Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
This itinerary takes you to one of the most fascinating nations on the map – Ecuador is a melange of indigeneous culture, stunning architecture, outstanding landscapes, dense rainforests and an overbearing influence of its rich Inca & Spanish colonial history. And the famous Galapagos Islands, forever immortalized by Charles Darwin, draw umpteen wildlife watchers, hikers, trekkers and nature enthusiasts to its shores. This long haul should definitely be on your list
Trip Highlights
- Start your journey in the colonial capital city of Quito – known for the largest historic centre, 16th century churches, beautiful public squares and outstanding museums. Take a day trip north to the picturesque Otavalo, where the main draw are the products made by indigenous Otavaleños people – rugs & blankets, sweaters, bags, unique tagua nut jewelry, indigenous costumes, as well as locally-produced spices
- Head down to the spa-town of Banos, to soak in it’s mineral-rich hot springs On the way take in views of the magnificent volcano Cotopaxi
- Enjoy one of the most incredible train rides in the world – 12-kilometer return trip to Nariz del Diablo – zigzaging through a number of switchbacks as you climb the near vertical sides of the mountain to the viewing station at its top
- From the port city of Guayaquil – fly out to the volcanic Galápagos Islands – one of the most unique, albeit fragile ecosystems in the world. Named after giant tortoises native to the islands, these islands were the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and offer a ton of activities for every visitor – from wildlife watching, to diving & snorkeling, hiking, kayaking and surfing
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require a visa to visit Ecuador.
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 12 days for this itinerary. There are no direct flights to Ecuador, so almost a full day is spent in getting there and back.
Best time to visit
Since Ecuador is in the southern hemisphere, the best time to visit is the winter months of the northern hemisphere. Dec-Jan are the busiest. We recommend the shoulder months of Sep-Nov and Feb-Mar
indigenous cultures, spa-towns, volcanos, scenic train ride, diving & snorkeling, water activities
Did you know
- Ecuador is the closest country to space. You might think the closest point on Earth to space would be Mount Everest, but you’d be wrong. The reason is that the Earth bulges slightly at the equator. The bulge is big enough that Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador is actually 1.5 miles “higher” than Mount Everest.
- Ecuador has the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At the first UNESCO World Heritage conference in 1978, 32 sites were in the inaugural list. Each World Heritage Site has a number and site #1 is the Galapagos Islands and #2 is the City of Quito.
- Charles Darwin developed his Theory of Coral Atolls in the Galapagos Islands. Everyone is familiar with Darwin’s expedition on the HMS Beagle to the Galapagos, and how came up with the ideas that lead to the theory of evolution. He also developed the modern day theory of coral atoll development in the Galapagos Islands. He realized that the easternmost islands were larger and higher, and the further west you went they became smaller until you eventually had atolls. Also, the active volcanoes were in the east and not in the west. The same thing happens in the Hawaiian islands.
- The iconic Panama Hat is actually from Ecuador.
- Rosalía Arteaga, the first female President of Ecuador, served for only two days
