Family holidays in Ecuador

Compared to most South American countries, Ecuador’s relatively small size means it's easy to navigate and an ideal destination for families who are looking to minimise travel time, without compromising on adventure. Explore colonial mansions or Inca ruins on one of our tailor-made Ecuador tours, before heading off on a rainforest adventure, where you can spot a plethora of wildlife, or even go whale-watching off the coast.

Best things to see and do in Ecuador with kids

As soon as you land in Quito, you and your family will get a sense of the incredible culture, atmosphere and range of experiences to be had in Ecuador. Begin your unforgettable trip with a chocolate making class where you can all learn how to make this ancient and delicious treat. This class is always a highlight with travellers, no matter their age. Now that you’re fuelled up with chocolate, you’ll all be ready to head off into the wilderness and spot some of Ecuador’s most famous animal residents in one of the many nature reserves or National Parks, such as the stunning Yanacocha or Milpe reserves. Ecuador is an animal lover's dream, with incredible biodiversity unlike anywhere else. As well as visiting one of the country's numerous llama farms, the San Isidro Cloud Forest is another favourite with families wanting to see some of Ecuador's incredible animal species at close range. Visit the winding trails of the cloud forest to see why this place is so amazing. For adventure-loving families, Baños is the perfect choice and here, you’ll be able to river-rafting, zip lining, biking and so much more, with the amazing backdrop of the smoking Tungurahua Volcano. Here you can also find a monkey sanctuary and an endless variety of hiking trails for active families looking for an adventure. The bravest among you can even try the local delicacy of lemon ants washed down with the tastier, Melcocha taffy. The nearby Galapagos Islands are often also visited as part of a trip to Ecuador, meaning you’ll be able to explore two incredible destinations in one trip.

Best time to visit Ecuador as a family

Since Ecuador is so close to the Equator, typical seasons don’t exist in the same way here, which can make it difficult to know when to travel. Temperatures remain pretty steady throughout the year with weather varying between regions. If you plan on travelling around the country and visiting several locations, its best to come prepared with a variety of clothing and waterproof jackets as well as hot weather attire. Don’t forget to pack hats and sun cream for the midday heat. Mid-June to Early September is the busiest period, in which families and other tourists make the most of their summer break and so, if possible try to visit outside of this time to save money on accommodation and to avoid crowds of tourists at more popular locations. This also means that you’ll be able to be more spontaneous during your trip, which can be great for families travelling with younger children or teenagers, since you won’t have to worry so much about accommodation being booked up during your time here. In short, Ecuador is a year round destination, with weather varying from place to place.

Family holiday tips for travelling to Ecuador

With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Ecuador, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your holiday.

• Public Transport here is pretty good compare with some other Latin American countries and, with a little forward-looking, you should be able to get round easily and conveniently. Ecuador’s relatively small size also means that these journeys will be easily manageable for younger kids, meaning you have one less thing to worry about.
• Check in with your GP before leaving to see what vaccinations and medications you will need before and during your trip. Make sure you pack mosquito repellent, especially if you are planning on travelling through the jungle. We also advise packing some long trousers and long sleeves to avoid the annoyance of itchy bites later on in your trip.
• Since the country’s altitude is fairly high, take it easy for the first few days to avoid any effects of altitude sickness getting the better of you and your kids.
• As with a lot of countries, its best to be aware that pickpockets and the like are common in crowded areas and tourist honey-traps. Have your wits about you and perhaps invest in a hidden belt bag in which to store money and important documents.
• Embrace the atmosphere. This country is extremely welcoming, friendly and well-known for its laid back atmosphere. Make the most of your time here by embracing this and immersing yourself and your family in local culture - you won’t be disappointed.