Holidays to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

Ecuador was once home to several indigenous civilisations including the Inca Empire and various Andean cultures. The Ecuador you see today reflects the country’s different layers of history, in a vibrant display of music and dance, colourful celebrations and delicious cuisine.  

The Galápagos Islands, located around 1,000 kilometres from Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, were first discovered by chance in 1635 by a Spanish bishop travelling from Panama to Peru. During the 17th and 18th centuries the islands served as a refuge for pirates and as a stopover for whaling ships.  

Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1835, and his observations there contributed to his theory of evolution. Today, the islands are a hugely popular tourist destination, but are strictly protected and regulated to protect their fragile ecosystems and species. 

 

The different regions’ weather and climate patterns are influenced by their geographical locations. Ecuador sits on the equator, so its hours of daylight and temperature are fairly consistent throughout the year. However, the climate varies significantly based on altitude across four main geographical regions – the Coastal Lowlands, the Andean Highlands, the Amazon Rainforest and the Galápagos Islands.  

The Coastal Lowlands have a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year and a wet season from December to May.  

The Andean Highlands have lower temperatures and two seasons – the dry season (June to September) and the rainy season (October to May). The Amazon experiences hot and humid weather all year round, with the wettest months from March to August.  

The Galápagos Islands have a subtropical climate and two main seasons. The cool, dry season runs from June to November, when the weather is generally dry and the waters are cooler. The warm, wet season sees higher temperatures but increased rainfall, and the waters are warmer.  

The best time to visit will depend on your priorities and preferences.  

For Ecuador, June to September is a popular time to visit due to lower chances of rain on the Coastal Lowlands, fewer clouds on the Highlands to obstruct the gorgeous panoramic views, and lower water levels in the Amazon, making it an excellent time for exploring and spotting wildlife.  

The Galápagos Islands are a popular tourist destination year-round. June to November is the peak tourist season, with cooler temperatures, calmer seas and excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving. December to May is warmer, but there is a higher chance of rain, and the seas are warmer with an abundance of sea life to observe and enjoy.