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This spellbinding country which straddles the Equator on the west coast of South America is home to enchanting Amazonian jungles, snow-capped Andean highlands, idyllic sandy beaches and the towering Chimborazo Volcano which is the closest point on our planet to the sun. The beautiful Galápagos Islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean are also part of the country of Ecuador. Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is an enthralling Spanish colonial centre boasting 16th and 17th century palaces, epic religious sites and many other attractions. The Pacific coast of Ecuador boasts glorious sandy beaches, water sports galore and charming towns and villages. For a thrilling cruise experience which is packed with fun and adventure, look no further than exhilarating Ecuador.
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Ecuador is a dream come true for couples, families and groups of friends craving an unforgettable cruise holiday adventure on sea and land. This megadiverse destination, which has a fascinating colonial past, is a patchwork of ethnic identities and is widely-regarded as a microcosm of South America. More than 90% of Ecuadorians speak Spanish, with another 20 other languages spoken across the country.
Travelling around Ecuador is easy, due to its compact size, so you won’t struggle to visit its myriad of visually-stunning natural attractions. Jawdropping scenery, rich history and culture and impeccable hospitality are among the delights which await in this alluring land, sitting on the equator between Columbia and Peru. Lush Amazon rainforest, mighty volcanoes and wildlife-rich jungles will take your breath away – the vast 2.4 million-acre Yasuni National Park, for example, is one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems and home to more 1,400 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, Ecuador also has a mesmerising column of cloud forest running practically the length of the country and The Oriente is a magnificent wilderness featuring a dense carpet of tropical rainforest extending for nearly 300km. The charming capital city of Quito will wow you with its historic churches and monasteries, cobbled streets and postcard perfect plazas. Other fabulous cities include Guayaquil and Cuenca. You’ll discover beautiful beaches on Ecuador’s scenic coastline, with pristine sands, crystal-clear waters and some of the best surfing conditions in the world. There’s also awe-inspiring beauty and wonder to discover in the sensational Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean which is a province of Ecuador.
You won’t be disappointed with the huge range of culinary delights when it’s time to dine in Ecuador, with everything from street food stalls and beachfront cafes to wonderful bistro bars and gourmet restaurants. Most Ecuadorian cities feature a Zona Rosa, a central nightlife area where you'll find plenty of lively bars and nightclubs. If you fancy some retail therapy, you’ll be well catered for, with everything from bustling traditional markets to glitzy malls.
Ecuador is a foodies' paradise, with gastronomic delights which are guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds. You’ll discover delicious food and drink, often organic, wherever you go, with everything from freshly-squeezed fruit juice to scrumptious empanadas. Each of Ecuador’s three main regions have their own style of cooking.
As you would expect, seafood features prominently in coastal cuisine, hearty dishes such as roast guinea pig and wholesome soups are popular in highland cuisine and Oriente fare will often include rice, fish and banana. Empanadas are corn pastries filled with meat, vegetables or cheese, seco de chivo is a popular goat stew and llapingachos are delicious cheesy potato cakes.
Espumillas is a scrumptious meringue dessert sold as street food across Ecuador and suspiros are light, sweet treats bought in bakeries that melt in your mouth. Pisco is a much-loved local brandy, chicha is a fermented corn drink and herbal teas, made with a range of native plants, are very popular
A great time to visit Ecuador is between the summer months of June and September when the weather is very dry and sunny. Conditions are perfect at this time for taking in the wonderful panoramic views of Ecuador’s grand mountains and volcanoes. It's also ideal for climbing, canyoning, hiking and other outdoor pursuits, although this hot season is also the busiest time of year.
With this in mind, people who like to avoid any hustle and bustle, opt to visit Ecuador in May or October, just outside the high season, when things are less busy but the weather is still very pleasant. Winter in Ecuador is from October to May when you'll experience warmer temperatures, rain showers and higher humidity. The Pacific coast has a hot and humid tropical climate, with a heavy rainy season between December and May. Average temperatures are around 23°C to 26°C throughout the year. The climate becomes more arid the further south you go in Ecuador, while the north gets around 2,500 to 3,000 mm of annual rainfall. Average annual rainfall is below 300 mm in the far south. The Andes are damp throughout the year, with warm days and very cold nights, while the Oriente is hot and rainy, especially from December to April.
Enchanting Ecuador offers a kaleidoscope of must-see attractions which help make your cruise a truly magical experience. There’s so much to see and do, with something to thrill every visitor, from its imposing volcanoes and mountains to stunning beaches and bustling cities brimming with history and culture.
Ecuador is the ideal country for people who like to immerse themselves in healthy outdoor activities – hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, horseback riding, canyoning, kayaking and rafting along world-class whitewater rapids among the endless choice of exciting pursuits. Take to a canoe to discover toucans, monkeys and other amazing wildlife in the Amazon rainforest area of the country or sit in an open-air cable car and marvel at the beauty at Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary. Must-see attractions include the ice-capped Mount Chimborazo, a 6,263 metre high extinct volcano, and Cotopaxi, one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes. For a phenomenal wildlife adventure you can visit the Galapagos Islands where you’ll gaze in awe at giant tortoises, huge iguanas and an abundance of exotic species of bird. Other major attractions in Ecuador include Ingapirca Inca Ruins, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Nariz del Diablo, Artisan Market at Otavalo, Malecon Boardwalk in Guayaquil and the UNESCO Heritage Site Cities of Cuenca and Quito, the Ecuadorian capital.
