Ecuador Uncovered
This comprehensive exploration of Ecuador combines the fascinating mainland sights of the cities of Quito and Cuenca, a stay in a historic hacienda and a trip down through the area that the 19th century explorer Alexander Von Humboldt dubbed the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes' as well as a magical cruise around the wildlife sites of the Galapagos Islands.
Day 1:
Fly from the UK to Quito .
Day 2:
A tour of the colonial ‘old city' and an afternoon trip to the Equatorial
Monument .
Day 3:
Travel north to Otavalo; overnight at a historic hacienda.
Day 4:
Visit the colourful Otavalo market; afternoon return to Quito .
Day 5:
Travel south of Quito through the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes' to Riobamba .
Day 6:
Take the train to Alaus' and enjoy the thrill of riding the famous ‘Devil's
Nose'; continue by road to Cuenca via the Inca ruins at Ingapirca.
Day 7:
Morning sightseeing in colonial Cuenca ; afternoon at leisure.
Day 8:
Travel by road through El Cajas National Park to the port city of Guayaquil
.
Day 9:
Fly to the Galapagos Islands for a 7 night cruise on board one of the
expedition vessels.
Day 10-15:
In the Galapagos.
Day 16:
Fly from the Galapagos Islands to Quito or Guayaquil .
Day 17:
Fly to the UK .
Day 18:
Arrival in the UK .
Ecuador naturally
This itinerary would appeal to those with a general interest in nature but also satisfy the most serious naturalist. It explores of all Ecuador's most diverse natural landscapes, but also packs in a thorough exploration of colonial Ecuador and its colourful indigenous Indian communities. Starting in Quito's historic centre, this tour visits Otavalo's Indian market, explores Andean cloudforest and Amazon rainforest before flying out to ‘Darwin's Laboratory', the Galapagos Islands. Truly Ecuador in all its diversity.
Day 1:
Fly from the UK to Quito .
Day 2:
A tour of the colonial ‘old city' and an afternoon trip to the Equatorial
Monument .
Day 3:
Travel by road into the cloudforest, walk the trails with your guide.
Day 4:
Continue on to Otavalo to explore the market, afternoon return to Quito .
Day 5:
Fly to Coca in the Ecuadorian Amazon and continue to your lodge.
Day 6-7:
Excursions in the rainforest.
Day 8:
Return to Quito .
Day 9:
Fly to the Galapagos Islands , board your boat for a seven night cruise.
Day 10-15:
Cruising around the Galapagos Islands .
Day 16:
Return to the Ecuadorian mainland.
Day 17:
Fly to the UK .
Day 18:
Arrive in the UK .
CLIMATE
Ecuador is a destination that can host visitors all year round. The Andean highlands are very much an archetypal ‘four seasons in one day' destination, and there are various micro-climates, though the altitude means that it is always cold at night. The Amazon region is hot and wet all year round. The Galapagos Islands have hot and sunny days with brief showers from January to June, the rest of the year tends to be drier but cooler and overcast. Seas can be slightly rough in July and August.
Ecuador & Galapagos travel planning chart:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| All year round destination, but with regional and seasonal variations | |
| Ideal weather for visiting the main sights | |
| Good weather | |
| Not the best time, but does not preclude travel | |
| Unsuitable time to travel |
