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At Fertur we offer you the best Ecuador tours to combine with your Peru vacation. Blessed with gorgeous landscapes and the refuge of wildlife in the fantastic Galapagos Islands, the natural beauty of Ecuador creates a unique opportunity to enjoy incredible experiences. Whether admiring the birds in the Amazon rainforest or getting an up-close look at marine life along its beaches, Ecuador stands out as a nature-filled destination in South America.
Prices available upon request
Prices available upon request
Prices available upon request
Ecuador is compact enough to explore in depth, yet diverse enough to feel like several countries in one. It pairs easily with neighboring destinations in South America, and its ecological richness offers close-up encounters with some of the planet’s most distinctive wildlife. Whether you are watching macaws in Amazonian treetops or swimming with sea lions in clear Pacific waters, Ecuador delivers a high concentration of natural highlights in a relatively small area.
From small-ship expeditions in the Galapagos to time in Quito’s historic center and the high Andes, we coordinate the logistics and details so you can focus on the experience.
Fertur Peru Travel will prepare a trip to the Galapagos tailored to your requirements, preferences and budget. Cruises through the Galapagos archipelago include all-inclusive service and guides.
We will recommend the most suitable boat for your itinerary — from smaller vessels and catamarans to large yachts with all the facilities.
We will help you choose the most interesting sailing route — depending on your desired dates, the season and availability. Cruises usually last 4 to 15 days and every day is packed with natural wonders as you visit nature reserves and other-worldly island settings to observe the unique fauna and flora.
The overview below outlines the key choices involved in planning an Ecuador trip, with special emphasis on the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos archipelago is a chain of volcanic islands where many species evolved in isolation and exist nowhere else. Lying about 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) off mainland Ecuador, the islands offer unusual access to wildlife that often shows little fear of humans—an ideal setting for observation and photography.
Most visitors choose between cruise-based and land-based programs:
Cruise-based trips cover more territory and reach remote islands. Vessels range from intimate yachts for around 16 guests to larger expedition ships with more facilities. Days typically follow a rhythm of shore landings, guided walks, snorkeling, and briefings with naturalist guides who explain the geology, ecology, and behavior you are seeing.
Land-based trips suit travelers who prefer to sleep on shore, want more flexibility, or are prone to seasickness. You stay in hotels or eco-lodges on inhabited islands such as Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal, or Floreana, and use day boats to reach nearby sites. This approach works well for families and for combining the islands with more independent time on the mainland.
Wildlife viewing is central to any Galapagos visit. Depending on the route and season, you may see giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins, and birdlife such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. In the water, snorkelers often encounter reef fish, rays, sea turtles, and occasionally sharks. Lava fields, calderas, and white- and black-sand beaches add a strong geological dimension to the experience.
Building the right Galapagos itinerary means matching season, vessel, and route to your priorities and comfort level. We take into account your interests, preferred activity level, and travel dates before suggesting specific options.
The islands have two main seasons:
The warm season (December–May) brings sporadic showers, greener landscapes, and warmer sea temperatures of roughly 72–76°F (22–24°C). Conditions are excellent for snorkeling and swimming, and this period coincides with sea turtle nesting and colorful breeding displays in some species.
The cool, dry season (June–November) tends to be cloudier and breezier, with sea temperatures around 68–72°F (20–22°C). Nutrient-rich currents support abundant marine life, and this is the time for certain seabird courtship rituals and, on Española, nesting waved albatross.
Vessel size has a major impact on the feel of your trip:
Small yachts and catamarans (12–20 passengers) offer an intimate atmosphere and, in some cases, access to smaller landing sites.
Mid-size ships (about 20–50 passengers) balance onboard comfort with manageable group sizes.
Larger expedition ships provide greater stability, more cabin categories, and additional amenities such as lecture spaces and small spas.
Because the Galapagos National Park tightly controls visitor numbers and landing schedules, cabins on the best vessels sell out early for peak periods (roughly December–January and June–August). For first-choice dates and routes, we recommend planning 9–12 months in advance, especially if you need specific cabin types or are coordinating travel for a family or group.
A few practical points make travel in Ecuador smoother:
Time zone: Mainland Ecuador operates on Eastern Standard Time, GMT-5 (UTC-5), with no daylight saving changes. The Galapagos Islands follow Galapagos Time, one hour behind the mainland at GMT-6 (UTC-6).
Language: Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in the main tourist centers and at higher-end properties, but less so in rural areas. A few basic Spanish phrases go a long way in everyday interactions.
Currency: Ecuador has used the U.S. dollar (USD) since 2000. ATMs in cities and tourist areas dispense dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted at established businesses, but cash is still important for small shops, markets, and remote areas.
Domestic flights link major hubs such as Quito and Guayaquil with cities in the highlands, the Amazon, and the Galapagos. Airlines serving these routes include regional divisions of LATAM and Avianca, as well as Ecuadorian carriers. Flights to the Galapagos depart from both Quito and Guayaquil, with Guayaquil offering slightly shorter flying times. On the ground, comfortable intercity buses connect many towns, and licensed taxis provide flexible urban transport — always favor registered vehicles and, where applicable, use the meter.
It’s essential to check the latest entry requirements for both mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, particularly if you are heading there after visiting Peru. Regulations can change on short notice—covering tourist cards, park fees, transit control documents, health declarations, and vaccination or insurance rules—so always verify current information with official government and park authorities, your airline, and your travel specialist. Staying up to date helps you avoid last-minute surprises at the airport and ensures a smooth start to your journey.
Health considerations include altitude when visiting highland destinations like Quito at roughly 9,350 feet (2,850 meters). Hydration, light meals, and avoiding heavy exertion and alcohol on arrival reduce the chances of altitude-related discomfort. Routine vaccinations are advised, and some travelers consider additional protection such as hepatitis A, typhoid, or yellow fever, depending on their itinerary. The Galapagos Islands have no malaria risk and a relatively low incidence of mosquito-borne illness, though dengue can occur, so standard insect-bite precautions and strong sun protection remain important in this equatorial environment.
While the Galapagos often headline an Ecuador itinerary, the mainland offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions that pair well with an island trip.
Quito and the northern highlands
Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best-preserved colonial districts in the Americas, with baroque churches, plazas, and museums. Its location near the equator and at high altitude makes it a logical starting point for exploring both the Andes and the Amazon. Day trips and short extensions can include visits to traditional markets such as Otavalo or to viewpoints straddling the equator line.
The Avenue of Volcanoes and Baños
South of Quito, the Avenue of Volcanoes frames the central Andean corridor with snow-capped peaks. Cotopaxi National Park protects one of the world’s highest active volcanoes at about 19,347 feet (5,897 meters) and surrounding páramo, where you may see wild horses and Andean condors. The town of Baños sits on the edge of the Andes and the Amazon, known for its thermal baths, waterfalls, and adventure activities such as canyoning and ziplining.
Amazon Basin lodges
Ecuador’s Amazon region offers relatively easy access to rainforest environments rich in biodiversity. Lodges along rivers such as the Napo include guided walks, canoe outings, canopy towers, and night excursions to look for monkeys, sloths, caimans, and prolific birdlife. Many programs include visits with local or Indigenous communities, with opportunities to learn about forest use, medicinal plants, and current conservation efforts.
Cuenca and the southern Andes
In the south, Cuenca combines colonial architecture with a strong contemporary arts scene. The surrounding region is known for the production of finely woven toquilla straw hats—popularly called “Panama hats”—and for highland landscapes like Cajas National Park, dotted with glacial lakes and unique vegetation at elevations between roughly 10,170 and 14,600 feet (3,100 and 4,450 meters). Nearby, Ingapirca preserves the most important Inca archaeological site in Ecuador, illustrating the empire’s northern presence.
We build each Ecuador itinerary from the ground up, based on what you want to see and how you like to travel.
Wildlife-focused trips might link a longer Galapagos cruise, including remote western islands, with several nights in an Amazon lodge to maximize species diversity.
Culture-oriented itineraries could emphasize time in Quito, Cuenca, and traditional highland communities, with visits to markets, workshops, and local festivals when dates align.
Active programs can include high-altitude trekking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and advanced snorkeling or diving in the Galapagos, always matched to your experience level and comfort with altitude and exertion.
Upscale and special-occasion travel draws on a portfolio of boutique city hotels, refined haciendas, well-run rainforest lodges, and premium Galapagos vessels. Enhancements may include private guiding, special access visits, or tailored experiences for honeymoons and milestone celebrations.
Throughout the planning process, we coordinate flight schedules, transfers, and pacing so that each segment connects smoothly to the next.
Ecuador’s ecosystems are sensitive, and responsible tourism is essential to their long-term protection. In the Galapagos, the National Park Authority enforces strict rules on visitor numbers, landing sites, and conduct around wildlife. Certified naturalist guides ensure that groups stay on designated trails, maintain appropriate distances, and follow all regulations.
On the mainland, your choices can also support conservation and local communities. We favor partners with clear environmental policies, from waste and water management to energy use and reforestation initiatives. Many of the operators we work with contribute directly to conservation projects or community development.
Respectful cultural exchange is equally important. Ecuador is home to diverse Indigenous groups, each with its own language and customs. Asking permission before taking photographs, buying handicrafts directly from artisans, and following local guidance on appropriate behavior all help ensure that visits are beneficial on both sides.
Ecuador offers an unusual concentration of experiences — Galapagos wildlife, Andean cities, volcanic landscapes, and Amazon rainforest—within a relatively small national territory. The challenge is not finding things to do, but choosing and sequencing them well.
Our destination specialists use first-hand knowledge to shape realistic, well-paced itineraries that align with your priorities. Whether your focus is a first Galapagos cruise, an in-depth look at mainland culture and nature, or a combined program spanning several regions, we help you choose the right balance of places, properties, and activities.
When you are ready to start planning, we will prepare a customized proposal based on your travel dates, interests, and budget, then refine it with you until the details feel right.
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