Can I expect To See Wildlife in Ecuador?
You can expect to see a huge variety of exotic species of wildlife in Ecuador. What type of wildlife you see depends on where in Ecuador you visit. There are four different zones of wildlife in Ecuador: the Andes, the Amazon, the Galápagos islands, and the Pacific coast.
Ecuador is home to the Galápagos island chain, an area best known for its diversity of rare species. Some of the most famous examples of wildlife from Ecuador include the giant tortoises that live only in the Galápagos. Snorkeling is a popular activity in the Galápagos, as well as along the Pacific coast. Bring your goggles to admire the stingrays, nurse sharks, sea lions, and colorful fish that make their home off Ecuador’s coast.
In the lowlands, Ecuador has a tropical climate, in the rainforest and along the coast. Visitors to Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest should keep an eye out for caimans, howler monkeys, tapirs, and sloths.
In the Andes of the Northern Sierra you can visit a cloud forest. Cloud forests are humid, high-elevation environments that provide the perfect atmopshere for coffee cultivation. Take a tour of a coffee plantation to see the country’s most lucrative plants. This is an environment where you can also find delicate orchids, and moisture-loving epiphytes.
Ecuador is a popular destination for birders. Popular species to spot in the tropics include tanagers and quetzals. Visitors to the Galápagos can also look for Humboldt penguins, cormorants, and boobies. In the Andes, scour the sky for condors, and visit a cloud forest to find different species of hummingbird.
You have the opportunity to see rare species in Ecuador. No matter where you visit, bring a camera so you can document your finds.
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Ecuador Snorkeling Tours
Whether wading off the shores of beautiful coastal towns like Puerto López or jumping right from a boat into the waters of the Galápagos Islands, snorkeling in Ecuador is first-class. Guides take you to the best coves, calmest waters, and most lively snorkeling spots. Swim right alongside sea lions or feast your eyes on colorful fish, plants, and animals. Guides will keep you safe and getting the most out of your underwater adventures. These tours are acceptable for both seasoned snorkelers and total beginners alike.
Ecuador Bird Watching Tours
From the peaks of the Andes to the lush branches of the Amazon rainforest, Ecuador has a tremendous amount of avian biodiversity. Though cruise tours in the Galápagos Islands are an obvious must when seeking unique bird sightings, Ecuador has other exotic birding opportunities as well. Birding tours include treks to find tropical birds on the scenic slopes of the Pichincha Volcano outside Quito; an adventure up the mountains to spot the highest-dwelling birds of the Andes; and adventures deep into the Amazon to see colorful toucans and chatty parrots.
Amazon
Descending from the cool, high Sierra plains into the eastern side of Ecuador brings a dramatic change in surroundings—dense jungles and stifling humidity. A lesser known and remote part of Ecuador, visitors to the Amazon are quickly immersed in ancient rainforests, indigenous cultures and abundant wildlife.
Pacific Coast
The mesmerizing hues of blue that line Ecuador’s Pacific shoreline attract many travelers from the country’s mountainous regions. The arid coastline offers visitors beautiful beaches, a great diversity of marine life, and fresh seafood.
Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands straddle the equator roughly 600 miles (965 km) off the coast of Ecuador and are home to one of the world’s most unique and pristine ecosystems. This remote, volcanic archipelago is a hallmark of biodiversity—they support a wide variety of endemic marine and terrestrial species seen nowhere else on Earth. And without any natural predators, the wildlife here is not only unintimidated by humans, but it’s usually quite curious about them. While roaming these islands, a wide variety of bird, tortoise and iguana species can be seen. Jump into the crystal blue waters and watch sea lions, turtles, penguins and sharks glide right in front of you. In other words, there’s a reason why the famous naturalist Charles Darwin was so inspired by the Galapagos, and it’s likely that you will be too.
Northern Sierra
Atop these high northern Andean plains is the cultural heart of Ecuador. The Northern Sierra’s landscape, people and food truly embody Ecuador. Situated at nearly 0 degrees latitude, the Northern Sierra is located on the namesake of Ecuador, the equator. Connecting the northern cities is the Pan-American Highway, which winds through the high plains and valleys for roughly 150 miles (241 km) from Quito to the Ecuador-Colombia border. Flying into the capital city of Quito is the entry point for most visitors to Ecuador—and a great one at that, being a primary center for Ecuadorian history, industry and government.
