Ecuador
Many people overlook mainland Ecuador en-route to and from the Galapagos Islands, and this is truly a shame. Our private Ecuador tours show you a small country with incredible biodiversity and distinct regions all worth discovering.
There is just so much to do in Ecuador. In the Andean highlands, indigenous villages and excellent hiking opportunities abound. The vast Amazon rainforest features intimate and wild nature experiences accessed via jungle hikes and canoe rides. The Pacific coast has its own chill rhythms, where laid-back beach towns and waves attract international backpackers and surfers. And, of course, the infamous Galapagos Islands offer visitors unequalled, face-to-face experiences with unique wildlife, plus the chance to do some of the most luxurious island-hopping the world has to offer.
Each of our private in Ecuador tours is masterfully choreographed with special local access and impeccable service.
This is our craft. Our commitment.
FOUNDER
a bit about
Ecuador
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The historical center has cobblestoned streets, expansive plazas, and impressive churches and monasteries that reveal a mix of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous influences. In this neighborhood, you will find a few heritage boutique hotels and a 5-star beautifully restored historic mansion, all of which have a lot of local flair. Ecuador's coastal cuisine is seafood-heavy and ranges from the famous ceviche, or raw fish marinated and "cooked" in citrus, to seafood simmered in coconut and garlic lime sauces. The coast also uses a lot of plantains and the bolon de verde, or fried green plantain dumpling stuffed with cheese, is a staple breakfast item. In the Andean region, you will find much more pork, yucca, potatoes and varieties of corn, from fresh corn humitas to fried or baked whole pig, to llapingachos, or fried mashed potato pancakes. Due to the chillier climate in the highlands, soups are also core to the Ecuadorian Andean diet, and of course the cuy, or guinea pig, is considered a local delicacy. The Amazonian cuisine of Ecuador incorporates a lot of exotic fruits, yucca, plantains and river fish. The most typical dish from this region is maito, or slow-steamed fish in bijao leaves. Ecuadorian cuisine is truly a feast for the senses!
There are approximately 800 species of fish, 350 species of reptiles, including anacondas and iguanas, over 300 species of mammals, including monkeys and jaguars, thousands of species of plants, trees and insects and an estimated 1600 species of birds - more than double the number of all of North America. With trained guides you can take in all of these natural wonders all day and unwind in one of the area’s comfortable lodges. Kids of all ages especially love the rainforest as there are unique, one-of-a-kind experiences in the jungle which you will never have the opportunity to enjoy elsewhere, like seeing a chattering troop of wild monkeys pass overhead. Enjoy a half-hour flight or 5-hour drive from Quito to the exquisite biodiversity of the Amazon Basin. The renowned Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, unique to Ecuador, is believed by many to be home to the most diverse set of species on the Earth. Take in Ecuador’s legendary bird watching, including the spectacular toucans, macaws and tanagers. Visit the home the Taromenane and the Tagaeri tribes, who remain untouched by the modern world within the borders of the Yasuní National Park. Savor the region's traditional cooking in the Amazon, visit the pristine Yasuní National Park, where a controversial oil reserve lies underneath, or the Sumaco Napo-Galeras, Cayambe-Coca and Llanganates nationally protected parks of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The protected Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is home to the beautiful Garza Cocha Lake.
Due to the variations in altitude from its position on the Equator and close proximity to the Andes Mountains, Ecuador contains nearly all of the climate steps in the world. It is also a wonderful place to watch and identify many species of birds including the country’s distinctive, brightly colored colibries (hummingbirds). The colibries are found in nearly every type of habitat from sea level to the country’s city centers to the high altitude Andean regions and 5000-meter glaciers. Marvel at these attractive birds’ ability to survive high up in the Andes by diminishing their heart rate and dropping body temperature by 25° Celsius to conserve energy in the cold and often freezing paramo nights.
The impressive Avenue of the Volcanoes links the capital, Quito, to the colonial cities of southern Ecuador, including architectural gems such as Cuenca. Wild mountain scenery and indigenous villages, untouched by contemporary life, make for a fascinating journey into the past when travelling through these dramatic southern highlands. Ecuador is a playground for adventure enthusiasts. Banos, at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, is the country's adventure mecca, where travelers can find adrenaline-pumping activities like puenting (bridge jumping), canyoning, excellent whitewater rafting, downhill biking, rock climbing, zip-lining, parasailing and more.
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These itineraries are known as ‘Best Value’ because they have been meticulously crafted, thoroughly tested, and vetted by our team. By choosing a “Best value” itinerary your trip will include private tours, seamless transfers, and knowledgeable guides, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations of high quality. To offer you the best possible pricing, these trips are priced as they are. However, should you wish to make any changes to the itinerary such as changing a destination, our team can customize the trip.
If you are seeking something around your interests or something unique, you can ask one of our specialists to create a unique trip just for you!. No detail is too small. From upscale accommodations and food to the guides chosen for you, all our partners exemplify a high-end approach to customer service. Let us stitch together a masterful itinerary with seamless travel connections.
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The Anakonda is the only luxury boutique cruise of Ecuador’s untamed Amazon. Leisurely cruising an area of astounding biodiversity…
Thank you so much for the book on Atacama Latin Excursions gave us. The photos are wonderful and it will indeed remind us of our trip. Thank you also for the lovely anniversary surprise waiting for us in Quito. It was the perfect ending to a long day of travel. The personal knowledge you and the travel agencies you work through brought to this trip really made it special It truly did exceed our expectations.”
~ Maryls & Dutch Stapelbroek Ecuador 2017/2022
