ECUADOR
Bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific, Ecuador packs an extraordinary range of landscapes into a remarkably small footprint — one of only seventeen countries in the world considered mega-diverse.
With the Galápagos Islands just 600 miles offshore and the Amazon and the Andes both on the mainland, Ecuador is one of the most natural starting points for a South America itinerary, and pairs beautifully with a Galápagos cruise or an Amazon lodge stay.
Must-Sees
The Galápagos Islands
The perfect way to begin or end an Ecuador itinerary, the Galápagos offer some of the most extraordinary and unafraid wildlife on Earth. See our dedicated Galápagos page for the full experience, including our featured private yachts.
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Amazon Rainforest
Ecuador's stretch of the Amazon adds yet another dimension to the country's natural range. Spend your days canoeing the river or hiking its banks from one of the region's excellent lodges. See our dedicated Amazon page to explore the full range of options.
Cloud Forest
High in the misty mountains, Ecuador's cloud forest is one of the richest ecosystems on the planet for flora and fauna alike. The constant moisture sustains an extraordinary density of life, from hummingbirds to orchids, making it a must for any nature lover.
Quito's Historic District
Set high in the Andes on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, Quito's historic center was among the first sites in the world to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1978. Home to over 2.5 million people, Quito makes an excellent and comfortable base for adventures throughout the country.
Unique Sites
Mashpi Reserve and Lodge
The ultimate cloud forest experience, Mashpi is a fully immersive nature reserve paired with one of Ecuador's most genuinely luxurious lodges. Committed to conservation, Mashpi offers guests an intimate, expertly guided view of one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems.
Otavalo
Thirty minutes north of Quito, Otavalo transforms into an explosion of color and craft on market day, set against a backdrop of volcanoes and waterfalls — a rewarding stop whether you're shopping for textiles or simply taking in the scene.
Mitad del Mundo
Literally "the Middle of the World," this monument twenty miles north of Quito marks the equator line and the divide between hemispheres. Stand in both hemispheres at once, and visit the accompanying museum tracing humanity's progress in astronomy and geography.
Devil's Nose Train
Construction on this railway connecting Quito and Guayaquil began in 1899, and quickly ran into a formidable obstacle: a 765-meter cliff face known as El Nariz del Diablo. Engineers overcame it by carving the tracks into a zigzag pattern, allowing the train to descend the cliff much like a falling leaf — a genuinely remarkable feat of early 20th-century engineering.
Activities in Ecuador
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Snorkeling and wildlife excursions in the Galápagos
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Canoeing and hiking in the Amazon
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Guided birdwatching in the cloud forest
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Historic walking tours of Quito
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Market visits in Otavalo
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Scenic rail journey along the Devil's Nose
