THE SEASON AHEAD
We’re at the start of the new season in Ecuador and there is so much to enjoy. The dry season across much of the Andes make this a wonderful time to be in Quito, the highlands, and the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Sunny days in Quito lend themselves to people-watching on pretty squares and taking in the views from the city’s rooftop bars and restaurants. Quite a few of these have sprung up in recent years, and they showcase the city’s volcanic backdrop at its very best. At sunset the sky can glow bright orange behind the Virgen del Panecillo, Quito’s hilltop statue which dominates the city.
Another thing I love to do in Ecuador is spend time in the mountains, and there is no better time of year. Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s most famous peak, but there are so many stunning mountains and lakes to explore in the surrounding area. In the highlands, you can combine incredible scenery with visits to rural villages and markets such as Otavalo. Traditional dress is still worn here, and indigenous languages are still spoken. It’s a colourful and truly fascinating area.
It’s difficult to talk about Ecuador without mentioning the Galapagos Islands and, again, there are plenty of seasonal highlights. Snorkelling with sea lions and dazzling marine life is one of my favourite things to do here, and sea conditions during the cool season are perfect for this. I also organise many itineraries for clients wanting to combine Peru and Ecuador at this time of year. May to October is the best time to visit Peru, so a holiday including both countries makes perfect sense. With the Andes, the Amazon, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos all in the mix, you have all the ingredients for a South American adventure like no other.
Dineke – June 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Ecuador?
Ecuador is a country that can be enjoyed year-round. The weather here is mostly determined by region and altitude, rather than fixed seasons that apply across the whole country. Though there is no bad time of year to visit Ecuador, there are some key seasonal and regional variations:
- January – March: The most popular time of year to visit the Galapagos Islands due to the warm weather and calm seas. The highlands of Ecuador, including Quito and Cotopaxi, see more rainfall at this time of year but it rarely rains all day. Mornings are often bright and clear. The cloud forest sees a similar pattern, with generally drier mornings and more rainfall in the afternoon. In the Amazon rainforest, temperatures remain at around 26C (78F) for much of the year. This season sees higher humidity and more frequent tropical showers, but the higher water levels bring an added advantage. You can travel deeper into Amazon reserves by canoe, following smaller tributaries that aren’t always accessible at other times of year.
- April – May: A wonderful shoulder season to visit Ecuador. Drier weather is returning to Quito and the highlands, although some showers are still possible. Temperatures stay relatively steady here through the year, with typical daytime highs around 19C to 20C (66F to 68F). The cloud forest is especially rewarding, with active birdlife and colourful orchids. Again, temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 18C (64F) or exceed 25C (77F). The Galapagos Islands are still very warm, and waters are mostly calm.
- June – September: Dry season in the Andes makes this the best time of year to visit Quito and the highlands. It is also an excellent period for an Ecuador luxury tour focused on walking, riding, scenery, and highland villages. Blue skies reflect dramatic volcanic peaks in the region’s pristine lakes. In Cotopaxi and the Avenue of the Volcanoes you have the best chances of clear mountain views. The cloud forest remains damp but rewarding, particularly for hummingbirds and specialist birding. Slightly lower rainfall in the Amazon rainforest allows you to take longer nature walks through jungle trails. In the Galapagos, it's the start of the cooler, drier season. There is more movement on the water, but incredible marine life to spot when snorkelling.
- October – December: Another attractive shoulder season for a luxury Ecuador and Galapagos holiday. The dry season in the Andes is coming to an end but there is still good weather to enjoy. The capital feels very atmospheric later in the season thanks to the Fiestas de Quito. Festivities usually begin in late November and reach their peak on 6th December, with music and parades. As December continues, nativity scenes are lovingly displayed across the country. The Amazon and the cloud forest are still attractive for Ecuador wildlife holidays in this season. In the Galapagos, December marks the shift towards warmer, calmer seas.
Where are the best places to visit in Ecuador?
Ecuador is a remarkably varied country, from snow-capped volcanoes to the dense Amazon rainforest. Its compact size makes it possible to combine strikingly different regions in one carefully planned itinerary.
- Quito – Set high in the Andes, Quito is a strong cultural starting point for any luxury vacation to Ecuador. Its historic centre is characterised by grand plazas and cobbled streets dotted with colonial mansions and artisan workshops. In the magnificent church of La Compañía, gilded altars and intricate Baroque detail reveal Quito’s artistic ambition at its height. The city is also a culinary hotspot, with superb restaurants and artisan chocolate workshops adding a delicious dimension to any visit.
- The Galapagos Islands – Ecuador’s ‘enchanted islands’ deliver some of the planet’s most exceptional wildlife encounters. Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was brought vividly to life in this far-flung archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The islands continue to fascinate to this day. Species like marine iguanas and giant tortoises have evolved with no fear of man. Learn more about how to visit the islands on our dedicated Galapagos page.
- Otavalo & The Highlands – North of Quito, the highlands of Ecuador combine stunning landscapes with rich cultural traditions. Volcanoes rise above crater lakes and patchwork fields, while market towns display craftsmanship and traditions passed down across generations. In Otavalo, bright textiles spill across the plaza. Indigenous Otavaleños tend to the stalls, often wearing distinctive traditional dress and speaking their own language. A private guided tour is the best way to explore the highlands, giving you the freedom to stop at stunning viewpoints and walk the rim of Cuicocha crater lake. Complete the experience with a stay in a traditional rural hacienda with warm hospitality.
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