GALAPAGOS AND ECUADOR
A nature lover’s paradise, you can follow in Darwin’s footsteps and explore the Galapagos Islands by water or on land. The High Andes on the mainland offer the Avenue of the Volcanoes, with famous Cotapaxi rising above beautiful colonial Quito, or drop into the Amazon for some of the best natural experiences either by river boat or from lodges.
Explore the Galapagos Islands by boat
There’s nowhere else like it on earth. As the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s evolution theory you can get up close to the wildlife as you explore the islands. Birdlife, sealife and land-based animals from blue-footed boobies via sea iguanas to giant tortoises– there is something to see and something going on throughout the year. There is also great diving and snorkelling so you can spend time in as well as out of the water. There is a wide range of boat options, varying in terms of luxury and size, and they operate a series of fixed 3, 4 and 7 day cruises of various itineraries so if you are looking for a specific species then check the programme.
Galapagos ashore
For those who would prefer to be based ashore there are an increasing range of good accommodation options ashore on Santa Cruz island and even a luxurious tented camp. From you base you will explore Santa Cruz itself and take boat rides out to most of the nearby islands. It is quite possible to combine a cruise with a few nights ashore.
Taste of Galapagos from Daniel Gautreau on Vimeo.
Avenue of Volcanoes and Andes
The historic capital Quito, whose core is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is your base to explore the Andes in Ecuador. The nearby town of Otavalo has one of the most famous markets in South America and to the south is the famous Cotopaxi and the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Cuenca is regarded as one of the finest preserved colonial towns and how about a ride on the switchback railway liking the coast and highlands, including the Devil’s Nose section!
Amazon and Cloudforests
In contrast to the Galapagos if you head eastwards down from the Andes you will encounter two unique eco-systems. Firstly, just a few hours from Quito, is the cloudforest, an area extremely rich in endemic species. Further down you will find yourself in the Amazon rainforest and the chance to stay in a jungle lodge or on a river boat and enjoy its wonderful flora and fauna at close hand.
- The Galapagos can be visited afloat or ashore or both combined.
- Be aware of the altitude. Do not let it put you off travelling to certain areas but make sure that you bear it in mind when planning your itinerary so leave time for acclimatisation.
- Do not try to do too much in one trip. While some countries can be easily combined such as Peru and Ecuador, there are also great distances involved.
- Choose your Galapagos cruise carefully – the itineraries have fixed durations with fixed stops.
- The wildlife of the Galapagos Islands
- The Amazon Rainforest
- The indigenous peoples of the Andes & Amazon
- The skies and stars of the high Andes
- Beautiful colonial cities such as Quito or Cuenca
- A ride on the switchback “Devil’s Nose” train
- Visa Required: No
- Population: 15 million
- Capital City: Quito
- Currency: US$
- Classic Dishes: hornado in the Andes and ceviche in coastal areas
- Cost of Local Tipple: Pilsener beer (75p)
- The Galapagos islands can be visited year round, winter in the Andean highlands can be very cold.
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by TMS
