Ecuador packs more diversity into a smaller area than almost any country on Earth. In a single day, you can travel from snow-capped Andean volcanoes to the Amazon rainforest, from cloud forests alive with hummingbirds to Pacific coast beaches. Straddling the equator, this compact country offers everything from indigenous highland markets and Spanish colonial cities to some of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems — and it's all within a few hours' drive.
EQUATOR · VOLCANOES · AMAZON
Ecuador
Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & the Equator
South America
1 holiday available
AVENUE OF VOLCANOES
The Avenue of Volcanoes
Alexander von Humboldt named it in 1802. Two parallel chains of mountains run north-south across central Ecuador, each studded with snow-capped volcanic cones — eleven of them rising above 5,000m, several still venting steam. The most photographed is Cotopaxi (5,897m), an almost perfect cone visible from Quito on clear days. The most extraordinary is Chimborazo (6,263m), whose summit — because of the Earth's equatorial bulge — is the farthest point from the centre of the planet, further out than Everest itself.
Trekking and riding range from gentle hacienda walks at 3,000m to serious alpine ascents. The Quilotoa Loop, a five-day circuit through indigenous Andean villages to a turquoise crater lake, is the classic mid-difficulty walk. Day-rides on Cotopaxi's wildflower-strewn northern flank suit non-trekkers; technical glacier climbs on Cayambe and Chimborazo suit the serious. Old converted haciendas — colonial farms with fireplaces, libraries and stables — make the perfect base.
Most UK travellers spend two to three nights on the Avenue, slotted between Quito as cultural arrival and a Galápagos or Amazon extension. Altitude matters: Quito sits at 2,850m, the haciendas higher still, so plan the first 48 hours gently — short walks, light meals, no alcohol — and the Andes reveal themselves at their own pace.
CLOUD CANOPY
Where the cloud forest lives
Ecuador's cloud forests — the misty transition zone between the Andes and the lowlands — are among the most biodiverse habitats on the planet. The Mindo region, just two hours from Quito, is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 500 species, including dozens of hummingbird varieties and the spectacular Andean cock-of-the-rock.
The Amazon basin in eastern Ecuador (the Oriente) offers immersive jungle experiences from comfortable eco-lodges. The Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has more tree species per hectare than anywhere else on Earth. Guided excursions introduce you to indigenous Kichwa communities, medicinal plant traditions, and wildlife from pink river dolphins to anacondas.
COLONIAL CAPITAL
Quito's colonial heart
Quito, Ecuador's capital, sits in a narrow valley at 2,850m, surrounded by volcanoes. Its colonial old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the first ever designated, alongside Kraków — with magnificent churches, convents, and plazas that showcase the finest Spanish colonial architecture in South America.
The highland indigenous markets are a cultural highlight. Otavalo, north of Quito, hosts the largest indigenous market in South America, where Kichwa weavers sell textiles using techniques passed down for centuries. The town of Baños, nestled beneath the active Tungurahua volcano, is Ecuador's adventure capital — offering everything from bridge swinging to the famous "Swing at the End of the World" with views over the jungle canopy.
TAILOR-MADE TWIN-CENTRE
Pair Ecuador with Peru
For travellers who came for Galápagos wildlife and the Andean Avenue, the natural extension south is five nights in Peru. Cusco's Inca-built lanes, the Sacred Valley's hacienda hotels, and a dawn arrival at Machu Picchu round out a two-country, ten-day itinerary that uses Ecuador's compact geography for the first half and Peru's archaeological depth for the second.
Travelfab's Galápagos & Machu Picchu — Andes Twin-Centre Holiday is a fully tailor-made 10-day trip covering Quito, Santa Cruz, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. From £3,999pp including international flights, internal flights between Quito and Lima/Cusco, transfers, central hotels and guided tours. ATOL protected and tailored to your dates.
Ready when you are.
We'll tailor the itinerary to your dates, pace and budget — no fixed departures, no group-tour compromises.
Practical Information
UK citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. No vaccinations are compulsory, but yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended if visiting the Amazon region. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for onward travel to some countries.
WHAT TO SEE
Ecuador highlights
Stand at the foot of Cotopaxi — one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth
Explore Quito's UNESCO-listed colonial old town, the best-preserved in South America
Spot 500+ bird species in the cloud forests of Mindo
Trek the Quilotoa Loop through indigenous villages to a turquoise crater lake
Visit the Amazon rainforest and stay in eco-lodges deep in Yasuní National Park
Browse the largest indigenous market in South America at Otavalo
Real reviews
What our customers say
From travellers who visited Ecuador with us
“
Spent twelve days in mainland Ecuador and was blown away by the diversity. The cloud forest at Mindo had incredible birdwatching — we spotted toucans and hummingbirds within the first hour. The indigenous market at Otavalo was colourful and authentic, and the Amazon lodge near Tena gave us a taste of the jungle. Good food throughout, especially the llapingachos. Solid four stars — the roads can be a bit hair-raising.
Alastair F.
“
Ecuador packs an extraordinary amount into a small country. We started in Quito — the old town is a UNESCO gem — then took the train to the Avenue of Volcanoes. Cotopaxi on a clear day is unforgettable. The highlight was Baños: zip-lining over canyons, the swing at the edge of the world, and soaking in thermal baths afterwards. Fabian's planning was meticulous.
Barbara & John L.
“
Ecuador is a hidden gem. We trekked to Cotopaxi, explored the Amazon and spent time in gorgeous Cuenca. The variety in such a small country is remarkable. Highly recommend Travelfab.
Tom & Lisa B.
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Tailor-made · ATOL 10898
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From volcanic peaks to Amazon jungle, Ecuador offers extraordinary diversity in a compact country. Our specialists will design a trip that covers the highlights you're most excited about.
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