Nestled on the coast between Peru and Colombia, Ecuadoe is a country of contrasts - in its landscapes, its people, and its food.
It might be the Galapagos Islands, or the Amazon rainforest, the Andes, volcanic Cotopaxi, or the incredible Ecuadorian Sierra that inspires you to start considering an adventure to Ecuador, but as soon as you start your research, you’ll realise how much this small country has to offer. If you didn’t already know about them, you’ll discover how many of Ecuador’s cities have historic, Unesco-listed centres lined with photogenic plazas and elegant colonial mansions. You might also be tempted by Ecuador's beautiful coastline, with its exotic marine life; or by the Amazon with its remote settlements. Lastly, there are the mighty Andes to consider, of rolling fields and hills and craggy peaks. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Ecuador are spread across the country, and hopefully we’ve found something to suit everyone.
If there was ever a country ripe for adventurers, and those with an adventurous spirit, Ecuador is it. There are excellent opportunities for walking, hiking, biking or horse riding, as well as witnessing the glories of the natural world. The birdlife is very varied, and off the coast you can see whales and dolphins. Towering above it all are the splendours of the Galapagos, a collection of volcanic islands stradding the equator 500 miles out into the Pacific Ocean. For many, that is a trip of a lifetime on its own, and if you feel tempted (and have the budget), we have listed a collection of amazing places to stay in the Galapagos Islands.
Famously ‘in the clouds’ 3,000 metres above sea level, Quito is built on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, and the top layers today include a well preserved colonial centre and ancient churches in both the European and Moorish styles. One of the highlights of Quito, and a fantastic way to start any visit to Ecuador, is the Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila, a spectacular museum which explores Ecuador’s fascinating past.
The isolated Galapagos Islands are an incredible haven for unusual endemic wildlife, from the giant tortoises to the land iguana, to the flightless cormorants. So incredible that it can be said to be behind the change in our entire idea of nature and our place in it. There are 19 islands, all different sizes and all worth visiting. For example, Espanola Island boasts a huge colony of waved albatross; Floreana Island teems with pink flamingos and green sea turtles; and Isabella, the main island, is inhabited by the famous giant tortoises. One of the unique things about these islands is that there are no natural predators, meaning that the animals there have no fear of humans, allowing visitors to get up close. Surrounding the islands is the Galapagos Marine Reserve, awash with corals, sharks, penguins, sea-lions and whales. So snorkelling is incredibly popular here too, along with whale watching.
Before you set out for the Galapagos Islands you might stay in Guayaquil, a really charming port city with colourfully painted houses, numerous art galleries and a lively waterfront promenade. Guayaquil has been invaded by the Spanish, the Peruvians and pirates from both France and Britain, so it has some wonderful colonial monuments.
The Parque Nacional Cotopaxi is another centrepiece of Ecuador’s natural beauty, with its snowcapped namesake the Cotopaxi Volcano and its paramo grasslands. The Parque Nacional Yasuní is the country’s largest national park, covering marshland, tropical rainforest and more grasslands and forest. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to jaguars, tapirs and pumas, as well as over 600 different species of bird.
When it comes to smaller centres, Otavalo, with its markets, Vilcabamba with its mountainous backdrop, and Papallacta, with its therapeutic hot springs all deserve a mention.
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Pichincha Province (Mindo)
An eco-lodge surrounded by forest where guests can lounge in hammocks from the comfort of their room. The whole resort is built from locally-sourced wood seamlessly blending into its surrounds. The Balsa restaurant invites guests to dine al-fresco overlooking the stunning Pilchicocha Lake.
Pichincha Province
This minimalist hotel sits next to the equator half an hour outside of Quito, Ecuador. The spacious and comfortable guestrooms feature clean lines, crisp white linens and wooden accents; book a luxury suite for living space and volcano views. Sample Ecuadorian dishes at the restaurant; a chic hotel.
