Ecuador delights: magic in the middle of the world

Ecuador is said to reflect the whole of South America in one country. An impossible amount of mountainous landscapes, impressive Inca ruins, colonial cities, miles of emerald Amazon rainforest and palm-fringed beaches await when you pack your holiday bags for the middle of the world.

Go turtle spotting in the Galapagos

The Galapagos is just a short flight from Quito and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the rare Darwin finches that helped the man himself unveil his theory of evolution. Look out for turtles at the Charles Darwin Research Station or let our Concierge Traveller specialists help arrange a luxury cruise around the Galapagos Islands. Here’s where you’ll spot marine iguanas, nesting albatross, swim with sea lions or go diving with Galapagos and hammerhead sharks. The Galapagos is not to be missed. Just take a hat – there are plenty of birds.

Explore the Amazon

The Amazon basin begins its sinewy green trail at the foot of Ecuador’s Andes and beckons the visitor in with the promise of an abundance of eco-lodge stays and the chance to spot wildlife you’ve never seen in your life. Try to snap the elusive pink river dolphin, or an anaconda twisted around a tree. Don’t look up if you’re afraid of tarantulas, but if the idea of risky fishing appeals, you can always go fishing for piranhas. A few days in the Amazon is an essential experience when you’re on holiday in Ecuador, so ask our travel experts about the best option today.

Count volcanoes in the Central Andes

The central highlands south of Quito will undoubtedly provide you with some of the loveliest scenes you’ll ever have the pleasure of seeing, or snapping with your camera. With beautifully warm weather, you’ll walk or hike to a background of over 50 precipitous volcanic peaks and talk to Quichua-speaking families wringing crops of potatoes and maize from their terraces. A true cultural experience, ask our Concierge Traveller experts to arrange some time in the Central Andes.

Stand on the Equator

From Quito, it’s very easy to reach the equator where you can marvel at the fact that water spins around a drain the ‘wrong way’. It might all sound pointless, but it’s quite a thrill to stand on the line between the northern and southern hemispheres trying to decide which side you should stay on in order to continue your adventures. A day trip to the line and the interesting museum can be arranged as part of your Ecuador holiday package with Concierge Traveller.

Ride the Devil’s Nose train

One of Ecuador’s main tourist attractions is what’s known as the most difficult train in the world. A 30-minute ride in a European-built yet completely restored train leaves from Riobamba and crosses what’s been dubbed the “Devil´s Nose” – an interesting and very impressive descent down a very steep cliff. You’ll end up in the city of Alausí. To have our travel specialists arrange a trip on the Devil’s Nose train, call us today.

Whatever you decide to do on your holiday to Ecuador, there are as many opportunities for luxury travel as there are for adventure. Contact our experienced travel specialists and they’ll help you plan a journey to the middle of the earth – and memories you’ll take with you to the end. Call us on 1800 047 047.