Luxury travel in Ecuador & the Galápagos
Volcanic islands, Andean markets and cloud forest, all within easy reach.
Ecuador & the Galápagos at a glance
Ecuador is compact by South American standards. Quito, the cloud forest and the Andean highlands are a short drive apart, and the Galápagos Islands lie around 1,000 kilometres offshore. Most visitors pair a few days on the mainland with time in the islands, either aboard a small expedition yacht or staying in a lodge.
Why visit
- The Galápagos Islands, where wildlife shows remarkably little fear of people.
- Quito’s historic centre, among the best preserved in Latin America.
- Cloud-forest lodges rich in hummingbirds and orchids.
Journeys including Ecuador
Private moments in Ecuador
- A small-ship expedition cruise in the Galápagos
- Snorkelling with sea lions and green turtles
- A hacienda stay in the Andean highlands
- Cacao and chocolate tasting with Ecuadorian growers
When to go, month by month
The Galápagos can be visited all year. December to May is the warmer season, with calmer seas and clearer water; June to November is cooler, with richer marine life and choppier seas. The Andes are generally driest from June to September.
- Ideal
- Good
- Variable
- Off season
A general guide to typical conditions; weather varies from year to year.
Good to know
- Flights to the Galápagos leave from Quito or Guayaquil and land on Baltra or San Cristóbal.
- Visitors pay a national park entrance fee and need a transit control card; check current amounts before travelling.
- Cruise itineraries are set by the national park, so we match you to a route that suits your interests.
Ecuador & the Galápagos: your questions
Should I choose a cruise or a land-based Galápagos stay?
A cruise reaches more distant islands. A land-based stay suits those prone to seasickness or travelling with young children.
How many nights should I spend in the Galápagos?
Four to seven nights. Shorter stays are possible, but each island has distinct wildlife.
Can I combine Ecuador with Peru?
Easily. Quito and Lima are connected by direct flights of a little over two hours.
Further inspiration
Luxury Lodges in the Amazon: How to Choose
Peru, Ecuador or Brazil? A lodge or a river cruise? How to find the Amazon experience that suits you.
Combining Peru and the Galápagos
Two icons, one journey. How long you need, which order works best and how to choose between a cruise and a lodge.
Design your Ecuador journey
Tell us when you would like to travel and what matters most to you.