- Ecuador
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 13.08.2018
Galápagos. What do you picture when you hear those four syllables? Chances are it’s wildlife, from giant tortoises and marine iguanas to blue-footed boobies. And rightly so, for the animals on these islands, sitting in extreme isolation 1000km (600 miles) off the Ecuadorian coast, are genuinely spectacular. In fact, it was the so-called ‘tameness’ of the Galápagos animals – just one facet of their incredible idiosyncrasies – that helped bring Darwin to his world-changing theory of evolution.
Yet when early visitors christened the Galápagos ‘Las Islas Encantadas’, it wasn’t because they were ‘enchanted’ by the charming animals: it was more that the islands appeared to be under some malevolent spell. And from cannibals, convicts and buccaneers to a nudist colony turned murderous ménage à trois, a dark edge has informed human interaction with the islands ever since. Our host Neil McQuillian visits the Galápagos to discover the alternative human history of the world's most famous wildlife wonderland.
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Thank you to Ximena Cordova and Sven Lindblad of Lindblad Expeditions for talking to us. We used sounds of the Galapagos from Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic and also by Chris Watson from Touch Radio, curated by Mike Harding. We featured music from local musicians EcoArte. Alannah Chance and Jessie Lawson of Reduced Listening were producers for this episode.
Ecuador's Best in 3 Weeks
A journey to the heart of Ecuador: discover the Andean highlands, go on a deep dive in the Amazon jungle, explore the colonial cities on the Pacific Coast and end your trip with the incredibly diverse Galapagos Islands. This trip packs all into one, the adventure of a lifetime!
customize ⤍Unique Lodges of Ecuador
Prepare yourself for the epitome of adventure and prestige with not one but two Unique Lodges in Ecuador into the lush and captivating nearby cloud forest to discover Mashpi Lodge. After that, prepare yourself for the wonders at your doorstep at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.
customize ⤍Best of Peru & Galapagos Islands
Split your South America trip into two fascinating countries: Peru with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as ocean-facing capital Lima. Afterwards, proceed to the Galapagos Islands. You will stay on 3 different islands and explore many more.
customize ⤍Pristine rainforest - Ecuador's Amazon
Start in Ecuador's capital Quito with nearby Cotopaxi volcano. Afterwards proceed to your adventure in the Amazon - a luxurious Lodge awaits with plenty of excursions from river canoes, bird watching, rainforest hikes and more.
customize ⤍Mesmerizing Ecuador - Amazon & Galapagos
Despite its small size, Ecuador packs an incredible variety of wildlife, nature and culture. On this trip, you will explore the Amazon on a river cruise, getting close to not just the wildlife but also the native cultures. Afterwards, fly to the Galapagos for a unique wildlife adventure.
customize ⤍Luxury Andes and Galapagos
Combine Ecuador's mainland, visiting Cotopaxi volcano, the fascinating city of Quito, the market in Otavalo, hot springs in Papallacta and more, with the unique wildlife and nature of the Galapagos. A once in a lifetime trip with extraordinary hotels and lodges awaits.
customize ⤍Best Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands Tour Package
Explore a trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour package! Your journey begins in Quito, home to the Middle of the World. Afterward, fly on over to the Galapagos Islands the best biodiversity hotspot and following with the sublime Machu Picchu in Peru.
customize ⤍Galapagos Special - 3 islands in 10 days
The Galapagos islands in Ecuador are a truly special place. On this trip, you will get to stay on 3 different islands and explore several more on boat tours. Start and end point of your journey is the UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of Ecuador - Quito.
customize ⤍On Top of the World & Deep Into the Sea
Calling all adventurers - hiking volcanoes? Meeting indigenous tribes in the Amazon? Diving in the magnificent Galapagos islands? This trip truly has it all. Enjoy a fast-paced trip including Quito, Mindo, Cotopaxi, Coyambe, Otavalo, Yasuni Reserve in the Amazon, as well as the Galapagos.
customize ⤍Luxury Galapagos Cruise & Mainland Highlights
Seven nights on a luxurious super yacht in the Galapagos - explore the natural wonders of this island paradise in style. Afterwards, fly to the mainland and discover Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito. Volcanoes, waterfalls, markets, and much more are to be discovered.
customize ⤍Top image: Bartolome Island in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador © Jess Kraft / Shutterstock
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 13.08.2018
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Ecuador
Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert
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