Ecuador Tours & Vacation Packages
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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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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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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Hotel Gangotena Quito: Stay of Distinction
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: The UNESCO-listed city center of Quito is worth enjoying to its fullest. Described as the least altered and best preserved in Latin America, immerse yourself in this historically rich barrio with a stay at Casa Gangotena - an impeccable, colonial-style hotel with lovely terrace views.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,458
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Stays of Distinction
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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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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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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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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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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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Wonders of the Galapagos Islands
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore volcanic landscapes and spot incredible wildlife on an adventure to the Galapagos Islands. Staying on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll head on day trips to explore this magical archipelago. You’ll spot giant tortoises in the highlands, hike along volcanic beaches full of iguanas and penguins, and experience the stunning biodiversity of this island chain.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,261
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Family Vacations, Small Group Touring
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Galapagos Land Lubbers: Royal Palm Hotel: Stay of Distinction
Travel to a one-of-a-kind destination and discover the unrivaled originality of the Galapagos Islands and their endemic species. Experience a natural world where humans and wildlife continue to life in harmony and let the natural phenomena of the islands intrigue your mind, engage your senses, and nourish your soul.- Duration:
- 4-8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,274
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Stays of Distinction
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Wonders of Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Cuenca & More
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: This tour of Ecuador takes you to the center of the world and through some of the most enchanting sights and villages of the Andes. From the equator to the sea with cloud forests, national parks and volcanoes between, explore the best of Ecuador.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,337
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Private Experiences
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Avenue of the Volcanoes Ecuador
Venture along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes to discover the mountainous mainland of Ecuador. You’ll pass by volcanic peaks, hike to crater rims, ride the Devil’s Nose switchback railroad, and explore the Incan fortress of Ingapirca as well as several Indigenous markets along the way.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,436
- 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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Highlights of Ecuador: Quito, Cotopaxi, Cuenca & More
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Escape to Ecuador and explore the beauty of this country from the Andes to the coast. Starting in Quito, enjoy the best of the region, including small towns and majestic volcanoes, then continue to Guayaquil, "the Pearl of the Pacific."- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,758
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Classics (Bestsellers), Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Wonders of the Galapagos & Peru
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore two of South America’s most iconic destinations on this convenient 11-day vacation. After a brief stopover in Guayaquil, connect to the Galapagos Islands to follow in the footsteps of Darwin. Later, it's off to Peru where you'll explore the capital of Lima and then the Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to Machu Picchu.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,912
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Classics (Bestsellers), Family Vacations, Small Group Touring
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M/Y Coral I/II Galapagos Cruise: 4 Days
FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: Spend 4 days on board the 36-passenger luxury yacht M/Y Coral I and enjoy the opportunity to see many of the highlights of the Galapagos Islands including Santa Cruz, Floreana, Espanola and Daphne.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,934
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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Andes to Amazon
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Goway's Andes to Amazon exclusive escape visits Quito, the owls of Parque Condor, indomitable Cotopaxi National Park and Banos - found in the foothills of Tungurahua volcano - before exploring the Amazon. A once-in-a-lifetime expedition, you're invited to discover the wonders of Ecuador.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,976
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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M/V Anakonda Amazon River Cruise
DELUXE | CRUISE: Travel down the exotic waterways of the Ecuadorian Amazon, relaxing in luxury by night while participating in a range of exhilarating and ethical activities by day. Search for red howler monkeys in the rainforest canopy, explore waterways alongside piranha and witness hundreds of parrots lick eroded clay walls.- Duration:
- 4-8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,141
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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M/V Galapagos Legend Cruise: 4 Days
FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: The M/V Galapagos Legend offers the amenities of a large cruise liner without sacrificing the intimacy of small craft. Spend 4 days on a first-class vessel exploring the sights of the Galapagos Islands.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,327
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Cruises & Sailing
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Cruising Galapagos: M/Y Coral I: 5 Days
Enjoy a 5 day cruise of the world famous Galapagos Islands while sailing aboard Coral I, a modern vessel but with classic beauty. See the sights by hiking, snorkeling and exploring.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,679
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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M/V Galapagos Legend Cruise: 5 Days
FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: Sailing aboard the M/V Legend - a family-friendly, 100-passenger vessel that will take you through the Galapagos Islands - discover the unique landscapes and species that makes this region a haven for nature lovers. All aboard!- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,772
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing, Family Vacations
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Cruising the Galapagos: M/V Natural Paradise
Head on an unforgettable eco-tour with this cruise through the Galapagos Islands. Traversing the islands aboard a brand-new yacht, the M/V Natural Paradise, you'll cross volcanic caldera, spot giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, and snorkel beneath the waves to experience the biodiverse bounty of the islands' warm waters.- Duration:
- 4-8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,034
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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Incredible Ecuador: Cloudforest and Cotopaxi
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: See the highlights of the Ecuadorian mainland on this week-long vacation. Explore Quito, home to the best-preserved colonial centre in South America, visit the Equator, go birdwatching in the Mindo Cloud Forest, and hike the foothills of indomitable Cotopaxi Volcano.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,115
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Essential Ecuador
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoy an impressive range of natural environment and culture which in combination have inspired outstanding culinary diversity for you to discover.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,210
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Galapagos Island Hopping
DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the world-famous Galapagos on this island-hopping journey by land. Combining island stays with day trips, you’ll explore volcanic landscapes and snorkel through tropical waters, spotting incredible wildlife like whitetip reef sharks, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises along the way.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,513
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas