Custom travel to Ecuador

Ecuador packs into 283,561 km² (half of France) a diversity few countries can match: four distinct regions — Pacific coast, Andes, Amazon and Galápagos Islands — all within 250 km of width, 12-14 h flight with stopover from Paris. You can combine volcanic desert, Amazon forest and 6,000-m Andean volcanoes in a single day. The flagship sites stand worlds apart: the Galápagos Islands (UNESCO 1978), volcanic archipelago 1,000 km off the coast where Charles Darwin elaborated his theory of evolution during his five-week 1835 voyage on HMS Beagle, host 200-year-old giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, equatorial penguins and blue-footed boobies. Quito (UNESCO 1978), at 2,850 m, is the world's second-highest capital and ranks among the very first UNESCO sites worldwide, with a remarkably preserved 16th-18th-century colonial center. Otavalo holds South America's largest indigenous market, Cotopaxi rises to 5,897 m, and Yasuní National Park counts 4,000 plant species per hectare — one of the world's highest biodiversities — home to pink dolphins and Huaorani and Kichwa communities. Allow 12-16 days to link Galápagos, Andes and Amazon. Ecuador alone holds 6% of world biodiversity on 0.2% of Earth's surface.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Galápagos (Darwin endemic wildlife)
  • UNESCO Quito (1st world UNESCO site 1978)
  • Otavalo market (largest indigenous market)
  • Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 m, one of the highest active)
  • Yasuní Amazon (4,000 plants/ha, top biodiversity)
  • 200-year-old giant tortoises (Galápagos)

Frequently asked questions

When?

Galápagos June-November (cold waters marine wildlife) or December-May (comfortable warm waters). Andes: June-September. Amazon: December-March.

How long?

12 days for essential Ecuador (Andes + Galápagos 4 nights). 14 days with 7-night Galápagos cruise. 16 days for complete Andes + Galápagos + Amazon.

Budget?

€4,800-€6,500 per person for 12 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €9,500-€13,000. Flights: €1,100-€1,500.

Visa?

No visa for French citizens (90-day stay, passport valid 6 months). $100/person Galápagos tax on arrival at airport.

Galápagos: cruise or fixed-base hotel?

CRUISE for COMPLETE experience (all islands, embarked naturalists, wildlife everywhere). Fixed-base hotel Pikaia Lodge for MORE ACCESSIBLE BUDGET and flexibility (day excursions Santa Cruz and neighboring islands).

Family?

EXCELLENT family destination (Galápagos animals fearless, accessible children 8+, varied cuisine, safety). 4-night cruise ideal for first Galápagos family.

How to get around?

LATAM/Avianca domestic flights essential (Galápagos, Amazon). 4×4 with Spanish-English-speaking driver at Quito and Andes.

Altitude sickness at Quito?

Quito at 2,850 m can cause altitude sickness (headaches, nausea). Drink 3 L water/day, avoid alcohol first day, optional Diamox 250 mg. 24-48-h adaptation.

Combine?

Yes: Ecuador + Peru (Cusco, Machu Picchu via 1-h Lima flight from Quito), Ecuador + Colombia (Bogotá), Ecuador + Bolivia (Uyuni Salt Flat).

Tips?

10% in restaurants (often included). $5-$10/day for guides and drivers. $50-$100/person for naturalist at end of Galápagos cruise (essential to their income).