Galapagos
Starting from $7500As the name for the South American nation of Ecuador suggests, the Equator passes through it. One of the delights of Ecuador is the incredible diversity that is found here – diversity in habitats, flora, fauna, cultures… all in a country roughly the size of the state of Oregon. Ecuador together with the Galapagos islands are home to about 1600+ species of birds, many of which are endemic to this amazing country.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is an enchanting city. Flanked by the tall, snow-capped peaks of the Andes, Quito itself is at 9300 ft, yet located almost directly on the equator. On a clear day, as they say, you can see the snow cones of the volcanic peaks, giving the city an air of a mountain retreat. With Quito as your base it is possible within just a couple of hours to be hiking through lush cloud forests, trekking up active volcanoes, birding the high paramo landscape, shopping colourful Indian markets, or even relaxing at a top-rated spa.
Browse our tours to the Galapagos, the Andes and the Ecuadorean Amazon.