Ecuador
Dive into the heart of the Amazon, cruise in search of
endangered species in the Galapagos Islands
or ride a horse on the crest of the Andes.
Welcome to the center of the world.
Ecuador is one of those fairly discreet destinations that largely benefit from a type of tourism that is oriented mainly around the preservation of their natural resources. And fortunately for us, because it has plenty of them and it is precisely this encounter with the local wildlife and flora that provides a unique experience of the senses... A profound appeal to our visceral link with nature.
We discover a variety of landscapes, ranging from the Amazon jungle to the Andes mountains through its illustrious Galápagos, whose climate and purity are perfect for honeymoons. Ecuadorian food is healthy and generally homemade, the people genuinely friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of naturalistic activities to keep you busy.
The Galápagos Archipelago
The Galápagos Islands are a must for everyone looking for a stay close to nature. This world-famous archipelago is home to some of the most unique and rare species in the world, and you'll have several opportunities to see the animals up close. Amongst 4 endemic iguanas species, the marine iguana can only be found in their waters. Several types of endemic lizards and turtles as well as tortoises can also be observed. In order to do so, you can indulge in scuba diving, hiking and kayaking, or just relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery.
If you want to meet specimens in their sea habitat, be sure to take a cruise to see the islands' famous wildlife, including albatrosses, cormorans and blue-footed boobies. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the amazing underwater creatures that live there, including 300 fish species and 12 different types of sharks.
Between Andes and Amazonian jungle
If you wish to venture more on the continent, outside the traditional path of foreign travellers, you will have a wide choice according to your centres of interest and the places or regions you wish to visit. You can hike and camp in the Amazon rainforest, walk the Andes mountains, or raft the Rio Napo. You can also visit a coffee plantation or go bird watching, both great ways to get to know the country's ecosystem.
If it's the jungle that appeals to you, you can spend a few nights in a homestay with a Shuar family, paddle a canoe through a mangrove, or stay at an animal sanctuary to help rescue injured or abandoned animals.
Otherwise, you also have the possibility of horseback riding, mountain biking or travel on foot in the Andes to meet the population, its alpacas, its traditional villages and fantastic mountain landscapes. Between volcanoes, lagoons, waterfalls and jungle, all types of relief can be found in Ecuador.
Finally, the exhausted body will appreciate a few days on the long coast, versatile from one region to another. Scuba diving is of course the king sport here, given the many marine species that we have the chance to observe here and nowhere else.
The ideal destination for nature lovers
As you can see, Ecuador is a precious destination that has to be deserved. It carefully maintains respect for its natural environment and even includes travellers in its ethical logic in terms of the ecosystem. It is one of the rare regions to have been able to take advantage of tourism but not to the detriment of its plant and animal wealth. As proof, the Galápagos archipelago, the jewel in its tourist crown, was recently extended by 60,000 m2.
It is therefore the ideal country to meet nature with a very low impact, even negative if you wish to participate in the local collective effort. A great adventure for nature lovers or responsible tourism aficionados.