Travel Blog

When most people think of wildlife in Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands immediately come to mind — and for good reason. But Ecuador's extraordinary biodiversity extends far beyond those famous volcanic islands. As one of the most biodiverse countries on earth — home to more bird species per square kilometre than any other nation — mainland Ecuador offers wildlife encounters of breathtaking variety and intimacy that rival, and in many ways surpass, anything the Galápagos can offer. From the Amazon rainforest teeming with jaguars, pink dolphins, and poison dart frogs, to the cloud forests alive with hummingbirds and spectacled bears, to the Pacific coast where humpback whales breach offshore — this complete guide reveals the very best places to see wildlife in Ecuador beyond the Galápagos.