Luxury Travel in Ecuador

Northern Ecuador

Hacienda Zuleta

Number of Rooms: 17

Style: Charming, historical, cosy

Location: Avenue of Volcanoes, 2 hours Northeast of Quito

Promising an authentic experience for each and every one of their guests, Hacienda Zuleta provides a family atmosphere within the historical walls of the property. This 17th century hotel is also the working-farm and home of former Ecuador President Galo Plaza Lasso and his family. The ex-President was a farmer at heart and was the first person to bring Holstein Cows, systematic seed selection and tractors to Ecuador- revolutionising farming, starting right here in Zuleta. During a stay here, expect to be told stories of the Hacienda’s past and what went on throughout this beautiful property, surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Avenue of Volcanoes. Authentically decorated, each of the 17 rooms feature their own fireplace, comfortable anti-allergenic bedding and a hot water bottle, adding to the personalised service that the Hacienda is known for. The farm to plate cuisine offers mouth-watering, authentic Ecuadorean Cuisine.

QUITO

Casa Gangotena

Number of Rooms: 31

Style: Art Deco, colonial, luxurious

Location: San Francisco Plaza, Quito

A mansion that once housed republica-era presidents, which was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1914 was restored and turned into the eloquent and luxurious Casa Gangotena as it is known today. In a privileged location across from the historical San Francisco Plaza, the hotel makes up part of the city of Quito’s cultural heritage inventory. The mansion offers unrivaled views of the towering mountains and volcanoes of its surrounds. The building houses exquisite art and original, lovingly restored ceilings and decadent features. Fine antiques and beige Egyptian marble contribute to the buildings Art Deco vibe and makes its guests feel like they are a part of the buildings rich history. Each of the 31 colonial style rooms feature luxurious upholstery, fine linens, rich furnishings and striking attention to detail. The property also offers sumptuous suite options with high-end finishes for a picturesque experience. The onsite restaurant offers it’s guests the chance to enjoy a taste of Ecuador’s past, present and future.

La Casona de La Ronda

Number of Rooms: 22

Style: Comfortable, authentic, unique

Location: Historical Centre, Quito

In the heart of Quito, La Casona de la Ronda offers an oasis of greenery in the city’s historic centre. As soon as you enter through the properties distinct wooden doors and into the buildings stone walls, you’ll instantly become a part of Ecuador’s rich history. The boutique hotel is housed in one of the oldest Spanish houses, originally built in 1738. The rooms all feature design influences from the bygone colonial era and are an authentic introduction to the Ecuadorian way of life. The property is well known for their friendly service and memorable atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurant allows their customers to experience the delights of the Ecuadorian cuisine in a unique environment for every meal.

Illa Experience Hotel

Number of Rooms:  10

Style: Elegant, timeless, cultural

Location: San Marcos, Quito

Class and relaxation effortlessly combine to produce the Illa Experience hotel. The property not only offers its guest a magnificent and luxurious place to lay their heads, it creates a unique opportunity to experience the Ecuadorian culture during their stay. Situated in the 400-year old residential neighbourhood of San Marcos, the property offers tastefully decorated rooms and a step back in time. Each floor takes inspiration from a different historical period with individual rooms offering a change in perspective. With no detail spared, each guest room features a private bathroom with marble features, L’Occitane amenities, a floor radiator with thermostat, blackout curtins, heated blankets and fine linens- just to name a few. The properties restuarant, run by two highly renowned chefs serves dishes inspired by local ingredients and the strong gastronomic culture in Ecuador.

Tren Crucero (Quito to Guayaquil)

Recognised as the leading luxury train in South America from 2014-2018, the Tren Crucero is a modern, electric diesel and lovingly restored way to travel from Quito to Guayaquil. Carrying only 50 passengers in the two luxury, Republican and Colonial-style passenger cars, personalised service is guaranteed for all on board. A bar and gift shop with two observation lounges make up the rest of this beautiful, historical train. The deeply passionate guides and bartenders on board will share with you information about the sacred lands that you are travelling through and the local cultures which inhabit them. The train is stocked with snacks, fresh-juices, coffee, teas, soft and alcoholic drinks for your enjoyment all day. The boutique Tren Crucero train will take you on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful Andean Mountains in its luxury carriages as you enjoy luxury partner properties for your accommodation each night.

CLOUD FOREST

Mashpi Lodge

Number of Rooms: 23

Style: Contemporary, sleek, luxurious

Location: Mashpi Forest, Ecuador

Nestled among 3000 acres of private reserve in the magical lush jungles of Ecuador, lies the remarkable Mashpi Lodge. The lodges ability to reconnect people with nature, with groundbreaking modern design is astounding. The intimate luxury that the lodge offers along with the captivating views of the surrounding jungle through floor to ceiling windows leave their guests feeling like they are in a fairytale. Mashpi lodge is not only a hotel, it provides its visitors with a whole world to discover upon their arrival. The diverse eco-system on which the lodge is situated in is continually studied and part of the lodges sustainable tourism and forest preservation concept. Each of the 23 spacious and contemporary rooms ensure that guests can lie back and watch the greatest show on earth unfold before their eyes, the jungle. Each dish served in the lodges two story dining room takes its visitors on a journey from the coast to the Andes, drawing inspiration from Ecuadorian flavours and traditions.

Cable Car Experience Mashpi Cloud Forest

Experience the forest like you never have before aboard The Dragonfly. This state-of-the-art, open air cable car system carries you across, over and sometimes directly through the forest canopy whilst you sit back, relax and take in the beauty around you. Considered to be the highlight of any trip to Mashpi, the Dragonfly is set to excite all of your senses in an intimate journey through the forest. Consisting of four gondolas (carrying up to 4 guests with 1 guide), two main stations, six towers and an intermediate station if you wish to get off early, the cable car journey is a purely unique way to see the jungle. The guides can stop the gondolas at any point if something catches your eye or simply if you want the moment to last a little longer. The entire circuit takes around 40 minutes and will last with you a lifetime.

AMAZON LODGES & RIVERBOAT

La Selva

Number of Rooms: 19

Style: Pristine, remote, natural

Location: Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador

Deep in the Amazon Jungle paradise awaits you at La Selva Eco-lodge and Spa. Offering you an oasis of relaxation, the lodge, which was remodelled in 2012 offers a variety of high end suites which were constructed based on their surrounding rainforest atmosphere and inspired by local native designs. Overlooking Lake Gorzacocha, La Selva allows guests to still experience a unique and authentic jungle experience but with maximum levels of comfort. Boasting delicious and unique food, the onsite restaurant serves food only using the highest quality of ingredients, sourced locally where possible. After a busy of exploring the surrounding rivers and trails of the jungle, relax with a treatment from La Selva’s spa. The property also features a 38 metre observation tower which enables its guests to see the incredible views of the rain forest canopy and the different bird and mammal species that make it their home.

Napo Wildlife Centre

Number of Rooms: 20

Style: Eco-friendly, remote, enchanting

Location: Añangu Lake, Yasuní National Park, Ecuador

Adventure and luxury perfectly coexist here at the Napo Wildlife Centre. The eco-lodge promises to reward visitors who make the unique journey to reach it with a taste of opulence deep in the jungle, incredible service and most importantly an abundance of wildlife. The 20 cabins built on the banks of the lagoon allow spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and the perfect place to rest during your stay. The design is based around the panoramic central tower which can be considered the main hub of the property. In the tower you will find resting areas with amazing views, an observation platform, a meeting room, bar, restaurant and a souvenir boutique. The eco-lodge is highly dedicated to conservation which is evident through their choices such as energy being generated by solar panels, industrial batteries and silent generators. Because of changes like this, the lodge was named as Ecuador’s Leading Green Hotel for 2018, a well deserved award for all of the hard environmental effort put in by the Napo Wildlife Centre.

Anakonda (Amazon River Cruise)

Number of Rooms: 18

Style: Modern, sleek, ergonomic

What better way to explore the depths of the most biodeverse place on earth than on board the only luxury ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rain forest. The Anakonda, built in 2013 is a river expedition vessel giving passengers the opportunity to experience the most comprehensive and unique adventure possible. With the highest of technical specifications to accomodate up to 40 passengers in it’s 18 suites, the vessel is moving luxury at its finest. Allow yourself to experience moments of self-indulgence as you enjoy the Anakonda retreat of excellent service, delicious food and temporal living spaces to relax in and to comprehend this remote corner of the globe. All suites feature ample sitting areas with large and comfortable beds, air-conditioning systems in each room, large panoramic windows and private bathrooms. Relax in the common reading room, the bar-salon, al fresco lounge, outdoor jacuzzi, solarium or the awe-inspiring observation deck and enjoy world-class cuisine in the main indoor dining room.

Sacha Lodge

Number of Rooms: 26

Style: Serene, simplistic, comfotable

Location: Pilchicocha Lake, Amazon Basin, Ecuador

Sacha Lodge is located beside the tranquil oxbow lake, Pilchicocha, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin – 80km downstream from the port town of Coca. Rich in history, spanning from humble beginnings in 1991 when construction began on the property to now, when the property is situated on 5,000 acres of land the lodge has continued to seamlessly blend into its surrounds. The resident wildlife are quite literally at your doorstep with giant otters ducking and diving as you enjoy breakfast, caimans glide under the walkways and monkeys gossip outside your window.  Adventure and up close wildlife experiences does not mean the sparing of luxury and comfort. The lodge has built cabins constructed from local materials providing 26 rooms with serene accommodation designs. Each guestroom contains two double beds, a bathroom with a flushing toilet and hot water shower, a ceiling fan and screened windows. The high thatched roofs provide shade for the private terraces attached to each cabin making it is the perfect place to relax on hammocks between activities. There is also a dining room, bar and lounge which offer incredible views across Lake Pilchicocha.

CUENCA

MANSIÓN ALCÁZAR(BOUTIQUE HOTEL)

Number of Rooms: 19

Style: Colonial, ambient, lavish

Location: Cuenca, Ecuador

A wave of colonial charm and exquisite interior design hits you once you set foot in Mansion Alcázar. The carefully chosen furniture, curated art pieces and crystal chandeliers all contribute to the ambiance of the hotel, inspired by that of the Republic of Ecuador at the end of the 19th century. Located in the heart of Cuenca, a Cultural Heritage City of Humanity (UNESCO), the main building houses 19 rooms, all exuding old-world charm with the perfect balance of modern amenities. The gem of the property though is considered to be the perfectly maintained tranquil gardens which attract hummingbirds, luscious plants and beautifully blooming flowers. The gardens paths lead to the building which houses the relaxing spa. Casa Alonso, the properties restaurant serves Ecuadorian and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Head to the onsite bar after your evening meal to enjoy a glass of wine or a peaceful cocktail. A stay at Mansion Alcázar will have you feeling as though you have travelled back in time to a traditional home full of memories and stories of the past.