Ecuador
and The Galapagos
Andes, Amazon & archipelagos
Amazonian rainforests, Andean peaks, foggy cloud forests, the Galápagos Islands and a rich indigenous heritage – all can be found in Ecuador. Split down the middle by a chain of snow-capped volcanoes, the mighty Amazon lies to the east while cloud forests, an untouched coastline and, of course, the awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands lie to the west. One day you will pick through hand-woven wool sweaters at a chilly indigenous mountain market, the next you will be spying howler monkeys through your binoculars in the steamy Amazon jungle.
Having famously inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galápagos Islands are an astonishing living museum of endemic species including marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, giant tortoises and huge cacti. The archipelago draws visitors from around the world, yet careful management ensures that this delicate ecosystem is preserved and protected. Inland, secretive Andean cloud forests harbour all manner of weird and wonderful creatures, waiting to be discovered. Culture vultures will enjoy Ecuador’s rich indigenous heritage, textile markets and pre-Incan sites, and adventure junkies will revel in the unending and largely untapped mountaineering, trekking and horse riding opportunities.
You will love
- The Galapagos Islands, the Amazon & the Andean cloud forests
- UNESCO world heritage city of Quito
- Weird and wonderful creatures
- Artisan craft markets and textiles galore
- Active research stations and inspirational conservation projects
- Indigenous, Inca and colonial history
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
Ecuador’s diverse regions
from the Galapagos to the Amazon
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Unforgettable experiences in Ecuador
Explore the Galápagos by boat
Explore the Galápagos by boat
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin as you explore the magnificent Galápagos Archipelago by boat - the only way to truly appreciate the scale and diversity of the 19 main islands. You’ll encounter an unparalleled variety ...
Delve into Ecuador’s Amazon
Delve into Ecuador’s Amazon
Ecuador’s Amazon is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with fascinating flora and fauna. Explore the dense jungle in the company of a specialist guide as you creep through the forest on guided walks, canoe remote river tributaries ...
Visit the colourful Otavalo markets
Visit the colourful Otavalo markets
Experience the Otavalo way of life, learn about the people’s history, customs and music, and immerse yourself in their traditional culture. Visit the local market to sample seasonal produce and chat to vendors as you browse hand...
A selection of our favourite places to stay in
Ecuador & the Galapagos
Hacienda Zuleta – Ecuadorian Highlands
Casa Gangotena – Quito
Mashpi Lodge, Ecuadorian Cloud Forest
Napo Wildlife Centre – Yasuni, Amazon
La Selva Jungle Lodge – Yasuni, Amazon
Finch Bay – Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands
Galápagos Safari Camp – Santa Cruz
Hotel Del Parque – Guayaquil
A collection of itineraries in Ecuador & Galapagos
Ecuador: Nature’s Paradise – Galápagos & Amazon
Itinerary Inspiration | In Darwin's footsteps
Centre your journey around visiting both the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest, with a short stay either side in Quito with its cobbled streets and in Guayaquil with its heritage and colonialism. A wildlife and nature lover's dream of an itinerary, get off-the-beaten track and up and close to nature, its flora and fauna while taking part in a range of activities with guides along the way to cater for your personal tastes....Read More
Galápagos Expedition Cruise
Itinerary Inspiration | M/Y Letty
A superior first-class yacht with a maximum of 20 guests, and 10 guests per guide on excursion, head out to explore the Galápagos Islands onboard the M/Y Letty. All cabins offer outside views, snorkel and kayak gear is included and throughout the journey get up and close wildlife encounters and enjoy activities such as kayaking, nature walks, snorkelling, whale watching (seasonal), stargazing and more....Read More
Quasar M/Y Grace
Expeditionary Cruising | Galapagos Colonial Classic
The M/Y Grace is an authentic classic adventure yacht for those seeking to explore the Galapagos in true style. M/Y Grace’s stellar past includes ownership by millionaire tycoons, royalty and stint in the British Navy. Set aboard the yacht to explore the Galapagos Islands on 7 night journeys with a maximum of 16 guests onboard....Read More
Ecuador Todos!
Itinerary Inspiration | The best of...
Spend just over three weeks traversing through the best of Ecuador visiting the Amazon, Cloud Forest, Galápagos and heading into regional areas to get an insight into the nation's culture. Head far off the beaten track where you must travel by canoe, senses are heightened with the sounds of the rainforest, where caiman's are locals and macaws are regular visitors, and where tortoises can create a traffic jam!...Read More
Galápagos Sky
Expeditionary Cruising | Scuba Diving Live Aboard
Galápagos Sky is a fantastic option for divers. An 8-day itinerary offers a total of 16-18 dives and two land excursions on every trip. Visit Wolf and Darwin Islands on every trip - the diving here is arguably the best in the world! Depending on the season, you have the opportunity to see manta rays, schools of hammerheads, and maybe even whale sharks!...Read More
Ecuador: Galápagos & Jungle Paradise
Itinerary Inspiration | Ecuador's Highlands & Wilderness
Embark on a journey that inspires natural curiosity - perfect for adults, children, nature and wildlife lovers. Enjoy the opportunity to get up and close to seals, to listen to the mating calls of frigate birds, to snorkel past reef sharks and to admire the giant tortoises. Explore nature's surroundings in the water and on hikes, get into the depths of the forest, hear monkey and learn about the flora and fauna of such biodiverse regions....Read More
Ecuador: Explore the Galápagos
Expeditionary Cruising | Galápagos Exploration
The M/C Cormorant catamaran is a marvellous choice to explore the Galápagos Islands and archipelago - the boat a member of the renowned Haugan fleet operating within the Galápagos National Park. A range of itineraries are featured with a duration of 4-15 days will plenty of chances to spot wildlife and to get up and close with the island's resident creatures....Read More
Ecuador: Amazon Cruise
Set Departure | Amazon Cruises - Ecuador
The Amazon comprises half of the planet’s remaining rainforest and the Amazon River is the life force of this amazing ecosystem. Amazon Cruises aboard a luxury Anakonda Amazon vessel allow you to experience it in comfort and style. The five-day itinerary gives you the opportunity to get up and close to pink dolphins, giant otters, manatees, anacondas, river turtles, birds and various primate species....Read More
Yet again my holiday with Classic Safari Company has surpassed all expectations. The pairing of the Galapagos and the Amazon was a trip of a lifetime.
Lynne Williams
The Classic Safari Company did a first class job with great attention to detail in organising an excellent trip for a group of people to the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu and elsewhere in South America. I'm sure I'll be using CSC again.
Tony, Laura & Elizabeth Frost
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
