Wildlife holidays in Ecuador
On our Ecuador wildlife tours and natural history holidays you see the best of Ecuador’s amazingly diverse wildlife. Our expert naturalist guides are the best specialists in their area.
Being a small compact country that is easy to get around we can pack a lot of wildlife into a one or two week holiday. From the Pacific coast to the high Andes and lowland Amazon, not forgetting the Galapagos islands, Ecuador’s geographical areas each have their own unique habitat and climate. This makes for an amazing biodiversity and wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities.
Ecuador has over 1500 bird species with nearly 40 endemics on the Galapagos islands too. There are over 300 mammal species and over 15000 known plant species.
Ecuador has some of the best eco-lodges, a range of historic haciendas and boutique hotels, many perfectly located for wildlife holidays. Visit top quality Amazon jungle lodges for primates, caiman, giant otters, sloth, jaguar, beautiful birds and butterflies, bats, snakes and lizards and more. Join a specialist guide to track Andean spectacled bears and Andean tapir in the highlands.
Bird watchers especially love birding in the cloud forests, where humming-birds abound. Cloud forest lodges are top quality and perfectly located for the best birding.
The Galapagos Islands, made famous by Darwin, are part of Ecuador and lie 1,000 kilometres off the mainland. Nowhere is the wildlife so sensational, and so accessible. You really do have to watch where you step to avoid the iguanas and nesting boobies.
Mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are an ideal year-round holiday destination for wildlife and nature tours. Combine scenery with beautiful animals and the most accessible birding in South America.
The Napo Eco-lodge was very comfortable and extremely well organised.
The rain forest paid its part with good weather and a wide range of sightings including giant otters, nine species of primates, some beautiful birds and butterflies, bats ,caiman, snakes and lizards.
My cameras were running red hot at times.
P. Norwood, Napo Wildlife Centre
Suggested Trips
Galapagos Active Adventure Tour
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Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.
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Prices From $3,000 / £2,439 per person
Dates: From January 2025 to December 2025
Duration: 10
Capacity: 12 people
Guided shared trip On this adventure holiday, you will explore three islands by land, sea and small plane, using shared transportation. Enrich your adventure with the perspectives of the different knowledgeable and experienced guides who will accompany you and ensure you experience the islands to the fullest. Kick back at…Aida Maria, Galapagos Cruise Boat
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Prices From $3,375 / £2,744 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
Discovering Galapagos Islands You can be sure that the Aida Maria guides and crew are the perfect, experienced hosts to make your Galapagos holiday special. Snorkel with playful sea lions and close to turtles and rays, as well as large schools of fish and possibly hammerhead sharks. Your guide will…Beluga First Class Yacht, Galapagos Cruise
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Prices From $5,850 / £4,756 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
More about Beluga, Galapagos The Beluga has twin, double and a triple air-conditioned rooms, each with private bathroom and hot & cold water showers. The Beluga’s friendly and professional crew takes care of all the details so you get the most from your Galapagos holiday.Galapagos Family Holiday
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Prices From $1,414 / £1,150 per person
Duration: 6
Capacity: 16 people
More about Galapagos family holiday Young children can run freely on the sands, spending hours close to wildlife, swimming in clear waters and enjoying the freedom of the small harbours. Older children and teenagers can climb volcanoes and explore lava tunnels, swim and snorkel with sea lions, sharks and rays.…Anahi, Luxury Galapagos Catamaran Cruise
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Prices From $6,195 / £5,037 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
Anahi cruise Galapagos Visiting remote parts of the wildlife-rich archipelago has never been easier with the Anahi. The catamaran provides stability which aids those who may suffer from seasickness. Anahi’s attentive crew work hard while you enjoy island visits – all the details are taken care of so you can…Galapagos Land Tour: Santa Cruz & Isabela
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Prices From $2,412 / £1,961 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
More on Galapagos land tours You join up with different groups during the day. Tours available include a hike up Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela and visiting Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz. In the water we offer some great snorkelling – including Tuneles, one of the best snorkels in Galapagos.…Galapagos Island Hopping: San Cristóbal, Isabela and Santa Cruz
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Prices From $2,971 / £2,415 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
More about Galapagos island hopping. We tailormake the tour to your preferences, making it perfect for those special, one-off holidays. Honeymoons, anniversaries or special occasions all lend themselves to Galapagos island hopping tours. Families also love our bespoke itineraries as we pick the tours that best suit your needs. Add…Archipel I, First Class Galapagos Catamaran
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Prices From $5,150 / £4,187 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
Archipel Galapagos cruise Aboard, you can enjoy the Archipel’s spacious sundecks, bar, library and sun loungers in ample communal areas. You sleep in beautiful and spacious cabins (twin and doubles available), all with a sea view, hot water and air conditioning. Staff recycle organic and non-organic waste, helping to make your…Kapawi Amazon Eco-lodge, Ecuador
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Prices From $1,730 / £1,406 per person
Duration: 5
Capacity: 24 people
More on Kapawi eco-lodge Once in Kapawi, you will be miles away from any civilisation – the nearest town is a two-week walk through the forest. This remoteness is what makes Kapawi eco-lodge such a special and unique place. Please remember that because the only way in and out of…Cormorant II Catamaran, Galapagos Cruise
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Prices From $10,745 / £8,736 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
More on Cormorant II cruise, Galapagos Get close to giant tortoises, iguanas and numerous bird species on land, while discovering all about Galapagos’ formation by volcanic activity. Itineraries feature plenty of snorkelling with the marine fauna, and there are also kayaks aboard in case you wish to paddle alongside turtles,…Sani Amazon Rainforest Eco-Lodge
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Prices From $1,447 / £1,176 per person
Duration: 5
Capacity: 20 people
More on Sani Lodge, Ecuador Its surrounding black waters house the anaconda and black caiman as well as supporting rare and dramatic birdlife. You can stay in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and wi-fi, or for the adventurous, you can camp on the lakeside. To the north of Challuacocha lies…Napo Wildlife Centre Eco-Lodge
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Prices From $2,124 / £1,727 per person
Duration: 5
Capacity: 16 people
More on Napo Wildlife Centre The largest mammals like jaguar, puma, tapir, giant anteater and giant armadillo have been spotted on the area also, though are certainly elusive. You are guided by native guides on forest trails, and you can see up to 11 species of monkeys, lizards, tortoises, frogs…Galaxy, Galapagos Islands Cruise Boat
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Prices From $4,000 / £3,252 per person
Duration: 6
Capacity: 16 people
More on Galaxy Galapagos cruise There are nine beautiful and comfortable double cabins and ocean views – with a choice of twin or double beds. All also feature private bathrooms, cold-hot water showers, air-conditioners, safety box and a hairdryer. These well-appointed cabins are complimented by large communal areas. Watch the…Nemo II Catamaran, Galapagos Cruise
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Prices From $4,500 / £3,659 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 14 people
More about your Nemo II Galapagos cruise The catamaran was fully renovated in 2016, bringing all the comforts to its mix of cabins. It offers stability and comfort at a great price for a first class boat. Enjoy exploring the Galapagos on Nemo II, one of our most popular Galapagos…Finch Bay Galapagos Eco-Hotel
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Prices From $2,409 / £1,959 per person
Duration: 4
Capacity: 42 people
More on Finch Bay, Galapagos Santa Cruz is the island on which you’ll find Finch Bay, recently renovated to reach the highest hotel standards on the Galapagos Islands. Tours available include hikes, snorkelling, biking and kayaking. Or choose to explore lava fields, hang around in the pool or on your balcony,…Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
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Prices From $373 / £303 per person
Duration: 3
Capacity: 16 people
Bellavista cloud forest reserve & lodge You can see the rugged peaks of Pichincha and Cotacachi in the distance, sit out on your private balcony and observe the wildlife. There will most likely be activity at your own hummingbird feeder – there are 19 different species of hummingbirds to see…Whale Watching Tour, Ecuador
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Prices From $1,254 / £1,020 per person
Duration: 4
Capacity: 16 people
More on Machalilla National Park You fly in to historic Manta and then explore – see what the local fisherman have caught at sea, head to South America’s only dry tropical forest and investigate the pre-Spanish cultures. Then travel south to the coastal area of Machalilla, a dry tropical forest…Hacienda Zuleta, Ecuador
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Prices From $1,644 / £1,337 per person
Duration: 4
Capacity: 34 people
More on Hacienda Zuleta Horse riding is Zuleta’s speciality, and they also have mountain bikes and a horse drawn carriage and a condor rehabilitation centre. For those searching tranquility, there are many walk, gardens and forested areas to enjoy. Everything is within easy reach of the main building – if…Galapagos Safari Camp, Luxury Eco-resort
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Prices From $4,006 / £3,257 per person
Duration: 5
Capacity: 32 people
More about Galapagos Safari Camp Wake up to birds chirping and the wind rustling the trees above your tent watching a beautiful sunrise – wonderful way to greet each day. Or sunsets from the infinity pool, chilled drink in hand, a perfect way to end the day. During the day…Coral I & II Galapagos Cruise Yachts
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Prices From $4,164 / £3,385 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 20 people
Corals I & II decks Enjoy sea views of the Galapagos Islands from the jacuzzi on the outside decks – Corals I and II connect you to passing scenery, helping you immerse in their beauty. Enjoy snorkelling opportunities, two daily visits to different islands with a multilingual naturalist guide, plus…Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Lodge Tour
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Prices From $510 / £415 per person
Duration: 3
Capacity: 32 people
More on Maquipucuna tours Situated only 50 miles from Quito, Maquipucuna has around 15,000 acres of primary and secondary forest and is located within the Choco Andean Bioregion. The Maquipicuna Foundation was established in 1988 as a nonprofit local organisation, with the vision of working on biodiversity conservation and sustainable…Santa Lucia Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge
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Prices From $390 / £317 per person
Duration: 3
Capacity: 16 people
More on Santa Lucia eco-lodge More than 80% of the Santa Lucia’s 1,800-acre cloud forest reserve is primary, and ranges from 1,300m-2,800m, giving incredible bio-diversity. Keep a look out for puma, snakes, frogs, tarantulas and more in this, the Choco region. The up-and-down nature of a lodge atop a mountain,…Liana Lodge, Ecuador Amazon
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Prices From $865 / £703 per person
Duration: 4
Capacity: 16 people
More on Liana Lodge, Ecuador You reach Liana Lodge by road from Quito or Baños and thanks to newly paved roads the journey time from Quito now is only around 4 to 5 hours. The drive is scenic, taking you from the Andes into the Amazon basin, with ever-changing scenery…Sacha Amazon Rainforest Eco-Lodge
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Prices From $2,425 / £1,972 per person
Duration: 5
Capacity: 16 people
More on Sacha Lodge The area is replete with animals, from monkeys to birds, to insects and bats, and the native staff work alongside guides to preserve nature. Sacha’s famous canopy walkway takes you to the heights that the sloths live at, and gives magnificent views of birds atop 30m…Ecuador & Galapagos Tour For Families Under 8s
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Prices From $3,064 / £2,491 per person
Duration: 13
Capacity: 16 people
Visit Galapagos Kids learn about different cultures and breaking down barriers as we visit a local school, visit Andean musicians or help out in a lodge kitchen. Haggle at the famous Otavalo market and look for monkeys, hummingbirds and bears in the cloud forest. Water pays a big part in this…Galapagos Legend, Boutique Cruise Ship
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Prices From $4,292 / £3,489 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 100 people
More about The Legend The boat underwent a refit in 2017. This meant the addition of: 18 luxurious balcony suites; The new Charles Darwin Panorama Lounge with huge floor to ceiling windows; and A spectacular al fresco BBQ featuring a unique lifeboat dining experience. The Legend is also equipped…Treasure of Galapagos Catamaran
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Prices From $5,995 / £4,874 per person
Duration: 7
Capacity: 16 people
Enjoy a luxury cruise in the Galapagos Islands aboard the beautiful Treasure of Galapagos catamaran. Sail quickly from attraction to attraction by day, then relax at night in spacious cabins, each with private balconies. Add in thoughtful splashes of comfort like an outdoor Jacuzzi, ample shaded and sun deck areas…Bonita Yacht Galapagos Cruise
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Prices From $2,700 / £2,195 per person
Duration: 5
Capacity: 16 people
Bonita Cruise, Galapagos Islands The Bonita’s carefully-crafted five and seven-day itineraries maximise wildlife encounters on land and in the sea. There are free-to-use paddleboards and kayaks, and wetsuits are also included for everyone. Galapagos is one of the best snorkel sites in the world, and Bonita visits the cream of…Ecuador & Galapagos Tour For Families Over 8s
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Prices From $4,027 / £3,274 per person
Duration: 14
Capacity: 16 people
Visit Galapagos Kids learn about different cultures and breaking down barriers as we visit a local school, visit Andean musicians or help out in a lodge kitchen. Haggle at the famous Otavalo market and look for monkeys, hummingbirds and bears in the cloud forest. Water pays a big part in this…Solaris First-Class Galapagos Motor Yacht
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Prices From $4,050 / £3,293 per person
Duration: 5
Capacity: 16 people
Solaris Yacht Galapagos Cruise The Solaris has three excellent itineraries to choose from: A seven-day loop of the magnificent western islands A five-day exploration of the remote north and wildlife-rich central islands A further five-day trip that visits the beautiful eastern and southern islands Solaris is famous as a single…EcoGalaxy First-Class Catamaran
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Prices From $3,800 / £3,089 per person
Duration: 5
Capacity: 16 people
EcoGalaxy Catamaran First-Class Galapagos Cruise The EcoGalaxy catamaran leads the Galapagos in low carbon emissions without cutting back on quality and style. Generous interiors and eight modern, comfortable cabins come as standard, while spacious exterior areas augment your stay aboard. The sun deck is perfect for keeping your travel journal…Mashpi Lodge: Cloud Forest Hotel
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Prices From $1,146 / £932 per person
Duration: 3
Capacity: 16 people
More about Mashpi Lodge Mashpi Lodge is in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The Choco bioregion stretches from Panama through Ecuador to the border with Peru. Ecuador’s section, the Andean Choco, is part of the world-famous Tumbes-Choco-Darien biodiversity hotspot. It covers 125,000 hectares with diverse microclimates across its undulating…Samba Galapagos Sailing Boat
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What's a group trip?
Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.
Prices From $5,000 / £4,065 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 14 people
Samba Galapagos Sailing Boat The Samba’s upper deck offers outside dining for an immersive Galapagos Islands experience. Watch the bird and marine life from a privileged viewpoint, sunbathe on the foredeck, or relax. The Samba’s beautifully finished interior includes a dining area, library, and TV. Your naturalist guide will explain…Galapagos Angel Boat
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What's a group trip?
Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.
Prices From $6,645 / £5,402 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
More about Angel Galapagos Boat The Angel has capacity for 16 guests to visit the Galapagos Islands in style. A total of ten terrific staff ensure your Galapagos holiday will be a once-in-a-lifetime tour. Generous double cabins at 14 m2 / 152 ft2 and two upper deck suites at 18…Galaxy Orion Galapagos Boat
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What's a group trip?
Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.
Prices From $3,850 / £3,130 per person
Duration: 8
Capacity: 14 people
More about Galaxy Orion Galapagos Boat Visiting the Galapagos Islands is to care for them. That’s why all passengers aboard the Galaxy Orion receive complimentary biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, and soaps so that all that’s left behind are footprints. The Galaxy Orion’s eight crew keep the boat’s eight cabins in tip-top…Find Tours
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Testimonials
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Although we enjoyed the whole trip if we have to select a highlight it was our visit to the Yasuni National Park. Wildlife watching from the canoe, walking through the rainforest and looking over the forest canopy from the viewing tower were all great experiences and we were amazed by the diversity and visual accessibility of so many plants and some much wildlife. Napo Wildlife Centre – Such a wonderful location and the fact that it can only be accessed by canoe helps to make it a really special place. Bellavista – Another room with a view in a great location for bird-watching including from the circular dining room and around the lodge. Staff were friendly and helpful. All the guides were very knowledgeable and keen to show us their country and its wildlife. They were also happy to talk more generally about other aspects of life in Ecuador which added to the interest of the trip. They were friendly and spoke excellent English.
T. Duffy, UK, 2014
» Napo Wildlife Centre Eco-Lodge
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Both Amazon rainforest and Galapagos were excellent. The boat selection and the cruise itinerary were outstanding. Everything was perfectly organised. All parts of the trip fully in line with the itinerary. Local representatives were available at the meeting points, they organised the documentation, the transport, everything. Everything was excellent, the guides were very professional and helpful. Accommodation was also well selected, fully in line with the expectations. Next time, we will spend more time in Ecuador and visit other parts of this fascinating country.
Z Vuleta, Hungary, 2015
» Anahi, Luxury Galapagos Catamaran Cruise