Best Time to Visit Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador; where to visit and when...
Despite being one of the smallest countries in South America, Ecuador boasts a wonderfully diverse natural landscape and a stunning abundance of wildlife. Explore everything from rainforests and volcanoes to jungles and indigenous
cultures, or head about 1,000km off the coast for an enriching and fauna-rich trip to the famous Galapagos Islands! There is a huge range of activities available across both Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, with everything from trekking the Quilatoa Loop, to horseback rising and surfing. With such diversity and beauty all within a small, easy to travel distance, there is no question about going to this spectacular area; it’s just a case of when!
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are year round destinations when it comes to climate, but you must also bear in mind the tourist seasons. June to August are peak season, this is the best time for activities such as climbing or hiking. Easter is also busy for the Festival season, so prices may be higher and places will be busier.
Climate: Lying on the equator, Ecuador can be visited year-round. Each of its four distinct zones; the Amazon, the Andean highlands, the Pacific lowlands and the Galapagos Islands, has its own micro-climate. The altitude in Quito and Cuenca means that it is always cold at night, while the coast and the Amazon are much steamier. In the Galapagos Islands, broadly speaking, the first half of the year (Jan-Jun) is hotter and sees more bursts of tropical rainfall, so the islands are more lush, while the latter half (Aug-Dec) is usually cooler, drier and windier. However, the variation in temperature is really only between around 26 and 31°C (max). The months of August and September are classified as low season, and some boats will be in dry dock then, so prices can be lower.
Wildlife: The Galapagos Islands are always alive with activity and abuzz with courtship and mating rituals, hatching chicks, colonies of sea lion pups, the arrival of the albatross or the departure of the whales. If you are keen to see a particular species or want to catch a certain occurrence, please contact us and we will advise you on which island you need to see, and when. The Amazon and the cloud forest can be visited at any time of year if you want to explore its fascinating wildlife. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for howler monkeys as well as abundant birdlife and reptiles!
Public Holidays
New Years Day (Jan 01), Civicism and National Unity Day (Feb), Carnival (Mar/Apr), Good Friday (Apr), Labour Day (May 01), Battle of Pchincha (May), Independence Day (Aug 10), Guayaquil Independence Day (Oct 09), Foundation on Cuenca (Nov), All souls Day (Nov), Christmas Day (Dec 25), New Years Eve (Dec 31)
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To speak to our specialist in this region please call or email sales@latinamericasafaris.com
Tel: 0044 (0) 1273 691 642
US Toll Free: 1866 357 6569
