Ecuador tours – Book packages incl. flights from the UK here!

Why travel to Ecuador?

Ecuador may be one of the smallest countries in South America, but its wildlife and natural landscapes are among the most diverse in the world. Here, you can experience enchanting scenery, hot springs, white sandy beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and of course, the magical Galápagos Islands.

Alongside its breathtaking nature, Ecuador also offers a fascinating glimpse into Spanish colonial history and the rich traditions of its indigenous people.

What does our Product Manager say about travelling in Ecuador:

“I still can’t decide what impressed me the most about Ecuador – meeting the majestic Andes mountains and their snow-capped volcanoes, experiencing the endless green of the Amazon rainforest, or witnessing the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. One thing’s for sure: very few countries have left such a deep impression on me with their natural beauty. And thanks to Ecuador’s compact size, it’s possible to experience all these contrasts in a single tour.”

- Christina, travel expert and Product Manager for Ecuador. She has been travelling across Latin America since 2001 and first visited Ecuador in 2003. Even after many visits to the region, she still feels a thrill each time she returns.

Our tours in Ecuador

Our tours in Ecuador begin on the mainland, where you can experience the country’s diverse landscapes and rich culture before continuing to the Galápagos Islands. Here, you can round off your adventure with either some island hopping between several islands or a cruise that brings you even closer to the unique wildlife.

Below, you can get a glimpse of some of the highlights that await you on your tour to Ecuador.

Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador, and at 2,850 metres above sea level, it is the second-highest capital city in the world.

The city lies beautifully surrounded by mountains, and its jewel is the historic centre, which was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1978. This area is rich in colonial architecture and 17th-century treasures, such as the stunning church La Compañía de Jesús and the central square Plaza de la Independencia, home to the cathedral as well as the Archbishop’s and President’s palaces.

Quito lies only about 20 kilometres south of the Equator, and while you’re in the city, the Equator Monument (La Mitad del Mundo) is a must-see. Standing 30 metres tall, the monument marks the equatorial line – the centre of the world – and it’s a popular spot for that classic photo, with one foot on either side of the Equator.

Cotopaxi

Just a few hours from Quito, in Cotopaxi National Park, you’ll find one of the world’s highest active, snow-capped volcanoes – Cotopaxi – rising to an impressive 5,897 metres. Take in the spectacular views at altitudes of between 4,600 and 4,800 metres.

The park itself is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. It’s a fantastic destination for bird enthusiasts in particular, as it’s home to both condors and hummingbirds, among many other species.

Quilotoa crater lake

South of Quito lies the mesmerising Quilotoa crater lake, formed after the Quilotoa volcano erupted in the year 1280. What remains is a breathtaking crater around 250 metres deep and 3 kilometres wide, with vibrant waters that shift in colour from turquoise to almost yellow – depending, among other things, on the time of year you visit.

You can walk all the way down to the lake along a path, which takes around 30 minutes. The return journey, however, is steep and can take up to 2 hours. Of course, you can also hire a donkey to take you safely back up to the top.

Baños

Baños, or Baños de Agua Santa, is a beautifully situated town nestled in a lush valley at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano. It’s a favourite among both locals and international visitors. The town’s full name means “holy waters”, a fitting description given its abundance of hot springs and wonderful spa baths.

Beyond its relaxing hot springs, Baños is a haven for thrill-seekers. Go mountain biking, try zip lining, or visit Casa del Árbol – a viewpoint where you can experience a heart-racing swing out over the edge of the valley.

Visit to the Amazon rainforest

Combine your tour with a visit to the fascinating Amazon rainforest.

The warm and humid Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, stretching across nine countries. It is home to some 40,000 plant species and millions of animal species.

Tena is located in the upper Amazon region of Ecuador and offers a great introduction for anyone who would like a taste of what the rainforest has to offer. Here, you’ll experience the wild nature up close and gain an insight into the jungle’s many different plants, trees, birds, and insects. There are, of course, many mammals and reptiles living here too, but they can be harder to spot as this part of the Amazon lies relatively close to inhabited areas.

The Galapagos Islands

Roughly 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, you’ll find the Galapagos Islands, made up of both large and small islands. The islands form the peaks of a long volcanic chain rising some 2,000–3,000 metres above sea level.
The Galapagos became especially famous after Charles Darwin used them as the foundation for his groundbreaking work on the origin of species and the theory of natural selection, written following his visit in 1835.

The islands, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, are among the most unique and biologically exceptional areas in the world. Each island offers something special, with its own fragile ecosystem. It is believed that one of the main reasons for this unique environment is that the islands were created by volcanic activity and have therefore never been part of the mainland.

Life on the islands most likely arrived either by sea or by air, from where the species have since evolved. In fact, the Galápagos Islands are among the places in the world with the highest proportion of endemic species – animals and plants you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Here you can, for example, encounter the Galápagos tortoise, which gave the islands their name.

On a tour to the Galápagos Islands, you can explore several of these magical islands. The ones you visit depend on whether you choose to end your tour with a spot of island hopping or a cruise. No matter which islands you visit, you’re guaranteed extraordinary encounters with nature and wildlife.

Combine with Peru

Combine Ecuador with a tour to Peru and experience two fascinating Latin American countries in one unforgettable journey.

Peru offers a treasure trove of historical wonders.

Look forward to discovering:

Cusco, once the formal capital of the Inca Empire and later a city of the Spanish colonial era. Set at an altitude of 3,399 metres in the Andes, the city boasts colonial buildings, Inca fortresses, and above all, magnificent views of the Andes mountains.

The Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is home to small, charming villages such as Pisac, famous for its colourful markets, Ollantaytambo, known for its impressive Inca fortress, and Aguas Calientes, renowned for its hot springs and location at the foot of Machu Picchu.

The legendary ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru’s greatest attraction and a must-see on your tour of the country. This 15th-century archaeological site not only offers a fascinating glimpse into history but also rewards you with a breathtaking view from its magical ridge-top position in the Urubamba Valley, surrounded by lush mountain peaks and misty forest.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Ecuador

When planning a tour to Ecuador, it’s only natural for questions to arise – from passports and visas to the best time to travel.

Below, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you find the information you’re looking for.

Where is Ecuador located?

Ecuador is situated in north-western South America – right on the equator, which is also what the country is named after. It borders Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

When is the best time to visit Ecuador?

The best time to visit mainland Ecuador is between June and September, and the Galápagos Islands are best visited between January and June. However, Ecuador is a year-round destination offering unforgettable adventures at any time of the year.

The dry season on the mainland runs from June to September, making it the ideal time to visit if you’re dreaming of the best possible weather.

From January to June, it’s technically the rainy season on the Galápagos Islands, yet this is still considered one of the best times to experience them. During these months, the sea temperatures are warmer and the water visibility is higher – perfect conditions for snorkelling.

Do I need a visa for Ecuador?

No, British citizens do not require a visa to enter Ecuador if your tour is less than 90 days.

You simply need a valid UK passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months after your return home. If you’re travelling in transit through other countries, e.g. the USA or Canada, there may be additional entry permits you’ll need to obtain.

Keep yourself updated on the rules via our page with practical information.

How do you get to the Galápagos Islands from Ecuador?

When travelling from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands, the journey is by plane. On our tours, the flights are organised and paid for in advance, and you’ll be assisted at the airport before departure and warmly welcomed upon arrival.

The flight takes around 2.5 hours.

Do I need vaccinations for Ecuador?

Yes, you’ll most likely need a few vaccinations before travelling to Ecuador. It depends on where you plan to go and which vaccinations you’ve already had.

We’re experts in tours, but not in vaccinations, so we recommend contacting your GP or an authorised vaccination clinic for information about which vaccinations are advised for travel to Ecuador.

Is it safe to travel to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands?

Yes. It is safe to travel to the destinations in Ecuador included in our tours. We always follow the travel advice provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and work closely with our experienced local partners who know every corner of the area.

As with any destination, we recommend exercising normal caution and following local advice and guidelines.

Why travel to Ecuador with TourCompass?

When you choose TourCompass for your tour to Ecuador, you’ll be travelling with a tour operator that has more than 20 years of experience in creating tours – founded on our own travel experiences.

It’s important to us that our travellers discover not only the country’s greatest attractions but also the hidden gems we’ve come to love ourselves. Striking this balance has been our focus when designing our tours. We’ve strolled the cobbled streets of Quito, admired the breathtaking views over beautiful Quilotoa, and sailed between the unique Galápagos Islands.

On our tours, you’ll experience the very best highlights, yet still have time to yourself to absorb all the amazing impressions.

We work closely with a trusted local partner with over 30 years of experience and in-depth knowledge of both Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Along the way, the guides you meet will share captivating stories and fascinating insights that bring each experience vividly to life.