Ecuador Wildlife Holidays

As one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, Ecuador is the definitive destination for a wildlife holiday. Dubbed by Darwin as ‘a little world within itself’, the Galapagos Islands are undoubtedly the jewel in Ecuador’s crown of wildlife encounters. Thanks to its remarkable biodiversity and Darwin’s revolutionary research, the archipelago has been elevated to legendary and almost-mythical status; here you’ll find an array of species endemic to the islands, making for a truly special and exclusive wildlife-watching experience. Leisurely and lumbering giant tortoises inhabit the arid landscapes, while along the beachfront, you’ll find sleepy sea lions and salt-encrusted marine iguanas. Look to the skies for sightings of even more unusual creatures, including vibrant blue-footed boobies and crimson-chested frigatebirds. Bridging both sides of the equator, Ecuador’s jungle habitats offer contrasting wildlife-viewing opportunities. In the Amazon rainforest, an abundance of monkeys traverse the treetops (howler, spider, squirrel and capuchin, to name a few), alongside bright-billed toco toucans and three-toed sloths, their laidback neighbours. Read more