Ecuador: Galápagos, Baños and the Amazon in one trip

One country, four worlds

Ecuador is small but contains almost everything: the ocean and the Galápagos Islands, the Andes with their volcanoes, cloud forests and the Amazon. Aaron went with his friends Martin Aliaga, Lorenzo Thofern and Paolo Micheloni, on a trip full of nature, wildlife and adrenaline.

The Galápagos Islands

Around a thousand kilometres off the coast, the Galápagos are a natural laboratory like nowhere else on earth. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions sleeping on benches: the animals here aren’t afraid of people. The national park rules are strict – and rightly so.

Cotopaxi volcano

At almost 5,900 metres, Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Its snow-capped cone dominates the landscape south of Quito. At this altitude you feel every step: acclimatise gradually.

Baños, adventure capital

Baños is the gateway to the Amazon and a paradise for adrenaline lovers. Here we went rafting and canyoning, saw the Pailón del Diablo – a spectacular waterfall plunging into a narrow gorge – and tried the famous “swing of death”, which swings out over the void with views of the mountains.

The Amazon

Then the jungle: humid heat, brown rivers, sounds everywhere. An ecosystem that reminds us how important it is to protect forests – even small ones close to home.

Tips for a trip to Ecuador

• Altitude: Quito and the Andes are very high. Give yourself a couple of days to adjust.
• Layers: in one trip you go from cold volcanoes to the heat of the jungle.
• Sun: at the equator and at altitude the sun is very strong. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Certified guides: rafting and canyoning only with reputable operators.
• Respect the Galápagos: no contact with the animals, stay on the trails.

Frequently asked questions