Beyond The Galapagos Islands: Discovering Wildlife In Ecuador

While Ecuador is synonymous with the Galapagos Islands, the country’s natural wonders and diverse wildlife extend far beyond this famous archipelago. Mainland Ecuador is also home to its own extraordinary experiences with nature and boasts a myriad of fascinating wildlife, making it a perfect destination for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Galapagos Islands remains one of the world’s most treasured sites with unique species that are found nowhere else on Earth. However, for unique wildlife explorations beyond the Galapagos Islands, we recommend these alternative regions in Ecuador…

The Ecuadorian Amazon

The Amazon Rainforest has been coined the “lungs of the Earth” and as such, is home to a dense concentration of unique flora and fauna. Therefore, tours to the Ecuadorian Amazon can open the door to unique and captivating wildlife experiences.

Wildlife Encounters

The Ecuadorian Amazon covers almost half of Ecuador’s land. Its towering ceiba trees, thundering rivers and dense foliage create perfect habitats for a range of creatures that each adapt to the environment in remarkable ways.

The region is famous for its pink river dolphins, a unique freshwater species that is synonymous with the Amazon’s rivers. As with the jaguar, the best time to see pink dolphins in the Ecuadorian Amazon is between December and March as water levels are slightly lower than during the wet season.

Howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys are among the primates that call the Ecuadorian Amazon home. Known for its loud and distinctive calls that can be heard from miles away, it’s not uncommon to hear howler monkeys as you explore the lush landscapes. During your tour, it won’t be uncommon to see squirrel monkeys as the species prefer to travel through the trees in large social groups.

Fish species, birds, reptiles and amphibians are also abundant, each playing a vital role in the forest’s ecosystem. Keep an eye open for piranhas and catfish, macaws and harpy eagles, and caimans, poison dart frogs and anacondas.

Private Amazon Tours

Visiting the Ecuadorian Amazon is an extraordinary opportunity to witness one of the world’s richest and most fragile ecosystems and to see firsthand the vibrant web of life that exists there.

We recommend using an eco-lodge, like La Selva Amazon, as your base while visiting the region. Located at the heart of the Amazon rainforest, you have to take a motorized canoe followed by a paddle canoe to reach your luxury lodge. As you wind down the waters, you’ll have the chance to admire a spectacular green array of plant life and listen to the calls of distant birds.

From your lodge, you can embark on daily excursions with an expert naturalist guide and immerse yourself in the active rainforest. We recommend trekking through ancient forests for close encounters with monkeys, tapirs and birds, or embarking on a night walk or to witness the region’s nocturnal species. You can also head out onto the lake on a paddle canoe and catch a vibrant display at the Parrot Clay Licks, witnessing thousands of parrots like the Amazon-Mealy, blue-headed, and orange cheek as they eat clay.

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The Andean Highlands

The Andean Highlands are a vast and awe-inspiring mountain range that stretches across several South American countries, including Ecuador. This rugged terrain is home to a diverse array of ecosystems and offers some exciting wildlife experiences.

Wildlife Encounters

The region’s higher altitudes and diverse environments create ideal conditions for a rich variety of wildlife, including endemic species that have adapted to the harsh mountain climate.

Look to the sky and expect to see the Andean Condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world. It is hard to miss their impressive wingspans. The region is also home to the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, a brightly colored bird with striking orange plumage most often seen between March and June during its breeding season.

Among the mammals that call the Andean Highlands their home, are the Andean fox, vicuna, mountain tapir and white-tailed deer. Most of the mammals here can be found year-round but are typically more active during their mating seasons however, as the mountain tapir is mostly nocturnal, they are more visible during the rainy season from October through May when food sources are abundant.

The Andean Highlands are also home to a number of reptiles and amphibians. The Andean Mountain Toad thrives in the high-altitude environment and can often be found in the region’s moist areas. You’ll also be able to see the Terrestrial Tortoise, an endangered species that frequents the higher altitudes of Ecuador’s highlands.

Aquatic life is also lively, with water frogs, trout and Andean Loach all thriving in the high-altitude lakes and ponds.

Private Highlands Tours

Tours to the Ecuadorian Highlands open the door to unique wildlife encounters.

One of our preferred accommodations in this region, Hacienda Zuleta, is located in the heart of the Andes and offers a unique way to experience this region. At over 9,000 feet above sea level, this charming property provides an authentic Andean experience and makes an ideal base from which you can embark on daily excursions.

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Explore the landscapes that surround you, following a trail through the pasture land while riding unique Andean Zuleteño horses. You can also visit a condor rehabilitation center and learn more about the conservation efforts in the region.

We also recommend hiking one of the many scenic trails that skim the mountainside, taking your time to admire the local flora and fauna. Or, go mountain biking through breathtaking scenery as you descend from a 3,400 meter peak.

The Cloud Forest

The Cloud Forest, perched high in the Andean foothills, is a mystical place where clouds touch the treetops. This region is cooler than the Amazon and hosts numerous microclimates, resulting in an incredible assortment of flora and fauna.

Wildlife Encounters

The Cloud Forest can be characterized by mist, fog, and rainfall, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the world; the combination of altitude and moisture has fostered the evolution of many endemic species, especially plants and amphibians.

The region is teeming with life from birds and mammals to amphibians and insects. Birdwatchers will enjoy tours here as they’ll have the chance to see species like the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, tanagers, toucans, and hummingbirds, including the rare Sword-billed Hummingbird.

Some of the region’s most iconic inhabitants are mammals, including the Agoutis which is a small diurnal and nocturnal rodent that are also referred to as “jungle gardeners.” This unique animal has a tendency to disperse seeds and bury food, and then forget about it. You may also see Tayra, a diurnal omnivore related to weasels and martens; Ring-Tailed Coati, a member of the raccoon family who display solitary behavior; Mantled Howler Monkey, large mammals known for their epic howls and strength; and Silky Anteater, one of the smallest and slow-moving anteaters in the world that will rarely stray from the trees.

During your tour of the Cloud Forest, it won’t be uncommon to see many different frog species, including the Glass Frog and Tree Frog. You’ll also likely see a variety of lizards and exotic insects like the Blue Morpho butterfly that thrive in the humid environment.

Private Cloud Forest Tours

While it is less well known than some of Ecuador’s other highlights, the beautiful Cloud Forest is a perfect addition to a tour of Ecuador.

We recommend staying at the luxurious Mashpi Lodge, a private hideaway and active nature reserve perched on a plateau at 3,117 feet. Here, you can immerse yourself in the wildlife that surrounds you and use your luxury lodge as a base for many outdoor adventures.

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Discover fascinating plant and animal species, like orchids, trees, birds and frogs, while trekking through the enchanting landscapes with a private guide. The forest is equally as intriguing at night as the sounds and smells of the forest intensify. Enjoy a gentle stroll through the forest, listening to the croaking of nocturnal frogs, spotting nocturnal birds, and observing sparkling fireflies and bioluminescent fungi.

The lodge’s location is ideal for birdwatching and you don’t have to stray far from the accommodation to witness a diverse range of species feasting on insects and fruits from nearby trees. The reserve is also home to the Mashpi Torrenteer, also known as the Mashpi Stream Treefrog, a species previously unknown to science.

Mashpi also boasts a fantastic observation tower that allows guests to enjoy the protected forest from above. You will be invited to try the sky bike which allows you to explore the canopy and the animals that live here up close.

Other highlights include visiting a hummingbird garden, hiking to the Healing Waterfall and passing various wildlife observation locations, and visiting the Life Center for great views of the forest and its wildlife.

HOW TO SEE THE BEST WILDLIFE IN ECUADOR, BEYOND THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Ecuador’s compact size makes it easy for travelers to explore diverse ecosystems in a single trip. Whether you’re navigating the Amazon’s waterways, trekking through the Cloud Forest, or exploring the Andean highlands, Ecuador promises unforgettable wildlife experiences. For more information on bespoke luxury tours to Ecuador, contact one of our travel experts today.