Tailormade holidays and Galapagos cruises
Ecuador can be tailormade all year but with geographical differences in weather patterns. Galapagos is also a year round destination.
Price from £3,685 per person all inclusive from UK.
For more information please see “Details” on right.
Three distinctly different regions in one country. Amazon, Andes and Islands
The ‘must see in your lifetime’ wildlife and islands of the Galapagos
World renowned wildlife and cultural diversity ‘Hotspot’
Good quality accommodation and quality expertise
Nature’s playground, with Amazon, Andes and Galapagos isles
Ecuador is a land of contrasts you shall never forget, with an exotic coast along the Pacific, majestic Andean highlands, a mysterious Amazon jungle, and some enchanted islands making up this one country.Divided by nature, yet solidly held together by a common cultural heritage.
Ecuador is one of the earth’s most biologically diverse intersections or ‘mega diversities’ as well as geological fascinating, astronomical interesting, and geographically different with its own culture, own people, own climate, own beauty and own attractions.
For most visitors, Ecuador’s outstanding appeal lies in the colourful spectacle of the indigenous country markets which are the major social and commercial events in Andean valley towns. There is a nearby market for almost every day of the week, and the spectacular scenery en route makes getting there half the fun.
This is a land of ancient forests, a cultural heritage dating back more than 5,000 years and myriad of micro climates enriching its biological wealth. Here is where the oldest Andes end their northward thrust and a new Andes begins. Here two hundred and sixty-five volcanic structures pock the topography and yet this land has remained a foundation for more than 5,000 years of cultural transition.
Cradled between two of the most fertile environments on earth, the Pacific and the Amazon Basin, lie 25 interdependent life zones, which spawn complex environmental systems sustaining an incredible variety of species.
Make an Enquiry & learn more
Best times to travel
On account of Ecuador’s varied regions and because of its location directly on the Equator, it is an excellent travel destination year-round. Rather than rotating through four seasons, most of Ecuador experiences oscillating of wet and dry periods.
The Amazon region is normally has a warm, humid and rainy climate, with a drier season is generally November to February but varies by region.
The Andean Highlands is generally cooler than most people would expect, and it varies according to the altitude and the time of the year.
The Galapagos Islands enjoy warm and generally dry weather year-round, with an average temperature of 28C or 85F.
Visas and Health
British nationals do not need visas for visits up to 90 days. Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months. Being at altitude in the Andes you need to acclimatise well. Regarding vaccines and medical requirements, we recommend that you consult a medical practitioner. Malaria is prevalent in the Amazon region.
This Trip Supports..
Galapagos Conservation Trust
Charles Darwin Foundation & Research Station
Rainforest Concern
Our representatives, ground agents, and accommodation and cruise providers in Ecuador are chosen for their commitment to responsible tourism and more specifically their commitment to wildlife conservation, where this is possible.
Travelling with us to Ecuador will contribute to this ongoing support, and we include a year’s membership of the Galapagos Conservation Trust and we support the Rainforest Concern charity through your travels with us. BOth run a number of key projects in each country.
Joining us is one step closer to an altogether better holiday.
You will travel with expert bilingual guides and enjoy the best indigenous and Ecuadorian naturalists in the wilderness regions you visit with us.
Our selection of the very best cruise boats are chosen as much for the quality of their naturalists on board as for their comfort zone! The best and most well qualified guides in the Galapagos are found on the yachts we offer.
Our ground agents, wildlife experts and regional representatives are chosen to ensure that we do not compromise on this expertise, professionalism and experience.
Our aim is always to give you real insight into the natural world of Ecuador.
“I just wanted to email you personally to say thanks for organising an amazing trip, I had the best holiday ever! I would recommend Galapagos and Discovery Initiatives to anyone. What worked especially well was having an experienced, highly qualified guide in the Galapagos and keeping numbers in the group small. It also helped that I went with some particularly amazing people, who made my 40th birthday very memorable!”
Debra Woods
Should you wish to get direct feedback from any number of our numerous clients who have travelled with us to the Galapagos and Ecuador, please do contact us and we would be delighted to help put you in touch.
You can also order a copy of the BBC Holiday Programme with Jack Davenport in the Galapagos islands, screened three times over the last three years that was run by us in 2002.
Alternatively feedback from our own special charters is on our Galapagos group itineraries.