A tailormade tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos
What sets this luxury yacht apart from its competitors is the staggeringly size of the cabins – over 340sq. ft. of your own space. At times, it is easy to forget you are on a boat! The best way to remind yourself that you are, is to step out onto the cabin’s equally roomy, private balcony and take in the stunning panoramic views of the Galapagos.
This opulent hotel resides in Guayaquil’s Parque Histórico (Historic Park). Built on the bank of the Rio Daule and surrounded by the botanical gardens of the park, Hotel del Parque is a tranquil haven in Ecuador’s most populous city. The hotel has a fascinating history: Originally built in 1890, it was painstakingly deconstructed and rebuilt in its new location in the 1980s.
Mashpi lodge must be seen to be believed. Built on the site of a former timber mill, this architectural marvel is surrounded by 2,500 acres of pristine Cloud forest reserve. Incredibly, not a single tree was felled in creating the property or the single access road.
Our pick of the hotels on Isla Isabela. The Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel is the newest property in Puerto Villamil and, for us, delivers on all fronts. Located on a beautiful beach, you really can sit and watch iguanas crossing the golden sand dunes; all from the comfort of the picturesque poolside or rooftop terrace!
This lavish hotel have prime location on Plaza de San Francisco, overlooking the bustling square and imposing Baroque church of the same name. Whilst most the original colonial mansion was destroyed in a fire in 1914, the property was gloriously rebuilt over the next decade by Quito’s esteemed Gangotena family, with a neoclassic façade and art deco interior.
A beautifully restored 10-bedroom property that dates back over 300 years, the Illa Experience Hotel flawlessly blends colonial history and contemporary design. The hotel embraces its San Marcos neighbourhood location, famous for the artistic community that has thrived in this part of the city’s Old Town.
Trains are wonderful ... To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life. So wrote Agatha Christie and who are we to argue.
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest and most populated city. Sitting on the Pacific coast, the city is also the main entry point to hundreds of miles of stunning coastline. However, there is more to this area that just beautiful beaches. Humpback whales can be seen breaching spectacularly out of the ocean; all three species of Boobies can be found all on one island; rare coastal cloud forests can be explored...and did we mention the beaches?!
Ecuador’s southern region is markedly different to the dramatic geography of the other parts of the country. The peaceful, unpopulated southern sierra offers a far more tranquil way of life. The jewel in this bucolic crown is Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city. Yet with a population of only 200,000, it is a world apart from Quito and Guayaquil.
First things first - what’s the difference between a Cloud forest and a Rain forest? We’re not witty enough to offer a punchline, so let’s stick to the science! The key difference is elevation. Cloud forests are found on higher ground, typically between 1,800 – 3,500m. Consequently, they are much less humid, offering a cooler climate that results in the mesmerizing mist layers that shroud the forest for at least a part of each day.
We can help: Call us direct on:
SEE OUR SPECIALIST SITES:
LUXURY AFRICA SAFARIS »
SOUTH AMERICA TRAVEL »
ANTARCTICA HOLIDAYS »Planning a trip?
UK: +44 1525 306 555
US: +1-917-336-2937