Latin America

Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

The Andes, the Amazon, and Darwin’s Archipelago

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Destination Overview

About Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Ecuador offers so much in so small a space: Jaguars, pink dolphins, macaws, and monkeys in the lush Amazonian lowlands; condors and snow-capped volcanos in the Andean highlands; and beaches, palms, and pelicans on the Pacific coast- all compressed within a mere 150 miles.

And then there are the Galapagos Islands! Because the animals here evolved in isolation from humans, they wander fearlessly among visitors as though they themselves are the curious tourists. Don a mask and snorkel, float in the clear shallows, and feel a smile form as an inquisitive Galapagos Penguin puzzles over the odd reflection in your mask.

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Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
 
Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
 

Thomson Experiences in Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Active
Bask on the beaches with tame sea lions, explore the lava beds alongside iguanas and giant tortoises, and snorkel with penguins and sea turtles. Never a dull moment!
MULTI-GENERATIONAL
The ultimate family outing: a visit to the largest zoo in the world; a zoo in reverse- a zoo without cages or fences where human visitors stay put, and the animals roam free among them.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Home to the world’s most photogenic animals, a photographer’s dream, where penguins, sea lions, iguanas, and sea turtles come to you to have their portrait taken.
WILDLIFE
Sit in quiet reverence near a dozing, 150 year-old, 500 pound giant Galapagos Tortoise. Pause to admire one of the ubiquitous Galapagos finches, and contemplate Charles Darwin, his revolutionary theory of evolution by natural selection, and the bird and the beak that started it all.

Favorite Properties

In various destinations around the world, we have highlighted examples of exceptional accommodations that set new standards for aesthetics and responsible tourism. These properties reflect our own company values by emphasizing community involvement and the preservation of cultural heritage, protection of natural resources, and sustainability, both in practice and design. They also combine outstanding comfort and service, natural beauty, and functionality. Where you stay along the way can greatly enhance any journey. Options abound, but these are some of our favorites.

Pikaia Lodge
 

Pikaia Lodge

Santa Cruz Island

Offering an unforgettable close-up encounter with the wonders of the Galapagos, the Pikaia sits atop two extinct volcanic craters on Santa Cruz Island, surrounded by a private, 76-acre wild giant tortoise reserve. Airy, simple, and architecturally unique, the accommodations are tucked into verdant slopes, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular views. Carbon neutral, solar and wind powered, and using sugarcane ethanol for clean-burning fireplaces, the lodge is hailed as one of the world’s greenest.

Galapagos Safari Camp
 

Galapagos Safari Camp

Santa Cruz Island

Situated in the Santa Cruz highlands, nine luxury tents, a tented camp perfect for families, plus a 135-acre farm, infinity pool, and viewpoint terrace combine to create an unforgettable island experience. A common area lodge serves as the perfect end-of-day gathering place with its cozy lounge, library, and dining room serving forth farm-to-table cuisine.

Sacha Lodge
 

Sacha Lodge

Amazon Rainforest

A sanctuary deep within Ecuador’s rainforest, the 26 thatched roof cabins with private terraces offer an intimate encounter with the sights and sounds of the Amazon. Constructed with traditional materials and nearly camouflaged by their surroundings, the en suite rooms are designed for ultimate comfort. A Canopy Walk, an observation platform high in a Kapok tree, and one of Ecuador’s largest butterfly farms are all part of the lodge’s distinct features.

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.
-Charles Darwin