Ecuador

© Mashpi Lodge
(4 addresses)

From the Galapagos Islands to the Amazon Jungle.

A small Latin American country, Ecuador combines a Pacific coastline with the Amazon rainforest, stretching on either side of the Andes Mountains. In the East, the region of the Amazon, the lodges set in the jungle will offer you the chance to explore wildlife by canoe or on foot. Volcanoes reign in the Sangay National Park and in that of Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano, while the Chimborazo stands as the roof of the country. In the Andes, the town of Otavalo, Nestled amongst the mountains, it is renowned for its craft market which attracts many visitors. Quito, the capital, and Cuenca, is a UNESCO World Heritage city, distinguished by the beauty of its historic centres, architectural masterpieces. On the Costa, by the ocean, seaside resorts invite relaxation on beaches fringed with coconut palms. A thousand kilometres from the Ecuadorian coast, the volcanic archipelago of Galápagos It contains a splendid ecosystem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These islands, Darwin's research laboratory, possess a unique fauna and flora, including centenarian tortoises, giant iguanas, endemic albatrosses and manta rays. You will discover a magnificent alternation of rocky landscapes, arid or tropical vegetation, and beaches with turquoise waters. Discovering Ecuador also means meeting a welcoming people, mixed with indigenous and colonial roots.

When to go to Ecuador

EXPLORING THE ANDES

June to September

Visit the Galapagos

January to May (sunny periods interspersed with showers)

ENJOY THE PACIFIC COAST

December to April

Our addresses in Ecuador

Casa Gangotena

Ecuador Quito

Style A private mansion with neo-classical architecture and Art Deco style Location On San Francisco Square, in the very heart of Quito Capacity 31 rooms retaining the splendour and elegance of a bygone era Highlights Private and exclusive visits to the Monastery and Church of San Francisco, as well as the Museo del Carmen Alto, are offered to Casa Gangotena guests.

Galapagos Safari Camp

Ecuador Galapagos

Style A tented camp hidden in the jungle, spread over 55 hectares of nature roamed by giant tortoises Location On the border of the Galapagos National Park, in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island Capacity 9 Safari-style Tents & 1 Family Suite Highlights The experiences are numerous: a safari to see wild animals, exploring the nearby islands by boat, diving in the Unesco Reserve...

Mashpi Lodge

Ecuador Andean Forest

Style Lodge with a contemporary, clean design opening onto the Ecuadorian jungle Location A 2,500-hectare reserve, just 100 km from Quito Capacity 24 rooms with large bay windows offering panoramic views of nature Highlights A paradise for nature lovers, the lodge offers an observation tower and Sky Bike rides to soar over the canopy.

Pikaia Lodge

Ecuador Galapagos

Style An ecolodge with a sleek, contemporary design, perched on 31 hectares of vegetation Location On Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, an archipelago off the coast of Ecuador Capacity 29 Rooms and Suites Highlights Pikaia offers the ideal base for discovering the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos, both on land and underwater, with its Unesco-listed reserves.

PLUS

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PRACTICAL GUIDE

ENTRANCE AND SECURITY

No visa required for a short stay
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after your departure date
- Visit to the Galápagos National Park limited to 20 days
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers arriving from an infected area

CLIMATE

In the Andes Mountains: dry season from June to August, rainy season from October to May
On the Pacific coast: dry season from June to October, rainy season (sunny) from November to May
Humid equatorial climate in the Amazon, drier weather from November to February
In the Galápagos: dry season from June to December (hazy skies), wet season from January to May

TIME DIFFERENCE

Ecuador is GMT-5
In summer, -7h time difference
- In winter, -6h time difference
Galapagos: -1 extra hour

LANGUAGE

Spanish is the official language
English mainly spoken in tourist areas
Quechua is the main indigenous language

HEALTH & VACCINATION

- Vaccination record update
- Anti-malarial treatment in certain regions
Yellow fever vaccination recommended
- Zika virus transmission area

CURRENCY

- The currency is the US Dollar
- 1 USD = €0.85 (July 2025)

ELECTRICITY

- 220 volts
- Usually with 2 flat pins
- Await an adapter

TIP

- Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated
- More common practice in the Galápagos

As this information may change, we invite you to consult
The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

LUXeTHIKA, a specialist in ethical luxury travel, creates exceptional bespoke journeys in Ecuador.