Yellow Fever Vaccination Now Required for Travel to Ecuador (May 2025 Update)
Exploring the Amazon with the Waorani: My Experience at Wao Kamp in Ecuador
Galapagos Island Hopping: What to Know Before You Go
The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations and while many visitors explore the islands by cruise, land-based tours (also known as island hopping) offer a great alternative, allowing for more flexibility, comfort, and a deeper connection with the local communities.
Otavalo Cooking Class: A Hands-On Culinary Experience
The Original Ecuador team recently visited Claudia and her sister Tamia on the outskirts of Otavalo, in the north of Ecuador, for an authentic, hands-on cooking class with an indigenous family. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to take part!
Quito Airport Runway Closures: Key Dates & What You Need to Know
A Day on the Farm at Hacienda Porvenir: Adventure, Fun, and Relaxation
The Original Ecuador team recently spent a fun-filled day at Hacienda Porvenir, enjoying the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation in the breathtaking Cotopaxi region of Ecuador.
New Mandatory Online Declaration for Galapagos Travelers
Starting December 2024, all visitors to the Galapagos Islands must complete the “Declaration of Goods” form online as part of the Galapagos National Park’s ongoing control measures to protect the islands’ unique ecosystem. This form was previously distributed in paper format and completed on the airplane before landing.
A Taste of Amazon Luxury at Minga Lodge
Visiting Minga Lodge in Ecuador’s Amazon was nothing short of magical for the Original Ecuador team. Nena shares with us her experience of its lush landscapes, exquisite flavours, and profound connections to local culture.
Luxury Glamping in Ecuador’s Andes: A Unique Escape at Sayaro Glamping
Glamping in Ecuador is a growing trend, and Sayaro Glamping is a standout experience nestled in a remote valley of the Ecuadorian Andes. Last month, Malé from Original Ecuador explored this hidden gem, discovering its mix of comfort, sustainability, and connection to nature.
Discover the Best Amazon Lodges in Ecuador: Emma's Top Picks
Choosing the right Amazon Lodge in Ecuador depends on your interests and expectations. Over the past six months, Emma from Original Ecuador has visited five outstanding lodges and shares her insights here.
Experience the Timeless Charm of Hacienda Zuleta
Imagine stepping into the rich tapestry of history, surrounded by the timeless beauty of a 17th-century Andean hacienda. Nestled in the picturesque Imbabura province of Ecuador lies Hacienda Zuleta, a cherished retreat home to the late Ecuadorian President Galo Plaza Lasso and his family.
Join Valentina and the Original Ecuador team as they delve into a day spent amidst the rustic elegance and authentic charm of this luxury estate.
Exploring the Galapagos: Where Wildlife Meets Volcanic Marvels
Nestled in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are renowned for their unparalleled biodiversity, but their geological wonders are equally captivating. Beyond being a haven for unique wildlife, the archipelago is a living laboratory of volcanic activity, showcasing nature's raw power and beauty.
Exploring Quito's Culinary Delights
Ecuador, a land of diverse climates, regions, and cultures, offers a culinary experience as rich and varied as its landscapes.
In the heart of Quito, a burgeoning culinary scene is thriving, with a new generation of chefs proudly showcasing Ecuador's traditional flavours and recipes, recalling ancestral techniques and dazzling diners with the dishes they offer.
Understanding the Galapagos National Park Entry Fee Increase
In August 2024, the Galapagos Islands will see an entry fee increase to $200 per person for international visitors.
While this may surprise some, it's crucial to grasp the reasoning behind it. The Galapagos are a delicate ecosystem requiring conservation efforts, and it has been promised that the fee hike will directly fund vital initiatives like habitat restoration and scientific research.
An Alternative Hiking Experience in Ecuador
When you think of hiking in Ecuador, you most probably imagine typical Andean backdrops of highland landscapes and snow-capped volcanoes.
But Ecuador offers a distinct and alternative hiking experience that often gets overlooked.
Covid-19 Update for Travel to Ecuador & Galapagos
International flights to Ecuador are currently operating as normal although schedules are still limited.
On arrival in Ecuador, international travelers must sign a declaration form provided by the authorities which will request details of their travel itinerary and local contact information.
5 Must-Read Books for Ecuador Travellers
Our latest blog highlights 5 great books which we think should be included on any "Recommended Reading" list for Ecuador travelers. Have a look to see what you think. Have you read them? What would you add to the list?
New Guidelines for Entry to Galapagos for International Tourists
In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, a “Corridor for Safe Tourism to Galapagos” has been put in place by the Ecuadorian Authorities. This corridor came into effect on 1st August 2020 and commercial flights to the Galapagos Islands resumed on 3rd August 2020.
Back Garden Bird-watching Tips for Beginners
One of the big positives that has come out of the current coronavirus crisis has to be having more time to stop and appreciate nature. During lockdown Emma has discovered things going on in her back garden that she previously had no idea about. Our latest blog has some great tips to help you bird-watch in your backyard.
Latest Update on COVID-19 in Ecuador
The following information gives an overview of the current measures which are in place in Ecuador to help contain the spread of Covid-19 as of 8th June 2020:
5 Unique Experiences at Tortuga Bay
You'll never guess what swam passed Emma's toes when she visited Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos. Find out why she loves this visitor site so much and what her top 5 highlights are.
Covid-19 in Ecuador Update
The Ecuadorian Government have introduced a number of containment measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus in the country. The latest measures were announced on 2nd April 2020.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ecuador
Please find here more information on the current situation in Ecuador in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Interactive Cooking Class Tours in Quito
The Original Ecuador team spent a fun time with Chef Edwin learning about Ecuadorian cuisine, shopping for fresh produce at a local market in Quito and preparing some typical dishes before sitting down to a delicious lunch. Emma shares with us her thoughts on the day.
Cruising the Galapagos Islands
Tom from Andean Trails, shares with us his recent experiences of cruising the Galapagos Islands in another of his great guest blogs.
3 Top Day Hikes around Quito
If you are planning a trip to Ecuador, you may be heading to the Galapagos Islands or venturing into the Amazon Rainforest. For those of you who are looking for adventure and want to get off the beaten track we really recommend you also include at least one day out hiking in the Andes around Quito.
What to carry in your backpack when day hiking in Ecuador?
Emma Morgan, co-founder of Original Ecuador Walking Tours, fills us in on the essential bits and pieces that she carries in her day-pack when hiking in the Andes of Ecuador.
Galapagos Islands Holiday: Cruise or land-based tour?
The Galapagos Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday destination. Choosing between a cruise and a land-based trip is a massive decision. Here, Andean Trails’ Tom gives advice to help you make the perfect Galapagos holiday decision.
Ecuador Hiking - 5 Top Tips for Hiking in the Andes of Ecuador
Many people ask us what advice we would give them before setting off on their Ecuador Hiking Tour. Here are our 5 top tips which we recommend you take into consideration before you set off on yours.
Ecuador Biking Holiday - Guide Supremo!
Original Ecuador ran it's first Ecuador Biking Tour in 2015, in conjunction with Latin Link. The intrepid bikers journeyed through the Ecuadorian Andes for 10 days enjoying beautiful trails, backdrops, scenery and adventures. Freelance journalist Grant Dyson shares with us a glowing report of Andrés, the group's cycling 'Guide Supremo".
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Cotopaxi National Park Reopens
When Cotopaxi Volcano showed signs of increased activity in August 2015, the national park was closed to the public. After months of close monitoring, the decision was made to reopen the park in December 2015. If you are planning on visiting, please take into consideration the following guidelines and information:
Cotopaxi Volcano in Eruption – 12 Interesting Facts
Ever wondered what it would be like to live in the presence of an active volcano? Read our top 12 facts about the eruptive process of Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador.
Papallacta River Hike
Emma from Original Ecuador, and her 10 year old daughter Emilia, set off to Papallacta this weekend to explore the Papallacta River Hike. Read about their mini adventure here.
Lakes, volcanoes and why we’re all here
Tom Shearman from Andean Trails, a UK based travel company offering adventure holidays in South America, came to visit us in Ecuador and we took him off for a couple of beautiful days hiking in the Northern Andes. This is what he had to say of his experience.
Ecuador Hiking Tours - To The Cloudforest
Travelling just a couple of hours north-west of Ecuador’s capital Quito and venturing down the outer slopes of the Western Andes, you enter into a world of tumbling waterfalls, crystalline rivers, endemic orchids, colourful hummingbirds and thick, verdant forests packed full of wildlife.
Palm Sunday in Pictures - Quito 2014
Palm Sunday is always an important day of the year among Ecuador's predominantly Catholic society. Walking through the streets of Quito today there was a wonderfully vibrant and colourful atmosphere, with music and prayer filling the air. Here are some of the photos we took along the way.
Quito Walking Tour - Guapulo
Guapulo, a bohemian and artsy sector of Quito, is one of the city’s little-known treasures and a great place to explore on foot according to Original Ecuador co-founder, Emma Morgan. Emma has lived in this historic and attractive district of Quito since moving to Ecuador from the UK in 2002.
Family Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park
Emma Morgan, co-founder of Original Ecuador, shares with us her recent experiences of hiking in the Cotopaxi region with her 8 year old daughter.
Reflecting on the Rainforest
Back in May of this year Original Ecuador welcomed a group of Animal Care students to Ecuador from Deeside College in North Wales, UK.
Lecturer Sarah Cocks, the driving force behind this special educational trip, explains a little more about the importance of this once-in-a-lifetime experience for her students.
Ecuador - A Top Ten World Destination
Ecuador has proudly been placed in fourth place by the guide book Lonely Planet in their Top Ten World Destinations for 2013.
