Ecuador holidays : introduction

The charms of Ecuador are often overlooked by those heading straight for the Galapagos. Straddling the Equator, from which it derives its name, this is one of the smallest and most accessible South American countries, with well-preserved colonial cities, beautiful haciendas, and a range of scenery from towering volcanoes to steamy jungle. The highlands are formed by two distinct cordilleras, with a fertile valley between them, which Alexander von Humboldt aptly named the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes'.

With enough time it makes good sense to combine a visit to Ecuador with Peru, for the Inca ruins, or Venezuela, for the Caribbean coast and the contrasting wildlife of the Llanos.

Climate and when to go

Daytime temperatures in the highlands vary according to altitude and time of day, and range between 6 and 23ºC. The coast has a hot rainy season from January to May. The northern highlands have a wet season during the same period, although with less rainfall, and it is wet from June to August around Baños. The wettest months in the Amazon are from April to September.

 

“We had a fantastic time and your organisation of flights, trains, buses and other transportation cannot be faulted. Guides were excellent and the Mary-Anne was a fantastic choice. It was the trip of a lifetime and first class service all the way. Well done.” - DT

“Well you know about the Galapagos which was wonderful. Our journey through Peru was great. Your arrangements were fabulous. Always good guides to meet us and show us around. The condors were flying and Machu Picchu was spectacular, of course. We loved Ollantaytambo. We also loved the Inkaterra at Aguas Calientes.” - AM

“What a fantastic holiday we have had and thank you for your excellent organisation of the trip. Everything went exceptionally smoothly and our drivers, guides and accommodation were excellent. It was great to see Sally again and the horses were magnificent. Napo was wonderful too.” - JL

“We had a really wonderful time - and were so impressed that all your arrangements worked so smoothly, even when there was only a short time to change flights all the bags arrived safely. And your choice of guides/trips/hotels was excellent. Galapagos was wonderful, perfect weather, warm water, SEVERAL whale-sharks! And Machu Picchu was even better than the pictures. Finally we had a good wind-down on Copacabana beach with our cousins. Many, many thanks once again.” - NS