Ecuador Vacation Packages and Tours
Ecuador is interestingly bisected by the equator. It basically consists of four geographical regions. Running through the centre of the country is La Sierra or Highlands which includes the Andean mountain range and most tourist destinations on an Ecuador vacation. On the Pacific Ocean is La Costa or Coastal Plain with its tropical climate.
To the east is La Amazonia or the Amazon consisting of tropical rainforest. Then, of course, located 1000 kilometres/620 miles off the coast of Ecuador are the renowned Galapagos Islands. The country was once populated by the Inca civilization of which much of its culture can still be seen.
What are the top cities to visit?
The capital, Quito, the second highest capital after La Paz in Bolivia is situated at 2800 metres/9100 feet and is surrounded by volcanoes. It is also in certain areas, A UNESCO world heritage site. This refers mainly to the “Old Town” with its mixture of Colonial and Republican architecture, cobblestone streets and red tile roofs. On Ecuador tours, it is the oldest and best-preserved historical quarter in South America. It is also an area of craft shops, cafes and restaurants as well as many hotels.
To the north of this area is modern Quito with its contemporary infrastructure. A highlight in Quito is to take the cable car to the Pichincha Volcano rim where one can see the whole city spread out below as well as six other volcanoes.
Guayaquil is located on the Pacific coast and is a port and the commercial capital as well as the largest city. It is noted for its many parks and green spaces such as the Malecon Simon Bolivar. The area called Las Penas has a number of old colonial-style buildings.
What are the top things to see across Ecuador?
North of Quito reached by road on an Ecuador vacation is Otavalo famous for its indigenous markets as well as having cultural significance. It is here that the local Indians can be seen in their colourful, traditional dress. Every Saturday, the Mercado Artesanal takes place where one can purchase jewellery, clothing, Panama hats, wood carvings, paintings and much more. Not far from Otavalo are the Peguche Waterfalls, a place sacred to the local Indians as it has associations with old Inca legends.
Riobamba to the south in the central mountain corridor is Ecuador’s third largest city situated in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains including Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain at 6300 metres/20,500 feet. On Ecuador tours, it is from Riobamba that one can take the Devil’s Nose train ride, known as the world’s most exciting train journey as it goes high up into the mountains and descends at a very steep gradient.
Cuenca and the Andes
Cuenca, also in the central corridor is a UNESCO world heritage site with its colonial architecture. The imposing Cathedral with 3 domes built in 885, looks over the main plaza.
To the east of the country is the Amazon region of Ecuador with its bio-diverse ecosystem and home to many of the country’s indigenous population.
Located 1000 kilometres/620 miles off the coast of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, a national park and biological marine reserve made famous by Charles Darwin who first recognized their volcanic origin, and who understood the profound implications of this origin for the history of life.
The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos consists of around 15 large islands and a number of smaller islands. The oldest of the islands are about 4 million years old and the youngest is still in the process of being formed. The Galapagos Islands are considered to be one of the most active volcanic areas in the world. Nowadays, they are known for their unique and fearless wildlife such as giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many rare bird species. The best way to experience the islands while on Ecuador tours are to take a cruise of which there is an excellent selection to suit all tastes and budgets.
Book one of our Ecuador tours today and experience the magic for yourself.
"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles
For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!
Sail in Nature’s Ultimate Animal Playground on a Galapagos Islands Vacation
Travel on a Scenic Ecuador Vacation by Train
The Galapagos Islands: Taking the Safari to South America
Experience an Ecuador Vacation That Goes Beyond the Galapagos Islands
Your Guide to a “Wild” Galapagos Islands Vacation
Quito – At the Heart of Ecuador Tours
An Ecuador Vacation With the Family
Ecotourism Destinations: Central and South America (Part 3)
Heading on a Luxury Ecuador Vacation
Choosing the Right Galapagos Islands Vacation
Highlands to Lowlands: Ecuador’s Classic Rail Journey
Treks of South America – Part 3: Colombia, Ecuador, and Antarctica
Ecuador’s Cloud Forest Retreat, Where Wilderness Meets Luxury
Photo Journal: Scenes of Ecuador
Suggested Viewing: The Galapagos Affair – Satan came to Eden
Ecuador Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to an Ecuador vacation.
Learn about the history and culture of Ecuador, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Ecuador's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're appropriately prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Ecuador for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Ecuador tours today!
Extend Your Trip
After your Ecuador vacation packages, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.
Galapagos Signature: Quito & M/C Elite Cruise
DELUXE | CRUISE: Set sail to discover highlights of the Galapagos aboard a deluxe yacht. Before exploring the Enchanted Islands, spend two nights in Quito to see what may be the best-preserved historic colonial city center as well as the ‘middle of the earth’ along the equatorial line.
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Hakuna Matata Amazon Jungle Lodge
Tena is the ideal destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts, Hakuna Matata Lodge is perfectly settled in 150 hectare’s of private land only 3 hours away from Quito. Built on the shores of the crystal-clear Inchillaqui River, Hakuna Matata Lodge is a haven beautifully set among the Andes and the Amazon.- Duration:
- 3-4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 868
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Safaris Worldwide
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Illa Experience Hotel Quito: Stay of Distinction
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Explore the colonial streets of Quito and the city’s artistic legacy while staying at a 5-star mansion in bohemian San Marcos. At Illa Experience Hotel, you’ll enjoy gorgeous accommodations that transport you to the past when you’re not visiting city landmarks, like the Convent of Santo Domingo and Latitude 0’0’0”, the geographic centre of the world.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,585
- Trip Type:
- Private Experiences, Stays of Distinction, Stopovers/City Breaks
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La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa
Enjoy an Amazon adventure and spend time exploring the Ecuadorean tropical rainforest with walks and canoe rides. See colourful flora and fauna and meet a local indigenous family at their home. Spend 3 nights using the Selva Ecolodge as your base.- Duration:
- 4-5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,087
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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M/C Endemic Galapagos Cruise: 4 Days
DELUXE | CRUISE: Explore a world of soaring birds, sunbathing iguanas, and magical green beaches on this brief journey to the Galapagos Islands. Travelling aboard a luxury yacht, you’ll enjoy premium accommodations as you venture through the islands to see their highlights, including the Devil’s Crown and Chinese Hat.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,449
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing
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M/C Endemic Galapagos Cruise: 5 Days
DELUXE | CRUISE: Venture through the Galapagos Islands to see soaring frigate birds, lumbering tortoises, and frolicking sea lions. Travelling aboard a luxury yacht, the M/C Endemic, you’ll enjoy world-class comforts and amenities as you cruise through the islands, exploring volcanic landscapes and spotting wildlife.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 6,319
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing
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M/C Endemic Galapagos Cruise: 8 Days
DELUXE | CRUISE: Explore a magical world of soaring frigate birds, lumbering tortoises, and delightful penguins on this journey to the Galapagos Islands. Travelling aboard a luxurious yacht, you’ll enjoy deluxe accommodations and expert service as you pass between the islands of the Galapagos, exploring this breathtakingly diverse ecosystem.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 10,154
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing
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M/C Ocean Spray Galapagos Cruise
DELUXE | CRUISE: Discover the natural playground of the Galapagos Islands and spot rare species such as blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and frigate birds on a cruise throughout the archipelago. Stay aboard a 5-star catamaran and choose from 5 to 8 day itineraries to see the wonders of the islands.- Duration:
- 5-8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,873
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing, Luxury and Beyond
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M/V Galapagos Legend: 8 Days
FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: Experience the diversity of the Galapagos Islands as you spend 8 days sailing aboard the luxurious Legend. Take the time to get close to wildlife as you hike and snorkel around the islands.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,599
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Your Way
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: See two of the world’s greatest landmarks on this unforgettable itinerary that you can upgrade or customize to your preferences. After visiting Quito, head to the Galapagos Islands to see its bevy of animals in volcanic environments before connecting to Cusco and exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the citadel of Machu Picchu.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,933
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Manatee Amazon River Boat Ecuador
DELUXE | CRUISE: Manatee Amazon Explorer offers all the necessary comforts while still being an exciting jungle adventure. Your guides share their wealth of knowledge about the Amazon’s tropical rainforest.- Duration:
- 4-8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,610
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Cruises & Sailing
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Mashpi Cloud Forest Lodge
Experience Ecuador's wild side at Mashpi Cloud Forest Lodge.- Duration:
- 3-4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,828
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Mindo: El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge
Venture into the Mindo Cloud Forest to stay in an ecolodge and head on birding expeditions. Not only will you explore the beautiful cloud forest and spot rare birds like the Cock of the Rock, Golden-Headed Quetzal, and Toucan, but you’ll also minimize your environmental impact with eco-friendly accommodations.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,707
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Safaris Worldwide
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Napo Wildlife Reserve
Leave the city behind and escape to an eco-community in the depths of the Amazon Rainforest. Staying at a luxury eco-lodge in Yasuni National Park, you’ll explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet and spot incredible animals, from colourful macaws to golden mantle tamarin monkeys to giant otters.- Duration:
- 4-5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,093
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations
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Otavalo Overnight
Just north of one of Ecuador’s most famous markets, Hacienda Pinsqui is a gorgeous 200 year old property in the country’s great outdoors, and a unique addition to any Ecuador tour.- Duration:
- 2 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 754
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks
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Pikaia Lodge Galapagos
A Galapagos trip is one of the world’s great vacations, and Pikaia Lodge offers 4, 5, or 8 day programs to suit a variety of timeframes, interests, and budgets. The Lodge also boasts its own vessel for exploring the islands in detail.- Duration:
- 4-8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 7,958
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous
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Quito & the Countryside
MODERATE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: With its unending springtime and ‘stone’s throw’ position from the Equator, Quito lays a very real claim to being the center of the world. On this immersive exploration of Ecuadorian capital, discover the city's rich history and the incredible countryside.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,698
- Trip Type:
- Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Quito Stopover
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Visit the historic sites of Quito’s Old Town and see the city’s dozens of museums, shops, cafes and restaurants. Due to its altitude and location, Quito enjoys eternal spring time.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 570
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Sacha Jungle Lodge
Ecuador packs a lot into a small country, and one of its key attractions is a beautiful corner of the Amazon. This extension to your Ecuador tour lets you stay comfortably in this beautiful wilderness.- Duration:
- 4-5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,867
- Trip Type:
- Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Yasuni Adventure: Sani Lodge: Ecuador Amazon
Venture into the depths of the Ecuadorian Amazon to explore the world’s most famous rainforest and connect with local Indigenous communities. Staying at a rainforest lodge, you’ll hike through the jungle, kayak across blackwater lagoons, and spot the monkeys, frogs, and caimans that inhabit the Amazon.- Duration:
- 4-5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,561
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Safaris Worldwide
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