The Galapagos Islands are unlike anywhere else on earth. A paradise for rare birds, iconic wildlife and rich biodiversity. Ecuador is also quite simply one of the most diverse countries on the planet, featuring an astonishing array of wildlife, landscapes and indigenous cultures albeit in an area only slightly larger than the UK. From the Amazon Jungle to Galapagos Islands, via the mighty Andes mountains, our bespoke journeys will suit every nature enthusiast.
The classic India holiday, where cities meet temples and forts but with our Travel Differently twist. We’ve slowed down the pace and incorporated time in Ranthambore to search for Tigers and journey through rich jungle staying in the best wildlife lodges. Our local guides will take you on amazing daily activities to see the real people and cultures of Rajasthan.
Get active beyond the unmissable gorilla trekking to also include a full day chimpanzee habituation experience, exhilarating white water rafting on The Nile, hike end-to-end through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, explore the wild bush by foot and horseback, and enjoy many other outdoor activities around this enchanting country.
Embark on an epic 1000-mile road trip across one of Africa’s most beautiful countries, ranging from traditional safari grasslands to thick teaming jungle, via jaw-dropping lakes and mesmerising volcanos. Meet gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and tree-climbing lions, alongside community projects and cultural initiatives that aim to provide a sustainable future.
Enjoy the wildlife wonders of Uganda in supreme comfort, staying at three of the country’s most luxurious and stylish lodges. You will have opportunities to track Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys, as well as embark on game drives and boat trips to find large numbers of elephants, hippos, buffalo and of the course the famous local tree-climbing lions.
If you wanted to add the iconic Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda to your African adventures, this short luxurious extension to any Ugandan, Tanzanian or South African itinerary is a wonderful way to do it. Stay at one of the world famous 5-star eco lodges around Volcanos National Park for your gorilla trekking, where life-affirming experiences meet a world class conservation success story.
If you want to get beneath the skin of this unique country, then this is your itinerary. Spend a little longer in the capital, Thimpu, to explore the markets and local life. Continue to the Punakha, Gangtey and isolated Bumthang, switching between eco lodges, heritage hotels, and even a sustainable farm project. Add in hiking, rafting, and camping, finishing at unmissable Tigers Nest Monastery, and you have truly “done” Bhutan.
See the greatest sights in Bhutan in a more active way. Try white water rafting in Punakha Valley. Cycle your way through the countryside, with bicycles in your van throughout any road journeys. Hike and camp the four-day Druk Trail. And of course, ascend the walk to Tigers Nest Monastery.
Bhutan is Asia’s most exclusive sustainable travel destination, and as a result offers some of the most stunning eco-luxury properties we have ever laid our eyes upon. Explore this mesmerising country in upmost comfort from the sublime Six Senses, Uma, Taj and Aman lodges along the way, taking in all of the highlights of Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey and Paro.
This slow travel Mexico culture holiday gives you time to soak it all up and experience your own version of Mexico. Journey from the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City down through the quaint colonial cities of Puebla and Oaxaca. Discover the real cultures of Mexico. See volcanoes in the distance, sail through vast canyons, walk amongst local villages and scale temples at sunrise in the jungle. Travelling overland you’ll reach lesser visited areas such as Palenque and Campeche where the way of life hasn’t changed for centuries. Head towards the coast via Chichen Itza (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), before ending on the stunning Caribbean Coast for some relaxation.
Base yourself near Otavalo town or Cotopaxi National Park – or both when there is time – for unforgettable treks past sparkling lakes and snow-capped peaks.
One of the world’s ultimate wildlife experiences is obviously a holiday to the Galapagos Islands. Meet Giant Tortoises, Blue Footed Boobies, Marine Iguanas, and basically everything in between.
Immerse yourself in the unspoilt Ecuadorian Amazon, before staying in a comfortable eco-lodge hosted by the indigenous Kichwa community. An experience unlike any other.
Spend a day or two experiencing the horse-riding, sheep-herding, cheese-making way of life in a traditional rural retreat. If you have not tried horse-riding previously, this is certainly the place.
This misty but mysterious landscape is also home to one of the highest concentration of bird species on the planet. A twitchers paradise, especially if you can extend your stay here.
From the colourful Otavalo market to the colonial gems of Quito and Cuenca (the highlands) are basically awash with true cultural gems. Hence these are must-visits during an Ecuador holiday.
Please reach us at info@traveldifferently.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Here at Travel Differently, we appreciate the toll that modern tourism has taken on many of the world’s most precious natural wonders. So we offer greener holidays to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador.
For our Ecuador adventure tours, we work exclusively with accommodations and activity providers who are committed to operating in a way that is respectful of their local environment. Additionally, we offset the emissions of each trip by 150% to ensure our holidays have a net positive impact on the environment.
Our Ecuador and Galapagos adventure tours involve travelling at a slow pace, allowing you to truly experience everything that the archipelago has to offer. Not only does this give you more time to uncover all of the wonders to be found on the islands, but ensures the benefits extend to a broader range of local communities.
We ensure our holidays to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador operate in as fair a way as possible by actively engaging and supporting local communities. We only work with companies in the destinations that share our commitment to social development and sustainability.
Our carbon offset schemes also support the local communities on top of the environment, reducing poverty, inequality, and reliance on fossil fuels.
As a 100% independent boutique tour operator, we specialise in luxury Galapagos holidays. We offer a fully personalised service that includes direct communication with our founder. Each trip is thoughtfully crafted to cater to your individual needs, preferences and interests, guaranteeing you the most unforgettable getaway possible in this unique corner of the world.
Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge – A simple yet charming lodge, made from local and recycled materials, beautifully positioned on the edge of Cotopaxi National Park. Perfect for those seeking peace and exploration.
Stay here as part of our Classic Ecuador Highlights itinerary
Galapagos Safari Camp – The clue is in the title at this unique property, based on a classic African luxury safari experience. Sleep in luxury under canvas, soak up the views, and explore the archipelago’s iconic flora and fauna.
Stay here as part of our Ecuador Wilderness Escape
Hacienda Zuleta – Spend a day or two experiencing the horse-riding, sheep-herding, cheese-making way of life in a traditional rural retreat.
Stay here as part of our Ecuador in Luxury itinerary
Magic Galapagos – Set in a private reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz island, Magic offers raised tents and treehouse accommodation, with a chance to admire the native Giant Tortoises that regularly wander through the grounds. A peaceful base for wider exploration.
Stay here as part of our Classic Ecuador Highlights itinerary
Mashpi Lodge -Situated in the bird-watcher’s paradise of the Ecuadorian cloudforest, Mashpi sets new standards for Eco-design in the region.
Stay here as part of our Ecuador in Luxury itinerary
Napo Wildlife Centre – Immerse yourself in the unspoilt Ecuadorian Amazon, based in this stylish and comfortable lodge hosted by the indigenous Kichwa community.
Stay here as part of our Ecuador Wilderness Escapes itinerary
Ecuador’s total population is around 18 million, with just 25,000 living in the Galapagos.
The capital is Quito, at an altitude of 2,850m.
Ecuador standard time zone is GMT-5.
The Galapagos is one hour behind (GMT-6)
Ecuador has used the US Dollar as it’s national currency since the year 2000.
Situated on the Equator, Ecuador is a real year-round destination. The mainland is at its driest June to September, but that is also a slightly rougher time to take to take to the seas on a Galapagos cruise.
Most hotels can be booked as late as 2-3 months before travel, however specialist ecolodges or Galapagos cruises can often be fully booked up to a year in advance
