Nature's Highlights

Your tour in Ecuador starts in the Amazon rainforest with a stay in a comfortable and eco-friendly lodge. This is a highly informative experience as guides will take you out daily to gain an insight into the surrounding primary rainforest, perhaps to a parrot clay lick or on a night-time sortie.

Returning to Quito you should not leave Ecuador without having experienced a little  of the Andean cloudforest that is within a couple of hours transfer from the capital. Here the birdlife and flora is completely different to that experienced in the rainforest.

We recommend ending your trip with a Galapagos Islands cruise. Consisting of around twenty islands and scores of islets the Galapagos Islands are located around 1000km from the Ecuadorian mainland, yet are undoubtedly one of its highlights and most certainly of world importance. The islands were made famous by Charles Darwin on his voyage with the Beagle in 1835, when his studies here enabled him to formulate his work on evolution. Today various small tourist vessels, from motor cruisers to luxury motor yachts ply amongst the islands so that visitors can discover the unique flora and fauna of the region. On board you will find a naturalist who will help explain the nature of these protected islands. Each island has a distinct character and often species are specific to an island. For the nature lover the Galapagos are a tremendous place to visit, as encounters with wildlife are incredibly close.

However, you should note that not all boat routings are equal in showcasing the best of the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands. We carefully choose those boat itineraries that reach the best island locations throughout their cruise. Wildlife & Wilderness highly recommend that you spend one week cruising in the Galapagos before returning to the mainland to continue your journey in South America or heading home.

April - November

Highlight species

	Galapagos penguin
	South American fur seals
	South American sea lions
	Blue-footed boobies
	Frigate birds
	Darwin finches
	Red & green and Blue & yellow macaws plus various parrot species
	Primate species including red howler monkeys, golden-mantled tamarin, pygmy marmoset, Napo saki monkey, white-fronted capuchin, white-bellied spider monkey
	Kinkajou
	Three-toed sloth
	Southern tamandua
	Black caiman
	Green anaconda

Cost from £

Please contact us for a cost for when you wish to travel.

Departure Dates

Any date to your requirements.

Difficulty

Generally easy walking although some rough and steep ground can be expected. Some longer transfers by boat in the Amazon lasting 2 - 3 hours.

Flights

No direct flights from the UK. International flights via European centres or hubs in the USA.

Time

GMT -5 hours

Visit Machu Picchu, Peru or possibly combine with Costa Rica. You can also travel through the Andes in Ecuador visiting the famous market town of Otavalo, perhaps staying in a heritage hacienda, or further south through the Avenue of Volcanoes to the colonial city of Cuenca.