5 trips
Ecuador offers an unbelievable variety of wildlife, even as one of South America’s smallest countries. Mainland Ecuador is where travellers can discover thermal hot springs, snow-capped volcanoes and deep emerald landscapes - including the Amazon Rainforest as part of a once-in-a-lifetime homestay. Explore gorgeous cities like Cuenca and Quito nestled into the misty Andes, before hopping over to the Galápagos Islands: famed for its awe-inspiring wildlife unlike any other place in the world. From giant tortoises to colourful iguanas and penguins, there are so many unique creatures who call this island home. Gap year trips to Ecuador are the perfect choice for animal lovers and any traveller looking to try something different!
Read more in our Ecuador Travel Guide.
Found 5 trips
65 days
from £7,149 £5,719
7 countries, 9 epic weeks
The ULTIMATE South American Adventure with 65 days of non-stop adventure from Quito to Rio.
15 days
from £1,299 £909
Travel from Quito to Lima in 15 fantastic days!
Explore Ecuador and Peru on this fabulous 15 day adventure from Quito to Lima, which includes an amazing 3-night homestay in the Amazon jungle.
1 or 2 weeks from £599
Best of Baños: Amazon Rainforest and Andes mountains!
Ever wanted to learn Spanish in South America? Discover beautiful Baños in Ecuador while staying at an incredible hostel and language school. Choose between 1 or 2 weeks, with completely free weekends!
Welcome to the Galápagos, South America’s most iconic islands and home to incredible wildlife you’ll find nowhere else on the planet. Kick back on golden shores in the company of sea lions (and new travel mates, if you’re coming along on our Ecuador tours), or dive into crystal-clear waters to discover its world-class snorkelling.
The Amazon Rainforest needs no introduction. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, steamy cloud forests and authentic homestays in the heart of the jungle are just the start of all the memories waiting to be made on our trips to Ecuador. Each season brings on a new adventure inside this tropical haven… Are you ready to discover yours?
Adrenaline is at an all-time high in Baños: Ecuador’s not-so-sleepy jungle town. Go horseback riding across emerald mountains, give white water rafting a go, or tick the “Swing at the End of the World” off your South America bucket list. Take your pick. When the day falls, dig into a night of bar crawls and salsa dancing. You’re going to love it.
Ecuador’s capital makes quite the impression. Get ready for an enchanting mix of misty mountain peaks, stunning heritage architecture, bustling local markets, and the kind of vibrant nightlife that South America does best. Whenever you fancy slowing down, Quito’s proud coffee culture and cobblestone streets hit just the spot.
Some call it Ecuador’s prettiest city, but good looks are just the start of what makes Cuenca so appealing. Get to know the local culture packed inside this historic gem, backed by the sloped hills of the Highlands. The only time you’ll ever want to leave is to explore everything right outside - hiking trails, hot springs and ancient ruins galore.
Ecuador translates to “equator”, and the country enjoys a variety of climates ranging from tropical coast and rainforest to cooler highlands. Whilst weather conditions can change depending on whether it is Ecuador’s wet or dry season, temperatures are generally consistent throughout the year. Average temperatures can vary from 20°C to 35°C. Ecuador’s dry season typically lasts from June to September, and December to March for the wet season.
The best time to visit on our Ecuador tours comes down to preference. Ecuador is a year-round destination, promising a breathtaking variety of scenery and activities. For the Galápagos, December to May is a favourable time of year for gentle waves and sun-kissed conditions. Meanwhile, June to November can be great for marine life.
June to September is also the best time of year for hiking in Ecuador’s Highlands. For the Amazon Rainforest, March to May is popular as it’s the only time of year you can go kayaking here, whereas October to December is great for wildlife walks.
Ecuador is a gorgeous country, famed for its epic biodiversity and tropical wildlife, from the Galapagos archipelago to the Amazon Rainforest. The culture is vibrant, traditional and electrifying, featuring a melting pot of Spanish, Indigenous and Mestizo heritages.
Some of the best activities to try here include adventure sports, hiking and salsa dancing. Punctuality is generally relaxed in Ecuador. There are some settings where dressing modestly is encouraged, such as at local churches. On our trips to Ecuador, your group leader can provide guidance regarding cultural customs.
Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.
For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Ecuador, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information, and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
Spanish is the main and official language spoken in Ecuador, alongside several indigenous languages. Some English is spoken inside popular tourist destinations.
Ecuador’s official currency is the United States Dollar (USD).
At Gap 360, our biggest priority is ensuring that travellers feel safe and supported on their adventures abroad. Before your departure on our Ecuador tours, you will have access to our health and safety information with advice for your travels and country fact-files for Ecuador. You’ll also have access to a 24/7 emergency support number, operated by our UK-based team, to assist you while you're travelling. We always encourage travellers to do their own research before visiting a destination, or if you have any questions, we are just a message or phone call away.
Home to the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador is famed for its remarkable biodiversity and lush landscapes. This country is also known for its adventure sports in Baños and its charming historic cities. A fun fact about Ecuador is that its name translates to “equator”; the summit of Chimborazo volcano is the furthest point from the centre of the planet!
Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.
Flights to Ecuador from the UK typically take 16 to 18 hours, including 1 or 2 layovers. Always make sure you check the entry requirements for any countries you stop in, as well as your intended destination.
