Ecuador

With its handsome colonial cities, rich cultural heritage, remarkable landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity, Ecuador is perhaps the perfect introduction to South America.

From the snowcapped peaks and rolling green foothills of the Andes, to the lush rainforests and indigenous communities of the Amazon, and the unrivalled wildlife of the Galapagos Islands - this is a country of staggering beauty and diversity.

Fall in love with Quito, Ecuador's photogenic capital city, with its beautiful colonial buildings, relaxed ambiance and dramatic mountain setting; and admire the faded beauty of Cuenca's 16th century architecture.

Explore vibrant local culture in Otavalo, famous for its colourful indigenous markets; and experience a series of hair-raising switchbacks as you ride the famous Devil's Nose Train, one of the world's great rail journeys.

Discover the astounding beauty and abundant flora and fauna of Ecuador's rainforests at the award-winning Napo Wildlife Center and eco-lodge; or tackle a hike of Ecuador's highest peak, the Chimborazo, or the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi.

And last but not least, head to one of the world's greatest environmental treasure troves, the Galapagos Islands, to cruise through this spectacular archipelago and discover the unique wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Take a look at our unique range of itineraries and join us as we explore this gem of South America.

Cruising along the Amazon is the ideal way to spot wildlife  | Bert Lozey

Find your Ecuador adventure

Ecuador highlights

 

Why travel with us

Our all inclusive approach

Our trips offer exceptional value for money, featuring good quality, centrally located accommodation and private transportation. Additionally, we aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in the tour cost such as most meals, entrance and permit fees and excursions.

Authentic experiences

From one of the world's greatest treasures of natural history, the Galapagos Islands, to the impressive peaks standing over 5000m including Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, our active itineraries in Ecuador prove to be inspiring adventures you will never forget.

Experienced local guides

The passion and professionalism possessed by our guides will leave you enlightened with a true sense of their homeland. They are eager to share their extensive local knowledge with you, adding a special and personal touch to your Ecuador adventure.

Small ship cruising

In the Galapagos Islands, our boats have been handpicked for their quality and size. Most boats accommodate a maximum of 16 passengers allowing you to enjoy your Galapagos cruise intimately.

Responsible travel

 

Responsible sailing

On board boats we recycle paper, cans, glass and plastic and separate organic waste. We also return used oil from the boat engines to the mainland to be recycled.

Local supply purchases

We buy locally to support small businesses including produce from local farms and suppliers, coffee from a local plantation, bread from a local baking cooperative, chicken and meat raised on the islands and fish from the local fishermen.

Support of local communities

We support the Napo Wildlife Centre, a jungle lodge community completely managed and operated by a Kishwa indigenous community.

Accommodation

Hotels

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

Haciendas

Also known as estates, haciendas offer authentic experiences with each boasting their own piece of history.

Cruising

Travel intimately aboard a small ship, accessing regions that big ships cannot. Cabins are typically twin share or multi-share with private facilities.

Leaders in the field

Andreas Holland

Andreas has always made our South America programs special. He has lived in South America for over 30 years, much of this time in Peru. His special knowledge of the mountains and passion for supporting local communities is evident in our program in Peru and Bolivia. Each year Andreas travels to different parts of the world to impart his vast knowledge, so stay tuned, he may be in your city soon!

Simon Yates

Simon has been at the very forefront of mountaineering for almost two decades with first ascents in the Andes, Himalaya and Karakoram. Best known as the climbing partner to Joe Simpson in Touching the Void, Simon has developed a strong reputation as an engaging expedition leader.

Sarah Higgins

Sarah joined World Expeditions in 2006 and became operations manager in 2010. South America is her second home and she has enjoyed many adventures in its beautiful landscapes. Her travels include 'across the circle' into Antarctica, among many others. When Sarah is not planning itineraries you'll find her out on the 'rock' and in the Australian bush with her avid interest in rock climbing and bushwalking.

Greg Lee

There's nothing Greg enjoys more than setting out in search of adventure in Latin America. This passion shines through in the breadth of unique adventures reflected in the fantastic line-up of trips on offer. Greg is drawn to the beauty of this region's scenery, fascinating history, varied cultures and most of all, its people.

Dr Ross Anderson

Dr Anderson lives with his wife in a small town near the Lakes District in the north of England. He is a family doctor and spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. He has more than 10 years of altitude and travel medicine experience. Previous treks and expeditions have focused on the Himalayas, with others in the Scandinavian Arctic and mountainous areas of Africa. He also enjoys trail running, cycling and open-water swimming.

Custom made itineraries

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

Trip reviews

Country information

Currency

US Dollar

US dollars cash are the main currency of Ecuador.

Credit cards and ATM machines are available in large cities and hotels, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

International Dialing Code

+593

Electricity
Type A plug

Electricity in Ecuador is 120 Volts, at 60 hertz. The most common pin type is A. (2 flat prong).

Visas

A visa is exempt for passport holders from the following countries visiting Ecuador for short term tourism purposes:-

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

United States

United Kingdom

Effective December 2024 all visitors arriving in the Galapagos Islands will have to fill out a declaration form with their personal details, luggage description and provide information about places with wild or domestic animals been visited within the last 72 hours.

This form can be filled out at the following link online up to 48 hours prior to the flight:

https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/

If not, visitors will be able to scan the QR code available at the airports in Quito or Guayaquil where they will be able to complete it prior to their flight to Galapagos.

After this step, a confirmation code will be sent to their personal email that they will have to show to the Galapagos National Park representatives upon arrival.

If you are travelling via any other countries en-route to Ecuador please ask your reservations consultant/travel agent about any other necessary visa requirements.

All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.