From haciendas to five-star hotels, visitors will find a terrific variety of accommodation in Ecuador. Whether traditional, modern or eclectic; on land or on water; there's something for everyone, each with its own special character and the warm welcome of the Ecuadorian people.
Accommodation in Ecuador: Areas and Options
The areas you plan to visit in Ecuador will largely determine the style of accommodation most suited to your needs. If, for example, you are heading to a city such as Quito or Guayaquil, you could choose a luxury hotel with all the added extras. Haciendas offer peace and tranquillity in the countryside, while jungle lodges are made for exploring the mysteries of the Amazon. Boats are a fundamental form of travel in Ecuador; those who are Galapagos-bound can choose to rest their heads on land or at sea, while certain remote reaches of the country are only accessible on water. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of accommodation on offer in epic Ecuador.
Historic Hotels
Those in search of traditional Ecuadorian culture should include Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil in their trip, where city hotels run the gamut from tiny, charming ‘casas’ to luxury palaces. The Plaza Grande is an iconic hotel in Ecuador’s captivating capital of Quito. Located in the former home of one of the city’s founding fathers, it offers visitors the chance to stay in an original colonial mansion, complete with a spa, champagne bar, and unbeatable views of Plaza de la Independencia to boot. Oozing old world elegance, Patio Andaluz is an excellent example from Quito’s small hotels scene, while Guayaquil’s imposing Hotel del Parque boasts substantial period-yet-contemporary rooms and exquisite riverside dining at Casa Julian.
Highland Haciendas
Grand highland farming estates are one of the biggest attractions when it comes to accommodation in Ecuador. Converted into magnificent lodgings, many are truly luxurious and bursting with colonial details augmented by modern comforts and conveniences. Some are still working farms, making – and serving – their own produce, and keeping horses for guests to ride. Two great options for lovers of riding and walking are Hacienda Zuleta, a 4,000-acre estate surrounded by the natural beauty of the Andes and fertile farming valleys, and Hacienda Cusin, a restored 17th century estate set in a wide scenic valley south of the snow-capped Imbabura Mountain. Just over an hour from Quito, Hacienda San Agustin de Callo offers trekking in Cotopaxi National Park, and mountain biking on the slopes of the volcano itself. Guests can also go riding in Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, visit the crater lake of Quilotoa, or drive to Chimborazo National Park to see wild vicuñas in their natural habitat.
Jungle Lodges
While also scattered along the coast, lodges are mostly found in Ecuador’s forested regions. Often made from natural materials and designed to blend into the landscape, they serve as excellent bases for exploring the surrounding environment. Rustic resorts offer simple cabanas with thatched roofs, while luxury lodges have all the modern comforts. Mashpi Lodge, in biodiverse Tumbez-Choco-Magdalena, offers unrivalled access to the Andean cloud forest. The contemporary rooms and suites boast full length windows for spotting the local flora and fauna and guests can enjoy guided walks along the many trails, as well as admiring the orchid garden, lagoons and waterfalls. Owned by the local community, the Napo Wildlife Centre jungle lodge is located within the Yasuní National Park - an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The lodge itself is beautiful with local architecture and hardwood floors, while the guest cabanas have lake-view terraces, ceiling fans, private bathrooms and hot water showers. Ideal for intrepid travellers, the only way to access the lodge is via plane from Quito to Coca, followed by a motorised canoe journey down the Napo River, before finally reaching the lodge in small dugout canoes.
Amazon River Cruises and Camping
An unrivalled way to experience the delights of the remote Ecuadorian Amazon is aboard a river cruise. Visitors to this region can meet with local communities and immerse themselves in the rainforest, while enjoying the creature comforts of luxury vessel, The Anakonda. The boat has 18 large suites, all featuring seating areas, ensuite bathrooms and panoramic windows. There’s an on-board restaurant, on-deck Jacuzzi and al fresco lounge, which is ideal for an evening cocktail. A potential addition to the cruise involves a night or more glamping in the heart of the rainforest itself. Despite the wild surroundings, the accommodation is remarkably comfortable, and camps include hot showers and gourmet meals.
Sailing and Glamping in The Galapagos
Formed after a collision of volcanoes around 60 million years ago, the Galapagos’ 13 main islands are packed with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Visitors can choose to sail the pristine waters aboard a luxury boat, stopping regularly to hike through lava tunnels and search for the ‘Galapagos 15’, the famed species that include curious sea lions, giant tortoises and serene turtles. The vessels boast stylish and comfortable interiors while the alfresco spaces are an invitation to spy dolphins swimming below or enjoy a little sunshine while soaking up the scenery. For an alternative immersion into the ‘enchanted isles’ of the Galapagos, travellers can choose to stay in stylish tents on an array of islands. Spend mornings watching the sun rise over the lush landscape and evenings relaxing over drinks back at the comfortable camp.
Above are some of the most popular types of accommodation in Ecuador, but here at Original Travel we specialise in all types of holidays. Call our experts to organise your perfect tailor-made trip, starting with lodgings you’ll love.
