Original Ecuador is a British-Ecuadorian owned tour operator based in Quito, specializing in Galapagos tours, Amazon trips and active and classic tours on Ecuador’s mainland.  Emma Morgan & Veronica Jaramillo set up Original Ecuador in 2012 and the company has been creating and coordinating unforgettable tours around Ecuador ever since. 

Mission

Our mission is to showcase the extraordinary beauty and cultural richness of Ecuador by creating immersive experiences and transformational tours that not only captivate international visitors but also contribute positively to local communities.

We are dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism that preserves the natural environment, honours local traditions, and fosters genuine connections between tourists and the diverse cultures of Ecuador.

We aim to create secure and dignified employment opportunities for local people to become skilled travel experts, with a dedicated focus on empowering women in the workplace.

Vision

Our vision at Original Ecuador Tours is to become a top ambassador of Ecuador’s cultural and natural diversity, to be recognized globally for our commitment to sustainable tourism and authentic, transformative travel experiences.

We aspire to inspire a deeper appreciation for Ecuador's biodiversity and traditions, encouraging responsible travel that supports the well-being and prosperity of local communities.

We hope to enhance the expertise of our team through comprehensive training and support, fostering a culture of diversity, equality and innovation within our organization, to create a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Emma Morgan

Emma Morgan

Originally from the UK, Emma orchestrated and spearheaded her first journey to Ecuador in 1999, curating an unforgettable experience for a group of British teachers while based at the Swansea Environment Centre in South Wales.

Following a fateful encounter with her Ecuadorian husband, Emma made the decisive move to settle in Ecuador in 2002. With over two decades of dedicated service in the Ecuadorian tourism sector, she has amassed a wealth of expertise in leading, developing, and managing active tours spanning the diverse landscapes of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Emma's fervor for Ecuador is palpable, with a particular fondness for exploring the enchanting Galapagos Islands and the mystical cloud forests of the Andes. During weekends, she eagerly immerses herself in the myriad regions and activities that Ecuador has to offer, accompanied by her husband Andres and their daughter Emilia.

Veronica Jaramillo

Veronica Jaramillo

Veronica, a genuine Quiteña, is on a mission to unveil the marvels of Ecuador to the world.

With a wealth of experience in the tourism industry, she previously held the role of manager at one of Quito's most enchanting hotels. During this tenure, she honed her skills in crafting exclusive, personalized tours for guests.

Possessing an intimate knowledge of every nook and cranny of Ecuador, Veronica stands prepared to guide you through hidden gems in her native city of Quito, lead you on adventurous journeys into the Amazon, and escort you to serene mountain hot springs for relaxation.

Entrusting your exploration of Ecuador to the capable hands of a true Ecuadorian like Veronica is an unparalleled way to discover the country's treasures.



Carmen Elena Cordova (Nena)

Carmen Elena Cordova (Nena)

Born & bred in Quito, Nena proudly earned her degree in Eco-tourism in 1998. Her adventurous spirit and deep-rooted fascination with the natural world have been constants since childhood. Bestowed upon her by her father, the affectionate nickname "Nena," meaning "little girl" in Spanish, has become a lasting emblem of her identity.

An avid explorer, Nena finds solace in the mountains, often embarking on hiking or biking escapades with her friends—her preferred form of therapy. Nestled within the embrace of her friends and family, Nena is a perpetual source of positivity, sporting a radiant smile whether conquering mountain trails on a bike, trekking to Andean lakes, or ensuring seamless and flawless travel experiences for our visitors in Ecuador.

Her deep-seated passion for Ecuador's breathtaking landscapes resonates in her work. Since joining the Original Ecuador team in December 2016, Nena has been the driving force behind our tour operations, orchestrating smooth running trips for travelers with unwavering dedication and infectious enthusiasm.


>María Elena Canelos (Malé)

María Elena Canelos (Malé)

Malé, a proud native of the enchanting city of Quito, discovered her profound love for her homeland while studying abroad. It was during this time that she came to appreciate the year-round splendid weather, breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and the warmth of the people that make Ecuador an enchanting and unparalleled destination.

Her journey in the tourism realm began with studies in Quito, followed by a venture to Austria for an additional degree in Tourism Management in 1996. Since then, Malé has been an unwavering force in the industry, driven by her deep passion for Ecuador and its hidden gems. As a mother of three, she revels in exploring the treasures of her country alongside her husband and children.

A valuable member of the Original Ecuador team since August 2018, Malé is an integral part of the sales department, bringing her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to ensure every traveler experiences the magic of Ecuador.

 

>Valentina RubioValentina Rubio

Hailing from the heart and soul of Quito, Valentina discovered her love for her homeland and the tourism industry during a transformative exchange to Canada. There, from afar, she marveled at the wonders that Ecuador holds.

In 2023, she earned her credentials as a certified national tour guide, and ever since, she has delighted in sharing captivating anecdotes, exploring various locales, and immersing herself in the rich tapestry of Ecuadorian culture.

Valentina's affinity for photography has provided her with a unique lens through which to view her country, capturing the essence of its lush green mountains, majestic snow-capped peaks, delectable gastronomy, the warmth of its people, and the diverse climate.

Beyond the confines of the office, Valentina can be spotted cheering enthusiastically for her local football team, Liga, a passion that runs a close second to her love for guiding.

Joining the Original Ecuador team in May 2023, she now serves as a dedicated sales executive, bringing her passion for her country and tourism to the forefront of her career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What documentation do I need to bring?

  • A passport with a minimum of six months validity.

  • Photocopy of your passport, airline ticket, comprehensive travel health insurance policy, and copy of your itinerary.

  • Emergency contact numbers, credit cards, and cash.

2. What general equipment should I bring?

  • Day pack for daily activities.

  • Camera, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, and binoculars.

  • Head torch, especially if visiting the Amazon or cloud forest.

3. What medicines should I bring?

  • Personal medications and antibiotics (advise us of any health problems or allergies).

  • Insect repellent, biodegradable shampoo and soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, water-resistant sunblock, and lip balm.

4. What clothing should I pack?

Ecuador’s climate varies greatly, so bring layers. Here are some essentials:

  • Lightweight long trousers, T-shirts/shirts/blouses.

  • A warm fleece or jacket for cooler evenings or Andes visits.

  • Sun hat, waterproof jacket, and a swimming costume.

  • Comfortable walking shoes and, if visiting the Andes, warm hat and gloves.

5. What should I bring to the Galapagos?

  • A pair of sandals (Teva style or flip-flops) for short walks and onboard use if taking a cruise.

  • Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or boots.

  • Two bathing suits, allowing one to dry while using the other.

  • Sarong or large towel for sun protection on deck.
  • Light t-shirts for snorkeling (lycra is recommended for sun protection).

  • T-shirts for island walks (one per day of your trip).

  • Two pairs of long light pants for sun protection or windy evenings.

  • Hat to avoid sunburn.

  • Backpack for carrying essentials during walks.

  • Strong sunblock (minimum 30 SPF) and after-sun lotion like aloe.

  • Sunglasses, prescription glasses, or contact lenses for snorkeling.
  • Light rain jacket or windbreaker.

  • Refillable water bottle.

  • Sea sickness pills, basic first aid kit, and any personal medicine.

  • Reading material (Galapagos guidebook, magazines, etc.).

  • Binoculars.

  • Underwater camera for snorkeling.

6. What should I know about water in Ecuador?

  • Bring a refillable water bottle.

  • Most hotels offer filtered or boiled drinking water for refills.

  • Do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth.

7. What currency is used in Ecuador?

  • The official currency is the US Dollar.

  • Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted but sometimes incur a service charge.

  • ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist towns.

  • Bring small bills (USD$20, $10, $5, $1) as large bills may not be accepted.

8. What are the tipping guidelines?

  • USD$5 - $10 per person per day for guides/drivers depending on service level.

  • Hotel staff: USD$1 - $2 for bellboys, chambermaids, etc.

  • On Galapagos Cruises: $10 per person per day for the guide and $15 per person per day for the crew.

  • Restaurant service often includes a 10% service charge, but feel free to tip extra for exceptional service.

9. Is WIFI available in Ecuador?

  • WIFI is widely available in hotels and restaurants in tourist towns.

  • Many hotels also have business centers for printing boarding passes and using computers.

10. What should I know about electricity in Ecuador?

  • Ecuador uses 110V AC (60 cycles), the same as in the USA.

  • European travelers should bring power plug adapters for round-to-flat plug conversions.

11. Do I need vaccinations to travel to Ecuador?

  • Check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations.

  • If traveling from Brazil, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required.

  • Please consult our Biosecurity Protocols for up-to-date information regarding entry requirements.

12. Any travel tips?

  • Place your home address inside your luggage and your destination address on the outside.

  • Keep essential items like medicine, travel documents, and your itinerary in your carry-on luggage.

13. What are the emergency contact details?

  • Outside Ecuador: +593 99 982 7383

  • Inside Ecuador: 099 982 7383

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Original Ecuador Tours
Fco de Orellana 650 & Manabi
Edificio Anjul, 3rd Floor
Cumbaya - Quito



Telephone: +593 (0)99 55 45 821
E-mail: info@originalecuador.com
Certificado de Registro de Turismo No: 1792530342001.001.9003616
Número de Licencia LUAE: 559059

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booking information

Booking information

If you like to book the tour or would like more information about it please fill out the form with your details and questions.

We will get back to you within 24 hours to answer your questions or confirm if there is availability for the particular tour you are interested in.

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How to book

Finding the Ecuador tour that's right for you

Browse through our website to find the private Ecuador tour that is perfect for you. We have Galapagos land-based tours with island-hopping, active tours for families & friends looking for a more adventurous experience, trips to the amazon rainforest and classical tour options for those looking for a more relaxed holiday.

If you would prefer something tailor-made to fit in with the time you have and your personal interests why not drop us a line through our contact us form and we’ll get back to you with a bespoke proposal.

More information & availability

If you decide that you would like more information about the tours we offer just click on the contact us link in the website and fill out the quick & simple form with your details and questions.

We will get back to you within 24 hours to answer your questions or confirm if there is availability for the particular tour you are interested in.

You can also email us on info@originalecuador.com or if you would prefer a more immediate answer you can call us on +593 2 204 1684.

Make a reservation

Once we have received your initial enquiry and confirmed availability for you, we will await your email to confirm that you would like to go ahead with the reservation.

At this moment we will send you a pre-confirmation of the tour, a copy of your invoice, along with details on how to make your 30% deposit which is required to reserve the tour.*

Once we receive this deposit, your tour reservation is confirmed. We will send you a passenger information form which will need to be filled out in full with the details of each person travelling.

What happens next?

Final payment needs to be received six weeks before your departure date. Shortly after we have received this you will receive your final travel itinerary along with detailed instructions on joining the tour in Ecuador and all relevant contact information.

Naturally, if you have any further questions about your reservation prior to departure you can simply email us at info@originalecuador.com or call us on +593 2 204 1684

*Payment and Cancellation Policy