| Say the word “equator” and most people imagine relentless sun and steamy heat — which is why Ecuador is a land of surprises. Indeed, the Amazon Basin in Ecuador is everything that one would expect a tropical jungle to be. But the country has a wide range of temperatures and climates. Quito, Its capital, situated well above 9,000 feet, can get surprisingly cool and misty. Ecuador’s Andean mountains feature some of the world’s most spectacular, snow-capped peaks. And the Galapagos Islands, especially at lower elevations, are quite arid. Such a pleasant, year-round climate and such intriguing natural wonders make the Galapagos an incredibly attractive destination — but not a crowded one. The number of travellers to these enchanted isles is limited to 70,000 per year, and a highly developed tourism framework has served to protect the one-of-a-kind resources and biodiversity of the region. Offshore accommodations aboard cruise ships — and the ‘Eclipse’ is the most comfortable sailing these waters — limit travellers’ impact on this carefully preserved environment. Aboard ‘Eclipse’ and throughout your stay in Ecuador, anticipate only the best service and accommodation. And while it is wise to exercise caution when considering fruit juices or foods from street vendors in Ecuador, aboard A&K vessels and in our top-notch hotels, water filtration systems and standards of hygiene are at their highest. |  |
