Destinations
Ecuador Andean Highlands (also known as the Sierra) is the most visited region in the country. Its cultural and natural diversity spans grassy highlands (paramo), cloud forests, mountain lakes, active volcanoes, thermal baths, indigenous markets, colonial towns and historical haciendas amaze visitors of all ages and origins.
In the sierra valleys fields of corn, barley, wheat, and quinoa, paint landscapes with of gold, lilac, and amethyst patterns that gradually transform with the passing of playful clouds.
South of Quito, the Andes mountain chain runs from north to south to form the “Avenue of the Volcanos” providing the most spectacular views as you travel along the countryside.
- Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is known as one of the most beautiful capitals in Latin America and is considered the largest preserved colonial city in the continent. Quito is an authentic gem worth visiting.
- Historical haciendas
- Colonial properties and private homes
- Contemporary artists ateliers-homes
- Indigenous Markets: Imbabura, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo provinces
- The Andean mountain range: Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Historic Center: churches, convents, and museums
- Archeological Sites lead by historians, anthropologists and archeologists: Chordeleg a pre-Incan town, and The Ingapirca Ruins where The Temple of The Sun (astrological observatory) and Cañari-Inca Castle are located.
- Handicraft route: art galleries, antiquaries, ceramic and pottery art, weavings, fine-straw hats (Panama hats)
- Papallacta Thermal Waters
- Baños De Agua Santa
- Mindo Cloud Forest
- Glamping at Antisana National Park
- Quilotoa Lake – Loop Hike
- Tren Ecuador – Ecuadorian Cruise Train
- Cajas National Park
- Vilcabamba Valley
The Coast
Pacific Ocean currents meet on the Ecuadorian coast creating a rich combination of tropical forests, savannas, cliffs, and sandy beaches. The archaeological evidence has established that Ecuador was inhabited for at least 4,500 years before the rise of the Inca Empire.
This region plays a large role for Ecuador’s economy due to Guayaquil´s commercial importance as the country’s largest port. The coastal provinces offer rich and diverse gastronomy with an abundance of seafood, cultural experiences, spectacular sightseeing opportunities and a variety of sports.
- Guayaquil City Center
- The Malecón includes a diverse exhibit of monuments, museums, gardens.
- Zaruma Historic Site, famous for its gold mines, artistic traditions, and fresh brewed coffee.
- Archeological sites
- Beaches in Santa Elena, Manabí and Esmeraldas Provinces, highlighting Puerto Cayo, Puerto López and particularly Los Frailes Beach.
- Humpback Whale watching, paragliding and surfing.
- Machalilla National Park: Isla de la Plata hosts a large variety of flora and fauna also found in the Galápagos.
The Amazon
This region awakens all the senses as travelers explore the rainforest and visit native communities in the area. The amazon is home to nine natural reserves including Yasuní National Park and offers deluxe lodging and river cruises on the Napo River.
All our programs include activities that highlight the culture of the area and its biodiversity.
- Excursions in the Huaorani Territory of Cuyabeno
- Comprehensive intercultural experiences with the local communities
- Understanding the cosmovision of local communities and their interaction with the forest
- Tiputini Biodiversity Station
- Yasuni National Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1989, it is the largest National Park in Ecuador and is considered to be one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Here you will see monkeys, reptiles and exotic birds of all sizes.
- The lodges and cruises offer a variety of adventure activities such as kayaking, hiking, rappelling, cavern visits and glamping.
- Specialized dawn and night tours for bird watching
Galápagos Islands
This is the notorious destination where Charles Darwin created his theory of evolution. The Galapagos Islands are one of the best-preserved islands in the world and considered to be a living museum where the fauna is fearless and free.
The Galapagos Islands can be visited aboard 5-star expedition cruise ships that have capacity for 8 to 90 passengers for a minimum of five-day programs.
A second option to visit the islands is by staying in luxury lodges that offer daily excursions with private transportation and guides.
- Considered one of the top diving sites in the world.
- Activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, biking and horseback riding, where one is guaranteed to be surrounded by fauna in its natural habitat
- Pristine beaches
- Lava tunnels and tortoise ranches.
- Charles Darwin Foundation Headquarters (scientific station)
- The “Wall of Tears” that represents the penal colony of 1946
- The flamingo lake
- White tip sharks reef
- Giant tortoise breeding center