GALAPAGOS + MAINLAND ECUADOR
GALAPAGOS
Located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, straddling the equator. The isolation of these islands has permitted life forms to evolve into species found only in Galapagos. Famously observed by Charles Darwin, his research contributed to the fame of the islands.
The Galapagos archipelago encompasses over 50 islands of volcanic origin that are spread out over an area of about, 4500 sq. km. The oldest of these is not more than 2.4 million years old, a baby in geological terms. The islands are among the most volcanically active group of islands in the world.
The Galapagos gained fame with the publication of Darwin’s Voyage Of The Beagle and Origin Of Species, but also with various scientific expeditions, notably, The California Academy of Sciences in 1906.
The Galapagos National Park was established in 1959 to protect the unique and therefore precious flora and fauna of the islands. In that same year the Charles Darwin Research Station was founded in Academy Bay on Isla Santa Cruz. Both of these help to create the well managed and protected national park we have today. Learn more about our Galapagos boat tours and our Galapagos cruises below.
MAINLAND ECUADOR
Straddling the Equator, Ecuador is richly endowed with snowy Andean peaks towering over emerald green slopes, rivers winding through tropical jungles, and beyond all this, in the Pacific Ocean, lay the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador offers an interesting blend of the colonial and indigenous cultures: charming towns and villages, colorful indigenous markets, pre-Columbian artifacts and impressive colonial architecture. Enchanted Expeditions lets you experience this beautiful country through our Ecuador wildlife tours and cultural tours.
ANDEAN HIGHLANDS
The High Andes Mountain range runs North to South through Ecuador and here we find a very rich cultural heritage, nature reserves and snow capped mountains, two World Heritage Cities and a World Heritage National Park. All this in one of the smallest countries in South America.
Our Highland Tours offer travelers the opportunity to experience the diversity of Ecuador’s landscape and wildlife, to visit and learn about the many facets of Ecuador’s culture, from the colorful indigenous communities to historical Colonial architecture to enjoying overnights in 400 year old ‘Haciendas’ converted to boutique hotels.
RAINFOREST
The Amazon ecosystem is considered to have one of the richest and most complex communities of plant and animal life in the world.
The principal Amazon artery for visitors in Ecuador is the Napo River. The Napo’s 130 islands are covered by young forests, which provide refuge and nesting sites for a multitude of bird species and large and diverse amounts of flora and fauna in extraordinary variations in habitats.Visit these phenomenal locations during our Amazon rainforest tours in Ecuador.
The indigenous communities living within the existing ecosystems of this vast forest preserve are: the Siona-Secoya, Cofan, Huaorani, Shuar and Ashuar communities. On some tours, you will have the opportunity to visit and learn from one of these.
COAST
A visit to the Pacific Coast of Ecuador will give travellers a completely different view of Ecuador:
one where we visit nature reserves, archeological ruins, cacao and banana plantations.. We will see where the Panama Hat reeds are grown and the hat making process begins, enjoy the stunning beaches and take a boat trip to Isla de la Plata to observe the Blue-footed, Red-footed and Nazca boobies and many more bird species while whale watching en route.
CONTINUE YOUR ECUADOR ADVENTURE
Visit our tourism company Enchanted Expeditions to continue your adventures across Ecuador.