Five great Ecuador cruises
Ecuador is a huge focus for a number of passengers right now. Given that in the next couple of weeks Brazil is due to host the 2014 Fifa World Cup, there has arguably never been a greater spotlight on the continent and those interested in exploring Brazil’s neighbours.
They could do much worse than Ecuador too.
The hugely diverse country sits in South America’s northwest corner and is bordered by Colombia to the north and Peru to the south and south and east.
One of the reason it’s garnered such interest is the sheer amount it has to offer. From the Galapagos Islands lying off its coast to the Amazon Basin and its capital city, Quito a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We’ve pulled together a few of our favourite itineraries to show you what’s available.
Enjoy!
Silversea
Silver Galapagos
Silversea’s expedition vessel Silver Galapagos operates two itineraries on a two-week rotation, obeying strict national park rules.
The cruises are split between a ‘Western Itinerary’ and a ‘North Central Itinerary’ – both operating on a roundtrip from Baltra Island.
The North Central itinerary includes visits to ‘Bird Island’, stepping through a thriving seabird colony, a search for the Galapagos short-eared owl and the chance to see famous blue-footed boobies.
The Western Itinerary however offers the chance to walk across spectacular lava fields, swim with green turtles and encounter the fascinating marine iguanas.
The only problem you’ll have will be choosing which itinerary appeals most!
Prices from £3,550
G Adventures
Amazon to the Andes & Galapagos, Western Islands
Adventure travel specialists G Adventures run a host of trips to Ecuador and Peru combining both land and sea to give a real experience of what the two countries have to offer.
One of the most extensive journeys they do is a 21-day mega-trip incorporating Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, the Amazon Jungle, Quito and the Galapagos Islands.
The trip of a lifetime for those wanting to explore some of the most renowned sites that South America has to offer.
Prices from $6,199
Celebrity Cruises
Galapagos itineraries
Royal Caribbean’s modern luxury brand Celebrity Cruises offers two specially designed itineraries for passengers seeking to explore the natural wonder of the Galapagos Islands.
Celebrity Cruises offers two different Galapagos itineraries – an outer loop itinerary (Baltra, Daphne Island, Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez) and the inner loop itinerary (Baltra, Daphne Island, Puerto Egas and Rabida).
Follow in Darwin’s footsteps and visit one of the most remote natural zoos on earth.
Prices from £6,398
Princess Cruises
South Pacific and Andes Explorer
Departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 2 2015, this 25-day voyage takes guests through the Panama Canal to Guayaquil (Ecuador) and on to Lima, Pisco (Peru); Easter Island (Chile); Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti (Polynesia and French Polynesia).
While in Ecuador’s biggest city, explore Guayaquil’s Inca heritage before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors – to devastating effect.
The city is renowned for its beautiful colonial architecture as well as its bohemian regions – making for a great stay in port.
Prices from £2,899
Manatee
Amazon River Cruise
The amazing Amazon Basin is a short 30minute flight (and then another hour and half by motorised canoe) from Quito. There, guests will board the Manatee Amazon and begin their journey along the Napo River.
The cruise is an opportunity to learn more about the rainforest ecosystem and the relationship that the plants and animals have in this fascinating environment.
The seven-day itinerary includes meeting indigenous communities, kayaking through national parks and searching for animals like the Pink River Dolphin and Common Squirrel Monkey.
There is also a ‘glamping’ programme for the more adventurous travellers!
Price upon request