Luxury holidays in Ecuador

Ecuador and The Galapagos Snow-capped volcanoes, Amazonian rainforest, colonial cities and the wildlife-rich Galápagos

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Ecuador and The Galapagos with True Travel

Ecuador, from Andean heights to Pacific waters

It’s hard to imagine a country with more packed into such a small space. Ecuador stretches from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the steamy depths of the Amazon, with the cobbled streets of Quito and a string of Pacific beaches in between. Then there’s the Galápagos, a world apart, where giant tortoises lumber through volcanic landscapes, sea lions slip into turquoise waters and blue-footed boobies patrol the shores. Life here is wonderfully varied, whether that means hiking beneath towering volcanoes, exploring the Amazon by canoe, discovering Quito’s colonial heart or sailing between the Galápagos Islands in an intimate expedition vessel. Stay in characterful haciendas, luxurious jungle lodges and beautifully appointed yachts, where thoughtful service and spectacular settings turn an extraordinary adventure into an exceptional journey.

Specialist Tip

In the Galápagos, choosing between a cruise or island-hopping depends on your priorities. Cruises reach remote uninhabited islands, while land-based stays offer more flexibility and contact with local communities.

Evie Oswald, Latin America Programme Manager

Journeys we’ve loved

Featured Ecuador and The Galapagos itineraries

Each of our journeys starts from a conversation. Every detail, from the route to the hotels, is built and rebuilt around you until it fits. To provide you a taste of what True Travel can create, our team of global destination specialists have created a selection of suggested journeys, from our recent travels. Get in touch to start planning your next adventure.

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Ecuador and The Galapagos

Classic Ecuador

This 16 day journey brings together three very different sides of Ecuador, from Quito’s colonial heart to the Amazon rainforest and the high Andes. After time exploring the capital, travel…

Ecuador and The Galapagos

Quito, the Galápagos & Ecuador’s Cloud Forest

Nineteen days reveal the remarkable variety of Ecuador, from the Andean highlands to the wildlife-rich Galápagos and the lush cloud forests. Begin in Quito, where historic streets, local flavours and…

EXPLORE THE COUNTRY

Places in Ecuador and The Galapagos

Our Favourite Places Galapagos The Galapagos Islands sit some 600 miles off Ecuador's coast, and their isolation is exactly why Charles Darwin found the wildlife here impossible to ignore. Giant tortoises, some living well over a century, share the islands with marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and sea lions that show almost no fear of people, a legacy of evolving with so few natural predators. Most visits combine a handful of islands by boat or short flight, since each one supports noticeably different species. It remains one of the very few places where wildlife encounters happen this close, and this consistently.

Ecuador and The Galapagos

Dive with hammerhead sharks

Dive with hammerhead sharks in Ecuador and the Galápagos, entering the clear Pacific waters with experienced dive guides for the chance to encounter these remarkable predators.

Ecuador and The Galapagos

Watch blue-footed boobies dive off Floreana Beach

Watch blue-footed boobies dive into the sea from Floreana Beach in the Galápagos, seeing these distinctive birds hunt from the shoreline and learning about the island’s wildlife.

Galapagos Sea Turtle Snorkelling, Ecuador

Ecuador and The Galapagos

Snorkel with sea turtles

Join Nihi Sumba’s turtle conservation programme for the chance to release young turtles into the Indian Ocean. Learn about the threats facing sea turtles and the work being done to protect them before watching the hatchlings make their way towards the sea.

Ecuador and The Galapagos

Sunset cocktails onboard with views of Kicker Rock

Enjoy a sunset cocktail onboard with views of Kicker Rock in the Galápagos, watching the volcanic landmark change colour as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Espanola Waved Albatross Unsplash, Ecuador

Ecuador and The Galapagos

Discover the waved albatross of Española

Discover the waved albatross of Española in the Galápagos, observing these magnificent seabirds and learning about their breeding behaviour and life on one of the archipelago’s most remote islands.

Ecuador and The Galapagos Accommodation

A Taste of Where We Stay

A selection of the accommodation we love in Ecuador and The Galapagos — there are many more to suit every style and budget.

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Hacienda Zuleta

Owned by the same family for more than a century, Hacienda Zuleta is a traditional working estate set amongst the valleys and mountains of the Ecuadorian Andes. Individually designed rooms reflect the character of the historic hacienda, while life on the farm continues around it. Guests can explore the estate on foot or horseback, visit the cheese factory and condor conservation project, or simply enjoy the slower pace of rural Ecuador.

Sacha Lodge

The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, and Sacha Lodge places guests in the heart of it. Set beside a blackwater lake, the lodge's wooden cabins are surrounded by rainforest, while guided excursions explore the rivers, trails and treetops of this remarkable region.

Aqua Mare

The Galápagos Islands are best explored by water, and Aqua Mare offers a comfortable way to discover this remarkable part of Ecuador. With just seven suites, the yacht provides an intimate experience, while daily excursions reveal the islands' unique wildlife and landscapes. Guided hikes, snorkelling and wildlife encounters are complemented by spacious decks and plenty of room to relax between adventures.

Hermes Mega Catamaran

Exploring the Galápagos by boat allows access to islands and wildlife that are difficult to reach any other way. Accommodating just 20 guests, Hermes combines spacious suites with guided excursions led by expert naturalists. Days are spent discovering the unique landscapes and wildlife of the Galápagos before returning to the comfort of the catamaran.

Origin Theory expedition yacht in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Origin Theory Evolve

Exploring the Galápagos by water allows access to islands and wildlife that are difficult to reach any other way. Origin, Theory & Evolve visit many of the region's more remote islands, with expert naturalists leading excursions on land and water. Guided walks, kayaking and snorkelling offer an insight into the unique landscapes and wildlife of the Galápagos.

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Explore destination guides, travel news and stories from our specialists’ travels around the world, from new hotels and destinations to the experiences worth seeking out. Discover fresh ideas and insider knowledge to inspire your next trip.

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What our guests say

From the travel and transfers to the lodging, it was the most magical and perfect trip that we will remember for the rest of our lives. The hotels were beautiful and luxurious, with the most amazing staff. Every day was 10/10, and the trip was so well balanced with adventure and relaxation.

Amy, UK

It was one of the best trips I've ever done, and 95% of that was down to True Travel and their team. The organisation was perfect, as was each destination and guide. I hope I can travel again with them soon.

Fatima, Spain

True Travel arranged all our internal flights and transport, which ran like clockwork. Each accommodation was lovely, as was being able to explore Ecuador's varied regions and amazing people, culture and animals. As usual, True Travel delivered a seamless trip.

Jane, UK

My sister and I spent 12 days in Cambodia, planned by True Travel. Everything went perfectly. We stayed in four different amazing locations, had wonderful guides and drivers, and did so many different activities. The team at True Travel were really easy to deal with and great at communicating.

Jill, USA

Best trip ever. This trip was awesome. We were treated like royalty. We were taken care of from beginning to end. We saw everything we expected and then some. The accommodations were fabulous. I could go on forever, but just to say everything was planned to perfection to the finest detail. I hope to use them again and will recommend True Travel to everyone. A trip we'll never forget.

Jean, USA

The True Travel team provided excellent service throughout, from initial planning and finalising the details to support during the trip. They were extremely knowledgeable about Australia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, boutique hotels and restaurants. Their local partner was always on hand to help with any issues or changes. Using True Travel meant I could relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about the logistics or small details.

Liza, USA

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Quick Answers

Common Questions

Is it true Ecuador uses the US Dollar, and does that simplify currency for my trip?

Yes, Ecuador officially adopted the US Dollar as its currency in 2000, making it one of the few countries in South America where no currency exchange is needed at all for US travellers, and a genuinely simple conversion for everyone else. Small change is often given in Ecuadorian coins minted to match US denominations exactly, which still spend as ordinary US currency.
What language is spoken in Ecuador?

Spanish is the national language, with Quechua and other indigenous languages still spoken in Andean highland communities. English is used in tourist-facing roles in Quito and on Galápagos cruises, but becomes less reliable in smaller mainland towns.
Does the Galápagos have a different time zone from mainland Ecuador?

Yes, the Galápagos Islands run an hour behind mainland Ecuador, on Galápagos Time (UTC-6) rather than the mainland’s UTC-5, despite being part of the same country. This is easy to overlook when planning connecting flights or confirming pickup times for an inter- island tour, so it’s worth double-checking against whichever leg of your itinerary you’re on.
Can I drink the tap water in Ecuador?

Tap water is not recommended for drinking on the Ecuadorian mainland, including Quito. Bottled or filtered water is provided as standard on Galápagos cruises and at island lodges, where water itself is a genuinely scarce resource produced largely through desalination, making mindful use worth practising even as a guest.
Should I carry cash or are cards widely accepted?

Cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants in Quito and on some Galápagos vessels, but the Galápagos National Park entrance fee, separate from your cruise or tour cost, is typically payable in cash US dollars on arrival at the islands’ airport. Carrying enough cash specifically for this fee avoids an awkward moment before your trip even properly begins.
Is tipping expected in Ecuador?

Tipping is customary and modest on the mainland, similar to broader regional norms, while Galápagos cruises typically have an established daily tipping guideline for naturalist guides and crew, often pooled and distributed at the end of the voyage. Your specialist or cruise operator will confirm the specific recommended amount for your vessel.
What plug sockets are used in Ecuador?

Ecuador uses Type A and Type B sockets, the same flat two or three-pin design used in the US, running at 110V. This applies consistently across both the mainland and the Galápagos Islands.
What should I know about biosecurity checks before flying to the Galápagos?

Luggage is inspected and sealed with an official sticker at the mainland departure airport before any flight to the Galápagos, specifically checking for seeds, soil, food or other organic material that could threaten the islands’ uniquely isolated ecosystem. Declaring any relevant items honestly and packing hiking boots and outdoor gear clean beforehand makes this routine step considerably faster.
What are the rules around wildlife interaction in the Galápagos?

A minimum distance from wildlife, typically around two metres, is strictly enforced, with touching, feeding or otherwise interfering with animals prohibited regardless of how approachable they may seem given how unafraid Galápagos wildlife genuinely is of humans. Licensed naturalist guides accompany all shore visits and set the specific pace and boundaries for each site, and following their lead exactly is both a conservation requirement and a safety matter.

Ecuador and The Galapagos Snow-capped volcanoes, Amazonian rainforest, colonial cities and the wildlife-rich Galápagos

Ecuador, from Andean heights to Pacific waters

Ecuador and The Galapagos With Us

Featured Ecuador and The Galapagos itineraries

Classic Ecuador

Quito, the Galápagos & Ecuador’s Cloud Forest

Places in Ecuador and The Galapagos

Experiences on offer

Dive with hammerhead sharks

Watch blue-footed boobies dive off Floreana Beach

Snorkel with sea turtles

Sunset cocktails onboard with views of Kicker Rock

Discover the waved albatross of Española

A Taste of Where We Stay

Hacienda Zuleta

Sacha Lodge

Aqua Mare

Hermes Mega Catamaran

Origin Theory Evolve

Read all about it