When should I go?
You can do this trip year round although there are regional variations as listed below which might help you decide on the best time of year for you.

Quito lies within 25km of the equator, surrounded by snow-capped peaks at 3,000m. It enjoys a spring-like climate year round.

Cloudforest is high and usually quite cool. Rains usually set in from mid-afternoon so most activities happen in the morning. February/March is wetter.

Amazon you can expect hot and humid conditions year round. July and August are the wettest times of year..

Galapagos wildlife viewing is excellent year round. Weather and sea conditions do vary somewhat through the year: September is the coolest and choppiest-sea month.

From October onwards the weather warms up and the waters calm down until the hottest, calmest-sea month of February.

Galapagos high season is from November to April when the weather is warm & sunny with little wind, calm seas and good water temperature & visibility.

How active?
The rainforest has short and long trails that allow for any conditions and preferences.

In the Galapagos, wildlife viewing is the main activity. There is some walking and snorkeling. Walking is often over uneven, rough lava surfaces.

Please note that conditions underfoot in the Galapagos can sometimes be rough as the islands are volcanic. You should therefore be prepared for some walking over uneven terrain.

How comfortable?
The jungle and cloudforest lodges are fairly simple but rooms are comfortable and have private facilities.

Windows are screened and in the jungle you have insect nets.

Lodges are chosen for the quality of wildlife as well as their intimate atmosphere.

Stay in a first class colonial style hotel in Quito.

In the Galapagos the boat used varies by departure date but most are first class motor sailors with large open deck space and wooden interiors. Beds can be single upper and lower bunks.

How independent?
In the jungle and cloudforest you take excursions in the company of lodge guides.

Set departures coincide with Pura Aventura boat charters in the Galapagos so you will travel with other Pura clients on the mainland and the islands.

For tailor made departures join a group on the boat for the Galapagos Islands cruise. The size of this group will depend on the boat you choose but most of our recommended vessels carry 16 passengers.

In Quito you have a private city tour. Private transport and transfers throughout.

How responsible?
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits. To help preserve the integrity of these destinations we:

• Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies.

• Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally.
The lodges we use are all run on strictly sustainable lines and are operated in conjunction with the local communities.

In the Galapagos Islands only use naturalist guides trained and licensed by the Galapagos Natural Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Because the boats are owned and operated by families from the Islands, they provide economic benefit to islanders.

Pura Aventura pays for you to become a benefactor of the Galapagos Conservation Trust (www.SaveGalapagos.org) for a full year.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Ecuador. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advices on Ecuador.

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Ecuador. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Ecuador, by visiting its official governement website.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Ecuador, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advices and visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Weather

To know the forecast in Ecuador, visit wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out our own Ecuador selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Train ticket

If you are leaving from the UK, and want to be easy in your mind before you leave, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Ecuador with Kayak, Expedia, Vayama and Opodo.