From the historic marvels of cities like Quito and Cuenca, to the wild wonders of the Amazon rainforest and Andean peaks, Ecuador is a dazzling patchwork of breathtaking sights. Book a hotel here and you can walk in the shadow of immaculately preserved 17th century churches or lose yourself in cobblestoned colonial lanes. Maybe you would rather venture out and take in some of the world’s most panoramic mountain vistas or see the natural wonders of the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands? It’s all here waiting for you!
Where to Stay in Ecuador
Quito — Book a hotel in Ecuador’s capital city and location of the best-preserved colonial city centre in Latin America, Quito was in fact one of the very first World Cultural Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO in 1978. With an almost perfectly preserved colonial quarter situated within stunning city walls, and a lively modern-day city beyond, Quito offers the very best of both old-world charm and modern-day vibrancy.
Banos — More than just the adventure capital of Ecuador, Banos is pretty much the adventure capital of all South America. Situated rather dramatically at the foot of an active volcano, Banos boasts natural hot springs for you to soak in after a hard day adventuring. THere are activities that include rafting, canyoning, horseback riding, paragliding, trekking, rock climbing, biking, ziplining and kayaking available here, so you’ll certainly need a rest at the end of every day.
Galapagos Islands — Renowned as the isolated archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin’s revolutionary Theory of Natural Selection, the Galapagos Islands are a stunning example of desolate beauty. Home to an incredible selection of wildlife that includes giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas, the islands are a magnet for professional and amateur natural historians alike.
Cuenca — Another UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site, Cuenca is more than just Ecuador’s third largest city. It’s also a lively example of colonial architecture and heritage, and is the capital of Azuay Province. Book a hotel here for a great cultural break.
How to Make the Most of Your Hotel in in Ecuador
From its famous colonial cities and charming rural mountain villages, to its Amazonian tribes-people, Ecuador is almost a textbook cross-section of Latin American sights and sounds. Add to that the incredible scenery of places like Ayampe and Olon, both spectacular coastal retreats, or former gold-mining towns like Zaruma, and you have more than you could possibly absorb in one visit.
If all of the adventure in Banos isn’t enough to keep you busy, then you could always hit the Pacific coast for some incredible surfing, go whitewater rafting through the jungle on the Oriente or hiking in one of Ecuador’s national parks. The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is home to a stunning complex of lakes and creeks and it boasts some of the planet’s highest biodiversity. Ecuador is often called the adventure capital of South America: get your adrenaline kicks here!
