Our Team 
Our Tour Experts 
Heroes and Heroines Avenue of the Volcanoes
Two hours' drive south from Quito is the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a road that winds its way between Andean foothills dotted…
-
![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
-
![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
-
![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Ecuador Holidays
Three is the magic number for travellers looking to explore Ecuador. It serves up a stunning trio of alluring mountain landscapes, serene beaches and all the mystery that comes with the Amazon jungle.
Ecuador is the second smallest country in South America and yet within its borders, you can find a microcosm of the entire continent – hence the joy of an Ecuador holiday.
Not surprising then that Ecuador’s tourist board coined the phrase ‘All you need is Ecuador’ given that they have mountains and beaches as well as the Amazon. Although the Galapagos Islands attract large numbers of visitors, not so many take the additional time to explore the Ecuadorian mainland. There you can find villages and markets which are truly local and not catering to tourists. It is just a delight.
Regions of Ecuador
Cloud Forest
It is a birders' paradise. Without counting the seemingly endless species of hummingbirds, the list of bird species seen here would rival…
Cuenca
Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador and considered by many to be the most attractive. Founded on the Inca site…
Ecuadorian Amazon
In stark contrast to the cool snowcapped Andes mountains are the humid lowlands known as El Oriente. This is an area of…
Galapagos Islands
Welcome to Darwin’s playground, where a delicate collection of fearless wildlife and idyllic landscapes awaits.
Quito
South America’s second highest capital is sprawled along the slopes of the surrounding mountains at an elevation of 9,350 feet.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and home to the country’s chief seaport with major industries focused on petroleum refining, shrimp fishing, and…
Loja
Loja's capital city of the same name and the area's natural wonders remain unsullied and largely undiscovered by travellers because they are…
Machalilla National Park
The Machalilla National Park offers a fascinating variety of flora and fauna and covers an area of 55,000 hectares including Salango and…
Otavalo
Otavalo and the surrounding villages are famous for their dazzling textiles and intricate handicrafts, which are on proud display at the famous…
Ecuador: What to Expect
One of the biggest benefits of a trip to Ecuador is that you don’t get the same concentrations of visitors that can be found in surrounding countries. Quito, the second highest capital in the world at 2,800m, was one of the world’s first UNESCO Heritage Sites, dates from 900AD and is well worth a visit. Outside the capital, you will find small villages with weekly markets where foreign faces are rare and traditional clothes prevail. Culture aside, the landscape is gorgeous and displays the lush green beauty of the tropics with brightly coloured birds flashing in the trees. From Quito, it is easy to reach the Amazon, the Andes, the Cloud Forest and the Galapagos.
The Steppes Fund For Change
We Support the Kichwa Anangu Community
We support projects right across the planet. Explore below to see where and how we’re making a difference – in some cases, we can even arrange a visit as part of your tailor-made itinerary. The support from The Steppes Fund for Change will enable the Vicente Mamallacta Educational Unit in the Kichwa Anangu Community of Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park to receive whiteboard markers, pencils, filing cabinets, Spanish reading books, and a television for early childhood education.
Read more about The Steppes Fund For Change or read our blog An Education in the Amazon.
Explore Ecuador
- Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Cloud Forest
- Cuenca
- Ecuadorian Amazon
- Galapagos Islands
- Quito
- Guayaquil
- Loja
- Machalilla National Park
- Otavalo
Experiences
Discover suggested activities to include on your Ecuador holiday
Idea
Galapagos Islands
Sail the Galapagos Islands
A transformative sailing voyage around the world’s most treasured archipelago, staying aboard anything from a whimsical sailboat to a state-of-the-art catamaran, an exploration of the Galapagos Islands is the quintessential adventure for wildlife-loving wayfarers.
Idea
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands by Land
This island-hopping, land-based adventure through the Galapagos Islands is ideally suited to wandering wildlife-lovers that prefer to keep their feet on solid ground staying at a selection of unique island properties with irresistible features. While sailing is…
Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Let’s chat
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Paul Bird
From quaint Andean villages and colourful markets to staggering volcanic landscapes and the Amazon Rainforest, Paul has explored the length and breadth of Ecuador.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
James Armitage
This small country encapsulates the continent of South America, and James has been privileged to visit the Amazon, the Andes, the coastal regions and the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
John Faithfull
John rode the railways of Ecuador on the carriage roof before it was outlawed, but still recommends a jaunt along the Devil’s Nose – an engineering marvel that can still be enjoyed from inside a carriage.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Roxy Dukes
I love to squeeze as much out of my day as possible. An outdoors fanatic, I love to delve into harsh environments having summited numerous mountains and trail running into the unknown whenever I get the chance – whether at home or overseas. Funnily enough, it didn’t start like that. It took a few years for the burning fire of adventure to truly take light with my eyes opened by the adventures travel could afford.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Are there any festivals I can see during my trip?
Ecuador hosts many festivals which generally have a political or religious derivation involving dancing and very authentic markets to visit for all to visit, with Easter celebration being particularly important.
Is travelling to Ecuador safe?
As with everywhere you should take precautions about not walking around at night and avoid certain areas of the city of Quito – your guide will advise you of these upon your arrival. Avoid travel at night as this is a time petty crime can occur. Make sure you only take registered taxis booked by hotels.
What can I expect travelling in Ecuador?
Distances are relatively small within Ecuador and you can expect fascinating culture, great wildlife and incredible scenery.
What is the typical food and drink in Ecuador?
Ecuadorian food is based around meat or fish, plantain and rice and is generally cheap, tasty and plentiful. With many of exotic fruits to hand in this tropical country expect to eat maracuya (passion fruit), naranjilla and guanabana which are served as juices and ice cream.
What’s the weather like?
Different all over and very British in its temperamental nature. There are three vertical bands in Ecuador; from west to east- Pacific, Andes, Amazon with varying weather patterns. The driest time to visit the Pacific and Andes regions is from June to October. In the rainforest, surprisingly, you should always be prepared for rain – it’s what makes it so magical.
When should I travel to Ecuador?
Ecuador is at its best June to November. Travel is possible outside of this time but be prepared for rain. Galapagos is a year round destination with seasonal variations.
Will I suffer with the altitude?
Quito is at a height of 2,800 metres, so
spending your first day there taking it relatively easy is recommended. Staying
hydrated and maintaining a lazy pace will help you no end. Also, don’t eat too
much in the evenings, because your slowed rate of digestion will keep you
awake. Go careful with alcohol too, you will find it affects you quicker up
there.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Why Choose Steppes?
These may be uncertain times but they are, without a doubt, still full of opportunity to discover the extraordinary safely. Through knowledge and expertise, we can connect you to those destinations embracing travellers with the added confidence of flexible booking and decades of insight.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
Featured in the press
