Ecuador Nature Travel

Ecuador

Have you had the privilege of an Ecuador nature travel experience? Ecuador’s landscape is at once enticing and daunting. Giant volcanoes and dense Amazonian jungles take some planning to navigate. The Galápagos Islands require a voyage by plane or by sea. Ecuador's natural wonders beckon you to come out and play, but also require that you have the proper apparel and footgear to make the most of your time. What's a traveller to do? Explore these exciting destinations full of Ecuador's natural wonders, and then plan accordingly.

If you visit the Andes and the beaches along the Pacific coast, you'll get a great sense of how diverse the altitude and landscape of Ecuador is. Mindo is a town in the Northern Sierra known for having “more birds than people.” In addition to what is obviously excellent birdwatching, you can enjoy great hiking and whitewater tubing. Head to Cotundo and you'll be staying in the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon jungle; go on adventure excursions, and explore petroglyphs and caves.

No matter what trek you embark on, bring a camera to help you remember the rare plants and animals you will encounter along the way. Ecuador's nature expeditions will show you species not found anywhere else on planet Earth — if that's not a one of a kind travel experience, then what is?

Ecuador Nature Travel
Destinations

Ecuador Highlights

A curated look at the best Ecuador has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz

The island of Santa Cruz is the visitor hub of the Galápagos. As the second-largest island in the Galápagos, Santa Cruz is characterized by its moist highlands region, the bustling town of Puerto Ayora, and several pristine beaches.

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San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal is the fifth largest island in the Galápagos. This islands offers easy access to snorkeling and beach sites, and is also home to some of the best surfing in the Galápagos. Geologically, San Cristóbal is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos. The main town here is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

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Isabela

Isabela

As the largest island in the Galápagos, Isabela offers the widest range of terrain and visitor sites in the archipelago. Isabela hosts impressive wildlife, white-sand beaches, and barren lava fields. This island has the largest population of wild tortoises, which can be seen roaming in the highlands near the rims of craters. Isabela is the closest island to the Galápagos volcanic hotspot and is thus the most volcanically active island in the archipelago. It has six shield volcanos dispersed across its 1,790 square mile (4,640 square km) landscape.

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Yasuni

Yasuni

Yasuní National Park has been identified as one of the most diverse places on planet Earth. Despite its remote location, it offers offers comfortable lodging in the midst of one of the most biologically diverse environments in the world. It sits at the confluence of several distinctive zones for wildlife – besides the Amazon rainforest, it’s also near the equator and the foothills of the Andes, which allows for an unparalleled number of animals to thrive.

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Puerto Lopez

Puerto Lopez

Touted as the whale watching capital of South America, Puerto López attracts visitors from around the world, who come here to watch and photograph these impressive mammals.

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Tena

Tena

Nestled between lush hillsides and snaking rivers is the town of Tena, the whitewater capital of Ecuador. Many travelers come here just to raft or kayak on the many rivers that come raging down from the Sierras. For those looking for a drier experience, the surrounding wildlife and indigenous communities also offer a great way to spend your time.

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Achuar Tribal Lands

Achuar Tribal Lands

The Achuar Tribal Lands allow visitors to meet an ancient people. In order to see their isolated homeland, you’ll take a long journey by plane or bus, then boat, and finally by foot. Along the way, you’ll see a diversity of plants and animals like nowhere else in the world.

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Cotacachi

Cotacachi

Known as the “City of Peace,” Cotacachi offers travelers a tranquil sanctuary in a centrally located part of the Northern Sierras.

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Cotundo

Cotundo

Cotundo is a valley in Ecuador’s eastern Amazon region. This rural area is close to several attractions and is in the heart of the Ecuadorian jungle.

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Trips to inspire

Featured Ecuador Trips

Browse our handpicked selection of Ecuador itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.

7 days | $$$

Everything We Had Hoped For

I loved using Anywhere Ecuador for this trip! We had a fantastic time. I gave a four out of five because we had some logistical challenges with our day trips and getting back to the airport.

Everything We Had Hoped For
9 days | $$$

Touch the Clouds, Trek The Amazons

Need a family adventure that will have everyone discovering the beauty of the world instead of looking at screens? You'll love this expertly crafted Ecuadorian getaway!

Touch the Clouds, Trek The Amazons
9 days | $$$

Ecuador Unplugged: The Galapagos

Forget the digital world. This vacation is all about the natural world! Explore the Galapagos Islands; see countless plants and animals thriving as nature intended.

Ecuador Unplugged: The Galapagos
9 days | $$$

Nature Off the Screen

If your travel goal is to show your family the natural world, then this is the vacation you need. You’ll get outside, explore amazing destinations, and see animals in their natural habitat.

Nature Off the Screen
10 days | $$$

We Journeyed Together—Ecuador Bound

It's the first time in a while that our whole family got to experience new things and nature together. We’re blown away by what Ecuador has to offer.

We Journeyed Together—Ecuador Bound
12 days | $$$

Slow & Steady Highlights

It was a great family vacation with our teenage son –– exploring the beauty of Ecuador and spending New Year's there too! We planned last minute but Anywhere saved the day!

Slow & Steady Highlights
14 days | $$$

It Was Hard to Say Goodbye

Ecuador is a beautiful country from Quito all the way to the coast of Guayaquil. It is definitely a must. Percy was amazing in helping us plan our trip, as I must have changed my itinerary about a million times. Even when I had questions during our trip he was right there ready to help and took care of everything. Now, there are no words to describe our driver, (which we were lucky to have for 9 days) Ricardo. He was professional, friendly and went above and beyond to help make our Ecuador experience one to remember. It was sad to say good bye, but one thing is for sure when we plan our next trip to Ecuador we will be asking for Ricardo again.

It Was Hard to Say Goodbye
11 days | $$$

Andes Highlands to Galapagos

Have it all! Rest, relaxation, adventure, and nature are yours when you book this Signature Trip to Ecuador. From Quito to the Galapagos, Ecuador will enchant you…

Andes Highlands to Galapagos
16 days | $$$

Chasing Family Adventure in Ecuador

Go on an unforgettable journey as you traverse the landscapes of Ecuador. Volcano tours, the city in the ‘middle of the world’, and cloud forests are just a few of the wonders.

Chasing Family Adventure in Ecuador
9 days | $$$

Darwin’s Footsteps: A Solo Adventure

Take yourself through Ecuador’s islands, explore colonial cities, and enjoy delicious cuisine every step of the way. Check this 'Must See' destination off of your bucket.

Darwin’s Footsteps: A Solo Adventure
Anywhere mission
Anywhere Ecuador

Insider-led Ecuador Design & Concierge

Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.

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Private drivers; English-speaking available.

Avoid the crowds in private day tours.

Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.

Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.

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We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.

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