Ecuador Vacation Packages

Insider tips for Ecuador travel

Turtle’s Head Bar in Quito

Spend your evening at Turtle’s Head Bar in Quito, where delicious German beer and sausages blend well over games of pool.

Quito’s El Aguijon

Dance the night away at Quito’s El Aguijon music and dance bar, which regularly plays salsa, reggae, and ska.

Mea Culpa Restaurant

Dine at the celebrated Mea Culpa Restaurant in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, serving delicious stone crab and boasting a great view of the plaza.

El Rancho

Stay at the unique El Rancho, an indigenous family-run home outside Otavalo with a view of the Cotacachi volcano and freshly prepared traditional food from the garden.

Cuenca

Visit Used Books in Cuenca, a delightful used book shop carrying English-language literature.

Things to do in Ecuador

Andian Town of Mindo

Visit the small Andean town of Mindo, where visitors can stroll through orchid and hummingbird gardens, taste fresh artisan-brewed beer, and join the Tours de Fotographia for a photographic tour of the surrounding cloud forest.

Chimborazo

Climb the challenging 20,500-foot Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain.

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo

Explore the grounds of Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, including the Ethnographic Museum, Quitsato Sundial, and Intiñan Solar Museum.

Ecuadorian Andes

Bathe in Baños’ famous mineral hot springs located in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Galapagos Island

Ecuador vacations should feature trips to the Galapagos Islands, home to marine iguanas as well as sea lions and tortoises.

Jatun Yacu River

Journey to the Jatun Yacu River outside the town of Otavalo and marvel at the breathtaking Peguche Waterfall.

Las Palmas Forest

Rent a mountain bike, hike mountains, or take a 3-day-trip on horseback through Las Palmas forest reserve in the peaceful town of Vilcabamba

Puyo

Enjoy kayaking, rafting, and canopy climbing in the one-of-a-kind jungle town of Puyo.

Quito's Botanical Garden

Discover Ecuador’s lush foliage at Quito’s Botanical Gardens, boasting a myriad of tropical orchids, bromeliad, and simulated cloud-forest ecosystems.

The Galapagos Islands: bio-diversity and mystery abound

Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands and marveled at the rich diversity of its flora and fauna. Sitting about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, travel to the Galapagos can be done via boat or plane. There are 19 main islands, made up of volcanic rock and playing home to dozens of native animals, plants, reptiles and bird life. Vist Española to see the Waved Albatross. Fly into San Cristobal Island from the mainland and see varied species including sea lions, giant tortoises, red-footed boobies, dolphins and iguanas. You can take a cruise or catamaran to the islands, but plan on spending many days exploring this diverse, beautiful place.

Travel to Ecuador includes the cities

Capital Quito is situated high in the mountains, with incredible views of the snow-capped Andes towering around the city. Quito is a colonial city that holds on to its past while bursting forward into the future. Look out for the statue of the Virgin Mary sitting high atop El Panecillo; roam Parque Metropolitano Guanguiltagua, the largest urban park on the continent; stop by the Quito Observatory in the center of La Alameda; stroll Calle de la Ronda in the Old Town. Be sure to visit Plaza de la Independencia, an area rich with culture, history and religion. Travel to Ecuador would be incomplete with a trip to Guayaquil, its largest city. A seaport with an active volcano, it boasts a Caribbean feel where island music and seafood are bountiful.