|
|
|
 |
 |
Overview | The smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador has an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes, dense rainforest and sublime islands - all in a nation no bigger than the US state of Nevada. | When To Go | Generally speaking, Ecuador has two seasons, wet and dry, but local weather patterns vary greatly depending on geography.In the highlands, the dry season is between June and September and around Christmas, but even the wet season isn't particularly rainy. The central valley is spring-like all year, with temperatures no higher than 24°C 66°F. The Oriente experiences rain year-round; July and August are the wettest months, September through December the driest. Canoe travel is best in the wet season, when streams are high, while trekking is best done in the dry.On the coast, the wet season roughly January to May sees sunny days with daily afternoon downpours, but it's the best beach weather. June through August sees gringo vacationers descend.The mainland coastal areas and the Galápagos Islands are sweltering and wet between January and April. Despite the rain, this season has the most sun and is when Ecuadorians flock to the beach.In the Galápagos, the wildlife frolics year-round but | Visas | Most travelers entering Ecuador as tourists, including citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the EU, Canada and the USA, do not require visas. Upon entry, they will be issued a T-3 embarkation card, which is valid for 90 days. | Weather | There are only two real seasons in Ecuador - the rainy season and the dry season - but there are significant variations among the geographical regions, and temperature is often a factor of altitude. Even during the rainy season, most days are sunny until the afternoon.
Coastal Ecuador is cloudy most of the time but enjoys daily highs averaging around 30°C 86°F year-round, and a short but quite damp wet season between January and April. The highland dry season is between June and the end of September. In the Oriente, it rains most months - August and December to March are usually the driest. The Galápagos Islands are unusually dry for their equatorial position. The official dry season, between June and December, is also cool and often misty. | Getting There | Traveling by air is the most common way to get to Ecuador. Quito's international airport, Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre tel: 02 294 4900; www.quitoairport.com is about 10km 6mi north of the city center, and Guayaquil's airport, Aeropuerto Simón Bolívar tel: 04 228 2100; Av de las Américas sn is about 5km 3mi north. Both have direct connections to Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Nearly all flights from Europe and Australasia go via these cities or through the Caribbean. Some airlines also fly direct from Central and South American countries. The region's main international hub is Lima - it can be cheaper to fly to Peru and continue overland to Ecuador a 24-hour bus trip. |
|
 |
|
 |  | Adventure on the Equator | After colonial Quito and visiting the equator, you travel to the famous market town of Otavalo and walk by a crater lake. You’ll enjoy a stunning descent with dramatic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes before you head out into the Amazon jungle. Experience the feeling of being enclosed by a mass of vegetation and marvel at the sounds and biodiversity of nature. |
| | Please Click Here for more information on Adventure on the Equator | |
|  | | | | Ecuador Adventure | Quito is one of the best preserved colonial cities in the whole of Latin America. It has a delightful mix of narrow cobbled streets and fine colonial architecture. From here you travel north to the indigenous village of Otavalo to experience the sights and smells of an authentic Andean market. Admire the great scenery of the Sierra and enjoy walking along the shores of Lake Cuicocha. |
| | Please Click Here for more information on Ecuador Adventure | |
| | | | | Galapagos – Enchanted Islands Family Holiday | After a day exploring Old Quito’s grand colonial buildings and visiting the equator, you travel north to Otavalo where you’ll stay at a hacienda country estate. From here you’ll be able to take a walk through stunning mountain scenery around Lake Cuicocha, visit pre-Inca ruins, learn about traditional Indian villages famed for their art and hone your bargaining skills at Otavalo’s enormous and famous market. |
| | Please Click Here for more information on Galapagos – Enchanted Islands Family Holiday | |
| | | | | Galapagos & Amazon Family Holiday | Quito is one of the best preserved colonial cities in the whole of Latin America. It has a delightful mix of narrow cobbled streets and fine colonial architecture. From here you travel north to the indigenous village of Otavalo to experience the sights and smells of an authentic Andean market. Admire the great scenery of the Sierra and enjoy walking along the shores of Lake Cuicocha. |
| | Please Click Here for more information on Galapagos & Amazon Family Holiday | |
| | | | | Galapagos Islands | The Galapagos Islands are a nature lover’s paradise where the animals have no fear of humans. Swim and snorkel with penguins and turtles as friendly sea lions twist and turn around you and their inquisitive pups frolic in the surf. On land step over clumps of tightly packed marine iguanas, marvel at the size of the giant tortoises and watch the blue-footed boobies dance whilst pterodactyl-like frigate birds soar overhead. A trip to the islands is one of the most unforgettable experiences you are ever likely to have. |
| | Please Click Here for more information on Galapagos Islands | |
| | |
|
|
|
