Ecuador and Galapagos
They say good things come in small packages, and you can’t get much better than the riches on offer in Ecuador.
Nature is big in Ecuador and this country’s compact size makes it easy for you to travel to one of the top three pristine areas of Amazon rainforest or venture offshore to visit the fascinating Galapagos Islands. Together with Colombia, Ecuador is also world renowned for its flowers, particularly roses.
An interesting characteristic of Ecuador is the thriving indigenous population living throughout the country, which gives a different perspective to Latin American life. If you are short on time, Ecuador ticks all the boxes.
Alley of the Volcanoes (Highland Haciendas)
Just South of the capital city Quito sits 'Volcano Alley’ home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world – a rich and exciting landscape where there are an incredible variety of activities on offer. Of course there is hiking and trekking and there are excellent routes for mountain biking and horse riding, but you can also go rafting or bathe in the hot springs.
For us, perhaps the biggest draw lies in the collection of historic haciendas that are scattered along the valley - beautiful haciendas where you can stay and be taken back to the heyday of the Spanish colonial period. In essence, this is a uniquely Ecuadorian concept since historic circumstances have enabled the same families to occupy these magnificent estates for generations. This is unique to Latin America if not the world.
Knowing all of the owners personally as we do, we can promise you an unforgettable experience in this extraordinary landscape.
The Galapagos
In some respects the wonder of the Galapagos Islands need no introduction, such is their global fame and reputation. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the 13 main islands and dozens of smaller islets and rocks that make up the protected volcanic Galapagos archipelago are home to an unparalleled range of species.
Described as 'A separate centre of creation' by Charles Darwin, the creatures of these unique 'Enchanted Islands' have no instinctive fear of man allowing travelers to observe the life-cycles of a huge range of marine mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and birds at incredibly close quarters. Nearly a quarter of all species are endemic and some, such as the flightless cormorant, Galapagos mockingbird and the marine iguana, are found nowhere else on earth.
To visit is a life experience you will never forget. The best way to travel from island to island is by boat and we work with the best boats and crews on offer, but there are new land-based hotel options that we highly recommend.
Amazonia
The most pristine Amazon lies beyond Brazil in the tributaries that feed it in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Given the size of Ecuador, visiting one of the top three areas of the Amazon becomes very achievable and it’s worth the visit. Nestled between the eastern slopes of the Andes, what characterizes the Ecuadorian Amazon is a huge proliferation of flora and fauna found here due to the variety of microclimates. In essence, the lush conditions make for a perfect setting for activities such as rainforest walks and canoeing as well as animal and bird spotting. Sloths, tapirs, monkeys, caiman and jaguar are just a few of the species that reside here.
The other fantastic aspect to this area of the Amazon jungle is that the area is home to small communities of indigenous peoples some of whom you are welcome to visit. These include the Huaorani, Cofan, Shuar, and Siona-Secoya peoples who live in jungle villages and continue to use many of their ancient customs.
Destinations
