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.
“I'm glad I did the two week cruise to see the different terrain, flora and fauna. A great experience to get so close to wild animals. I can't swim, but with the help of a bouyancy aid and hired snorkel, mask and fins it was fantastic.”
Galapagos - March 2016
5 - Excellent
Anonymous
“The wildlife was amazing,especially the snorkelling where we got to see penguins,white tipped reef sharks,green turtles,eagle rays and numerous colourful fish and rays. The crew of the cachalote and guide Christina were all very good and the food was great The only gripe i have,is that our tour operator flew us to quito on the return journey where we had anight in quito and flew home the next day.we left the ship early and our return flight from galapagos stopped at guayaquil before going on to quito. most passengers got out at guayaquil and connected to flights home that day, but we went on to quito,only to board a plane the next day that stopped at guayaquil,where we had to get off the plane for an hour and then fly back in the direction quito for amsterdam! this resulted in at least one days wasted holiday day,extra flight time and the price of meals and accommodation at quito.Suggest in future,passengers fly into quito at start hol and then fly home via guayaquil.”
Excellent
5 - Excellent
Thomas P.
“This trip was a life-changing experience that allowed me to experience such a diverse continent with multiple cultures. Moreover, it enabled me to witness some of the most spectacular landscapes and scenery I have ever seen in the world.”
Ecuador Wildlife Tours
See the most unique wildlife in Ecuador.
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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