Free Ecuador and Galapagos Guidebook

We've put together a guidebook with everything you need to know about Ecuador and Galapagos. Written by our specialists, it details destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send you a copy by email.

Sonia's trip

Latin America specialist Sonia left us all green-eyed with tales of her incredible trip to Ecuador and Galapagos, one of the most exciting and varied destinations to visit. Read on to find out what she did and where she stayed…

A Taste of Otavalo

Latin America Specialist Sam re-lives his recent stint in Otavalo, a place known for its beautiful landscape and talented weavers and crafts...

Ecuador highlights

The Ecuador Mainland is often overlooked by those heading straight to the Galapagos Islands, yet this little explored country is a destination made for travel. Home to soaring Andean peaks, Amazon wilderness, jagged coastline and cobbled colonial towns, Ecuador boasts all of South America’s allure, and more. Galapagos Islands aside, here are a few of our recommended wonders which highlight Ecuador as a mini South America.

Exploring Quito

Packed with cultural heritage, colonial charm and situated in the middle of the world, Quito is a fascinating capital. Offering a wealth of unique things to see and do, Imagine Latin America have conjured up their top five favourite experiences to enjoy in this fascinating city.

Horse riding Ecuador

Horse riding has been a way of life in Ecuador’s sierra region for many centuries, with Ecuadorian horses famous for their strength and ability to trot up steep slopes at high altitudes. Horse riding is one of the best ways to get in touch with traditional Ecuadorian culture, as well as being a great way to soak up the country’s mesmerising landscape.

The Avenue of Volcanos

Latin America specialist Sam has travelled the length of Ecuador in search of unique, characterful, and sustainable lodges and hotels to ensure we can offer you the best experiences possible. Read on to find out how he got on, and fall in love with the idea of exploring jaw dropping scenery and learning about the Ecuadorian way of life.

Top 5 things in Quito

Quito is Ecuador’s charming capital city, perched high in the Andean mountains in the shadows of the Pichincha volcano.

Top 5 treks in Ecuador

Ecuador’s stunning Andes region is famous for its outstanding trekking opportunities. We’ve handpicked five of our favourites to get you started!

To find out more about trekking in Ecuador, call us on 020 3141 2840 and start planning your trip right away!!

Otavalo

This trek offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the indigenous culture of the Otavalo region, taking you through Agato, San Pablo, Zuleta and the famous Plaza de Ponchos, a buzzing market famous for its crafts and textiles. The route allows you to fully engage with the local people, and experience first-hand their traditions and way of life. The scenery along the way is truly magical, winding between the Imbabura Volcano and Lake San Pablo. Other highlights include a detour to the stunning Laguna Grande de Mojanda and the dazzling 18m Peguche Waterfall.

Duration: 3 days
Best for: culture

Lake Cuicocha

A great option for beginner hikers or those short on time is a walk around the picturesque Cuicocha Lake, easily one of Ecuador’s most beautiful lakes. The lake and its two islands (Isla Teodoro Wolf and Isla Yerovi) are set within the scenic rainforests of Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. The trek takes most people between four and six hours, and offers splendid views of the Cotacachi volcano, Imbabura and Cayambe mountains, and surrounding highlands.

Duration: 4-6 hours
Best if you are short on time

Cotapaxi

This heavy-duty 8-day trek involves climbing to the summit of Pasochoa, the lowest peak of Rumi-ahui and the spectacular snow-topped summit of Cotopaxi. As well as immense volcanoes, this route will introduce you to a region of enchanting scenery and the unique flora and fauna of the Andean region. You will hike through spectacular valleys and verdant grasslands, travelling from rocky mountain peaks to volcanic glaciers. The trek rates a medium in difficulty and some mountain climbing experience is recommended.

Duration: 8 days
Best for: landscapes/views

Condor Trek

The Condor Trek is renowned as one of the most beautiful treks to undertake in Ecuador. Starting at El Tambo, trekkers will cross the beautiful paramo highlands before finishing at Cotapaxi National Park. As you walk you will encounter lagoons, glaciers and the peaks of some of the highest volcanoes in Southern America. Wildlife is frequently spotted on the trails, from condors and pumas to a variety of bird species. It is advisable to go with a guide, as the region is known for its harsh landscape, high altitude, and windy/rainy weather.

Duration: 4-5 days
Best for: wildlife

Cajas National Park

Cajas National Park is a hiker’s dream, with a fairy tale-like landscape made up of mystical forests, unique rock formations, wildflowers, valleys, the continental divide and over 200 lakes. A short 45 minute drive from Cuenca, here you can enjoy stunning views and the fresh mountain air with hikes ranging from short 1 hour walks to longer 3 day treks.

Duration: 1 hour +
Best for: beginners