Ecuador

Ecuador is a destination that proves the best things often come in small packages. Named for the equator that runs through its heart, it is one of the most biodiverse countries on earth, packing the Amazon rainforest, the soaring peaks of the Andes, and the legendary Galápagos Islands into a territory no larger than a European state.

Whether you are walking the cobblestones of a 16th-century colonial capital, dining in a modern glass lodge in the clouds, or coming face-to-face with fearless wildlife, Ecuador offers a concentrated dose of South American magic.

Why we love Ecuador

We love Ecuador for its accessibility to the extraordinary. It is a country where you can wake up in a historic highland hacienda and, within a short flight, be kayaking through a mangrove forest alongside penguins and sea lions. It is the birthplace of the Panama Hat, a sanctuary for the Andean Condor, and a place where “luxury” is defined by intimate, sustainable experiences that put you at the center of the natural world.

The Most Beautiful Places in Ecuador

From the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to the Pacific horizon, these are our top picks:

1. The Galápagos Islands

A living laboratory of evolution and a UNESCO World Heritage icon. This volcanic archipelago is home to species found nowhere else—giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. The best way to experience it is via a small, high-end expedition yacht, allowing you to reach remote islands where the wildlife remains utterly fearless of human presence.

2. Quito’s Historic Center

The first city in the world to be named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Quito is a time capsule of Spanish colonial glory, set against a backdrop of Pichincha’s peaks. Wander through the San Francisco Plaza or visit the Jesuit church of La Compañía, draped in seven tons of gold leaf, before retreating to a boutique hotel in a converted Republican mansion.

3. The Mashpi Cloud Forest

Located in the Chocó-Andean corridor, this is nature at its most theatrical. The cloud forest is a realm of eternal mist, rare orchids, and over 400 species of birds. Staying here feels like living in a luxury treehouse, where you can glide over the canopy in a “sky bike” or soak in a waterfall hidden deep within the emerald foliage.

4. Cotopaxi National Park

The high-altitude home of the world’s most perfect volcanic cone. Cotopaxi’s snow-capped peak dominates the skyline, surrounded by a vast paramo (tundra) where wild horses roam. It is the heart of the “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” offering dramatic hikes and some of the country’s most historic and elegant farming estates.

5. Cuenca

Often called the most charming city in Ecuador, Cuenca is a masterpiece of marble-paved streets, flower markets, and riverside parks. It is the authentic home of the Panama Hat—which you can watch being woven by hand—and offers a sophisticated, slower-paced alternative to the capital.

Highlights of a Tour Through Ecuador

  • Amazonian Exploration: Venture into the Yasuní National Park or the Cuyabeno Reserve to explore the planet’s most diverse ecosystem from a luxury river cruiser or a secluded eco-lodge.
  • The Devil’s Nose Train: Embark on a daringly engineered railway journey that zigzags down a near-vertical cliffside, offering one of the most thrilling mountain vistas in South America.
  • Otavalo Market: Visit the continent’s largest indigenous market to discover a sea of vibrant textiles, hand-woven alpaca blankets, and intricate jewelry, all crafted with centuries-old techniques.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: Because it is on the equator, Ecuador is a year-round destination. The highlands are best from June to September (the dry season), while the Galápagos Islands offer calm seas and warm weather from December to May.
  • The Currency: Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD), making it incredibly convenient for international travelers. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and luxury lodges.
  • Altitude: Quito sits at 2,850m. We recommend spending your first 24 hours relaxing and drinking plenty of water (or local coca tea) to help your body acclimate to the “thin” Andean air.
  • Connectivity: While the Amazon and remote Galápagos islands offer a welcome chance to unplug, the major cities and luxury haciendas provide excellent Wi-Fi and modern amenities.