Places to visit in Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

Cross east from Quito and the peaks of the Avenue of the Volcanoes give way to cloud forest: misty valleys, thermal pools and rivers that tumble down towards the Amazon basin. Our Andes to Amazon holidays follow that same descent, threading through Baños, Papallacta and the jungle river-ports of Tena and Misahuallí.

The Avenue of the Volcanoes showcases Ecuador’s most dramatic Andean landscapes, where snow-capped volcanoes, fertile valleys and traditional highland communities create unforgettable opportunities for hiking, wildlife and cultural discovery.

Cuenca holidays take you to one of Ecuador’s most elegant colonial cities, where cobbled streets, leafy plazas and blue-domed cathedrals create a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Set high in the southern Andes at the end of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Cuenca combines beautiful architecture with easy access to Ecuador’s spectacular mountain landscapes.

Guayaquil holidays reveal a vibrant coastal city where a revitalised waterfront, lively plazas and the colourful streets of Las Peñas offer a different perspective on Ecuador. Often overlooked on the way to the Galápagos, Guayaquil rewards visitors who take time to explore.

Mindo Cloud Forest. Just a couple of hours from Quito, this pocket of cloud forest Ecuador is rightly proud of shelters around 450 species of tropical birds alongside orchids, butterflies and cascading waterfalls, making Mindo Cloud Forest holidays one of the most rewarding side trips from the capital.

Indigenous traditions, dramatic Andean landscapes, volcanic peaks and vibrant markets create an unforgettable experience in one of Ecuador’s most colourful and culturally rich regions. Otavalo Ecuador is famous for its world-renowned market, but beyond the town lie crater lakes, traditional weaving villages, rolling highland scenery and some of the country’s most rewarding cultural encounters.

Palm-fringed beaches, warm Pacific waters, wildlife-rich islands and laid-back fishing communities create the perfect coastal escape on Ecuador’s Pacific Coast. From whale watching and snorkelling to exploring tropical forests and protected national parks, this stretch of Pacific Coast Ecuador combines natural beauty, adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

Quito, Ecuador built around colonial history and Andean drama, sharing the highland valley. At 2,850m and ringed by volcanoes, the historic centre mixes cobbled streets, whitewashed façades and colourful churches with a modern city beyond. Quito holidays combine both, and work just as a standalone city break or the start of a longer trip.

One of the greatest wildernesses, where vast rainforest, winding rivers and indigenous communities thrive within one of the richest ecosystems. Occupying almost half of Ecuador, the Oriente, as it’s known locally, offers some of the most extraordinary Amazon holidays Ecuador has to offer, with wildlife encounters, immersive jungle experiences and remarkably easy access from Quito.