Ecuador and the Galapagos tours & tailor-made trips

Ecuador is a year-round destination. In the Galapagos, December to May brings warmer seas, calmer water and sunnier skies. June to November is cooler and drier, with richer marine life and lots of seabird activity. In the Andes, June to September is usually driest, but mountain weather can change quickly.

Plan for at least 10 to 14 days to see the mainland and the islands without rushing. That gives you time for Quito and the Andes or the Amazon, plus five to eight days in the Galapagos. If you also want to see the cloud forest or the coast, consider three weeks.

You can only reach the islands on domestic flights from Quito or Guayaquil. Flights land on Baltra, next to Santa Cruz, or on San Cristobal. The trip from Quito takes about two to three hours and often stops in Guayaquil. Most travelers spend a night on the mainland before and after their island stay.

Yes. International adults pay a Galapagos National Park entrance fee, plus a Transit Card required for all arrivals. The Transit Card is bought at the Quito or Guayaquil airport before departure, and the park fee is paid in cash on arrival. Ecuador uses the US dollar, so bring clean, undamaged bills, as torn ones are often rejected.

A small-ship cruise reaches more remote islands and covers more ground since you sail between sites overnight. Land-based island-hopping, staying on Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela, suits families, travelers prone to seasickness, and anyone who wants more flexibility and comfort. Both include outings with licensed naturalist guides.

Quito sits at about 9,350 feet (2,850 meters), so some visitors feel mild altitude effects such as headaches or shortness of breath. Take it easy for your first day or two, drink plenty of water and limit alcohol. Planning gentler activities early in your trip helps your body adjust.