Ecuador is a land of dramatic landscapes and extreme contrasts. From the highlands, the presence of volcanoes and the legacy of their activity have left their indelible mark on the topography, to the Galapagos Archipelago, a complete contrast, a wildlife paradise lying a thousand miles from the continent.

More than 25 of Ecuador’s volcanoes are active. Cotopaxi, one of the best-known, became active during the battles for Conquest of the sixteenth century - a phenomenon interpreted by the native inhabitants as a bad omen - and in 1877 it again spewed ash far and wide. Tungurahua last awoke in mid-1999, as did Guagua Pichincha, raining ash down on Banos and Quito respectively and bringing both to a standstill. Isolated Sangay, meanwhile, has never slept, at least not since records began; it erupts continually.

A trek through the highland landscapes with the opportunity to climb five of Ecuador's volcanoes including Cotopaxi provides an unforgettable experience. Scattered through the highlands are the remains of a rich Inca and pre-Inca past, in the shape of both its inhabitants and its ancient, stone-built relics.

The native peoples of ancient Ecuador worshipped the volcanoes, climbing their steep slopes to offer up sacrifices in an attempt to placate the fury of these ambivalent gods. Today, their descendants are mostly small-scale farmers striving to make a living in tough highland conditions.

To the west of the Andean chain, lies the Pacific coast consisting primarily of sandy, palm-fringed beaches, while to the east the Amazon jungle spreads to the far horizon. The steep-sloped transition zone between the highlands and lowlands to both east and west comprises dense, humid cloud forest, home to a wealth of unique plant and animal species.

The Galapagos Archipelago, in complete contrast, is a wildlife paradise lying a thousand kilometres off shore. A Galapagos cruise can be a life-enhancing experience. Nowhere else in the world is the wildlife so tame. Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and Marine iguanas are just some of the bizarre species found on this remote collection of volcanic islands.

The climate of Ecuador varies according to time of year, altitude, and region. The best periods for visiting the Ecuadorian Andes to climb the volcanoes such as Cotopaxi are the dry seasons of June to September and December to January.

The Galapagos Archipelago, can be visited at any time of year. The July to September period is cool and dry, and the sea cold. From January to March, while the ocean is warmer, the climate is hot and humid, and it is occasionally wet inland on the larger islands. May, June, November and December generally offer the best weather conditions.

We also offer a comprehensive Tailor Made service for Ecuador and throughout South America, building unique trips to your requirements.

Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.

WILDS OF THE ORIENT
5 day Amazon Rainforest tour: Visit wildlife rich Amazon jungle on this lodge based tour, Ecuador.

HEIGHTS OF ECUADOR
NEW ITINERARY 15 day trekking and climbing tour: Trekking and climbing on Imbabura, Iliniza, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Ecuador.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
8, 5 and 4 day Galapagos cruises, plus land-based trips: See the amazing Galapagos Islands on one of our wide variety of boat or land-based trips.

NAPO WILDLIFE CENTRE
4 or 5 day lodge based wildlife tours: Stay at this new, community run, eco-lodge in the heart of the wildlife rich Ecuadorean Amazon. Anangu Lake and lodge, parrot clay lick, dugout canoe excursions, Amazon, Ecuador.

GALAPAGOS MULTI ACTIVITY
10 Days: We combine snorkelling, kayaking, biking and diving in a unique itinerary taking in the highlights of the islands. This carefully planned multi-activity tour is perfect for all lovers of outdoor adventure.

ECUADOR MOUNTAINEERING COURSE (EMC)
3 or 4 days climbing and mountaineering course: Learn essential climbing and mountaineering skills on our courses, then head off to climb the volcanoes of Ecuador. From Quito, Ecuador.

ECUADOR ENCOMPASSED
NEW ITINERARY. 17 day adventure tour taking in the highlights of this magical Andean country.

RIDE AROUND COTOPAXI:
7 day trip: Ride through stunning high altitude scenery - icy glaciers, snow-capped Cotopaxi and high plains of Ecuador. Diverse landscapes and indigenous communities; sleep in a mixture of haciendas, farmhouses and lodges.

COLONIAL HACIENDA TOUR:
8 day trip: Journey along ancient Inca Highways, staying at beautifully preserved haciendas, skirting the snow-capped peaks of Cayambe and Cotopaxi and cantering through a maze of patchwork fields in Ecuador.