Ecuador is one of South America’s most diverse destinations for treks and tours, offering a rare combination of cultural exploration, highland walking and volcanic mountain adventure within a compact and accessible country.
From historic cities and Indigenous communities to Andean peaks and rainforest, adventures here balance depth with variety.
Most travel in Ecuador is centred on immersive cultural and nature-based touring. Time spent in Quito, one of the world’s highest capital cities, provides context through its UNESCO-listed historic centre, while visits to highland markets, rural villages and protected landscapes reveal enduring traditions and strong connections to the land. In the east, river journeys and guided exploration in the Amazon Basin add a rich ecological dimension.
Alongside touring, Ecuador offers rewarding trekking experiences that appeal to travellers wanting to move more actively through the landscape. Walks and acclimatisation treks in the Andean highlands pass volcanic slopes, alpine grasslands and crater lakes, offering a deeper sense of place than sightseeing alone.
For experienced trekkers, Ecuador’s volcanoes provide a natural progression into high-altitude adventure. Ascents of peaks such as Cotopaxi and Illiniza Norte lead toward the ultimate challenge of Chimborazo (6,310m / 20,702ft), the country’s highest mountain.
Explore our Ecuador treks and tours and discover a destination where cultural richness, walking and mountain adventure combine perfectly along one of South America’s quieter paths less travelled.
Summits of Ecuador
Entry Level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks
Technical Grading
16 days
Sacha Lodge Amazon Experience
Adventure Touring
4 days
Ecuador Experience
7 days
Napo Lodge Experience
Galapagos on Solaris
Discovery and Cruising
Operated by:
Galapagos Islands on Cachalote Explorer
8 days
Galapagos Islands: Volcanic Wonders aboard Origin, Theory & Evolve
Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise aboard The Anakonda
Golden Galapagos aboard Monique
Galapagos Explorer on Archipel 1
5 days
Galapagos Islands on Beluga
Galapagos Islands: Bays & Beaches aboard Origin, Theory & Evolve
In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.
Our lodges provide comfortable accommodation that is well maintained and with good facilities.
Travel intimately aboard a small ship, accessing regions that big ships cannot. Cabins are typically twin share or multi-share with private facilities.
Also known as estates, haciendas offer authentic experiences with each boasting their own piece of history.
Andreas has always made our South America programs special. He has lived in South America for over 30 years, much of this time in Peru. His special knowledge of the mountains and passion for supporting local communities is evident in our program in Peru and Bolivia. Each year Andreas travels to different parts of the world to impart his vast knowledge, so stay tuned, he may be in your city soon!
Simon has been at the very forefront of mountaineering for almost two decades with first ascents in the Andes, Himalaya and Karakoram. Best known as the climbing partner to Joe Simpson in Touching the Void, Simon has developed a strong reputation as an engaging expedition leader.
Sarah joined World Expeditions in 2006 and became operations manager in 2010. South America is her second home and she has enjoyed many adventures in its beautiful landscapes. Her travels include 'across the circle' into Antarctica, among many others. When Sarah is not planning itineraries you'll find her out on the 'rock' and in the Australian bush with her avid interest in rock climbing and bushwalking.
There's nothing Greg enjoys more than setting out in search of adventure in Latin America. This passion shines through in the breadth of unique adventures reflected in the fantastic line-up of trips on offer. Greg is drawn to the beauty of this region's scenery, fascinating history, varied cultures and most of all, its people.
Dr Anderson lives with his wife in a small town near the Lakes District in the north of England. He is a family doctor and spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. He has more than 10 years of altitude and travel medicine experience. Previous treks and expeditions have focused on the Himalayas, with others in the Scandinavian Arctic and mountainous areas of Africa. He also enjoys trail running, cycling and open-water swimming.
On board boats we recycle paper, cans, glass and plastic and separate organic waste. We also return used oil from the boat engines to the mainland to be recycled.
We buy locally to support small businesses including produce from local farms and suppliers, coffee from a local plantation, bread from a local baking cooperative, chicken and meat raised on the islands and fish from the local fishermen.
We support the Napo Wildlife Centre, a jungle lodge community completely managed and operated by a Kishwa indigenous community.
Ecuador offers Andean volcanoes, Amazon rainforest and extraordinary wildlife, with the best regions to explore including the Galapagos Islands, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, the Amazon Basin, Quito and the Otavalo Highlands.
Galapagos Islands: The Galapagos Islands offer remarkable wildlife encounters where travellers cruise between volcanic islands, snorkel with marine life and observe species that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Avenue of the Volcanoes: Ecuador’s Andean corridor features towering volcanic peaks including Cotopaxi and Chimborazo where trekking and exploration reveal dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Amazon Basin Ecuador: Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest protects extraordinary biodiversity where travellers explore jungle trails and river systems from remote wildlife lodges.
Quito & the Equatorial Andes: Quito’s beautifully preserved colonial centre sits high in the Andes where travellers explore historic churches and plazas in one of South America’s most atmospheric capitals.
Otavalo & Andean Highlands: The Otavalo region combines mountain landscapes and traditional villages where colourful indigenous markets showcase Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage.
The best time to travel to Ecuador for hiking, trekking, kayaking and adventure touring is usually during the drier months June–September, when rainfall is lighter and conditions are more comfortable for exploring forests, coastlines and national parks.
Ecuador has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round, typically ranging between 24°C and 32°C (75°F–90°F). Most regions experience a dry season and a wetter season which influence outdoor travel conditions.
During the wetter season tropical showers refresh the landscape and create lush green forests and flowing rivers. While humidity is higher, this time can still be rewarding for adventurous travellers seeking vibrant scenery and quieter trails.
Ecuador is -5 hours behind GMT/UTC
Spanish (Castillian) (official), Quechua
US Dollar
US dollars cash are the main currency of Ecuador.
Credit cards and ATM machines are available in large cities and hotels, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.
+593
Electricity in Ecuador is 120 Volts, at 60 hertz. The most common pin type is A. (2 flat prong).
A visa is exempt for passport holders from the following countries visiting Ecuador for short term tourism purposes:-
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
United States
United Kingdom
All travelers entering or leaving Ecuador, through airports or other border points, must complete an online Customs Registration Form (Formulario de Registro Aduanero – FRA). The form, which collects personal, flight and customs declaration information, can be submitted up to three days before travel. Ecuador’s Customs Authority recommends completing the form as early as possible. Upon submission, travelers receive a QR code that must be presented to immigration and customs officials at entry and exit points. Non-compliance may result in fines or denied entry/exit. https://www.aduana.gob.ec/servicio-al-ciudadano/formulario-de-registro-aduanero/login/
All visitors arriving in the Galapagos Islands will have to fill out a declaration form with their personal details, luggage description and provide information about places with wild or domestic animals been visited within the last 72 hours.
This form can be filled out at the following link online up to 48 hours prior to the flight:
https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/
If not, visitors will be able to scan the QR code available at the airports in Quito or Guayaquil where they will be able to complete it prior to their flight to Galapagos.
After this step, a confirmation code will be sent to their personal email that they will have to show to the Galapagos National Park representatives upon arrival.
If you are travelling via any other countries en-route to Ecuador please ask your reservations consultant/travel agent about any other necessary visa requirements.
All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.
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Travel with purpose, placing local communities at the heart of your adventure.
Led by experienced local guides and supported by regional crews and partners, your trip helps sustain livelihoods, build skills and strengthen long term partnerships.
Every adventure is designed to encourage respectful cultural exchange and ensure the benefits of tourism are shared with the communities you visit.
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