Destination
Ecuador Holidays
A vibrant country of contrasts
From stunning turquoise lagoons, nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains, to dense emerald forests and the brilliant white sand beaches and indigo Pacific Ocean, Ecuador welcomes you in a vivid blaze of colour.
Home to a wonderful array of wildlife, this is a nature lover’s dream destination. Watch a macaw’s rainbow-hued wings flutter amid the verdant Amazon rainforest; see iguanas scuttle across terracotta red sands; and watch the sun glow orange as it sinks over the horizon – you’re sure to be mesmerised by your time in Ecuador.
Not only will you witness the natural beauty of this biodiverse nation but you'll also experience a rich heritage and vibrant culture, with awe-inspiring Incan ruins and ancient towns to discover. Make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito for fine architecture, galleries, buzzy plazas, lively crowds and people-watching from the thriving pavement cafes.
If you're keen to explore a little beyond mainland Ecuador then why not make your way over to the spectacular Galapagos Islands to extend your trip? See volcanic landscapes, meet giant tortoises and dive among amazing marine life.
Destination Highlights
Essential Information
See Practical Information- Time Zone GMT - 5
- Currency US dollar (USD)
- Visa Information British citizens aren’t required to obtain a visa for travel to Ecuador
- Language Spanish
- Flight Time 13–15 hours; indirect flights are available from London Heathrow via the USA
- Health Information No special vaccines are required or recommended for travel to Ecuador
Top Tips from our Experts
Natalie
Destination Specialist
“Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, after La Paz, so you may be warned about altitude sickness. I recommend drinking lots of water and laying off the alcohol for the first couple of nights so you can acclimatise properly.”
Barbara
Destination Specialist
“In addition to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has so much more to offer. Why not spend some time exploring the mainland and soaking up city life and culture.”
George
Destination Specialist
“If you’re looking for something different, head to the town of Banos. You’ll find stunning waterfalls, natural hot springs and hiking tracks through lush forests before heading on to discover the wildlife of the Amazon.”
Our Ecuador destinations
Types of Ecuador holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights to Quito take around 13 hours excluding stop-over time. There are currently no direct flight options from the UK; however, there are various indirect flights to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito from various UK airports.
Ecuador follows Ecuador Time (GMT -5) and it has no daylight saving, so this stays the same year-round.
There are various domestic flight options available from Quito or Guayaquil on the mainland to Baltra Island or San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. The flight from Quito stops at Guayaquil en route so most people prefer to get to Guayaquil first.
