Best Time to Visit Ecuador’s Highlights: The Galapagos Island & The Amazon Jungle

Though it is one of the smallest countries in South America, Ecuador offers locals and visitors the chance to admire a variety of landscapes and experience different climates, having something to satisfy every type of traveler. With only two seasons each year, a wet season and a dry season, planning a trip to Ecuador might seem easy, but, before you book your flights, don’t forget that these seasons vary across the country depending on altitude. So, if you want to know when is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon jungle in Ecuador, continue reading this article.

When you should Visit Ecuador?

Since, as mentioned above, Ecuador is known for its many climates and landscapes, the best time to visit this charming country depends on what you like to do and what you want to see.

Ecuador has four main geographical regions, each with their own distinct climate: the sierra, the coast, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands.

The fact that the climatic regions differ so much from one another, thanks to the varying altitudes of Ecuador, might seem annoying when planning your trip and packing. But, the truth is that this is the reason why Ecuador offers you some of the most varied wildlife and landscapes.

Ecuador has four main geographical regions, each with their own distinct climate: the sierra, the coast, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands.

Whether you plan to visit the imposing Andean Region (The Sierra), the Amazon Basin, Coastal Region or the charming Insular Region (Galapagos), Ecuador promises you the time of your life. Just keep in mind that you can experience very low temperatures in areas like the Sierras, while the higher temperatures will be in the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands.

Across the Ecuador tourist numbers are at their highest from July to September, with December also receiving significant numbers of visitors.

Best Time to Visit Galapagos Island

Before you decide which is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands you should know that as The Galapagos Islands are on the equator and the climate does not vary dramatically over the year. There is, however, some variation driven mainly by the ocean currents. There are two seasons: The cool and dry and the warm and wet season.

From April to June it is warm, though wet, in the Galápagos Islands, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving with turtles and sea lions

The cool and dry season begins in June and ends in November. Temperature varies from 27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F) and Water temperature from 21°C to 26°C (70°F to 80°F). During this season, keep your eyes open for humpback whales, blue-footed boobies, American oystercatchers, flightless cormorants, Galapagos Hawks, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca Boobies, dolphins, sea lions, and certain species of jellyfish.

This is considered the Galapagos busy season. The peak season runs from mid-June to the end of August. During these periods,you will need to book well in advance your trip to Galapagos!

The warm and wet season starts, hosts another experience entirely. It starts in December and lasts until June. Temperature varies from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) and Water temperature from 18°C to 24°C (65°F to 75°F). Although you can expect sporadic daily rain showers, it won’t detract from your experience at all.

The warmer air and water temperatures are attractive to snorkelers and divers, who can also enjoy the year’s greatest underwater visibility. If you want to see green sea turtles, greater flamingoes, the Galapagos Dove, or nesting marine and land iguanas, then the wet season is the best time to visit.

You can visit The Galapagos Islands anytime of the year, there is always an amazing amount of wildlife to be seen. Certain animals can be found year-round on the islands, like the penguins, Giant Tortoises, iguanas, and the thousands of fish species that can be seen on snorkeling adventures.

That being said, the best choice considering the sea conditions is definitely the warmer season, not only for the high temperatures but also for calmer waters and better underwater visibility. Rougher seas are encountered in July to December.

Best Time To Visit Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest

Ecuador is home to some of the world’s most amazing natural landscapes, the most famous being the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest. So while you’re in Ecuador, why not explore two wonders on the natural world and do both?

The Amazon Rainforest is the most biodiverse place on the planet with thousands upon thousands of species of flora and fauna that have evolved in a tropical, humid climate.

If you consider adding the mesmerizing Amazon Jungle to your itinerary, you might want to know that this incredible dense jungle, full of wildlife and culture, is known for its all-year-round rains. But that’s a good thing because this is the reason for its bright green color and the multitude of exotic animal species. The Amazon Rainforest is the most biodiverse place on the planet with thousands upon thousands of species of flora and fauna that have evolved in a tropical, humid climate.

There is, however, a time when the rain is not so intense in this area. So, if you want to enjoy drier weather, consider planning your Amazon experience between December to March.

After checking how the weather is in different parts of Ecuador, we can conclude that to experience the highlights of this beautiful country, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon jungle is in the months between December and March. This is when the Amazon promises to be a bit direr, and the Galapagos Islands are in their warm season. However, though it is among the smaller islands, Ecuador is amazing no matter the season, offering plenty of things to do and see for curious travelers.

Are you ready to start planning your adventure to Galapagos Island? Check our suggested itinerary “The Luxurious Lifetime Exploration” to South America or contact us we can customize a trip for you.

Clara Barciela ❣️⁠ Founding Partner & Director Across Argentina & South America Follow us on Instagram or facebook for more inspiration about Argentina & South America!

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About us! Clara & Maria

We believe South America is one of the most unforgettable places on earth – and we want you to help you fall in love with the continent just like we have. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, we founded Across South-America to help guests experience the ‘real’ South America – without compromising on comfort. A decade later, and Across South-America is a well-known boutique travel agency crafting outstanding vacations for couples, friends and families from all over the world. Our main point of difference is that we’re local experts. South America is our backyard. . Read More Let us show you the South America we know and love. Contact us!

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