Oh the things you’ll see in Ecuador… From Incan cities huddled deep in the Andes to iconic regions full of unique wildlife, Ecuador checks every box for going on the adventure of a lifetime. And if you weren’t reaching for your passport already, there is also a bevy of beautiful haciendas, glamorous cruises and fabulous city spots to call home as you explore. Take a look at our favourite trips and properties that show off Ecuador in luxury.
Epic Ecuador: Volcanoes, jungles & the Galapagos
On this trip your first encounter with Ecuador is in the capital, Quito. A time capsule for every era of the country’s history, it was the very first UNESCO-recognised city in the world. The ‘Old Town’ in particular is crammed with Spanish churches, haciendas and quaint plazas, all watched over by the iconic Virgin Maria on El Panecillo Hill. You can also delve into pre-Columbian Ecuador at the City Museum or the fascinating House of Praise.
Otavalo is up next, where you’ll no doubt make a beeline for the famous market — one of the largest indigenous markets in South America. Once you’ve haggled your way around, travel to a nearby village to learn about the El Chota’s musical and mask-making traditions, or explore the beautiful countryside on foot, bicycle or horseback.
Make a 180° turn and head for the luscious Amazon. The famous rainforest covers nearly half of Ecuador and you’ll spend your time exploring on foot — by day or night — and kayaking down mysterious waterways in search of around 1,600 species of birdlife and 300 mammals. Eyes peeled for three-toed sloths, pink river dolphins and the chattering patrons at the clay licks.
Then it’s off to the Galapagos to end your trip on a truly epic note. Whether you’d rather go diving, learn to surf at the famous Tortuga Bay, hike through the highlands in search of giant tortoises, or cruise from one island to the next in search of the archipelago’s endemic wildlife, every day brings new delights.
Opulent spots to stay
An elegant mansion in the centre of Old Town, the Casa Gangotena Hotel is the picture of bygone Quito — you can even enjoy a tour of its historic spaces. A proper Quintenan High Tea in the conservatory is the cherry on top. In Otavalo, we love the Hacienda Zuleta, once the home of Ecuador’s former president. Every room is adorned with antiques and your private host will see to everything including a crackling fire in your room each evening.
A three-storey vessel cruising the waters of the Amazon, the Anakonda boasts breathtaking views from the moment you wake to afternoons spent in the top-deck hot tub. On Isla Santa Cruz, the Galapagos Safari Camp is an eco-warrior with a luxury side — we love the ‘canvas cocoon’ rooms with their own private decks. For the second half of your trip to the Galapagos, Isabella II is a wonderfully exclusive cruiser, ready to take you to secluded snorkelling spots and beaches, and serving meals by Cordon Bleu-trained chefs.
Ecuador of Old
This trip begins in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s coastal highlight, where you’ll spend your time soaking up the sunshine and whale watching on the beach, not forgetting sampling some of Ecuador’s finest chocolate. Then, your journey to the Avenue of the Volcanoes starts in earnest, kicking off in the charming Cuenca. Admire the striking sky-blue domes of the Cathedral Nuevo or visit Ingapirca, Ecuador’s only surviving major Incan ruins.
Enter the sprawling Avenue of the Volcanoes, where you’ll find hiking trails galore — the summit of Chimborazo awaits for seasoned trekkers — as well as pristine lakes to kayak upon, thermal springs and vistas to take your breath away. The finale is Cotopaxi National Park, watched over by a formidable peak where Andean condors soar. Days here are all about cycling, horseback riding with local chagras and exploring icy waterfalls for cooling plunges.
Step back into civilization for a little while in the splendid capital, Quito, once the pinnacle of the Incan Empire. You’ll have plenty of time to discover its fascinating and far-reaching history. The, your final stop is Otavalo, a pocket of tiny villages surrounded by volcanoes. Shop up a storm at its famous market and experience the culture first-hand.
Opulent spots to stay
Set in Guayaquil’s beautiful Parque Historico, the Hotel del Parque is replete with swanky rooms and they’ll happily organise a private dinner in the park. Cuenca’s Mansion Alcazar boasts designer interiors, heavenly spa treatments (try the cacao body wrap!) and the in-house restaurant is one of the city’s finest, whilst the Hosteria la Andaluza has the best views of the majestic Chimboraz in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
In Cotopaxi National Park, the Hacienda San Agustin de Callo is a melange of architectural styles that capture the history of the region, and every meal is prepared with ingredients from the farm and local markets. In Quito, the rooms at ILLA Experience Hotel are superb, and the 13-course tasting menu is worth every calorie! The Hacienda Zuleta, which still belongs to the descendants of a former Ecuadorian president, is a fantastic choice in Otavalo. We love the suites with a private garden.
The islands of the Galapagos
On this trip, you’ll leave the shores of Guayaquil, drifting above miles of indigo ocean, until the craggy silhouette of the Galapagos Islands comes into view. You’ll split your time between Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Isabela, either cruising between the islands on a private vessel or staying on each island for a few days.
On Santa Cruz, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, and spy giant tortoises ambling through the grassy hills or blue-footed boobys on the cliff’s edge (along with the rest of the ‘Galapagos 15’). If you’re feeling adventurous, trek through ancient lava tunnels, or lose time on one of the island’s sugary beaches.
Distinguished by its rugged, volcanic terrain, Isla Isabela is known for its large populations of Galapagos penguins who can be seen leaping from cliffs to search for fish in the water below, as well as fur seals and sea lions who may just join you for a snorkel. On land, hike along the trails and discover secret rock pools and plenty more wildlife (including Darwin’s famous finches) as you go.
Opulent spots to stay
Sail around the waters of the Isla Santa Cruz on the luxury M/C Endemic, where the staff to guest ratio is an impressive 1:1. There’s also a hot tub from which to take in the views when you’re not out exploring. Off the coast of the Isla Isabela, the Isabella II enjoys all the luxuries of a larger vessel while promising the exclusivity of a yacht, and its streamlined design allows you to reach stellar snorkelling spots.
Natural gems of Ecuador
An ocean of emerald canopies and shimmering tributaries, the Ecuadorian Amazon shelters some of the most fascinating creatures in the world, from neon birds and frogs to sleepy sloths and teeny tiny monkeys. The spirit of adventure is intoxicating as you scan the trees for critters of every size on day and night walks, and glide along the waterways in search of pink river dolphins. Before your next sojourn into the wild, spend a few days in Quito, where history comes alive as you stroll through the plazas, museums and churches.
Your final stop is this trip takes you to the Cloud Forest. Sitting high above the Amazon, the forest is home to a whole host of unique flora including some of the most spectacular orchids you’ve ever seen. You’ll want to explore, explore and explore some more, and there are plenty of ways to do so: hike through the forest with a naturalist guide, kayak across tranquil lagoons, or zip line above it all for the ultimate view, then find a waterfall to splash in.
Opulent spots to stay
At Sacha Lodge, deep in the Amazon, giant sloths dangle outside your cabin, lunch is served on the water and you can swim in the only lake pool in the forest. And as for the views? Out of this world! In Quito, the Casa Gangotena Hotel enjoys a stellar location in the middle of the Old Town and is so well preserved, it’s almost a museum in its own right. Sitting within the Choco-Andean Cloud Forest, Mashpi Lodge is the picture of style with sensational views, chocolate body wraps at the spa, and a menu that changes every night.
Action-packed Ecuador & the Galapagos
After catching your breath in Guayaquil, you’ll be whisked off to Isla Santa Cruz in the Galapagos archipelago, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The next few days will be spent with your jaw on the floor and camera in hand, as you explore the island where giant tortoises roam, blue-footed boobies nest and marine iguanas glide through the water.
Return to the mainland for a little taste of Ecuador’s enthralling history in Quito, where tales from long ago are etched into the architecture and the stunning mountains dominate the skyline. The last stop on your trip is the King of the Andes and highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi. Whilst you might not make it to the top, hikes in the surrounding countryside will reveal vicunas and slinking puma, and far-away condors as they ride the thermal winds. There are also scenic cycling trails, boat trips across turquoise crater lakes and horseback rides with Ecuador’s cowboys.
Opulent spots to stay
Sitting on a working farm on the outskirts of Guayaquil, the Hacienda la Danesa is a little slice of tranquillity where you can try your hand at chocolate making – or simply recline beside the infinity pool. On Isla Santa Cruz, Pikaia Lodge is set within a giant tortoise reserve (yes please!), has an infinity pool on the rim of an extinct volcano and its own 100-foot yacht for trips around the archipelago. In Quito, the Illa Experience Hotel is perfectly intimate with just 10 immaculate rooms and a fabulous 13-course tasting menu. With views of the iconic Cotopaxi, the Hacienda San Agustin de Callo has an incredible history that is celebrated in every room.
