The only connecting flights to the Galapagos Islands are from Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and from Guayaquil. Therefore anyone who wants to travel to the Galapagos Islands will have to pass by Ecuador. This is an excellent opportunity to take a few days to explore the historical cities and nature in Ecuador. As the slogan goes “All you need is Ecuador”.
A place full of wonder and possibilities
There is so much more to Ecuador than just its famous Panama hat. The highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi, is in Ecuador. Volcanic activity has made the land extremely fertile, and there is an abundance of freshwater. This is why the most beautiful roses blossom there, and the bananas are called ‘green gold’. The land also produces some of the most exotic fruits and delicious Ariba cacao beans.
Ecuador is filled with interesting people and cultures. The longest living people in the world live in the southern valley of Vilcabamba, and the indigenous Shaman tribe lives in the Amazon. There is indeed so much to see and experience in Ecuador.
The Ecuadorians are entrusted to care for the Galapagos Islands, and the paradise became a part of Ecuador. In 1959, Ecuador declared the Galapagos Islands as a national park, and towards the end of the 1990s, the waters surrounding the islands are also under protection.
A land of diversity
Ecuador is separated into four geographical zones – The Amazon in the east, the Andes in the middle, beach and coastal areas as well as the Galapagos Islands. The nature in Ecuador is so stunningly beautiful that they are almost always postcard perfect. There is always something new and unique to experience in these different regions. The coasts are lined with pristine beaches and charming fishing villages where you can easily get your hands on fresh fishes in the morning. On the other hand, the Andes will charm you with its magnificent and mysterious volcanoes while a visit to the indigenous communities in the Amazon will teach you about their love and respect for the nature around them.
Ecuador is an ideal place for travellers as it is a rather small country and therefore many areas are highly accessible and easily within reach. Road trips through Ecuador is another great way to explore the country. The well-connected road infrastructure and stable weather conditions allow travellers to explore different places without much trouble. Ecuador is a good starting point if you intend to travel to other places in South America.
Here at Galapagos PRO, we offer comprehensive and flexible tours to Ecuador, and they can also be combined with the Galapagos Islands. Be it travelling along the Avenue of Volcanoes on The Devil’s Nose train, going on the river cruise on the Napo river through the Amazon or visiting the southern valley where the oldest people on world live. You should take your time to soak in the experience these places have to offer. Click here to find out the highlights in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
We also offer a unique sabbatical programme where you can spend 6 weeks travelling through the Amazon, the valley of Vilcabamba and the extraordinary Galapagos Islands.
