Total Ecuador and Galápagos Explorer

Our favourite hacienda accommodation in Ecuador. This 17th century property was formerly the residence of a much-loved president and remains in his family to this day. The illustrious history of the property shines through in every room, many decorated with antiques dating back to the original owners. The libraries and communal areas are replete with photographs, paintings and exotic furniture, many made as gifts from abroad to the former president. Far from being a museum piece the hacienda is still very active with more than 2,000 hectares of pastureland; mainly used for cattle and horses (the stables have around 100 horses) as well as a trout farm. The estate produces its own cheese onsite and there is also an interesting program for the rehabiliation of Condors. The surrounding countryside and nearby village are beautifully picturesque and relaxing. There are fifteen well-appointed rooms and service is helpful and friendly. A great deal of care is taken to ensure that you make the most of the wonderful surrounds and there are a number of activities possible including horse-riding, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching and visits to the local community with its own weaving workshops. The hotel is located some distance from the Otavalo Market itself (just over an hour) so it makes most sense to make the visit to the market on the journey to (or from) Quito.

Set in a converted Hacienda dating back to the seventeenth century in the small town of the same name, this is a charming property conveniently close to the market town of Otavalo. Decoration is warm and very much a mix of colonial and indigenous styles with warm colourful shades and period colonial style furniture. Though this is no longer a working hacienda and the formally vast grounds are now reduced, they are still large with stables, courtyards and beautiful gardens, not to mention many off and on-site activities to choose from.

The Illa Experience Hotel can be found in the neighbourhood of San Marcos, long the home of Quito’s artists, writers and musicians, aiming to encapsulate the traditional hospitality of quiteños. In a restored colonial mansion, each floor represents a different period in the city’s history – colonial, Republican and contemporary – with six rooms and four indulgent suites featuring hand-embroidered linens and artisan-crafted furniture. As well as well-stocked wine cellar, a rooftop bar with panoramic views and a spa with Jacuzzi, the restaurant here is a partnership with the award-winning minds behind Nuema, offering a refreshing take on Ecuadorian cuisine with farm-to-table produce.

Removed you may think, but the hotel sits quite comfortably in this characteristically Old World part of town, and being conveniently positioned at the colonial and cultural heart of Quito its thirty-one rooms have magnificent views over the square and surrounding monuments. Inside the décor is elegantly traditional, but is kept quite minimal for a contemporary twist. Downstairs is the lobby, complete with marble floors, velvet Chesterfields, and peppered with the odd antique, as is the dining room, bar and conservatory central patio. Then via the spiral stairs (or lift) are the rooms that feature all the contemporary amenities matched to the more modern soft furnishings, but the high ceilings, mouldings, wall murals and marbled bathrooms nod loyally to the mansion’s past and the opulence of a bygone era. We can arrange for a number of private city tours of Quito with our expert, local guides. Please discuss this with our consultants when planning your itinerary

Possibly one of the most luxurious lodges in this very remote region, La Selva is a delightful and first class Amazon experience.

The Napo Wildlife Centre is one of the best-run and most environmentally sound lodges in this area of the Amazon. There are 16 lakefront bungalows which are all spacious and decorated simply but comfortably, with king-size beds in every room. Each bungalow also has its own private balcony (with hammock) from which to enjoy the views. Guiding is excellent and the lodge has a great observation tower from which to view the area as well as a macaw clay lick (one of the only one in the area). No motorised vehicles are allowed anywhere near the lodge and the last part of the journey to the lodge itself is by canoe.

Slightly closer to the town of Coca, Sacha lodge is more easily reached than other lodges (just 2.5 hours journey). The location is still excellent however and the lodge is one of the best in the area. There are 26 comfortable cabins nestled in the jungle all including private bathrooms and hot showers. The high thatched roofs mean the rooms are spacious and airy and whilst by no means luxurious they are comfortable considering the wilderness location. There are interconnecting rooms perfect for families. Guiding is generally of excellent quality with all tours in small groups and accompanied by two guides, a local, native guide raised in the area and a bilingual naturalist. The lodge also has a very pleasant dining area and a canopy walk through the jungle great for spotting birdlife. The self standing suspension canopy walkways, 275m long and 36m high, is one of only a few in the world.

Focusing supporting the local community and protecting its biodiverse surroundings, Sani is an ecolodge set in 40,000 hectares (100,000 acres) of beautiful rainforest between two of the most diverse ecological reserves on the planet. Make yourself at home in a rustic, yet spacious cabin, offering an intimate experience of the Amazon rainforest. Up to 38 guests can be accommodated in thatched-roofed cabanas and family-sized cabins, which are all screened to keep insects out and have eco-friendly solar lights. Warm fabrics and rich wood panels made for an inviting place to relax as you take in the sounds of the jungle. The more adventurous can stay at the camping site, an hour away from the lodge. Together with local guides, guests make their way to the site in canoes. Tents are on platforms with thatched roofs to provide a little extra shelter, and all meals are prepared on site by a chef. Twitchers will have a field day as there are some 550 species identified in the area. It is estimated that on a 4-day trip you may come across around 120 of these, while real enthusiasts may even hit the 250 mark. These flit between 1500 species of tree along with 1000 types of butterfly and 13 monkey species. From the top of the 37m high tree tower, get an awe-inspiring view of the region, before heading out at dusk to explore Oxbow Lake – home to the endangered black caiman. Night time is when the forest truly comes alive, with night hikes to discover an astounding world of insects and animals. Take time to visit the Sani community and the Kichwa people and let them show you how their traditions still shape their lives today.

Hermes Mega Catamaran defines the future of Galápagos’ luxury cruising through a perfect balance of comfort, unparalleled service and memorable experiences aboard, on land, and in the water. It challenges the notion that you must compromise comfort on a large cruise ship for intimacy on a small vessel.

As the first true superyacht in the Galápagos Islands, the 50m Aqua Mare is a vessel of distinction in every way.

Solo travellers and couples alike are welcomed onto the Elite, a superb small ship that sails the waters of the Galápagos Islands. With either double suites or single cabins, you will sleep on supremely comfortable beds and wake to views of the ocean through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead onto a private balcony. 

The Endemic is one of the newest catamarans in the Galápagos and offers guests a comfortable and luxurious experience while exploring these enchanted islands.

The Alya ensures a relaxing, informative and fun journey through this wonderful part of the world. The 105-foot catamaran accommodates up to 16 guests in nine comfortable en-suite cabins, eight of which feature private balconies. Rooms are bright and fresh with large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in. Itineraries combine hiking, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking with expert guided tours led by naturalist guides who will take you to the best spots on each island and help you get up close to the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos. Back on board, there is a dining room, a library where you can unwind and watch a DVD, two bars and a sundeck with Jacuzzi – perfect for sinking into at the end of a day exploring, drink in hand.