ECUADOR
Ecuador is the country for travelers who want Latin America's full geographic range without crossing borders to find it. It's what happens when you compress the entire continent into a country the size of Colorado. The Galápagos sit 600 miles offshore, evolving on their own schedule, where the wildlife treats you with the polite indifference of something that has never had a reason to be afraid. The Amazon begins where the Andes end. The cloud forest in between produces birds that exist nowhere else on earth and a mist that has its own gravitational pull. Quito's colonial center sits at altitude, surrounded by volcanoes the locals describe as "currently quiet."
A Taste of What's Possible
Immerse in ancient rituals with indigenous tribes in the deep Ecuadorian Amazon
Snorkel with playful sea lions and giant tortoises with a naturalist guide
Explore laid-back fishing villages and remote beaches on the Pacific Coast
Where You'll Stay
We spend a lot of time obsessing over the perfect accommodations. Our favorites tend to be smaller, boutique properties with a unique sense of style and fantastic service.
Here are just a few of our favorites...
Three of Our Favorite Spots
GalÁpagos islands
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Sea lions sprawl across docks like they own them, marine iguanas spit salt at the ocean with apparent contempt, and the giant tortoises have been here longer than most countries have existed. The islands sit 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador and the distance is exactly what allows for a safari experience unlike any other on Earth.
ANDEAN HIGHLANDS
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The mainland's rolling, volcanic spine is where Ecuador's colonial history, indigenous culture, and rural life converge. Working haciendas have been operating for centuries on land that still produces what it always has: pristine roses for export, traditional embroidery, condor rehabilitation programs that have brought the species back from the edge. The light at altitude is different. The food is heartier. The pace will settle you.
CLOUD FOREST
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The Chocó region is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and almost no one has heard of it. Stay at a research-grade ecolodge in the middle of primary forest where you can ride a sky bike over the canopy, walk a night trail with a naturalist, and hear bird species that only exist within a few hundred square kilometers. Think Jurassic Park, minus the dinosaurs.
“Sunsets over the Galápagos Islands illuminate a world untouched, a sanctuary of evolutionary marvels.”
– Jorge Enrique Adoum, 1971
Sample Itinerary
Quito to the Galápagos: Ecuador from Andes to Archipelago
Day 1: Arrive in Quito and private transfer to your accommodations in the city center.
Day 2: Today is slow paced to acclimate to the altitude as you explore the Ecuadorian capital city with your guide. Highlights include historical architecture, the impressive Casa del Alabado archaeological museum, and the ancient San Francisco Market where you will learn about some secrets of local natural medicine traditions.
Day 3: Early morning departure towards the Ecuadorian cloud forest in the Chocó region, driving through the beautiful Andean scenery along the way. Settle into your gorgeous ecolodge and this afternoon head out on a scenic trail hike with a naturalist guide.
Day 4: Wake up early for excellent birdwatching then head out for a dose of safe adrenaline with a “sky bike” ride through the clouds over the dense forest canopy. In the evening, head out on a night safari as the nocturnal creatures emerge in the forest.
Day 5: This morning you’ll depart the cloud forest and hit the road bound for the Andean Highlands, traveling through marvelous mountain scenery. Along the journey, enjoy a countryside lunch and visit to a private rose farm. Settle into your charming accommodations, enjoy a delicious homemade dinner and perhaps a cocktail at their cozy bar.
Day 6: A full day to enjoy Hacienda Zuleta, a historic retreat and working farm that offers active experiences such as horseback riding, hiking, and cycling, as well as cultural activities such as traditional embroidery, indigenous village visits and a special Andrean Condor rehabilitation project.
Day 7: Today you will fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, where you will board a luxury catamaran for the next 4 nights as you cruise around these magnificent islands.
Days 8-10: Enjoy three full days exploring the Galapagos Islands by sea, coming in close proximity to incredible wildlife on walks and dives with your expert naturalist guide, including sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, iguanas and a wide range of endemic birds. In between explorations, enjoy chef-prepared meals, a relaxing private balcony, and incredible stargazing on board.
Day 11: Disembark back on Baltra Island and fly from the Galapagos back to the mainland to connect to your onward flight home.
