Ecuador Holidays
Overview
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It might be the smallest of the Andean countries, but Ecuador boasts an incredible historical, cultural and natural diversity from ancient indigenous markets to striking Inca ruins and colonial churches. A visit to Ecuador cannot be complete without visiting the Galapagos, an achipelago of volcanic origin dating back 6 million years and located 600 miles off its coast, with spectacular wilderness and unique species of mammals and birds.
Ecuador Highlights
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The Amazon Rainforest
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The Galapagos Islands
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Quito
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Otavalo Indian Market
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Equatorial Line Monument
Quito Old Town: Discover the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quito, with its Spanish architecture and cobbled streets.
Galapagos Islands: Home to an impressive array of exotic plants and animals such as the Galapagos Iguana and giant Galapagos Tortoise, the islands were visited by Charles Darwin in 1835 and have been popular with visitors ever since.
Guayaquil: The colourful sea port of Guayaquil has a relaxed Caribbean vibe and is a great place to relax in-between exploring the Andean highlands and the exotic Galapagos Islands.
Otavalo Indian Market: The local Indians have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts and textiles on offer at this giant colourful market, you'll be sure to find some new souvenirs to take home with you.
Equatorial Line Monument: Known as the "Middle of the World" the Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator.
Ecuador Factfile
When to go
Temperature Range: 8°C - 30°C
Most popular: December to January and June to August.
Best value: February, April, May, September and October.
Best weather: Galapagos Islands: December to May
Coastal region: January to May
Highland region: June to September
Travel Information
Direct flights: None.
Indirect flights: Iberia, United Airlines, Air France, KLM, American Airlines and LAN Airlines.
Visa information: None for British citizens
Health information: No specific vaccinations required
Time Difference: GMT - 5 hours
Tailor make your own itinerary
At Hayes & Jarvis we know that every one of our customers is unique, which is why we offer the chance to tailor make a personal itinerary if you want something different to our ready made packages. Call our expert team today to get started.
- Call your Ecuador Expert 0844 583 5810*
- Agree your personal itinerary
- Pack your suitcase
- Enjoy your tailor made holiday
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now let us show you the world
Call our travel experts today and we'll make your dream holiday come to life
0844 583 5810*
Find out more about our expertsWhen To Go
Best Value
Accommodation prices are highest during the Christmas and Summer holidays and tend to be less expensive February to May and September to early December.
Best Time to Go
Ecuador is a year round destination so there really isn't a bad time to go, although the climate does vary by region and season so it all depends what you want to experience. The seas surrounding the Galapagos Islands tend to be calmer and the weather warmer from December to May and this is a great time to visit if you want to take a boat trip to explore some of the islands' varied fauna. The summer months are also popular with wildlife enthusiasts as the animals tend to be more active during this part of the year.
Hottest
Ecuador is at its hottest from December to May although the temperature will vary depending on altitude will feel decidedly cooler the higher up you travel.
Climate
Generally Ecuador has a tropical climate but does become cooler as you reach the higher elevations inland. There are two main seasons, rainy and dry which vary by region. In the Galapagos Islands the rainy season runs from December to June with temperatures around 26-30°C, cooling to 20-24°C in the dry months of July to November.
Ecuador Travel Information
Flight information
There are a number of carriers offering flights to Ecuador from the UK.
Direct Carriers: there are no direct flights from the UK to Ecuador
Indirect Carriers: LAN Airlines, Iberia, United Airlines, Air France, KLM and American Airlines offer indirect services to Ecuador.
Departure Taxes: An international departure tax of USD27.75 (approx. GBP17) at Guayaquil Airport and USD80.80 (approx. GBP25) at all other Ecuadorian Airports must be paid (unless it is included in your flight ticket price). Taxes on Ecuador domestic flights (USD 2, approx. GBP1.30) are payable unless included in your flight ticket.
Fastest Flight Time: 14hrs 25 mins (London to Quito)
Visa information
British Citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Ecuador but your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Ecuador. If you enter Ecuador via the border with Peru or Colombia you must insist on being given an entry stamp at the border showing the date of your arrival. Please contact the Ecuador Embassy for up to date country and visa information on 0207 451 0040.
How to obtain a visa
If you need a travel visa for your upcoming trip, Hayes & Jarvis are pleased to offer our customers the expertise and experience of CIBT, the Global Visa and Passport Professionals. CIBT UK Ltd specializes in fast, dependable visa application services. Don't wait until the last minute, for an application form and discounted pricing. Call 0844 800 4650 or visit http://www.uk.cibt.com/hayesandjarvis
