Trip Ideas for Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands

Galapagos contains around 12 main islands and 12 minor islands. Five of them are inhabited, although sparsely. Every island has unique animal species at different times of year, making it so really all islands are highlights and it is impossible to say that one island is better to visit than another. However below are just a couple of things possible on some of the islands:

Santa Cruz Home to the massive land tortoise knows as the Galapagos Tortiose, Santa Cruz Island is also home to one of Galapagos’ only modern towns, lava tunnels, and white sand beaches.

Isabela Penguins, flamingos, marine iguanas, the flightless cormorant, sea turtles, marine life and more species abound on the largest of the Galapagos Islands which features mangrove forests, lava tunnels and caves, white sand beaches and more.

Bartolome A great Galapagos Island for snorkeling with penguins and sea lions off the gold sand beach at the foot of the iconic Pinnacle Rock, which juts from the ocean high into the air off this beautiful cove.

North Seymour A great island to see vast seabird colonies and unusual courtship rituals, including the red-throated frigate bird and blue footed boobies.

Espanola Here you can see the massive waved albatross as it is their nesting grounds, as well as the famous Punta Suarez blowhole.

Rabida The only island in Galapagos where all nine of Darwin’s finches can be found, the island contains endemic cacti, and a red sand beach with a massive sea lion colony.

Fernandina The only island in the world that doesn’t contain introduced species. If you didn’t feel like you were on mars yet, this eerie volcanic landscape will make you feel like you are.

San Cristobal Technically home of Galapagos’ capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and Charles Darwins original landing spot, in San Cristobal you can find red footed boobies, Galapagos tortoises, and more.

Plazas Island One of the smallest yet most colorful islands in Galapagos, land and hybrid iguanas are found in high quantities.

Santiago Playful fur seals and abundant marine life amongst a lava-formed shoreline make for great snorkeling in addition to island visits.

Daphen More islet than island, Daphne is home to the Nazca Boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed noddys and more.

Floreana Here you find sea turtle nesting sites, sharks, penguins, flamingoes, sting rays and more.

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.