapagos Islands with True
It is vital to pick the right boat or lodge that will match your passions. The good news is that True Travel has done the research, and we know every vessel and eco-lodge inside out.
Our travel design process starts with you and your ideas, each trip created from a blank piece of paper.
Our Latin America specialists have created a selection of example itineraries to provide a sense of what can be crafted for you in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
10 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £6,000pp
Guide Price: $7,200pp
Experience Ecuador’s diverse highlights by blending Quito’s colonial architecture with the natural spectacles of the Amazon and the Andes. From birdwatching, river trips and nature trails to waterfalls and volcanoes, this is the ultimate trip into nature.
10 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £6,400pp
Guide Price: $7,600pp
Discover Ecuador’s blend of colonial charm in Quito, natural wonders in the Cloud Forest, and Andean hospitality at a family hacienda, offering a rich tapestry of culture, nature, and tradition.
8 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £5,500pp
Guide Price: $6,600pp
Blend land and sea experiences together. Stay at a working Andean farm, featuring chocolate production and adventure trails and then unwind at a beachfront retreat on Santa Cruz Island, with boat trips to explore the extraordinary island ecosystem.
11 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £9,600pp
Guide Price: $11,500pp
Set sail on a luxury expedition around the scenic Galapagos islands, where a variety of activities on the crystal-clear waters await, from snorkelling to surfing. Witness the islands’ rich biodiversity, thriving both above and below the waters.
Duration: 10 Days
Guide Price: $7,200pp
Guide Price: £6,000pp
Destination:Â
Experience Ecuador’s diverse highlights by blending Quito’s colonial architecture with the natural spectacles of the Amazon and the Andes. From birdwatching, river trips and nature trails to waterfalls and volcanoes, this is the ultimate trip into nature.
Duration: 10 Days
Guide Price: $7,600pp
Guide Price: £6,400pp
Destination:Â
Discover Ecuador’s blend of colonial charm in Quito, natural wonders in the Cloud Forest, and Andean hospitality at a family hacienda, offering a rich tapestry of culture, nature, and tradition.
Duration: 8 Days
Guide Price: $6,600pp
Guide Price: £5,500pp
Blend land and sea experiences together. Stay at a working Andean farm, featuring chocolate production and adventure trails and then unwind at a beachfront retreat on Santa Cruz Island, with boat trips to explore the extraordinary island ecosystem.
Duration: 11 Days
Guide Price: $11,500pp
Guide Price: £9,600pp
Set sail on a luxury expedition around the scenic Galapagos islands, where a variety of activities on the crystal-clear waters await, from snorkelling to surfing. Witness the islands’ rich biodiversity, thriving both above and below the waters.
Duration: 12 Days
Guide Price: $19,800pp
Guide Price: £15,600pp
Starting in the capital of Ecuador, Quito, to the Andes and onto the Galapagos Islands, discover the rich flavours of Ecuadorian cuisine from the markets to five star dining.
Perfect For:Â
Duration: 8 Days
Guide Price: $9,500pp
Guide Price: £7,900pp
Destination:Â
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Galapagos to marvel at a world teeming with wildlife, from playful sea lions to a diverse bird species, all while learning about the history and customs in these incredible islands.
Across Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, there are a variety of memorable experiences to encounter, across the land and ocean.
To ensure your trip exploring the Galapagos is the most memorable it can be, it is important to select the best boat to travel on. True Travel partners with the very best.
Each trip True Travel curate is based on the experience you are looking for and as an independent travel operator, we are not obliged or committed to any properties. You can rest safe in the knowledge that the accommodation we recommend for your stay has been chosen based on your interests, not ours.
Featured
The first ultra-luxury cruise in the Galapagos Islands with space for just 20 guests, Via Natura’s new offering offers comfort, intimacy and an unrivalled level of service to your voyage around the Galapagos Islands.
Featured
These luxury yachts are our favourites in the Galapagos. The Origin, Theory and Evolve vessels deliver the perfect balance of luxury onboard, and exceptional guiding off-board.
Featured
The handpicked crew is a team of highly experienced chefs, sailors and naturalist guides dedicated to giving their guests the very best experience of these magnificent islands.
With its commitment to sustainability and exceptional service, the Anakonda Amazon Cruise provides a unique way to experience the wonders of the Amazon.
Anyone in search of a remote jungle adventure in the Amazon will not be disappointed by Sacha Lodge with an observation tower suspended 94 feet above ground.
Casa Gangotena is a beautifully restored mansion offering sweeping views of the city and a prime location for cultural exploration.
Located on the island of Santa Cruz, this oceanfront eco-hotel is moments from the beach and has a large swimming pool (where ducks and pelicans sometimes join in the fun for a dip)
Combine Ecuador’s cultural richness and natural wonders, with the enchanting Galápagos archipelago. Quito, the capital, boasts a blend of colonial and modern influences. The Galápagos Islands, a living laboratory of evolution, enchant with unique wildlife. Espanola (the most southernly) and Isabela (the largest) Islands both provide remarkable settings from which to explore.
The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is the one that looks remarkably like a seahorse from the air. At a mere one million years old, this volcanic island is considered a baby compared to its older island neighbours. Isabela Island is where you will find the beaches of soft, white sand fringed with palm treats and mangrove forests. Isabela is home to a dazzling array of tortoises, often a hit with young families. Flightless cormorants, finches and flamingoes also inhabit the island, making it a firm favourite with nature-lovers.
Taking care of your Latin America travel needs is Evie, our Senior Latin America Specialist. There are few people as passionate about the people and culture of the region, ensuring that in addition to the extraordinary destination highlights, you will experience the most authentic side of Latin America with a True Travel itinerary.
Evie has lived in Argentina and travelled countless times throughout Central and South America; acquiring a particular love for wildlife, epic scenery and endless outdoors adventures.
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