Ecuador

Ecuador, located in northwestern South America, is a diverse and captivating country crossed by the equator. Its history dates back to ancient Andean cultures and the mighty Inca Empire, followed by Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Quito, its capital, preserves a colonial old town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from snowy Andes and Amazon rainforest to Pacific beaches and the Galápagos Islands, famous for their unique biodiversity. Ecuador blends indigenous culture, colonial architecture, and lush nature.

-Galápagos Islands 

The Galápagos Islands, located about 1,000 km off Ecuador's coast, are a volcanic archipelago renowned for their unique biodiversity. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Each island hosts endemic species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Their pristine environment and volcanic landscapes make them a top ecotourism destination, offering diving, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Pikaia Lodge – Isla Santa Cruz 

-Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (5 stars)

Pikaia Lodge, located on Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, is an exclusive luxury hotel surrounded by nature and panoramic ocean views. Its elegant suites provide modern comfort and privacy, some with private terraces. The lodge features an infinity pool, spa, gourmet restaurant, and eco-tourism activities such as birdwatching and excursions to nearby natural sites. Perfect for travelers seeking a unique experience in Galápagos biodiversity, combining comfort, sustainability, and adventure in a privileged setting. It is a short distance from the beach and iconic attractions on the island.

-Middle of the World 

The Middle of the World, located near Quito, Ecuador, is an iconic monument marking the equatorial line, dividing the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Built in the 20th century, it commemorates the 18th-century French Geodesic Mission that determined the Earth's equatorial position. Visitors can perform experiments demonstrating unique equatorial effects, explore cultural museums, and enjoy panoramic views. It stands as a national symbol celebrating Ecuador's science, geography, and cultural diversity. 

ChaupimundoLodge

-Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (4 stars)

Chaupimundo Lodge is a boutique hotel located just 100 meters from the Monument to the Middle of the World in Quito, Ecuador. It offers 17 modern rooms with complimentary breakfast and views of the monument. Facilities include an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, and gym. Additionally, it features a restaurant, café, bar, and extensive recreational areas. Perfect for those seeking rest and comfort near the city's main tourist attractions. 

-Cotopaxi National Park 

Cotopaxi National Park, located in Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador, is one of the country's most iconic natural attractions. Its main highlight is the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes at 5,897 meters. Established in 1975, the park protects rich biodiversity, including llamas, Andean foxes, and many bird species. Its highland landscapes, lagoons, and mountains offer ideal opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation in a setting of stunning natural beauty. 

Hacienda Los Mortiños

-Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (4 stars)

Hacienda Los Mortiños is an exclusive hotel located on the slopes of Mount Cotopaxi, just 1.5 km from the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. It offers luxury rooms with panoramic views of the Cayambe, Rumiñahui, Sincholagua, and Cotacachi volcanoes. Guests can enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. Additionally, the 4 Volcanes restaurant provides a culinary experience with local products. It is the perfect place for those seeking adventure, nature, and relaxation in a privileged setting. 

-Holy Water Baths

Baños de Agua Santa, located in Tungurahua Province, Ecuador, is renowned for its thermal springs formed by the active Tungurahua Volcano. Known as the "Gateway to the Amazon," it blends nature, adventure, and spirituality. Visitors enjoy waterfalls like the Pailón del Diablo, extreme sports such as rafting and zip-lining, and soothing hot springs. The Basilica of the Virgin of the Holy Water is an important pilgrimage site. Baños offers a unique mix of Andean scenery and tropical rainforest. 

Samari Spa Resort 

-Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (5 stars)

Samari Spa Resort is a 4-hectare retreat in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, with over 300 years of history. Formerly owned by the Jesuit community, it offers a unique experience of relaxation and nature. The full-service spa includes a heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, Turkish bath, and polar bath. Rooms are decorated in colonial style and feature modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and private bathrooms. The La Casa de Piedra restaurant serves Ecuadorian dishes, and the peaceful setting is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Located in a safe area, it's ideal for resting and exploring nearby waterfalls and hot springs.

-Yasuni National Park 

Yasuní National Park, located in the Ecuadorian Amazon, is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it shelters thousands of plant, animal, and bird species, many found nowhere else. It is home to indigenous communities such as the Huaorani, Tagaeri, and Taromenane, who live in harmony with the rainforest. Its dense vegetation, clear rivers, and the sounds of nature offer a unique experience of connection with wildlife and ancient Amazonian culture. 

Napo Wildlife Center 

-Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (5 stars)

Napo Wildlife Center, located on the banks of the Napo River in the Ecuadorian Amazon, is a luxury ecolodge offering an immersive experience in the biodiversity of Yasuní National Park. Surrounded by pristine jungle, it features comfortable cabins with river views, guided wildlife and flora tours, canoe trips, and interpretive trails. Perfect for nature lovers, researchers, and families, it also allows interaction with local communities and learning about conservation. Its sustainable approach ensures a responsible stay, combining comfort, adventure, and environmental education in a unique tropical rainforest setting. 

-Avenue of the Volcanoes

The Avenue of the Volcanoes, located in Ecuador's Andean region, is an awe-inspiring natural corridor stretching between Quito and Riobamba. Named by German explorer Alexander von Humboldt, it features a chain of majestic volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Tungurahua. This route offers breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, and natural reserves showcasing Ecuador's ecological and cultural richness. It is a perfect destination for ecotourism, mountaineering, and photography, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Hacienda La Ciénega 

-Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (4 stars)

Hacienda La Ciénega, located at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano, is one of Ecuador's oldest colonial haciendas, boasting over 300 years of history. It offers a unique experience on the Avenue of the Volcanoes, blending colonial architecture with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, historical tours, and Ecuadorian cuisine. Its strategic location allows for exploration of the Cotopaxi National Park and nearby attractions. The hacienda features rooms decorated with 17th-century pieces, preserving its historical essence while providing contemporary comfort.

-Isla de la Plata

Isla de la Plata, located off the coast of Manabí near Puerto López, is known as the "Little Galápagos" for its rich biodiversity similar to the Galápagos Islands. Once a refuge for pirates and explorers, legends say it hides buried treasures. Today it belongs to Machalilla National Park and draws visitors for its marine wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and humpback whales seen from June to September. It's an ideal spot for ecotourism and diving.

Mantaraya Lodge 

-Rating: ⭐⭐ ⭐ (3 stars)

Mantaraya Lodge is a cozy Mediterranean-style hotel located in the heart of Machalilla National Park, just 2.5 km from Puerto López and near Isla de la Plata. It offers 15 rooms equipped with air conditioning, private bathroom, and a balcony with a hammock. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, restaurant serving Ecuadorian and international cuisine, and activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, and excursions to Isla de la Plata.

-Otavalo Market 

The Otavalo Market, located in the city of Otavalo in Imbabura Province, is one of the most famous indigenous markets in South America. Its history dates back to pre-Columbian times, when Andean peoples traded agricultural and handcrafted goods. Today, it is a vibrant cultural center selling textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and traditional items made by the skilled Otavaleños. Saturdays are the busiest days, attracting national and international visitors seeking Ecuadorian art, color, and tradition. 

La Posada del Quinde 

-Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (4.5 stars)

La Posada del Quinde is an eco-friendly hotel offering a culturally immersive experience in Otavalo, Ecuador. Located just minutes from the Otavalo Market, it features comfortable rooms with garden or mountain views, perfect for families and groups. Guests can engage in workshops with local artisans and savor traditional cuisine at Café Pachamama. The hotel also boasts a fireplace lounge, terrace, garden, and free parking. Its commitment to sustainability and Otavalo's culture provides an authentic and enriching stay.

-Cajas National Park 

Cajas National Park, located about 30 kilometers from Cuenca, Ecuador, is a natural gem of the Andes. With over 200 glacial lakes, it offers breathtaking landscapes perfect for hiking and birdwatching. Its altitude ranges from 3,000 to 4,400 meters, forming a unique Andean páramo ecosystem. In pre-Columbian times, it was an important route along the Inca Trail. Today, it is a protected destination that blends history, biodiversity, and scenic beauty.

Oro Verde Cuenca 

-Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (4.5 stars)

Hotel Oro Verde Cuenca is a luxury accommodation located in the heart of the city, approximately a 25-minute walk from Cajas National Park. This five-star hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a gourmet restaurant, outdoor pool, and wellness services such as sauna and massages. Additionally, it is pet-friendly, allowing pets to stay under certain conditions. Its strategic location provides easy access to cultural and natural attractions, making it ideal for those seeking comfort and proximity to the natural surroundings of Cajas.

-Chimborazo Volcano 

The Chimborazo Volcano, located in Chimborazo Province, Ecuador, is the country's highest peak and the closest point to the sun due to Earth's equatorial bulge. Standing at 6,263 meters, it is a national symbol and a top destination for climbers and nature lovers. Once revered by ancient Andean peoples as a deity, Chimborazo features breathtaking scenery, massive glaciers, and unique biodiversity, home to vicuñas and llamas. 

Chimborazo Lodge 

-Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (4 stars)

Chimborazo Lodge is located 4,000 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve, at the foot of the majestic Chimborazo volcano. This lodge offers a unique experience with panoramic views, heated rooms, an international cuisine restaurant, and a rustic, cozy atmosphere. Guests can enjoy hikes through the surrounding moors, wildlife spotting of vicuñas and rabbits, and starry skies at night. It is the ideal place for those seeking tranquility, nature, and adventure in the Ecuadorian Andes.