Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands have almost an embarrassment of riches, an influence and reputation far beyond their physical size. Natural beauties range from the world's deepest and densest rainforest in the east, across mountain landscapes patchworked into tiny fields by indigenous Indians, over the world's second-highest volcano and skim Pacific waters to Darwin's 'Natural Laboratory' of the Galapagos.

An Ecuador holiday or Galapagos cruise with Abercrombie & Kent gets you closer to the remarkable people, places and wildlife that make the country such a rich travel destination.

Offering the best of Latin America in miniature, within its compact borders, Ecuador contains everything a traveller could wish for in abundance. Its national parks and wildlife reserves include some of the richest Amazon jungle to the east of the Andes and the high-altitude forests of Cotopaxi's volcanic flanks. Overlaying this natural beauty, Ecuador also has a cultural depth unequalled elsewhere in South America, with stately colonial buildings in the world's highest capital, Quito, and a dramatic mountainous landscape, where thriving Indian communities throng local markets and proudly maintain their ancient cultures – a must see for every holiday to Ecuador.

However the highlight of Ecuador travel, more often than not, is the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of national parks nearly a thousand kilometres offshore. Darwin's living laboratory is a world apart, exceptional for its fearless and unique wildlife. Any visitor to the islands on a Galapagos cruise can swim with a sea lion, paddle alongside a penguin, be amused by the 'fool' booby bird and watch a 200 kg giant tortoise wallowing in the swamps of Santa Cruz Island. The wildlife is truly unparalleled, the landscape barren, volcanic and markedly beautiful – these are the features that define the Galapagos cruise experience. Never connected with the continent, the islands contain many endemic (only found in the Galapagos) species.  A quarter of the shore fish, half of the plants and almost all of the reptiles are exclusive to the Galapagos Islands.  

The Galapagos are a two-hour flight from Quito or Guayaquil.  Whilst there are seasonal variations, the islands are a year-round destination.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, a 10 night journey to Ecuador including the Galapagos Islands will cost from £4,995 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.

Click here to download our Classic Ecuador & Galapagos itinerary.

Click here to download our Classic Peru & Galapagos itinerary.