From the enchanting islands of the Galapagos teeming with wildlife that allows you to get up-close, to the snow-dusted volcanoes of the Andean Highlands, Ecuador packs an amazing amount of experiences into an easy to travel to and family-friendly destination.

The centerpiece of any visit here must be the Galapagos Archipelago where opportunities for intimate wildlife viewing are exceptional. Whether you are hiking to an albatross nest with your expert, naturalist guide or snorkeling an off-shore reef with sea turtles and sea lions, the wildlife and history of the Galapagos are what make it a must-do adventure destination. The best way to see and experience as much as possible here is on a multi-day yacht cruise through the islands.

Easy access to the Amazon rainforest means an easy pre or post-extension to encounter a dozen species of primate, dawn climbs of canopy towers to watch for scarlet macaws and toucans, and meaningful encounters with local villagers. Bird enthusiasts will be wowed by Ecuador's more than 1,650 species, many of which call the Choco Cloud Forest home. This is the hidden Amazon, cut off by the rise of the Andes millennia ago.

It's easy to base your adventures in Ecuador out of historic Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Markets, cafes, cathedrals and culture co-mingle in the vibrant high-altitude city.

The volcanoes and highlands region outside of Quito beckon travelers to explore further. Stay in a historic, working hacienda in the Andes, where you can encounter condors and a spectacled bear conservation project, pre-Incan burial mounds, and an indigenous handicraft cooperative while exploring on foot, horseback, bike, and vehicle. 

Ecuador, truly, has it all, is easy to get around, and is perfect for adventurous couples, friends, families, and groups alike. 

Galapagos Archipelago
Andean Highlands
Amazon Rainforest
Historic Quito

Go Farther:

Choco Rainforest
Hut-to-hut Trekking
Cayambe and Cotopaxi Volcanoes
Yasuni National Park
Guayaquil

Best Season: