Ecuador Tours & Vacations

Surprisingly, the best time to visit Ecuador for a coastal trip or Galapagos cruise is during the rainy season months from December to May.

Ecuador’s rainy season brings pleasant warm temperatures, and while showers are frequent, they do not last long. The waters are also calmer during these months, allowing travelers to enjoy snorkeling and watersports.

While the rainy season is a popular time to visit the coast, the cooler dry season, from June through November, is excellent for hiking. When you go will depend on what you wish to do, and our guide on the best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands can help you find the right time for your trip.

From the Andean city of Quito to the famous Galapagos Islands like Santa Cruz and the lush Amazon Rainforest, there is a wide variety of destinations to explore on your trip to Ecuador. Here are some of the best places to visit in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands:

• Quito: Nestled high in the majestic Andes, Quito is an exquisite Ecuadorian city that effortlessly combines towering peaks, lush greenery, modernity, and timeless architectural wonders. Known for its vibrant culture, Quito delights visitors with bustling marketplaces, tantalizing glimpses of shamanic healers, skilled traditional hatmakers, and enchanting cobblestone lanes.
• Santa Cruz Island: Santa Cruz Island stands out with its unique environment and abundant natural wonders. Discover the island's dynamic and immersive beauty, from the colossal lava craters to the breathtaking expanse of pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters.
• The Amazon Rainforest: Ecuador's Amazon rainforest is a one-of-a-kind destination for nature lovers. Filled with astounding biodiversity and untouched wilderness, you can venture deep into the lush green jungle to see exotic birds and follow the calls of howler monkeys.

Discover Ecuador’s diversity of wildlife and landscapes on trips that highlight the natural beauty. You can snorkel crystal clear waters, cruise around the Galapagos Islands, and admire the country’s rich culture. These are a few of the top things to do in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands:

• Search for unique wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest or along the coastline
• Explore Ecuadorian flavors on a local food tour or gourmet cooking class
• Hike or walk across the sweeping landscapes to discover diverse ecosystems
• Set sail across the Galapagos Islands on a private charter
• Snorkel or scuba dive to see magnificent marine life beneath the water’s surface

Home to an array of unique wildlife inhabiting the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is famous for being one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations and a sensational place for luxury cruises. You can search for endemic animals and birds on tours of the rainforest or retreat to the Galapagos Islands' best beaches on luxurious cruises from mainland Ecuador.

Ecuador is a safe destination to travel to.

Trips to mainland Ecuador take you to popular tourist destinations that are safe for travelers. We recommend staying vigilant in busy areas as, though uncommon, pickpocketing and petty crime can occur. Luxury cruises around the Galapagos Islands are very safe and led by experienced captains and crews.

The Galapagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean. You can get to the islands by luxurious private charter and enjoy Galapagos Islands vacations in style.

Showcasing the highlights of the mainland or the gorgeous Galapagos Islands, the best Ecuador itinerary combines wildlife adventure with coastal relaxation. Here is a selection of our most popular itineraries with excellent routing for your trip:

• Our Spellbinding Volcano Tour of Ecuador shows you the best of mainland Ecuador, from Quito to Cotopaxi, Riobamba, and Cuenca.
• Discover Ecuador's Diversity: Quito, Galápagos Islands, and Chocó Cloud Forest in 10 Days on our trip that combines days in Quito with a luxurious island cruise and forest adventure.

Our 14-Day Adventure in the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest & Across the Galápagos Islands highlights the incredible biodiversity of the famous rainforest and archipelago.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and inspiration in our Ecuador and Galapagos Islands travel guide.