Tiny Ecuador, the country on the equator, is a place where indigenous cultures, nearly all of which predated the arrival of Columbus in the New World, live against a backdrop of Spanish colonial-era cities and buildings. It`s where viewing wildlife and dramatic landscapes can be combined with such outdoor activities as rock-climbing and hiking. Ecuador is very well-known for its craft markets, with towns such as Otavalo parlaying them into their main attractions. Ecuador is also known for being an up-and-coming beach destination, with quaint seaside towns waiting for you to discover them.

Visitors to Ecuador typically visit Quito, the capital; Guayaquil, the country`s second largest city and gateway to the Pacific Coast beaches; and the Galápagos Islands, located a little more than 500 miles off the coast of Ecuador, which many people visit after spending time in Guayaquil. Other great places we recommend visiting in Ecuador are Cotopaxi National Park, 90 minutes north of Quito; Cuenca, the beautiful city with Incan ruins and Spanish colonial-era architecture; Baños and Coca, the two `Gateways to the Amazon`; and Otavalo, Ecuador`s most famous market town.

Ironically enough, the best time to visit Ecuador is during its rainy season. Temperatures are milder, humidity is not too high despite the moisture, and skies are blue the majority of the time, even though the threat of a shower is always looming. The rainy season occurs between December and April.

We recommend approximately 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in Quito and the Galápagos Islands.

We recommend seeing the different parts of Ecuador by air and by private transfer. Ecuador is a very mountainous country and it can be quite difficult to navigate in a car on your own. When the drive is too long or arduous, allow trusted drivers to take you to where you need to go via private transfer, in air-conditioned, late-model comfort. For longer distances, air travel is the way to go; TAME, the flag carrier; Avianca Ecuador; and LATAM Ecuador all offer domestic service between Quito and a handful of destinations in the country, including the Galápagos Islands.

In 2000, Ecuador discontinued its currency, the sucre, and adopted the U.S. dollar as its currency, although it currently does mint its own centavo coins and are circulated in the place of U.S. cents. No currency exchange is necessary if you are arriving in Ecuador with U.S. dollars.

Spanish is the official language of Ecuador. You will most likely find English speakers in Quito, Guayaquil, and in tourist areas, but apart from these places you will have trouble conversing in any language that is not Spanish (or the native Quechua!). Take some time to learn key phrases in Spanish, like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, how much is it?, where is the bathroom?, and numbers from 1-10. To ask someone if they speak English, say `¿Habla inglés?`

Galapagos Island Hopping (8 nights)

Best of Ecuador and The Galapagos! Start your journey at Guayaquil, the main port of the Ecuador and the most populous city in the country. Up next take your flight to San Cristobal Island, the easternmost of the islands in the Archipelago and the oldest one referring to geological. Then, you will take the public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island of the Galapagos and the most populated urban center in the islands. After enjoying the main island, take the public speedboat to Isabela Island, famous for its geology but also provides an interesting display of fauna and flora. Lastly, take your flight to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador.

Includes: Flight into Guayaquil and out of Quito, Hotel for 1 night in Guayaquil, Flight from Guayaquil to San Cristobal Island, Hotel for 2 nights in San Cristobal Island, Private transfer + Public Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, Hotel for 2 nights in Santa Cruz Island, Private transfer + Public Speedboat to Isabela Island, Hotel for 1 night in Isabela Island, Private transfer + Public Speedboat to Baltra Airport, Flight from Santa Cruz Island to Quito, Hotel for 2 nights in Quito

Quito and Galapagos Island (Santa Cruz) by Air (6 nights)

Quito and the Galapagos! Fly to Quito and enjoy history, colonial sites and cultural heritage. Then, fly to Santa Cruz Island, located in the Galapagos. This is the most populated island and the tourist hub. Perfect place to spot marine iguanas, birds, crabs, turtles and innumerous animal species.

Includes: Flight into and out of Quito, Hotel for 2 night in Quito, Flight from Quito to Santa Cruz Island, Hotel for 3 nights in Santa Cruz Island, Flight from Santa Cruz Island to Quito, Hotel for 1 night in Quito

Quito - Cuenca - Guayaquil by Air (6 nights)

Visit Ecuador's main cities! Fly to Quito and enjoy history, colonial sites and cultural heritage. Continue to Cuenca a city that fuses culture, nature and tradition. One of the best ways to explore this city is walking through the narrow cobbled streets full of history. Finish this trip in Guayaquil the main port of the Ecuador and the most populous city in the country.

Includes: Flight into Quito and out of Guayaquil, 2 nights in Quito, Flight Quito - Cuenca, 2 nights in Cuenca, Flight Cuenca - Guayaquil, 2 nights in Guayaquil

Quito and The Amazon (6 nights)

Visit the Ecuatorian Rainforest! First, fly to Quito and enjoy history, colonial sites and cultural heritage. Continue to Coca-Amazon, where you will arrive at the airport in Coca, and be transfered by ground to you choosen Lodge. The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest is mainly tropical rainforest located in the eastern lowlands of Ecuador. Your stay at the lodge will be very rewarding, where you will spend 3 nights and enjoy plenty of activities with guides that will help you learn and ensure that you really get to see some amazing things like different animal species or unspoiled nature. Fly back to Quito, and spend a night to enjoy more time the splendors of the city before heading back home.

Includes: Flight in and out of Quito, Private transfer Airport to Hotel in Quito, 2 nights in Quito, Private transfer Hotel to Airport in Quito, Flight Quito to Coca-Amazon, 3 nights in the Amazon Basin Including: Transfer Airport to Lodge in the Amazon. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Guided excursions with bilingual guides. Transfer Lodge to Airport , Flight Coca-Amazon to Quito, Private transfer Airport to Hotel in Quito, 1 night in Quito, Private transfer Hotel to Airport in Quito

Cuzco - Lima - Quito - Galapagos - Guayaquil (10 nights)

Combine the best of Peru and Ecuador with flights between cities. Visit Cuzco (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and possessor of a style on its own, where you will have the chance to discover more Incan and Colonial sites and enjoy lots of shopping and endless nightlife), Lima (for a chance to taste its colonial and cosmopolitan sites and its unique and world renowned peruvian cuisine), Quito and enjoy history, colonial sites and cultural heritage, Galapagos (this is the most populated island and the tourist hub. Perfect place to spot marine iguanas, birds, crabs, turtles and innumerous animal species) and Guayaquil (known as La Perla del Pacífico, is the largest and the most populous city in Ecuador).

Includes: Flight into Cuzco and out of Guayaquil, Hotel for 3 nights in Cuzco, Flight Cuzco - Lima, Hotel for 1 night in Lima, Flight Lima - Quito, Hotel for 2 nights in Quito, Flight Quito - Galapagos-Santa Cruz Island, Hotel for 3 nights in Santa Cruz Island, Flight Santa Cruz Island - Guayaquil, Hotel for 1 night in Guayaquil

Yes, you can combine with: Peru | Colombia

• Quito - Santa Cruz Island - San Cristobal Island (6 nights from $1592)
• Colombia and Ecuador with Galapagos Islands (10 nights from $1772)
• Quito - Galapagos Island (Santa Cruz) - Guayaquil by Air (7 nights from $1378)