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.
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Quito
South America’s second highest capital is sprawled along the slopes of the surrounding mountains at an elevation of 9,350 feet.
The traffic is constricting the city and the best place to avoid frustrating delays is to base yourself in the old town. A stroll through the old town reveals an intricate maze of narrow cobblestone streets flanked with colonial mansions and ornate churches, the splendour of which has earned Quito UNESCO World Heritage status.
A little more about Quito
Highlights of the historical centre include Plaza Grande (Independence Square), La Compania Jesuit Church, and La Ronda, all encapsulated in a scenic vista from the top of Panecillo Hill crowned by the guardianship of the winged Virgin of Quito.
In spite of the traffic, Quito remains a good staging point from which to explore the neighbouring countryside and sights, such as Otavalo market, the cloud forest and some wonderful haciendas.
Experiences
What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.
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 the most traditional way to experience…
Idea
Ecuador
Amazon, Cloud Forest & Avenue of Volcanoes
The ultimate medley of mainland Ecuador’s most iconic destinations, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, this journey by road, by plane and by canoe has a truly exploratory feeling due to its remarkable wildlife-spotting and interaction with indigenous…
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 the most traditional way…
Idea
Ecuador
Amazon, Cloud Forest & Avenue of Volcanoes
The ultimate medley of mainland Ecuador’s most iconic destinations, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, this journey by road, by plane and by canoe has a truly exploratory feeling due to its remarkable wildlife-spotting and interaction…
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.
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.
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- 1 800 571 2985
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
- 1 800 571 2985
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Regions of Ecuador
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…
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.
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…
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…
Otavalo
Otavalo and the surrounding villages are famous for their dazzling textiles and intricate handicrafts, which are on proud display at the famous…
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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