Internal unrest, political instability, an electricity crisis caused by a severe drought… clients could be forgiven for wanting to avoid Ecuador, when they have read the international news headlines.
Currently the UK government advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces and within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border. The reason given is a high level of gang-related violence, linked to organised crime, relating to the production and trafficking of illegal drugs. The Foreign Office says that tourists are not usually targeted but they could still end up being a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or being caught up on a security incident.
Jack Brooker, Latin America product and travel specialist, Rainbow Tours, says: “It has been a really tough couple years for tourism to Ecuador. The south of the country around Guayaquil has been on an FCDO all but essential travel warning meaning that UK clients have to stick to certain parts of the country. Whilst it isn’t an area that tourists go to, it does put people off and it is the route through to Galapagos so flights do have to touchdown here – and numbers have subsequently been really hit.”
When you look on a map, these advisories relate to about one-third of Ecuador’s territory, leaving vast areas still to be explored and enjoyed by tourists. And those who are not deterred by the negative headlines are amply rewarded.
Agents can sell Ecuador as a microcosm for the whole South American continent, with its stunning Andean scenery and volcanoes, variety of eco-systems from dense Amazon Rainforest to rich cloud forest, distinct cultural identity, thriving market towns and emerging culinary scene. It also has the Galapagos Islands and some of the most unique wildlife experiences in the Americas.
And there are signs that tour operators are starting to show a bit of faith again in Ecuador, with new product introductions.
Globus Journeys has introduced a new Small Group Discovery Tour, the 11-day Ecuador: Natural Wonders & Ancient Cultures. Highlights include a behind-the-scenes tour in Quito of El Alabado Museum, one of the best collections of pre-Colombian art in South America, and a visit to one of the last remaining family-run weaving workshops in Otavalo.
“Ecuador may be compact, but its travel rewards are colossal,” said Stephanie Brooks, vice-president, product and operations for the Globus family of brands. “We designed this new Small Group Discovery tour from the ground up to showcase the country’s incredible diversity – pairing boutique stays with big ‘wow’ moments, from the cloud forests of the Amazon to the cobblestones of colonial Cuenca.”
Latin Routes’ senior product manager, Cat Davies says the operator is seeing encouraging growth in demand for Ecuador: “Year-on-year bookings are up by around 20% for 2025 compared to the same period last year. Travellers are also opting to stay longer, with the average length of stay increasing by 10% – a sign that people are looking to explore more of what this incredible destination has to offer.”
Brooker adds: “Whilst the FCDO advise is still in place, we have found effective ways to showcase the best of the country, with our Best of Ecuador Wildlife and this is a great way to showcase all the natural highlights Ecuador has. We are really hoping for the FCDO advise to be lifted soon, but in the meantime are still managing to ensure clients can have a fantastic overview of what is one of Latin America’s most diverse and rewarding countries to travel around.”
Another tour operator expanding its Ecuador range is Mercury Holidays, with a new 11-day Ecuador: Andes, Amazon and Volcanoes tour, departing on select dates in January, March, October and November in 2026 and 2027.
Michael Priest, head of product, says: “This is the second escorted tour of Ecuador in our portfolio, but the only one where travellers venture into the Amazon. It will give customers the chance to connect with Indigenous culture at Kuri Muyu Interpretation Centre – a community initiative led by local Kichwa Añangu women. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that reflects the growing demand for authentic, enriching travel.”
Also, Ecuador has been added to G Adventures’ National Geographic Family Journeys with a nine-day tour that has families exploring the jungle by foot and canoe, splashing about in the hot springs at Papallacta and visiting the interactive Yaku Water Museum near Quito.
A devilishly good ride
There is also the encouraging news that the Devil’s Nose tourist train in the scenic highlands of Ecuador is making a comeback, after being suspended during the pandemic, with both Latin Routes and Rainbow Tours offering the experience to their clients.
The revived journey is the classic Alausí to Sibambe section of the track, which is about 7.5 miles long one-way. The full round-trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours including stops.
Brooker explains: “Of all of Ecuador’s train network, the ‘Devil’s Nose’ is the most impressive section, with a 500-metre elevation over the course of its 12km run, with a series of switchbacks allowing the carriages to make the climb. With this section built in 1901 on a mountainside known as ‘the Condor’s Aerie’, the section of track later became known as ‘The Devil’s Nose’ due to the sheer difficulty in building it, with many workers losing their lives in the process.
“While much of Ecuador’s tracks had closed by the 1990s, this route’s popularity with tourists kept the track in operation long after other sections of track closed, and the track and carriages have now been restored to offer experiences once again.”
Latin Routes highlights that the revamped experience now includes elegant refurbished carriages, immersive cultural stops, gourmet local cuisine, and artisan encounters en route.
