True Latin America Presents

Ecuador and The Galapagos

True Travel - Member of LATA

Hand-crafted Travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

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.

  • Experience the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Island on a journey through extraordinary wildlife enjoying guided tours and snorkelling adventures.
  • Explore the colonial architecture and culture of Quito, visiting iconic landmarks like the San Francisco Church and La Compañia Church, popular for its spanish and baroque style.
  • Venture into Cotopaxi National Park and enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, or simply soaking in the views of famous volcanoes like Chimborazo and Tungurahua.
  • Enjoy a scenic train ride on the Devil’s Cauldron to enjoy the stunning views of the Andean landscapes, a unique perspective of Ecuador’s highland scenery.
  • Explore the Galapagos Islands from an expedition aboard a luxurious yacht with guided excursions for unique wildlife and natural wonders.

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.

A True Galapagos Itinerary

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

10 Day Itinerary

Guide Price: £6,400pp

Guide Price: $7,600pp

8 Day Itinerary

Guide Price: £5,500pp

Guide Price: $6,600pp

11 Day Itinerary

Guide Price: £9,600pp

Guide Price: $11,500pp

True Experiences In the Galapagos Islands

Across Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, there are a variety of memorable experiences to encounter, across the land and ocean.

Our Featured Galapagos Vessels

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.

Accommodation in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Hotspots in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

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.

Isabela Islands

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.

Our Destination expertise

True Latin America

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.

Latin America Video Placeholder
Play Video about Latin America Video Placeholder
Evie Oswald - True Travel

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.

Ecuador and the Galapagos Journal

Journal

How to explore the Amazon in luxury

Brazil, Ecuador, Peru
Journal

What to expect on a luxury cruise in the Galapagos

Journal

The Ultimate South America Bucket List Experiences

Guides

When is the Best Time to Go to The Galapagos?

Galapagos
Journal

A Spotlight on the Galapagos

Galapagos

Start Planning

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.
Travel Plans & Ideas
Travel Details

Contact Information

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Weekly travel inspiration, news and updates from our team of travel specialists

Sign up