Cheap flights to Ecuador from £280

After the flight to Ecuador, most visitors head straight to Quito, one of the oldest cities in both North and South America. Bring an extra suitcase on your Ecuador flight – the highest active volcano in the world is in Quito and at the top is the one of the largest and most colourful open markets in South America. Guayaquil is the country’s most populous city. Some travellers who made the Ecuador flight to Guayaquil say it’s one of the more up-and-coming cities in South America. A walk along the river boardwalk, the Malecon 2000, treats travellers to new and stylish galleries, museums, and restaurants. For the adventurous traveller, hop an Ecuador flight to the jungle and take in one of the most diverse tropical rainforests in the world.

If your Ecuador flights only allow enough time to visit the Galapagos Islands, rest assured it’s an experience worth having. Formed five million years ago by volcanic eruptions the islands are home to some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife. Like most tourists, it’s likely that after a visit to the islands additional flights to Ecuador are in the near future.

Ecuador climate

Ecuador has many different little climates. At the coast you’ll deal with heat and humidity all year round. The rainy season lasts from December to May. When you’re in the mountains, you’ll get cooler the higher you get. In the Amazon, the weather is hot, humid and wet, but the Galapagos Islands are dry all year with an average temperature of 25 degrees.

What is good to know if travelling to Ecuador?

• Colonial Quito is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a must-see spot for any tourist. Start at the Plaza de la Independencia and visit the cathedral and Presidential Palace. In modern Quito, take a walk down Avenida Amazonas for some shopping, people watching or a drink at one of the many cafés.
• The Galapagos Islands are a major touristic draw for their wildlife. The marine iguana, native to the islands, is a large black iguana which can live in the sea. Charles Darwin wrote of it, “The black Lava rocks on the beach are frequented by large (2-3ft) most disgusting clumsy Lizards […] I call them the imps of darkness.” You may find the giant galapagos tortoises, after which the islands were named, more appealing. The Charles Darwin Research Centre, in Puerto Ayora was founded for conservation of the islands’ natural habitat and is the best place to get up close and personal with the tortoises.
• There is also excellent swimming and snorkelling on the islands. The sea life is relatively tame: swim with sea lions, turtles and penguins. The sea lions, and their pups if you visit at the right time of year, are especially fond of divers and will approach and play with them.
• Guayaquil is the largest city in the country and it has the biggest population. The town has been through extensive renovation recently and, though not yet a major tourist spot, its natural beauty and fantastic views are starting to be recognised. For a view of the city, take a walk up the 444 steps at the end of Malecon 2000.
• Ecuador has some culinary delights, and local dishes specific to almost every region. Favourites include lemon-marinated shrimp, corn pancakes and lechon – roasted suckling pig. However, it is for eating cuy, the humble guinea pig, that the Ecuadorians are best known to us.