Active volcanoes, the Galapagos Islands, colonial cities, bustling ports, exquisite beaches, wildlife reserves, and tropical rainforest, it’s amazing how much can fit into such a small country. Ecuador is jam-packed with things to do and places to see from the Amazon Basin to the Pacific shores. If you’re not sure what you want to do on your next luxury vacation, come to Ecuador and you can do it all.
Ecuador is a traveler’s dream, it allures the thrill-seeker, sun-worshipper, romantic, culture guru, and nature lover. Starting in the north are some of Ecuador’s most beautiful beaches stretching along the Pacific, fringed by tropical wet forests. Try a ceviche while soaking up the sun in Esmeraldas and you’ll never want to leave. Move inland into the Andes Highlands where you’ll find active volcanoes, thermal baths, and a wealth of wildlife scattered across the sierra. Ecuador’s capital Quito sits on the staggering slopes of Pichincha, an active volcano. Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is a testament to Ecuador’s colonial past with incredible architecture, stunning cathedrals, breathtaking monuments like El Pancecillo, and streets that thrive with Ecuador’s vibrant culture.
The feverish rainforest of the Amazon basin spills onto Ecuador’s eastern Andean foothills. The lush vegetation is home to a diverse population of wildlife and eco-friendly luxury safari resorts. You can feast your eyes on monkeys, birds, caimans, birds, fascinating plants, and more birds.
Other hotspots in Ecuador include Cuenca, another UNESCO World Heritage site with fantastic colonial architecture. Just outside Cuenca is the adventure traveler’s haven Banes, a gorgeous, verdant town hugged by jungles, thermal baths, waterfalls, volcanoes, and spectacular trails. Salinas is a glittery beach resort along Ecuador’s southern coast and surfers need to look no further than Montanita.
And last, but certainly not least, are the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador’s wilderness of an archipelago floating in the Pacific. Largely undeveloped and unspoiled, the Galapagos Islands can feel like the last place on earth with fearless wildlife and plants seen nowhere else on Earth. You may not be able to swim on giant turtles, but you can go snorkeling and scuba diving in the turquoise water among fascinating fish and vibrant sea life.