Ecuador

The museum of anthropology and contemporary art houses is one of the finest pre-Columbian collections in the country.

The fast flowing Rio Guayas grand waterfront promenade is dotted with parks and monuments. The hilltop district of Santa Ana, settled in the 1500s retains its cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. The climb to it up more than 400 steps winds past galleries to a hilltop fort with breezy views over the metropolis.

Malecón 2000
A revitalized riverfront boardwalk along the Guayas River, Malecón 2000 is one of Guayaquil’s most iconic attractions. It features parks, gardens, monuments, museums, shopping, and restaurants, all with beautiful views of the river. Notable landmarks include the La Rotonda Monument and the Torre Morisca (Clock Tower).

Las Peñas Neighbourhood
The oldest neighbourhood in Guayaquil, Las Peñas is famous for its colourful colonial houses, art galleries, and cobblestone streets. Climb the 444 steps of Cerro Santa Ana for stunning panoramic views of the city and the Guayas River.

Parque Seminario (Iguana Park)
Located in the city centre, this small park is known for its friendly population of iguanas that roam freely among visitors. It’s also home to the statue of Simón Bolívar and the beautiful San Pedro Cathedral.

Cerro del Carmen
Another hill with a commanding view of the city, Cerro del Carmen is home to the Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and offers a quieter alternative to Cerro Santa Ana.

Parque Histórico Guayaquil
Located on the outskirts of the city, this park offers a combination of history, culture, and nature. It’s divided into three sections the Urban Architecture Zone, showcasing restored colonial buildings; the Wildlife Zone, home to native animals; and the Traditions Zone, highlighting rural life in the region.

Catedral Metropolitana de Guayaquil
Located near Parque Seminario, this neo-Gothic cathedral is one of the city’s most important religious sites. Its twin spires and stained-glass windows are particularly striking.

Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo (MAAC)
A modern museum located on the Malecón 2000, MAAC features exhibits on Ecuador’s pre-Columbian cultures and contemporary art

La Perla Ferris Wheel
Situated along the Malecón 2000, La Perla is one of the largest Ferris wheels in South America. It offers spectacular views of the city and the Guayas River, especially at night when the city lights up.

Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco
A protected dry forest reserve located just outside of Guayaquil, this area is ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. It offers several hiking trails and is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys and endangered bird species.

Museo Presley Norton
Housed in a beautiful early 20th-century mansion, this museum focuses on the pre-Columbian cultures of the region, particularly the Valdivia culture. It’s named after the archaeologist Presley Norton who made significant contributions to Ecuadorian archaeology.

Malecón del Salado
A waterfront promenade along the Estero Salado, another important waterway in Guayaquil. It features parks, restaurants, and a unique pedestrian bridge, making it a popular spot for evening strolls.

Plaza Lagos Town Centre
Located in the affluent Samborondón area, this upscale development offers shopping, dining, and entertainment in a picturesque setting with canals and European-inspired architecture.

With wildlife, flora and fauna that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world, the Galapagos Islands is a once in a lifetime destination. The Galapagos Islands are filled with history and boasts some of the oldest species on the planet as well as playing host to Charles Darwin while he worked on his theory of evolution. The islands are filled with incredible creatures and stunning scenery.

You will be joined by nature and geology experts, who will guide you through the wildlife and history of the islands and their fascinating species

You will see approximately twenty-nine land birds, six mammals, giant tortoises, three types of land iguana, marine iguanas, invertebrates and many more.

Wildlife Watching

Giant Tortoises
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to see giant tortoises up close and learn about conservation efforts.

Marine Iguanas
These unique iguanas are the only marine lizard species in the world. They can be found lounging on rocks or swimming in the waters.

Blue-Footed Boobies
Known for their distinctive bright blue feet, these seabirds can be observed during mating dances on several islands, including North Seymour and Española.

Galápagos Penguins
The only penguin species found north of the equator, these small penguins can be spotted while snorkelling or swimming around Isabela and Fernandina islands.

Snorkelling and Diving

Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
A popular spot for snorkelling and diving near San Cristóbal Island, known for its towering rock formations and diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

Devil’s Crown
A submerged volcanic crater near Floreana Island, offering excellent snorkelling opportunities with vibrant coral reefs and abundant fish species.

Pinnacle Rock (Bartolomé Island)
Famous for its distinctive rock formation and clear waters, ideal for snorkelling among tropical fish and sea lions.

Landscape and Locations

Charles Darwin Research Station
Located on Santa Cruz Island, this research centre focuses on conservation efforts and the preservation of the unique flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands.

Tortuga Bay
A stunning beach on Santa Cruz Island known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and opportunities for swimming and kayaking. It’s also a nesting site for marine turtles.

Sierra Negra Volcano
Located on Isabela Island, this active volcano offers hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of the caldera and surrounding landscapes.

Lava Tunnels
Formed by ancient lava flows, these underground tunnels on Santa Cruz and Isabela islands provide a unique opportunity to explore volcanic formations and geological history.

Las Tintoreras
A group of islets near Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. You can observe sharks (tintoreras), sea lions, marine iguanas, and rays.

Punta Pitt
Located on San Cristóbal Island, Punta Pitt offers a challenging hike with rewarding views and opportunities to observe nesting seabirds such as frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies.

Galápagos National Park Interpretation Centre
Situated on San Cristóbal Island, this centre provides information about the natural history and conservation efforts in the Galápagos Islands. It’s a great place to learn about the islands’ ecosystems and human impact.

Darwin Bay
A pristine white-sand beach on Genovesa Island, surrounded by cliffs and mangroves. It’s a popular landing site for bird watching, with opportunities to see red-footed boobies, mockingbirds, and finches.