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Wildlife Holidays in Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the smallest countries on the South American continent, but this doesn’t make it any less of an attraction with all the natural and wildlife wonders it has in store! Considered by many to be one of the most accessible and striking countries of the Andes Mountains, Ecuador is also famous for its offshore island archipelago, the Galapagos Islands, which are home to many unusual and interesting species of animals and flora.
To the east of the Andes lie the tropical lowlands of El Oriente, an unspoiled wilderness of Amazonian rainforest. To the west is the lush cloud forest which offers excellent bird-watching, attractive waterfalls and superb flora and fauna, ideal if you are looking for a luxury wildlife holiday in Ecuador.
Ecuador boasts superb Amazon rainforest lodges, including:
Sacha Lodge
Sacha has a fantastic 940ft long canopy walkway, nearly 100ft up in the treetops providing an unbelievable opportunity for bird watching and wildlife spotting in the rainforest. This jungle lodge has just 26 rooms, each with private facilities and hot water, biodegradable soap and shampoo. Cabins are thatched and screened, with ceiling fans, and it is the most easily accessible of the lodges, situated on an oxbow lake off the Napo River.
Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve
Located in one of the most remote and well protected parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon, Kapawi is an award winning lodge noted for its comfort and quality of service as well as its abundance of wildlife and rich biodiversity. The lodge is run in conjunction with the Achuar tribe to promote sustainable resources and ensure minimal environmental impact. A solar energy system provides nearly all of the lodge’s energy needs including hot showers.
Arasha Tropical Resort and Spa
Arasha is a luxurious retreat located in the rich biodiversity of the cloud-forest zone, two and a half hours from Quito. As well as offering a variety of excursions and activities, you can really pamper yourself here with excellent spa treatments, using luxurious tropical ingredients. Much attention is given to the comfort of guests, with superb cuisine, impeccable service and exceptional accommodation in 27 elegant private bungalows. More than 150 species of birds can be seen in the trails around the resort. Other leisure activities available include: taking a refreshing swim in a nearby river lagoon or you can even learn how to make chocolate from raw cocoa beans!
Cotopaxi National Park
With Ecuador’s highest volcano at 5897m, the Cotopaxi National Park is the jewel of the Eastern Cordillera. Featuring lush highland which is perfect for hiking or horse riding, there is the option to stay at one of the historic haciendas close to the national park itself. Here a number of tours are offered many including fishing, cycling and riding.
To plan your luxury wildlife holiday to Ecuador, call our Latin America specialists today.
Famous for its off-shore island archipelago, the Galapagos, the mainland is also worthy of more in-depth exploration for an Ecuador holiday or combined trip. The mainland of Ecuador consists of three geographical regions: The Coast, the Andes, and the Amazon. It encompasses a variety of climates from the tropical humidity of the coastal region and temperate climes of the highlands where there is not much variation due to its proximity to the equator.
British passport holders do not require a visa to enter Ecuador, though if you fly via the US, the ESTA will be compulsory.
The electric current in Ecuador is 127 volts at 60 cycles per second. It is recommended that you purchase a voltage converter once in the country to ensure compatibility.
Pick pocketing and petty theft are common in Ecuador, especially in large crowds, so be aware of your belongings at all times.
Ecuador can be visited all year round. Quito being so close to the equator has no major temperature fluctuations. Temperatures at night become very cold at higher altitudes. Guayaquil on the coast along with the interior of the Amazon remains hot and humid all year round as well.
There are no compulsory vaccines required to enter the country although there are precautions against malaria and yellow fever. If travelling to the Amazon, you are suggested to check with your GP.
The time difference is -5 GMT
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. Over 90 percent of the people in the country speak it fluently. The second official language is Quinhua and it is widely spoken in various parts of the country as well.
The US dollar is the currency of Ecuador.
Ecuadorians are very outgoing and friendly so when entering shops or restaurants it is acceptable to greet staff. Most traditions are linked to religion and there are celebrations in honour of particular catholic saints every month. Town parades take place and both women and men wear colourful attire as they dance under firework presentations.
Select different types of holidays in Ecuador below.
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Rainbow Tours
Specialists in Latin America, Western & Oriental's sister company, Rainbow Tours, offers a range of tailor-made Latin America holidays. Genuine expertise, personal service and the ability to design a truly special holiday make them the perfect choice to discover the best of Latin America.
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