South America

Ecuador

Despite its relatively modest size, Ecuador is a hotspot for both biodiversity and culture. Between the Amazon Rainforest and the Galápagos Islands, it consistently ranks in the top 10 most biodiverse countries in the world. It's also home to 2 of the inaugural 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites of 1978: the Galápagos Islands and the City of Quito.

Top Locations

The Galápagos: The Galápagos is a wildlife lover's paradise and the place that inspired Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution. Most of its 18 major islands are uninhabited by humans. Many endemic species, including the Galápagos giant tortoise, Galápagos penguin, marine iguana, and waved albatross.

Quito: Quito is an incredibly well preserved Spanish colonial city in the heart of the Andes.

Baños: Ecuador's Adventure Capital. If you're interested in white water rafting, zipling, waterfall canyoning, or biking, Baños will be perfect for you.

The Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon Rainforest spans 9 countries, including Ecuador. For access to top-tier, luxury lodges, fly to Coca and take a 2-3 hour boat ride through Yasuní National Park. Compared to Brazil, the wildlife density is higher, and compared to Peru, the lodges are much more accessible and luxurious.

Cotopaxi National Park: For a chance to hike up a beautiful volcano or see wild horses roaming around the páramo, check out this national park just 2 hours away from Quito.

Photo Highlights

Frigatebird in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador — Galápagos frigatebird

Sea lion pup resting on the shore in Ecuador — Sea lion pup

Rocky coastal cliffs in the Galápagos — Galápagos cliffs

Selfie near a giant tortoise in Ecuador — Giant tortoise encounter

Dolphin jumping beside a boat in Ecuador waters — Dolphin sighting

Marine iguana on volcanic rock in the Galápagos — Marine iguana

Galápagos penguin near the shoreline — Galápagos penguin

Kathryn on a beach in the Galápagos — Island beach day

Waved albatross in Ecuador's Galápagos — Waved albatross

Frigatebird perched in the Galápagos — Frigatebird

Kathryn on a boat tour in Ecuador — Boat excursions

Giant Galápagos tortoise on land — Galápagos tortoise

Coastal cliff panorama in Ecuador — Coastal panorama

Colorful Sally Lightfoot crab on volcanic rock — Sally Lightfoot crab

Cactus landscape in the Galápagos Islands — Island cactus

White sand beach in Ecuador's Galápagos — Galápagos beaches

Flamingoes standing in shallow water in Ecuador — Galápagos flamingoes

Boat traveling between Galápagos islands — Island hopping

Sea lions lounging on rocks in Ecuador — Sea lion colony

Articles (10)

Articles focused primarily on Ecuador.

Cruising the Galápagos with Ecoventura: What You Need to Know

Jun 2026

South America · Ecuador

50 Wild Things I Learned in the Galápagos (That Blew My Mind)

Referenced In (1)

Roundups and multi-destination stories that include Ecuador.

Mar 2026

Ecuador

Photo Highlights

Articles (10)

Cruising the Galápagos with Ecoventura: What You Need to Know

Wildlife in the Galápagos: What You’ll See and Where to Find It

The Most Magical Moment in the Galápagos (North Seymour & South Plaza Islands)

First Impressions of the Galápagos in San Cristóbal

Bartolomé: A Penguin Lover’s Paradise in the Galápagos

Snorkeling in the Galápagos with Sea Lions, Sharks, & More

Saving the Galápagos: Tortoise Conservation on Santa Cruz Island

Floreana Island: Flamingos & Foul Play in the Galápagos

Española: The Galápagos Island That Completely Won Me Over

50 Wild Things I Learned in the Galápagos (That Blew My Mind)

Referenced In (1)

Travel Disasters & 21 Tips on How to Avoid Them