Ecuador: a jewel of South America
Ecuador lies between Peru and Colombia. Half the size of France, it covers just 283,560 km², including the Galapagos Islands, making it one of the smallest countries in South America. It stretches from the Pacific to the Amazon, spanning the Andes or Sierra mountain range. A small piece of land, the country offers its visitors a very attractive range of landscapes and cultures: on the coast, you'll find a population adopting Caribbean customs, while the Indians of the Sierra preserve their Andean traditions. In the Amazon, the tribes are trying to preserve their homes, while in the cities, the Western way of life is making itself increasingly felt. The country is best known for its rich landscapes and nature, including the Amazon and the Galapagos. What's more, many of its sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Quito's Old Town, the Galapagos Islands, Cuenca's historic center, the Inca Trail and Sangay National Park.
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Itinerary : Baltra, Puerto Egas, Rabida, Elizabeth Bay-Ile Isabella, Caleta Tagus - Isabela Island, Santiago, Bartolomé Island, Las Bachas, Daphne Island, North Seymour, Puerto Baquerizo, Punta Pitt, Puerto Ayora, Baltra
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Celebrity Flora
8 d
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Baltra
8/15/2027
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US$ 8,864
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07-21 Jun 2026
05-19 Jul 2026
02-16-30 Aug 2026
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Itinerary : Baltra, Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez, Cormorant point, Floreana, Punta Moreno, Isabela, Punta Espinoza, Ponta Vicente Roca, South Plaza, Daphne Island, Dragon Hill, Puerto Ayora, Baltra
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Celebrity Flora
8 d
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Baltra
8/23/2026
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US$ 9,186
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14-28 Jun 2026
12-26 Jul 2026
09 Aug 2026
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Itinerary : San Cristobal - Galapagos, Prince Philip’s Steps, North Seymour, Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos, Gardner Bay, San Cristobal - Galapagos, Prince Philip’s Steps, North Seymour, Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos, Gardner Bay, San Cristobal - Galapagos
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Silver Origin
8 d
Suite
San Cristobal - Galapagos
8/29/2026
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US$ 12,400
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09 May 2026
20 Jun 2026
04-18 Jul 2026
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Itinerary : San Cristobal - Galapagos, Darwin Bay, North Seymour, Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos, Gardner Bay, San Cristobal - Galapagos, Darwin Bay, North Seymour, Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos, Gardner Bay, San Cristobal - Galapagos
Silver Origin
8 d
Suite
San Cristobal - Galapagos
3/28/2026
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US$ 16,900
It's impossible to visit Ecuador without passing through its capital: Quito. Situated at an altitude of 2,850 m, it is virtually surrounded by green hills, with volcanoes to the west. Like Cuenca, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can explore monuments such as the Basilica del Voto, the Santa Catalina monastery, La Compania and the Plaza de la Independencia.
90km away, at an altitude of 2,580m, lies Otavalo. Here, you'll see mountains as far as the eye can see and one of Ecuador's most highly-rated markets. You'll also see the colorful Plaza de los Ponchos. Speaking of Cuenca, this is a city of colonial houses adorned with stucco. You'll have the chance to take pictures of the Catedral de la Immaculada, the Santo Domingo church or the San Francisco church. On the eastern side of the country, you'll find the Amazon, also known as the Oriente. On a trek there, you may spot monkeys, tapirs or even caimans and anacondas. In town, take a stroll to Puerto Misahualli or Macas. Still in the heights is Chimborazo at 6310m, Ecuador's first volcano. In second place is the Cotopaxi volcano, also the world's highest active volcano. Its ascent is best reserved for mountaineering enthusiasts. Finally, to see a volcano crater filled with turquoise water, head for the laguna Quilotoa. This is one of Ecuador's wildest Andean regions, making it the ideal place to discover the tribal way of life.
At 1850m above sea level, on the Loja side, you'll land in the village of Vilcabamba. A gentle, green landscape awaits you for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding. If you want to see sea lions, dolphins and sea lions, head for Isla de la Plata. Similar to the Galápagos archipelago, it is full of unique spots where you can relax, such as La Canoa, Jipijapa and Montanita. The latter offers a "sea, sex and sun" atmosphere, and is very popular with tourists and surfers alike. A change of scenery and a frenzied atmosphere are guaranteed. After your expedition, try traditional dishes such as Bolon de verde, a banana donnut stuffed with cheese; ceviche; or Llapingachos, mashed potatoes with cheese.
Ecuador has an equatorial climate. There are two seasons: dry and wet. If you want to go climbing, it's best to go between December and January. The weather will be drier and the high altitude winds more tolerable. For beach activities and lounging, December to January is a good time, as the sun is out and the sea is warmer. And if you're feeling peckish, don't hesitate to order a menu at Quito's Zazu restaurant.
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