Ecuador and Galápagos
South America - Mixed: car + islands
Itinerary idea: Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, Galápagos: Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal
Strengths: Galápagos unique in the world, Andes and volcanoes, animals up close
Weaknesses: High costs in the Galápagos (park fee about 200 USD per adult, to be checked), inconvenient inter-island ferries
Children and safety: Galápagos ideal for children (giant tortoises, sea lions, snorkelling); Quito at 2,850 m
Weather: Andes 15-20 °C; Galápagos cool season 20-24 °C, rough sea and drizzle (garúa)
Book ahead: 6-9 months
Key facts
- Best time to go: June to September
- Flight from Milan: about 14 hours
- Rain days in August: 6
- Daylight hours in August: 12
- Driving: on the right
- Malaria: low
- Visa (EU citizens): No; Galápagos park entry fee and transit card
- International licence: Recommended
- Currency: US dollar (USD)
- Language: Spanish
- Roads: Paved Andean roads, curves and fog
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, typhoid; yellow fever only for the Amazon
Ratings (1 to 5)
- Ease of getting around: 4
- Child friendly: 5
- Scenery and wildlife: 5
- August weather: 4
- Logistics ease: 3