Tailormade Holidays in Ecuador & Galápagos

Tour Code: TECU

Ecuador, astride the equator on the western seaboard of South America, is a gem of a destination. Though a small country, it holds an exceptional variety of habitats that range from both its Amazonian and tropical Pacific lowlands to the cordillera of the High Andes, which runs from north to south down the spine of the country.

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Ecuador & the Galápagos with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

Ecuador – Birding Paradise

16 Days

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The Galápagos Islands

11 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

January to August, October to December

Best Time to Go

January to August, November to December

Speak to a Ecuador expert

Andy Tucker

Managing Director

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

The Galápagos Islands
Amazonian lowlands & Yasuni National Park
Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
Papallacta (Andean high páramo)
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Summary

With such a range and quality of scenery, short travel times and straightforward logistics, superlative birding and some of our favourite wildlife lodges anywhere on the continent, Ecuador offers all the ingredients for the perfect wildlife (and wildlife/cultural) holiday.

To the west of mainland Ecuador, far out in the Pacific Ocean, lie the extraordinary Galápagos Islands. Famously explored by Charles Darwin on the Voyage of the Beagle, these volcanic islands offer an iconic, once-in-a lifetime wildlife holiday, with strange lava fields, beautiful sandy bays and clear turquoise seas. However, it is the abundant and confiding wildlife that really sets these islands apart and makes them such a unique and enchanting wildlife destination.

Both mainland Ecuador (especially the Amazon) and the Galápagos can be ideal in combination, creating a most comprehensive holiday. But there’s more to consider – perhaps a visit to Cotopaxi Volcano, experience a colourful local market, or stay in a traditional Ecuadorian hacienda (country estate), where walking, horse-riding and cycling may be enjoyed as well as the wildlife.

Our Locations

San Isidro lies on the picturesque eastern Andean slope and is considered one of the best birding locations in the whole of South America; it offers, for the most part, a totally differing set of avifauna when compared to Mindo. Tumbling waterfalls cut through 1,300 hectares of lush pristine undergrowth cloudforest that supports such species as Bronzy Inca, Gorgeted Woodstar, Marbled-faced and Variegated Bristle-tyrants, White-bellied Antpitta, Emerald Toucanet, Highland Motmot, Black-chested Fruiteater and many others.

Accommodation in San Isidro

San Isidro Lodge

Details

Quito, Ecuador shutterstock_535492378.jpg

Quito, which lies at 2,700 metres and is the world’s second highest capital, is perhaps the most attractive of all the colonial capitals of South America. The city is located in a hollow at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and, on a clear day, the summits of the Andes provide an enviable backdrop. By South American standards it is a small city and it is easy to wander around the streets of the colonial city without becoming lost or being put off by the distances involved. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is well worth exploring its warren of narrow alleys and its colonial churches and sun-drenched plazas. Its climate is delightful!

Indigenous woman, Ecuador shutterstock_258614504.jpg

A stay at one of Ecuador’s traditional haciendas will allow you to relax and explore the country’s beautiful countryside while learning a little of the local cultures and traditions. These large estates also offer the opportunity for cycling, horse-riding and walking, as well as plenty of wildlife.

Pinnace Rock, Galapagos Shutterstock 265791809

For centuries ancient seafarers have recalled tales of the ‘Enchanted Isles’, and the unique landscapes and extraordinary fauna that reside there. However, it was Charles Darwin who first drew the Galápagos Islands to the world’s attention, as it was here that he first observed the fascinating changes and adaptations of the island finches which permitted him to formulate his theory of evolution. Thanks largely to an absence of predators and extreme isolation, this remote archipelago some 960 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, holds an extraordinary wealth of endemic species. The islands themselves also vary enormously in character – some being totally barren, receiving little rainfall, whilst others support areas of dense vegetation. Thus each island offers a very different experience, although the natural history of each is outstanding. Giant Tortoises, prehistoric looking Land and Marine Iguanas, and countless breeding seabirds are among the highlights; however, most appealing of all is the confiding nature of the islands’ creatures due to an absence of land-based predators, making the islands a photographer’s paradise.

One of the world’s natural wonders, the Galápagos are on the wish-list of most keen naturalists. So, whether you wish to make the Galápagos the main focus of your Ecuador holiday, or simply an extension to a mainland itinerary, we will ensure that your Galápagos experience is second-to-none!

Although it is possible to stay in a hotel on the Galápagos and take day-trips by boat from the islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz or San Cristobal (a good option for those who suffer badly from motion sickness), undoubtedly the best way to see the islands is by joining a live-aboard cruise vessel. At Naturetrek we operate several of our own exclusive Galápagos cruise charters each year but, if our departure dates don’t suit your itinerary, or if you would prefer a different type or style of boat, we can arrange for you to join one of the many cruises that operate in the islands. Days afloat generally include both morning and afternoon excursions ashore to explore the different islands, with the opportunity to snorkel and experience the fascinating underwater life of the Galápagos at some stage each day. Successful Galápagos wildlife cruises depend on several factors, including your choice of vessel, its deck plan and your choice of cabin, the quality of the cruise leader, the boat’s itinerary and your key objectives set against the timing of your visit. We will be delighted to assist with all of these questions, and more.

Accommodation in Galápagos Islands

Mindo is a small town in the Andes that lies at an altitude of just over 2,000 metres. The forested hills to the east of the town make up the Mindo- Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve and offer superb cloudforest birding. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded here and huge mixedspecies feeding flocks are not an uncommon sight. Andean Cock-of-the-rock takes pride of place among a range of species present only in north-western Ecuador and south-western Colombia, including Toucan Barbet and Gorgeted Sunangel; tanagers, too, are very well represented, with the gaudy Grass Green Tanager among the most striking. The Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary can also easily be visited from Mindo. This wet and steamy sanctuary forms part of the Chocó lowlands, a biosphere region stretching between Ecuador and Colombia. This is the best location outside Colombia to see numerous Chocó endemics such as Purple-chested Hummingbird, Doublebanded Graytail, Griscom’s Antwren, Stub-tailed Antbird, Black-tipped Cotinga, Slate-throated Gnatcatcher and Semiplumbeous Hawk. The reserve’s canopy tower also provides unprecedented views of the mixed flocks for which this area is famous.

Accommodation in Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve

Sachatamia Lodge

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Termas de Papallacta

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Western Pygmy Marmoset, Ecuador shutterstock_681224497.jpg

Ecotourism in the Amazonian lowlands of eastern Ecuador flourishes along the Napo River, Ecuador’s principal Amazonian tributary. Bordering the Napo’s south bank is Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest and best-conserved tract of Amazonian rainforest in the country; indeed it is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems found anywhere in the world. It covers a vast area of almost 10,000 square kilometres and is home to a number of indigenous tribes, some of which are still, even today, isolated from the rest of the world.

Accommodation in Amazonian Lowlands & Yasuni National Park

Napo Wildlife Centre

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Sacha Lodge

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Sample Itineraries

This exciting itinerary visits both eastern and western cloudforest slopes, the lowland rainforests and the high Andes – birding doesn’t get much better than this!

Day

Depart UK; arrive Quito

Days

2 - 4

Mindo

Day

Quito

Days

6 - 9

Amazonian lowlands (Sacha or Napo lodge)

Days

10 - 12

San Isidro

Days

13 - 14

Papallacta

Day

Depart Quito

Day

Arrive UK

16 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Option 1 – enjoy a couple of nights in a pleasant hacienda

Days

15 - 16

Cotopaxi (Hacienda La Cienaga)

Day

Depart Quito

Day

Arrive UK

Option 2 – there are plenty of other excursions possible. Our experts can arrange for you to visit a Cock-of-the-rock lek or you could even add on a Galápagos cruise.

Discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos. There are shorter cruises but we would recommend a minimum of one week to fully enjoy this truly remarkable archipelago.

Day

Depart UK; arrive Quito

Day

Quito

Days

3 - 9

Galápagos cruise

Day

Depart Galápagos

Day

Arrive UK

11 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Add variety by visiting one of the outstanding lowland Amazon lodges

Day

Quito

Days

11 - 14

Amazonian lowlands (Sacha or Napo lodges)

Day

Depart Quito

Day

Arrive UK

Reviews

Anita S, Oct 2025

We went with the intention of “making memories” (a toast proposed by my 16 year old grandson on our first night) and we made enough of those for a lifetime. You did me proud Naturetrek and I cannot thank you enough. What I enjoyed MOST was seeing the delight, wonder and excitement on the faces of my daughter and grandchildren, seeing them enjoying the wonders I had enjoyed on my previous visit.

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Good quality local naturalists are available at all of our selected Ecuador wildlife lodges. However, should you require an expert naturalist guide to accompany you throughout your Ecuador wildlife adventure we will be happy to arrange this for you.

When to Visit

Ecuador is a fantastic year-round destination although, with many different altitudes and environments, temperatures and precipitation vary significantly. Broadly speaking there are rainy and dry seasons. The highland dry season (the Andean winter) is from June until the end of September. In the eastern lowlands, it rains during most months, but August and the period from December to March are usually the driest. Both seasons have their advantages and disadvantages and it’s always best to talk to one of our experts so we can ensure that you visit at the time best suited to your interests and ambitions. In the Galápagos Islands the key wildlife species are present year-round, with the exception of the Waved Albatross, which is only present from May to December.

Getting Around

Nearly all of Ecuador’s best wildlife sites are within easy reach of one another, meaning short road journeys with each one not more than three hours long. These will be made by private car or minibus depending on how many people are travelling together. Visits to the Galápagos Islands can easily be incorporated into your Ecuador itinerary and flights depart regularly from Quito.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!