Some of our Ecuador holiday ideas
Best of Ecuador & Galapagos Wildlife
From deep in the Amazon rainforest, surrounded by a lush canopy of green, to the wildlife haven of the Galapagos Islands...
16 nights from £7,985 p/p
Galapagos Island Hopping Family Adventure
Trip a trip of a lifetime as you explore the remarkable nature, landscapes, flora and fauna - both land and marine, on t...
12 nights from £4,995 p/p
Ecuador Explorer
This itinerary showcases Ecuador's dazzling array of natural wonders and indigenous cultures. Experience Quito and Cuenc...
11 nights from £3,995 p/p
Ecuador & Galapagos in Style
Combine the highlights of Ecuador & Galapagos and experience some of the best accommodation on offer. Whilst in Quito st...
13 nights from £8,695 p/p
Best Time To Visit Ecuador
Best time
Good time
Average time
Quick Country Facts
Time Zone:GMT -5 hours
Captial:Quito
Currency:United States Dollar
Why visit Ecuador?
From the city of Quito to the Avenue of Volcanoes and the Amazon, Ecuador offers a wealth of natural wonders. The Galapagos Islands are a bucket list experience for many, with the opportunity to see nature at its most undisturbed. Even on the mainland, you'll find cloud forests, lakes and mountains to explore, along with rich culture and history.
Ecuador consists of three regions: the coast, the Andes and the Amazon. The climate is tropically humid in the coastal region and the Amazon, but fresh and temperate in the highlands year-round, where, due to the proximity with the equator, there is little seasonal variation making holidays to Ecuador a year round option. Ecuador is also often the starting point for a Galapagos Island holiday.
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Quito and Surrounds
Ecuador’s capital city Quito has an impressive location at 2,850 metres above sea level, over looked by Mount Pichincha. It has a sensitively restored historic area and is a great base from which to take excursions. Many nearby villages produce a wealth of crafts such as paintings, leather-ware, ceramics, baskets, woodcarvings and even bread-dough carvings. Markets throughout the country - the most famous of which is at Otavalo - display the workmanship of Ecuadorian artisans.
Not far from Quito is the Equatorial Monument, which contains a museum that covers many aspects of Ecuadorian history and present day life, and you are also within easy reach of cloud forests, lakes, mountains and volcanoes.
Avenue of the Volcanoes
South of Quito, you can bask in the magnificent scenery along the 325 kilometres of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, leading towards Riobamba and the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca, where Panama hats come from. Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in Ecuador, standing at 5785m. Many visitors choose to spend longer exploring these lush highlands that are perfect for hiking or horse-riding. Reached easily from Quito in a few hours by road, most Ecuador holidays can easily include a stay at one of the historic haciendas close to the national park itself. The haciendas usually offer a number of tours in Cotopaxi National Park, such as cycling, fishing and riding, and combine these with a convivial lodge atmosphere and delicious local food. Close to this area, you can also visit Inca ruins at Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important archaeological site.
Tren Crucero
This new train has become the way to travel slowly between the coastal city of Guayaquil and the capital of Quito, passing through seven of Ecuador’s nine climatic zones. The four-day journey is punctuated by varied off-train excursions to cultural and natural sites, with overnight accommodation in comfortable and sometimes historic hotels and haciendas. The air-conditioned train provides plenty of comfortable seating at tables and on sofas overlooking picture windows, with a bar serving drinks and light refreshments during the day. At the end of the train is an open veranda from which to admire the spectacular mountain landscapes – and the world-famous Devil’s Nose switchback. Our Scenic Ecuador by Train trip includes this trip on the Tren Crucero, or ask us how to incorporate the four day train journey into other Ecuador holidays.
Exploring the Amazon
Some time at a jungle lodge deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon is a must for wildlife and bird-watching enthusiasts. Moreover, Ecuador is the best country in which to visit the Amazon and gain an understanding of the indigenous communities living in the rainforest, as access is relatively easy and the eco-lodges work closely with the local population. Read more about holidays to Ecuador’s Amazon.
What Our Clients Say
Will certainly recommend your company to our friends. Thank you Rainbow Tours and all your staff for a memorable trip to South America. We have over 2,000 photos after several deletions!! Well done. .
Casa Gangotena hotel is stunning. Having stayed in hundreds of hotels this is probably our favourite. It is an old family residence and it still has that feel of warmth and friendliness. It also breathes quality in all respects - from the service to the decor and facilities. There is no evidence any...
Mashpi resort is a sort of modern Casa Gangotena. The decor, service and food are excellent. As it is owned by the same group and the same lady is responsible for service quality this is no surprise. The guides were excellentand able to fit the activities around the weather - it was more rain than c...
Hacienda Piman was the perfect escape but being so busy we didn't really have time to appreciate all the facilities such as the swimming pool. Made to feel at home from the moment we arrived and nothing was too much bother. .
Rainbow Tours were very knowledgeable and very helpful prior to our trip, Any queries were dealt with efficiently and with patience.
We would recommend your company, you have been efficient and helpful throughout. .
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
){kind=icon}