1. Incredible Bird and Wildlife
Ecuador packs in an incredible diversity of ecosystems – from the Galápagos Islands' unique wildlife to the pacific coast, the high Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest. Not many places can offer such rich biodiversity and the opportunity to encounter so many unique species.
The Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are probably the best known of Ecuador's wildlife havens. Here you'll find endemic species, like the giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. Imagine snorkelling with Galapagos penguins, zooming around your flippers and chilled out sealions snoozing on the back of your boat. I remember a blue-footed boobie walking up the path directly towards our group, as I struggled to change my camera lens in time (having originally used a telephoto lens, which never made it out of the bag again)
I'd highly recommend spending at least a week to sail around the islands, as each area offers something different. We encountered hammerhead sharks only once and fleetingly, but it was the most exciting moment when they swam below us. I snorkelled alongside a serene turtle moving effortlessly through the water. A smaller vessel gives you more space and time to enjoy each stop and a more intimate experience. You can expect to hop off your boat a few times each day for either walking or snorkelling opportunities, to be greeted by warm towels, snacks and drinks upon your return. Evenings are filled with shared meals and conversation with your fellow travellers and educational talks from your guide. If sailing is not your thing, there are excellent land-based experiences on Galapagos too, you're able to travel between islands by boat and you'll have more time to explore the islands independently.
Exploring the Amazon rainforest provides a glimpse into another world, with a vast array of flora and fauna, such as elusive jaguars, otters, bright macaws, and pink river dolphins. There are incredible amazon lodges such as the Napo Cultural Centre, who offer wildlife viewing, alongside an opportunity to spend time with the Kichwa community. This community decided to focus on eco-tourism as a means of preserving their heritage, support their people and conserve wildlife. When choosing an Amazon lodge consider the types of experiences available, some will offer canoe and kayak trips, night and canopy walks, also ask about the sustainability initiatives. You might even try to spot Pink River Dolphins in the Cuyabeno reserve during a stay at Jamu Lodge.
Visit more off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as Mindo's cloud forests with a stay at Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge to view hummingbirds, toucans and nocturnal mammals on guided walks.
2. Rich Culture and Heritage
Immerse yourself in Ecuador's rich culture. You can explore one of South America's biggest indigenous market at Otavalo, or visit one of the smaller markets at Ambato, Saquisilí or one of the smaller villages on your journey. You will find handicrafts, jewellery and textiles. Markets are a great place to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy local music and of course, the food. Be sure to leave plenty of space in your bag, so you can spend locally and bring back some lovely souvenirs.
You could witness traditional ceremonies, by taking part in community-based tourism activities, where the local people share their history and culture with you.
Depending on when you visit, you could experience a range of festivals and celebrations, such as the Inti Raymi in mid-June, Carnival in mid-February, the Diablada and the Mama Negra Festival.
Take time to wander the highest capital city of Quito, standing at 2850m and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to take in the views from Panecillo hill and visit the middle of the world complex and museum, where you can cross the Equator.
Head to Cuenca, home to the original Panama hat and a beautiful town to explore.
3. Stunning Landscapes
Ecuador has it all, and is a dream location for walkers, riders and photographers. The mighty Andes mountain range cuts through the country, with snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and high-altitude plateaus. Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, stands as a prominent icon amid this dramatic landscape. This is a great setting for an incredible horse riding trip or a big hike. I spend a few days riding at the gorgeous Hacienda La Alegria. Riding through cobblestone villages and forests, my horse Caramelo was a dream.
Descending from the Andes, the Amazon rainforest blankets vast swathes of the country's eastern region, teeming with an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. To the west, Ecuador's coastal region offers serene beaches, rugged cliffs, and mangrove forests. Here, visitors can witness humpback whales breaching off the coast of Puerto López or explore the biodiversity of the Machalilla National Park.
The Galápagos Islands, stand as an ecological marvel, with otherworldly landscapes featuring volcanic craters, lava tunnels, and pristine beaches. This archipelago is a living laboratory of evolution.
4. Delicious Food
As a vegetarian travelling in Ecuador, I would highly recommend the Humitas, a traditional snack made from creamed sweetcorn, onions, and spices and wrapped in the corn’s husk or a vegetable empanada - basically a pasty, but absolutely delicious.
Fresh, local ingredients stand out in Ecuador and specialities include Ceviche - raw seafood, marinated in lime juice, onions, tomato or llapingachos - potato pancakes stuffed with cheese, served with a peanut sauce. You'll find exotic fruits in the markets. Enjoy traditional dishes like encebollado - which is a hearty fish soup with yuca, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, often eaten as a breakfast or a claimed hangover cure.
Of course, Ecuador is known for its production of chocolate and coffee, so be sure to sample some.
5. Commitment to Sustainability
Ecuador prioritises sustainability and responsible tourism and it feels as though sustainability comes naturally to Ecuadorian life. You'll find eco-friendly accommodations, ethical wildlife encounters, and as a traveller have a chance to support conservation efforts aimed at preserving the country's natural wonders. A couple of things you might consider when planning a trip to Ecuador is to:
Spend time in the lesser known regions, the Galapagos is the most popular destination, but Ecuador's mainland has so much to offer.
Participate in community-based tourism initiatives, this gives you the best experience and ensures that local people benefit most from tourism.
Spend money in local markets and shops.
Choose smaller vessels in the Galapagos, which have less impact on the environment and spend time on land to support the local communities.
Keep your distance from wildlife at all times, give them the space they need and deserve.
Always ask before taking photos of indigenous people, if you're in a market you could buy something first.
When to go?
Ecuador is a year-round destination and you can visit any time, though the climate varies according to the region, so it largely depends on what you'd like to do and see.
January to May are the wetter months, and the Amazon will be particularly wet. You'll find the waters around Galapagos are calmer and warmer around this time. For beach lovers, this is a great time to visit the coast. I visited the Galapagos in March and the weather was bright, sunny and warm.
June to September makes the most of wildlife viewing, and the drier season in both the high Andean mountains regions and the Amazon rainforest region. Expect colder temperatures at higher altitudes. The winds start the rise in the Galapagos. It becomes cooler, there are more waves and visibility for diving is lower.
October to December is a popular time to visit and it's important to book early if visiting for the holidays. The Galapagos waters are becoming calmer again. In October you'll see the playful sealion pups and blue-footed boobies raising their chicks.
How do get there?
A tailor-made tour will ensure you get the ideal trip for your interests, budget and style; whether you're looking for a tour to explore bird and wildlife, a hiking trip or a photography tour. I can design a tour which suits your requirements.
For a small group adventures, check out Intrepid Travel's Ecuador Highlands and Galapagos
or a National Geographic tour with G Adventures Ecuador: Amazon, Hot Springs and Volcanos
I work with a range of small group operators and local suppliers who have a strong focus on sustainability, responsible wildlife encounters and community-based tourism.
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