Located on the Equator (hence its name), Ecuador straddles the Andes and offers a whirlwind of options. Go birding in the Amazon, hike to waterfalls, wander through small villages by horseback or explore the Andean plateaus and volcanoes that form the backbone of Ecuador. Weavers welcome you to workshops and overnights include lovely haciendas where families welcome you home.
And at the Equator, you’ll learn about “The Middle Of The World.” Those who seek adventure in Ecuador will find different environments. Around Quito, the Andean mountains and volcanoes are full of high altitude options, from hot springs to cloud forest. Sail through the jungle on an open car cable ride, look for hummingbirds or climb to the top of a canopy tower.
We’ve got Ecuador’s most beloved private guides on call to lead you on every kind of adventure you can imagine.
And don’t forget the amazing cuisine waiting for you, always with the freshest ingredients – from the ocean, from organic farms – and straight to your table.
Where To Stay
These are some of our favorite lodges and places to stay around Ecuador.
Quito’s Perfect Boutique Hotel
Experience unparalleled elegance and luxury at Casa Gangotena, a premier luxury Ecuador hotel, located in Quito’s vibrant Old Town. Nestled beside the iconic San Francisco Plaza, this eclectically appointed mansion embodies the spirit of the capital city’s rich history. As a guest, you’re invited to immerse yourself in the bygone era’s luxury while enjoying seamless access to the historic quarter’s enchanting sights and sounds right outside our doorstep.
The Casa Gangotena mansion is steeped in its own rich history, too. Once the home of several Republican-era presidents, the residence was eventually claimed by the prominent Gangotena family. The Gangotena’s took it upon themselves to renovate it lavishly and embellish it with even more intricate history, such that it would eventually become a part of the capital’s—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—cultural heritage inventory!
Casa Gangotena is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Quito and holds the title of being a “Leading Boutique Hotel” by the World Travel Awards.
Located within Ecuador’s Yasuní Biosphere Reserve and on the borders of the famous Yasuní National Park — one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet — La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat was among the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador and today is still regarded as the premier eco lodge in Ecuador’s Amazon basin.
Uniquely located on the shores of stunning Lake Garzacocha, a full 70 km into the rainforest from the nearest urban center, the lodge is a veritable cocoon of comfort and luxury, offering breathtaking views of the incredible life in the Amazon from wherever you are.
Nestled closer to Quito than the Amazon rainforest, the Mashpi Reserve offers an unparalleled adventure experience for every nature enthusiast. Our rainforest hotel offers an exclusive location on a scenic plateau, the lodge features breathtaking views of the surrounding forested mountains and their unique ecosystems.
Once here, guests can encounter up to 400 species of birds, otherworldly flora, and extraordinary creatures that are exclusive to this part of our planet, all set against the backdrop of crashing waterfalls and mesmerizing views of both cloud and rainforests. Embark on treks down concealed trails, walk across glistening streams, rise at dawn for rare bird sightings, or soar above the breathtaking canopy aboard our Dragonfly Gondola.
Our Suggested Itineraries
Ecuador is world-renowned for its bio-diversity and a plethora of some of the world’s most exciting and unusual birds.
Explore here: Ecuador: A Birder’s Paradise
Butterflies, frogs and hummingbirds, oh my! Lush Ecuador’s waterfalls, volcanoes and cloud forest is full of adventure. Perfect for families, honeymooners and wildlife enthusiasts! We’ve picked out the best haciendas and one of the best eco-lodges on the cusp of the rain forest.
Explore here: Ecuador: Wild Ecuador With Otavalo and Mashpi Lodge
Experiences
Cloud forest, rain forest, hiking, artisans, textiles and waterfalls…
Awards and Accolades
