Amazing floral diversity, stunning landscapes, comfortable and attractive lodges.

Although the small country of Ecuador lies on the equator, the Andes run north to south providing a mosaic of wonderful habitats, many of which have a pleasant, temperate climate. This area of South America contains the highest diversity of orchids in the world and its cloud forests, dry valleys and montane slopes are also home to many of our house and garden plants. Staying in good accommodation throughout, mostly for 2 or 3 nights at each location, we will enjoy the flowers and wildlife on gentle walks in stunning landscapes, including the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’, also full of cultural interest. Many bird species, from hummingbirds to condors, may also be seen together with numerous colourful butterflies. Our itinerary includes the botanic gardens at Quito and Ambato, and National Parks famous for their flora.

Our leader is Dr Tim Upson from the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Tim has led previous tours for us, to Tenerife and to Chile, and his extensive botanical knowledge will add greatly to the tour. We also have an experienced local guide who knows the areas and their flora well. Amongst the plants to be seen are heliconias, bromeliads, passion flowers, arums, fuchsias and gentians. Orchids that should be in flower include Phragmipedium, Epidendrum, Odontoglossum and Pleurothallis. We stay at attractive lodges surrounded by wildlife, from where we take excursions to a variety of habitats the Papallacta Pass, Cotopaxi N.P., Llanganates N.P., Guacamayos Ridge and Gayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. There is also the chance to visit Yanacocha, where Wildlife Travel has funded conservation work with carbon compensation benefits. The trip can be extended to visit the Amazon.

£3295. Single Room Supplement £200

Leaders Dr Tim Upson and Gustavo Canas