Ecuador Luxury Holidays

Ecuador may be the smallest of the Andean countries, but there’s no shortage of wildlife to see and landscapes to explore. Straddling both sides of the equator, the country offers everything from snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches. And the country’s culture is just as varied as the surroundings, stemming from both indigenous practices and colonial influences. Be transported back in time at the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca and explore the historic cities of Quito and Cuenca. For phenomenal wildlife viewing, visit the Galapagos Islands. Located 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast, and described by Darwin as ‘a little world within itself’, the volcanic archipelago tops many travellers’ bucket lists. Undertake your own expedition on a luxury liveaboard to see penguins, seals, iguanas and lizards (to name just a few). Enjoy all of this and more in comfort on one of our Ecuador luxury holidays.

Stretching across two hemispheres, Ecuador is a land of incredible contrasts, roughly divided into three continental regions: the Costa (coast), Sierra (mountains), and Oriente (east). The coastal lowlands are characterised by sandy beaches and a tropical climate, with small towns such as Canoa and Montañita that are famous for their surfing. The Avenue of the Volcanoes runs 375 miles from north to south, making up the Sierra (mountain) region, and includes Mount Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. It’s worth rising early to reach the summit before sunrise for stunning views of the dramatic landscapes. The Sierra provides the backdrop for most Ecuadorian cities, including Quito, Cuenca, Riobamba and Ibarra. Here you’ll also find the town of Otavalo, home to incredible woven tapestries and artisan offerings at one of the largest indigenous craft markets in South America.

Deep in the Amazon rainforest (El Oriente), traditional Kichwa Anangu settlements nestle within the dense foliage. Undertake your own exploration of the enigmatic jungle surroundings aboard a luxury river cruiser, or during a stay at an ecolodge, and learn about the community’s ancestral customs and indigenous ceremonies. It’s details like these that make our Ecuador luxury holidays a once-in-a lifetime experience. Hiking, embroidery workshops, birding trips and cooking classes are additional activities which will immerse you in the Amazonian lifestyle.

For the ultimate ecological excursion, the Galapagos Islands are an unmissable experience and can be enjoyed as part of our Ecuador luxury holidays. Providing the inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the islands are some of the most magical and significant destinations on the planet. Your own journey to the islands – which sit 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador - can be done in the height of comfort aboard a luxurious vessel. Snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are additional activities you’ll be able to enjoy, as you hop from island to island along the archipelago.