Reasons To Visit Ecuador
Easily accessible from Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon offers some of the best run eco-lodges in the whole of Latin America. Whether it is Sacha, Napo or Haourani Lodge, you are best placed for some excellent wildlife vieiwing as well as learning about the indigenous population that manage and run the lodges.
In addition to the traditional farmhouse haciendas, the cities of Quito and Cuenca offer fine examples of Spanish Colonial architecture. Both are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the fabulous historical centres are complimented with lovely cafes and great restaurant options.
Markets form an integral part of Ecuadorian life. Ranging from vast colourful textile markets geared towards tourists around Otavalo to local markets in the central highlands selling everything from corn and bananas to refrigerators and satellite dishes - there is a market that will engross visitors, no matter what their age or interest.
Traditional farmhouse haciendas are dotted across the high Andean countryside but are concentrated around the town of Otavalo and the Cotopaxi National Park. Dating back as far as the 16th Century, they are full of character and offer guests an opportunity to step back in time. They make for a great base for walking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Even thought it isn't widely appreciated, the fact remains that the Panama hat wasn't in fact invented in Panama, but instead originated in Montecristi, northwest Ecuador! The name was derived when the hats were shipped to Panama to protect the canal construction workers from the sun in the early 1900s. Today a number of factories continue to produce hats around the southern city of Cuenca.
The Rainforest in Ecuador offers a wealth of options to the visitor. Yasuni National Park is home to some of the best run eco-lodges in South America, each boasting comfortable accommodation and great wildlife viewing opportunities. In the southeast of the country, some eco-lodges provide the added cultural experience of living with the indigenous Amazonian population.
Due to its location on the Pacific 'Ring of fire', Ecuador boasts no less than 28 volcanoes, many of which are active. 10 of Ecuador's volcanic mountains are over 5000m in altitude and best viewed along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' between Quito and Cuenca. Here there is a wonderful mix of local farming communities and National Parks all overlooked by snow-capped peaks - great for the outdoor enthusiast.
Often Paired With:
Request a Brochure
South America
This comfortable boat is one of the simpler that we use at Audley, however the Cachalote boasts a great crew and an excellent reputation for its naturalist guides.
Casa Opuntia is a new beachfront hotel close to San Cristóbal airport.
The Galapagos Safari Tented Camp is a 55-hectare farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island bordering the national park.
A delightful little establishment, the Hotel La Casa de Marita offers 10 en-suite rooms in a fantastic location on a secluded beach just a short walk from the centre of Isabela.
Located in Puerto Velasco Ibarra, the Red Mangrove Floreana Lodge is built entirely in pine wood from the mainland man-made forests and enjoys a location in front of the ocean on a black lava surface.
Separated from the ocean only by a broad, white sand beach, the Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge offers eight en-suite oceanfront rooms in an idyllic location.
Sol y Mar is a small-scale, modern hotel located on the seafront in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. This pleasant hotel offers a small pool, terrace with hot tub and superb views across the harbour.
A really comfortable option on San Cristobal island where you can relax and enjoy great views over the harbour.
A 13 room hotel well located on the edge of a long, beautiful beach on Isabela Island, but near enough to the main area of the small town of Puerto Villamil for eating out.
The Samba is a 78 foot classic steel hulled motor motor-vessel with a true European Dutch class feel to her in line with her owners. Despite a small with she is relatively stable with her...
With almost 1,000 square metres of canvas, the Mary Anne is one of the best options for sail boat lovers in the Galapagos.
The Eclipse is a superb option for those seeking comfort and excellent service while enjoying a genuine experience of the Galapagos Islands. 26 spacious cabins spread across 2...
18 days from £5,015pp
14 days from £6,595pp
11 days from £3,915pp
726 miles away
787 miles away
795 miles away
799 miles away
815 miles away
Further reading:EcuadorWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout EcuadorCountry Guides
Other countries in South America:ArgentinaBoliviaBrazilChileColombiaParaguayPeruThe Falkland IslandsThe Galapagos IslandsUruguayVenezuela