Knowmad has been an award-winning Galapagos specialist and operator for over 15 years, providing unparalleled expertise, value, operational capabilities, and on-the-ground support. Featuring wildlife experiences unlike anywhere in the world, colorful indigenous cultures, and nearly every ecosystem imaginable, the Galapagos and Ecuador don’t disappoint.
Email our Galapagos experts or start designing your trip today
Knowmad Adventures is a Travel + Leisure A-List and Condé Nast Top Travel Expert for the Galapagos. We partner closely with the top small catamarans and yachts, giving our clients excellent pricing and VIP treatment. Just as important, we provide objective guidance to help you choose the right boat and expedition itinerary for your group, with personalized support before and during your trip.
Check out some of our favorite partner vessels. Listed prices are approximate. Knowmad can often secure special discounts and promotions, so reach out for details.
Land-based Galapagos, small-ship-based, or a combination? Keeping it short with a quick stop in Quito, or considering an extensive Machu Picchu combination? Below are samples to guide and inspire. Start crafting your own custom Galapagos journey. Email us today.
In a space not much larger than the U.S. state of Colorado, Ecuador contains nearly every ecosystem you can imagine. Use these samples to help guide pre- and post-Galapagos ideas or to help build out a full-length Ecuador trip.
Quito Quito is nestled amongst the Andes along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. In addition to its beautiful setting, Quito’s old quarter is gorgeous and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its stunning colonial architecture, as it was once the Spanish’s most important city in the Americas. Spending a day or two exploring the architecture, traditions and culture of Quito at the beginning or end of your trip is highly recommended.
Otavalo & the Northern Andes Otavalo is home to the largest and most famed indigenous market in the Americas. Although Saturday is market day, this massive market takes place every day. The offering of products is great, but the feast for the eyes, ears and nose is what this experience is all about.
Near Otavalo there are some beautiful historic haciendas that have been converted to hotels. These make a great base from which to explore the area, and simply to relax and enjoy the beautiful grounds and countryside.
Avenue of the VolcanoesQuito sits amongst what is known as the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’, a north to south span of land containing many lush and beautiful volcanoes. For adventure travel in Ecuador, mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding can all be done at the more off the beaten path Antisana or at Cotopaxi, in addition to exploring by van and enjoying the scenery.
Cuenca With the most intact colonial character, Cuenca is both regal and relaxed. A popular extension to Galapagos trips, Cuenca is an ideal place to explore the history, character, and people of Ecuador.
Amazon Jungle Napo Wildlife Center in the Amazon Jungle of Ecuador, is hands down one of the best and most innovative sustainable Amazon jungle lodges out there. We highly recommend considering a few nights there for travelers interested in adventurous travel in Ecuador, and for those interested in plant and wildlife.
If you plan to explore Quito, consider spending two nights there as many flights arriving from North America and Europe land in the evening.
Galapagos Owing to their location at the Equator, the Galapagos do not have a lot of seasonal variation. Temperatures average in the 70s-80s year round, with January to April being slightly warmer. The climate is quite dry, with the majority of precipitation coming between January and April.
Although there is slightly more precipitation between December and May than during other parts of the year, it is also the sunniest time of year with brief drizzles and rain clouds moving on quickly. The water is warmer during this time of year making swimming and snorkeling more comfortable, however there aren’t quite as many fish as other times of year. December through May is the breeding season for land birds, so it’s a great time to see unusual mating rituals. Also, if you are a turtle lover this is the time to be here as it’s when you can watch sea turtles nesting on the beach and in March through May you can often see land tortoises searching for mates. Sea lions also mate in this season and males can be seen sparring. The other benefits of this season are much calmer seas and blooming flowers making the islands their most colorful. And you will be more likely to find discounts on cruises available during these months. All in all, there are many benefits to Galapagos travel no matter which month you choose.
Quito & Highlands (Includes Otavalo and Avenue of the Volcanoes) Being both close to the equator and high in the mountains, Quito and the highlands enjoy mild days and cool nights most of the year. Evening temperatures average in the mid 40’s F (7 C) while daytime temperatures are consistently in the 70’s F (25 C). Rainy season runs from October to May with April being the wettest month, however rains are intermittent and the region is enjoyable to visit during this time. June to September is drier with slightly warmer temps.
Prior to your departure, we provide you with a detailed pre-trip information packet, which includes a recommended pack list, information about the regions you’ll be visiting, suggested readings, and up-to-date health information including any recommended vaccinations. You can also visit our frequently asked questions on Ecuador.
Planning a trip to South America might seem a little overwhelming at first. Knowmad offers door-to-door trip planning: first, we listen, and then we help you navigate the seasonal differences and itinerary options, resulting in a holistic, seamless, and custom-crafted experience, all at a guaranteed best value.
The simplest way to get started is to give us a call at 612-315-2894or to fill out this short form so we can learn more about your travel preferences.
Journey through the rugged and otherworldly terrain of Southern Bolivia, exploring lagoons, volcanoes and Uyuni salt flats before ending in the capital of La Paz, perched atop the Andes Mountains, stopping at the historical rich communities of Potosi and Sucre along the way. Ideal connection with Chile’s Atacama Desert or start and finish in La Paz.
Thanks for the organization, the trip was excellent! Everything went well and I had a great time. The areas you suggested are beautiful. My guides were very knowledgeable. I’m traveling to Bolivia and Peru next year and I will surely plan it with you.
By traveling alongside Knowmad you will be taking part in culturally and environmentally sustainable travel. You will be spreading the love, and the wealth. You will be doing Good Works. Learn more about Knowmad’s eco-travel efforts.
The Knowmad team put together the trip of a life time for us. Everything was perfect, from the guides to the accommodations to the activities, and your extensive knowledge of the area and personal relationships with the people we met in Chile were invaluable. We can’t recommend Knowmad highly enough.
After traveling to Chile two years ago with Knowmad Adventures there was no question as to who was going to help plan my trip to Peru! Thank you so much to Knowmad Adventures. The places they recommended, connections, and knowledge of these regions were impeccable. I highly recommend using Knowmad Adventures to plan your next trip to Peru or Chile!
Our trip was everything we dreamed it would be and more. Your group did a great job everywhere we went. We especially loved our guide Paula, and Explora was top notch too. All perfect.
Please don’t ever change the way you operate. You fulfill lifelong dreams and provide people with the chance to live what they thought could only be read about.
You put together a one-of-a-kind vacation for my group that I’ll long remember and enthusiastically recommend. I thank you and look forward, with much anticipation, to my next adventure with you.
We got back last night and I must say that the organization of the entire trip was AMAZING. We all loved Peru and thanks to Knowmad we even enjoyed it a lot more. Thanks a lot Jordan for everything as we had sooooo much fun. I’ll definitely recommend you to anybody that wants to experience Peru.
Journey through the rugged and otherworldly terrain of Southern Bolivia, exploring lagoons, volcanoes and Uyuni salt flats before ending in the capital of La Paz, perched atop the Andes Mountains, stopping at the historical rich communities of Potosi and Sucre along the way. Ideal connection with Chile’s Atacama Desert or start and finish in La Paz.
