A charming, easy and under-discovered country
Ecuador is a beautiful and exceptionally varied country with a range of distinct geographical environments. From the coastal region, where you’ll find Guayaquil, the country’s biggest city and main port to the Galápagos Islands, to the highlands of the Andes where beautiful mountain scenery and indigenous communities await, there is so much to discover.
For nature and wildlife lovers, there are exceptional places to discover, including the cloud forest north west of the capital of Quito, where you can spot beautiful hummingbirds, hike and swim by waterfalls in crystalline natural pools. There is also the world-famous Amazon, where wildlife is its most diverse, giving you the chance to spot anything from jaguars to tapirs to bright-billed toucans.
Ecuador’s cities are just as abundant with culture and history as its jungles are with wildlife. The capital, Quito, is a vibrant city home to the fascinating and visually stunning Compañía de Jesús and La Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man), an art museum designed by the artist Oswaldo Guayasamín and dedicated to the people of Latin America. And over in the Otavalo area you can see examples of beautiful Ecuadorian craftsmanship at the artisan markets.
Arguably the country’s most awe-inspiring features come in the form of its spectacular volcanoes, such as Cotopaxi and Chimborazo where, due to its location upon the equatorial bulge, its summit is the farthest place on the earth’s crust from the earth’s core. And, of course, mainland Ecuador ties in beautifully with a trip to the Galápagos Islands. It’s well worth spending some extra time discovering the cities, rainforests, volcanoes and markets that make this such an exciting and vibrant country.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
Ecuador really has it all: unbelievable scenery, huge amounts of wildlife, and delicious food. The Galapagos Islands in particular stand out as one of the most unique places on earth. From the Andean peaks to vibrant cities and beyond your stay here is bound to be unforgettable.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Ecuador
There are many incredible places to stay in Ecuador. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
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Where to go
Baños
Shortened from Baños de Agua Santa, meaning Baths of Sacred Water, it will come as no surprise that the town’s greatest attraction is the hydrothermal springs of the Cascada de la Virgen (The Virgin’s Waterfall). Baños is also known by the moniker ‘The Gateway to the Amazon’, for it is the only city located in the mountain region found just before the start of the Amazon jungle.
Cotopaxi
The central sierra of Ecuador is a beautifully scenic highland area and it’s here you’ll find the aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Cuenca
A vibrant colonial city set in the south of Ecuador, Cuenca is the country’s third largest city and is packed with historic landmarks and rich heritage.
Guayaquil
What started out as a small port town has impressively developed into a vibrant, bustling city; the largest in Ecuador in fact.
Midwest Lowlands
Heading east of Guayaquil, and just before you hit the mighty Andes mountains, you’ll find yourself in Ecuador’s midwest lowlands. Despite being just 74km from the country’s biggest city, it is a quiet and secluded region and perfect for exploring Ecuador’s natural beauty.
Otavalo Area
The heart of Ecuadorian craftsmanship and folk traditions, Otavalo is the place to experience authentic Ecuadorian culture. The handicraft market here is world renowned and a good place to pick up some excellent souvenirs, as well as learn more about the indigenous identity of Ecuador.
Quito
Squeezed between mountain peaks amid the dramatic Andes, Quito’s setting is just as dramatic and inspiring as its character and identity, which can be discovered in everything from historic streets and bustling markets, to vibrant restaurants and awe-inspiring nature.
Riobamba
Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Chimborazo volcano, Riobamba is primarily used as a base for excursions into the surrounding wilderness, although there are a handful of attractions within the city to keep you occupied, even if your stay is a brief one.
The Amazon
One of the world’s last great natural areas of wilderness, the Amazon is a truly awe-inspiring location that has to be experienced to be fully understood. Home to one fifth of the world’s fresh water, the sheer scale of the Amazon River is breathtaking, with new fish, bird and animal species constantly being discovered amid its wild landscapes.
The Cloud Forests
Encountered where the Andean highlands run down to the Pacific coastline, set amid tumbling hills blanketed in exuberant rainforest and home to diverse and abundant wildlife, hidden here are some of Ecuador’s most stunning and delicate cloud forests.
Meet your Latin America team
When to visit
Though often used as a gateway for the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador is home to so much more. There are different highlights year round, so the best time to visit Ecuador depends on when you want to go.
The country has two main seasons – a wet, warm season which runs from January to April and a dry, cool season from May to December.
Wet season
January - April
Dry season
May - December
Trekking
All Year
Ecuador travel guides
Plan your trip to Ecuador
Whatever you want from your adventure in Ecuador, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
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We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
