And let Metropolitan Touring guide you across the Middle of the World
Step into a spectacular assortment of jaw-dropping landscapes, rich culture, and mesmerizing history.
With its regions that span the Pacific Coast, Andes Mountains, Amazon Basin, and the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is celebrated as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. In just a single journey, travelers can explore colonial cities, cloud forests, volcanic landscapes, indigenous communities, and extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else on Earth!
With over seven decades of experience exploring Ecuador, Metropolitan Touring expertly crafts thoughtfully-designed journeys that connect you with the country’s most iconic destinations. All while providing you with authentic local experiences, expert interpretation, and seamless travel throughout each region.
Getting to Ecuador is remarkably easy thanks to its two well-connected international airports: Quito‘s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and Guayaquil’s Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).
Each of these airports offers several daily international flights to and from destinations in Europe, North America, and South America. Additionally, these same airports serve as a gateway to the Galapagos Islands and as a connecting hub to domestic destinations within Ecuador.
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From the moment you begin planning up until you return home, our Destination Experts manage every detail of your journey. We coordinate flights, accommodations, transfers, guided experiences, and regional connections, creating seamless itineraries that allow you to experience Ecuador’s extraordinary diversity with stress-free confidence.
• Quito: One of the first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites houses the most well-preserved historic quarter in South America. Andean traditions and modern urban lifestyle overlap in a city cradled by mountains, filled with culture and biodiversity. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant city life, or experience nature like never before in any of the surrounding areas.
• Guayaquil: The “Pearl of the Pacific” offers adventure, gastronomy, and relaxation. As Ecuador’s main port city, Guayaquil and the surrounding areas thrive on coastal tourism. Visitors can enjoy all types of sporting and beach activities, explore the region’s tropical biodiversity, or enjoy a rich culture of music and dance.
• Cuenca: A charming locale in the Southern Highlands, the third largest city in Ecuador appeals to nationals and foreigners alike with its cultural atmosphere that’s brimming with artistic expression. The city’s ideal location grants easy access to visitor favorites, such as, El Cajas National Park and the Inca ruins of Ingapirca.
Visitors will be delighted to find that Ecuador’s weather patterns are surprisingly temperate and consistent, which makes the entire country a year-round destination. This means there is no “best time” to visit Ecuador because the answer simply is: always! “Extreme” weather variations do not exist here, and the only two seasons—if one can call them that—are the slightly drier and mildly wetter parts of the year.
Overwhelmed? Our Destination Experts can help design your journey around whatever kind of seasonal wildlife, climate, and regional experiences you’re hoping to experience, ensuring your visit makes the most of Ecuador’s remarkable diversity, without fussing over having to figure out the timing on your own!
MAX
86°F / 30°C
MIN
66°F / 19°C
JAN TO APR
MAY TO DEC
MAX
70°F / 21°C
MIN
46°F / 8°C
JUN TO SEP
Drier season
OCT TO MAY
MAX
90°F / 32°C
MIN
60°F / 16°C
JAN TO MAR
APR TO SEP
MAX
84°F / 29°C
MIN
73°F / 23°C
DEC THROUGHT MAY
JUN THROUGHT NOV
Few countries offer as much diversity within such a compact territory which, for travelers, makes it one of the most desirable destinations in South America.
Each region here reveals unique landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems that can be experienced within a single, carefully designed itinerary by Metropolitan Touring. Whether your interests center on wildlife, indigenous traditions, colonial heritage, gastronomy, or outdoor adventure, every region contributes to a deeper and more fulfilling understanding of Ecuador.
A region full of breathtaking landscapes, cultural discoveries, ethnic encounters, and culinary delights.
Indulge in coastal wildlife, fresh seafood, and communities where Ecuador’s maritime heritage thrives.
Explore one of the world’s richest ecosystems alongside expert naturalist guides while experiencing the stunning biodiversity.
Encounter iconic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth through expertly guided expeditions with Metropolitan Touring.
As one of the first cities in the world to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, Ecuador’s capital has a setting that few cities can match. It is an urban jewel of 16th- and 17th-century churches, monasteries, plazas, and mansions; not to mention, Quito’s cultural side offers a wide array of museums, boutiques, and stylish restaurants.
Metropolitan Touring’s Casa Gangotena sits at the heart of the UNESCO–listed Historic Center, placing our guests just steps away from the city’s most significant landmarks before they venture to nearby cloud forests, volcanoes, and Mashpi Lodge—one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots right by Quito.
Additionally, in the northernmost part of the Metropolitan District of Quito, there lies the Middle of the World Monument, which is an unmissable visitor site for travelers staying in Quito.
Famed for its crafts—including ceramics, jewelry, and embroidery—and home of the famous yet misnamed “Panama” hat, Cuenca astounds with its magnificent array of landscapes and architecture. Beyond the city, charming towns will entice those who appreciate filigree silverwork, colorful markets, and orchids; while El Cajas National Park attracts those that seek a closer connection with nature and birds. Fun Fact: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a favorite place to settle down in for expats from all over the world.
Metropolitan Touring’s bilingual guides seamlessly connect travelers to the history and culture of this iconic region in Ecuador.
The Imbabura province is home to a most favorite destination among Ecuadorians and visitors alike: Otavalo. This city holds the most popular market in Ecuador. Each Saturday, thousands of locals and tourists converge at the plaza in the center of Otavalo to shop for some of the most beautiful textiles, handicrafts, leather goods, and jewelry around! This market is known for the experience it offers. In between trying their hand at haggling, visitors can enjoy the lively music and dance performances of local Otavaleños.
The list of things to do in Ecuador is as varied and eclectic as the regions it is home to. As a result, you will be able to enjoy several options when it comes to partaking in fun, exciting, and insightful activities.
Some of the best visitor sites in Ecuador are tucked into exceptional parts of the region or province they are found in. This grants visitors access to beautiful and easily accessible landscapes while also offering a proper taste of the local culture and its traditions. Here is a look at some of Ecuador’s top places to visit.
Metropolitan Touring has spent 70+ years building itineraries across all four regions, with owned properties, an expedition fleet, and bilingual naturalist guides connecting travelers to the best Ecuador has to offer at every turn.
Ecuador is steeped in history and tradition that embellishes an already beautiful picture filled with majestic landscapes and biodiversity. Throughout certain times of the year, you will find Ecuadorians proudly commemorating and enjoying aspects of their culture that echo a past and place that remains as timeless as ever. Here is a look at some of Ecuador’s biggest events that are held throughout the year.
Tip: Interested in timing your trip just right, so you won’t miss out on some of these wonderful festivities? Our Destination Experts are here to help you thread that needle!
Metropolitan Touring’s 70+ years of experience and Destination Experts are here to arrange every little detail and give you the smoothest arrival and departure process available!
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