Why Travel to Ecuador
Though small in size, Ecuador is packed with incredible natural and cultural treasures. Travelers from around the world visit to explore the Amazon rainforest, the majestic Andes Mountains, and the world-renowned Galapagos Islands, which inspired Charles Darwin’s theories on evolution. Experience the rich legacy of the Inca and Spanish empires as you wander through the charming colonial streets of Quito and Cuenca. Capture unforgettable moments with extraordinary wildlife and stunning landscapes on a Galapagos Islands cruise. Reach out to us to design a personalized and unforgettable Ecuadorian adventure!
Capital
Quito
Currency
United States Dollar
Best Time
JUN - SEP
Language
Spanish
Ecuador Private Tours & Vacations
Send us an inquiry with what you like to see and experience in Ecuador and one of our travel experts will customize an itinerary according to your preferences. Free quote and responsive service!
10 Days
Ecuador Essentials: Quito & the Galápagos Islands
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island
6 Days
Galapagos Island Hopping Tour – 6 Days
Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island
12 Days
Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour – 12 Days
Quito, Yasuni National Park, Galapagos Islands
10 Days
Ecuador Romantic Escape & Galápagos Cruise
Quito, Cloud Forest, Papallacta, Galapagos Islands
9 Days
Best of Ecuador: Quito, Galápagos & Guayaquil
Quito, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Guayaquil
12 Days
Top Experiences in Peru & Ecuador
Peru: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Poroy;
Ecuador: Quito, Galapagos Islands
10 Days
Ecuador Essentials: Quito & the Galápagos Islands
Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island
6 Days
Galapagos Island Hopping Tour – 6 Days
Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island
12 Days
Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour – 12 Days
Quito, Yasuni National Park, Galapagos Islands
10 Days
Ecuador Romantic Escape & Galápagos Cruise
Quito, Cloud Forest, Papallacta, Galapagos Islands
9 Days
Best of Ecuador: Quito, Galápagos & Guayaquil
Quito, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Guayaquil
12 Days
Top Experiences in Peru & Ecuador
Peru: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Poroy;
Ecuador: Quito, Galapagos Islands
Ecuador Travel FAQs
A trip with Royalairtrip allows you to have a tour with freedom and flexibility. You decide where to visit, when to see, what to eat and where to stay.
What is the best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos?
The best time to visit depends on which regions you plan to explore as this compact but extraordinarily diverse country experiences different weather patterns across its four distinct geographic zones simultaneously. The Andean highlands and Quito are most pleasant from June to September during the dry season when clear skies make volcano viewing and outdoor trekking exceptionally rewarding. The Amazon jungle can be visited year round though the drier months of August to December offer more comfortable conditions for jungle exploration and wildlife spotting. For the Galapagos Islands December to May brings warmer waters perfect for snorkelling while June to November offers cooler currents attracting larger marine wildlife including whale sharks. Royal Air Trip helps you choose the perfect travel timing based on your specific Ecuador interests and dream experiences.
What should I know about indigenous cultures here?
This remarkable Andean nation is home to an extraordinarily rich and diverse tapestry of indigenous cultures representing over a dozen distinct ethnic groups who have maintained their ancestral traditions, languages, textiles, and spiritual practices with remarkable pride and dignity despite centuries of colonial pressure and modernisation. The Otavalo people of the northern highlands are perhaps the most internationally recognised indigenous community famous worldwide for producing the most exquisite hand woven textiles in all of South America sold at the legendary Otavalo market every Saturday which is one of the largest and most colourful indigenous markets found anywhere in Latin America. Visiting a traditional Kichwa community deep in the Amazon basin and learning about their extraordinary knowledge of medicinal plants, jungle survival skills, and ancient spiritual ceremonies is a profoundly moving and genuinely humbling cultural experience. Royal Air Trip incorporates respectful and authentic indigenous cultural encounters into all our Ecuador itineraries.
What are the most spectacular natural landscapes to explore?
Beyond the world famous Galapagos Islands this extraordinarily biodiverse nation is home to a collection of natural landscapes so varied and so visually dramatic that even the most widely travelled visitors find themselves completely overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and ecological richness encountered around virtually every corner. The cloud forests of Mindo sitting at around 1200 metres on the western Andean slopes are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the entire planet sheltering over 500 species of birds including the resplendent quetzal, hundreds of orchid varieties, and an extraordinary abundance of butterflies, frogs, and exotic mammals within a lush and perpetually mist shrouded green paradise. Quilotoa Crater Lake a stunning turquoise volcanic lake sitting at 3914 metres above sea level surrounded by dramatic Andean scenery is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural landmarks in all of South America. Royal Air Trip ensures these spectacular natural wonders are beautifully woven into every itinerary.
What is the shopping and handicraft culture like here?
Shopping for handmade artisanal products in this culturally rich Andean nation is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences any visitor can have as the country produces some of the finest and most distinctive traditional handicrafts found anywhere in Latin America reflecting centuries of indigenous artistic traditions passed down through countless generations. The world famous Panama hat despite its misleading name actually originated here and purchasing a genuine hand woven toquilla straw hat directly from a master craftsman in Cuenca where the finest examples are produced to this day is an experience that combines cultural insight with acquiring a truly exceptional and globally recognised artisanal treasure. Otavalo's famous Saturday market overflows with beautifully hand woven textiles, intricately embroidered clothing, carved wooden figurines, hand painted ceramics, and sterling silver jewellery incorporating pre-Columbian design motifs. Royal Air Trip's guided shopping experiences take you to the most authentic markets and artisan workshops in Ecuador.
How easy is it to get around and travel between regions?
Getting around this compact and surprisingly well connected country is considerably easier and more straightforward than most first time visitors initially expect given the extraordinary diversity of landscapes and ecosystems packed into such a relatively small geographical area. The Pan-American Highway running the entire length of the Andean highlands connects all major cities and towns with regular and affordable bus services that are used extensively by both locals and budget conscious travellers making independent exploration very accessible. Domestic flights connecting Quito with Guayaquil, Cuenca, and the Galapagos Islands are frequent, affordable, and save enormous amounts of travel time given the dramatic Andean terrain that makes overland journeys significantly longer than the distances suggest. Hiring a private vehicle with a driver is an excellent option for exploring highland markets, volcano national parks, and cloud forest reserves in maximum comfort and flexibility. Royal Air Trip arranges all internal transportation as part of our perfectly tailored tour packages.
Best Places to Visit in Ecuador
Ecuador Travel Guide
Get ready to dive into the captivating charm of Ecuador! Our travel experts have curated a rich collection of guides, each opening the door to the country's wonders. From the enchanting wildlife of the Galápagos Islands to the vibrant indigenous markets of Otavalo, discover unmissable experiences, along with handy travel tips to make your trip effortless.
- Ecuador
Standing at the Center of the Earth: The Ultimate Mitad del Mundo Guide
Planning a trip to Ecuador? Don't miss Mitad del Mundo — the iconic Middle of the World monument near Quito. This complete travel guide covers...
- Ecuador
10 Days in Ecuador: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
Ecuador is one of the most extraordinary travel destinations on earth — a country the size of the United Kingdom that contains four completely distinct...
- Ecuador
Where to See Wildlife in Ecuador Beyond the Galápagos
When most people think of wildlife in Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands immediately come to mind — and for good reason. But Ecuador's extraordinary biodiversity extends...
