Ecuador’s remarkable biodiversity makes it a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts and bird lovers. Join one of our wildlife tours in Ecuador to discover what inspired a young Charles Darwin to think differently about how life evolves after he landed in the Galapagos Islands, home to creatures not found in other parts of the world. El Chato Tortoise Reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands is an excellent place to see the magnificent giant tortoises, as well as birds like Darwin’s finches and short-eared owls. El Oriente, a world-renowned biodiversity zone that accounts for 30 percent of Ecuador’s landmass, teems with wildlife, and you are sure to spot howler monkeys, spider monkeys and pink river dolphins. If you plan your Ecuador wildlife tours between June and September, do not forget to head to the coastal Machalilla National Park to glimpse the 36-tonne humpback whale.
Scroll below to find our favorite Ecuador wildlife trips.
“The trip was all arranged by the tour operator and I cant fault the organisation, it was faultless throughout the whole Journey.The Cachalote Explorer was fine, its not a super luxury motor yacht (its correctly advertised as a first class motor yacht) being a converted fishing boat, but the accommodation was perfectly adequate and the crew were very friendly and super efficient. The rooms were cleaned daily with clean towels by Martin who was also the waiter and bar man, and very good at it to. The chef was very good and was delighted to help one of our vegan passengers with different dishes every meal (which she often shared with the rest of us! Lol)The ship is a little noisy when travelling at night with the engines running, but I had some noise suppressing head phones that dealt with this. No one else really complained and I guess you soon get used to it after a tiring dayThe food was very well presented in buffet style for breakfast lunch and evening meal and there was always plenty of food. In between meals there is a tray of bananas, fruits and various biscuits and snacksWould I book it again, certainly yes without hesitation”
What a magical place....
5 - Excellent
Anonymous
“The trip was all arranged by this tour company and I cant fault the organisation, it was faultless throughout the whole Journey.The Cachalote Explorer was fine, its not a super luxury motor yacht (its correctly advertised as a first class motor yacht) being a converted fishing boat, but the accommodation was perfectly adequate and the crew were very friendly and super efficient. The rooms were cleaned daily with clean towels by Martin who was also the waiter and bar man, and very good at it to. The chef was very good and was delighted to help one of our vegan passengers with different dishes every meal (which she often shared with the rest of us! Lol)The ship is a little noisy when travelling at night with the engines running, but I had some noise suppressing head phones that dealt with this. No one else really complained and I guess you soon get used to it after a tiring dayThe food was very well presented in buffet style for breakfast lunch and evening meal and there was always plenty of food. In between meals there is a tray of bananas, fruits and various biscuits and snacksWould I book it again, certainly yes without hesitation”
Galápagos Islands aboard the Cachalote yacht
5 - Excellent
Anonymous
“This is a most amazing trip for wildlife enthusiasts. I had never been so close to wildlife that was so indifferent to our presence. We were merely another non threatening species and as such were not to be feared or shunned, simply accepted. To see the bird and animal life living and behaving so naturally was a real privilege.”
Ecuador Wildlife Tours
Highlights of Ecuador Wildlife Tours
Spot the Galapagos fur seals, the Galapagos barn owl and the bullhead shark — all endemic to the island or found in the waters near it.
Head to the Punta Espinoza in the Galapagos to see marine iguanas sunning themselves on black lava soil.
Take a boat tour near Puerto Lopez to see dolphins and sea lions or go swimming with whales with an experienced guide.
See primates like squirrel monkeys and wooly monkeys in the cloud forest region of Ecuador, along with birds like plate-billed toucans and tanagers.
Explore the thrilling wildlife in and around the Amazon River, and look out for piranhas, stingrays, eels, iguanas and anacondas.
Travel Tips for Wildlife Trips in Ecuador
Carry cash while traveling in the Amazonian forests or other remote places, as you are unlikely to find an ATM or bank nearby.
Learning a few Spanish phrases will be useful if you need to speak with locals.
Ecuador’s coastal and forest areas can see more rainfall from October to May, so pack accordingly.
A proper hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are a must while going on Ecuador wildlife tours.
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