Luxury Ecuador Holidays

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Volcanoes snow-covered and smouldering, the Amazon at maximum biodiversity, Galápagos currents dance with life.

pikaia_lodge_penguins_wwmhgw Up close and personal with Ecuador's colourful wildlife on an excursion with Pikaia Lodge

Ecuador sits modestly in the northwest corner of a continent of giants. This country is at least 30 times smaller than Brazil, and for all it lacks in size, it makes up for in immense diversity. An impressive array of unique wildlife, breathtaking vistas and ancient cultures account for Ecuador's identity as a premium destination. From each corner, landscapes unfold in startling variety. Where different ecosystems overlap and interact, there is an interplay of unique species seen nowhere else on our planet. Ecuador is renowned for being the world's most environmentally diverse county within compact borders. Framed by natural wonders, in the east, the Ecuadorian Amazon bursts to the brim at peak biodiversity, and westward, the Pacific Ocean expands endlessly towards the Galápagos - an isolated archipelago entirely ruled by the wild. Naturalists and scientists, such as Alexander von Humboldt and Charles Darwin, established theories of our understanding of life on Earth in Ecuador. Yet, the country's rich cultural heritage prior to this is even more deeply connected to the environment. Within this supremely dramatic setting and with the presence of seismic movement beneath smoking volcanoes, the settlements here have naturally formed a respect for the overwhelming presence of Pachamama - mother nature. Flying into the meeting place of two hemispheres, Quito is all about variety and balance. In an awesome setting, a fusion of cultural perspectives is etched into the capital's checker-board streets. Pre-Colombian art and materials are showcased amongst Baroque architecture. Prior to Spanish colonisation and even the late arrival of the Incas, a patchwork of indigenous populations were already established on the land. Journey to Otavalo in the foothills of Imbabura, where markets illuminate the Sierra with warm local pride, just as they had done 3,000 years ago. Acclimatise to altitudes and follow the cordillera of mountains south towards Cotopaxi and the Ring of Fire, where pathways of the Incas remain. Ecuador's mainland has two contrasting centres. The sprawling coastal city of Guayaquil in the lowland south acts as Quito's counter-balance. From any bustling centre, the countryside is never far away. The lowland tropics surrounding Guayaquil and Cuenca have an entirely different feel. Tube down the paths of winding rivers, learn about the harvest on haciendas, and try your own handmade chocolate picked from just outside your family-run lodge.Ecuador gets its name from its unique placement on our globe. Life on the equatorial line is popping with opportunities for experiencing culture and nature different to anywhere else on our planet, up close and personal. 

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Featured Ecuador Trips

Our trip ideas are presented as a guide for inspiration. Tell us about your interests and how you like to travel, and our Luxury Travel Specialists will craft your ideal luxury tailor made holiday.

When to go to Ecuador

June to September are the busiest times of year to visit Ecuador, especially the Galapagos Islands, due to school holidays. This is also the driest time of year, but that doesn't necessarily mean the best time to travel as it's chillier, often choppier out at sea, and visibility is poor for diving. December to May offer calmer seas making for excellent sailing conditions and often sunny mornings ideal for beach trips. But bear in mind this warmer time of year is also the rainy season, so you can expect afternoon showers. The rainforests are wet year-round, but they can be particularly soggy this time of year, too, with some areas inaccessible, so you'll likely be travelling by boat.

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Josh Flatman
Josh Flatman

Luxury Travel Specialist

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Your Luxury Accommodation Options in Ecuador

Our fantastic relationships mean you get preferential treatment as a Wayfairer client & access to our excellent rates. View a selection of our favourite accommodations.

Anakonda Amazon Cruises

Anakonda Amazon Cruises

Access deeper parts of Ecuador’s Amazon, uncover wildlife and cultures seen by only the few, and go ...

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Galapagos Safari Camp

Galapagos Safari Camp

Enter the land roamed by wild giant tortoises, right on the borders of the Galapagos National park, ...

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Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge

Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge

This lodge is in a spectacular location, boasting panoramic views of the mountain range and has tons...

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La Selva Ecolodge

La Selva Ecolodge

This lodge is inaccessible by road. From Coca, a two-hour motorized canoe ride down the Napo River a...

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Pikaia Lodge

Pikaia Lodge

Truly rural and entirely luxurious, Pikaia Lodge is the Galapagos’ finest in-land accommodation and ...

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Read what our customers say about their trip with Wayfairer

“This is the second time Wayfairer has planned a trip, the first being a Safari and we will definitely have them plan another trip. Our journey to Antarctica exceeded our expectations".
"This was a dream trip I had thought about for years and somehow they managed to exceed what I had hoped for. Could not have asked for more."
"An outstanding experience with Wayfairer, Cat and Juan helped to organise, and manage, an amazing safari for a group of six. Their meticulous planning, endless enthusiasm and huge knowledge of the area meant that we had a truly unforgettable experience, we even had a fabulous birthday party in the middle of the Mara. The highest recommendation is that we plan to use Wayfairer again and again!"
"This was my second trip with Wayfairer - my first (to Africa) was so amazing, I was worried that I would be disappointed.....not a chance. Once again, the itinerary, the guides, the little touches, were superb. I am already thinking about what trip I will have Wayfairer plan next! For anyone trying to decide where to go - Peru was absolutely amazing! It may be one of the most under-rated countries. Machu Pichu was breathtaking, but there was also so much more to see and do....let Wayfairer take you on amazing journey!"
"Our trip was a dream come true. The arrangements made by Wayfairer exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were as good or better than the descriptions in our trip documents. The staff at each camp were wonderful and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We will highly recommend Wayfairer to any of our friends who are considering an adventure vacation."
"Wayfairer are absolutely superb - from our initial consultation, the advice on destination, the booking process, the concierge service, the recommendation of hotels, organisation of transport, advice on activities to the friendliness of stay it could not have been better. We will look to book all big holidays with Wayfairer from now on and will recommend them to everyone."
"Incredibly helpful service and access to the best facilities and great rates. Don't book anywhere else."
"Recently returned from an amazing safari trip inc Vic falls, Chobe, Okavango Delta and the Kalahari desert. Right from the first engagement with Wafairer and all the way through the trip has been so smooth. The recommendations and attention to detail on the itinerary were incredible. Thankyou on this once in a lifetime trip."
"Wayfairer and Juan assisted planning our trip to South Africa. They were very knowledgeable and professional. Juan was very responsive with answers when I had any questions at all. It was very nice working with Juan and will definetly use this company again. I have recommended them to friends and family. The vacation was perfect thanks to Juan and Wayfairer."
"Excellent service throughout. A wonderful trip and truly a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you."
"We just returned from a fabulous Kenya vacation for our family..ages 3 thru 70. Jess gave us great advice, offered wonderful accommodations, was really flexible, was willing to work with our budget. June helped us implement the trip. Thanks to both of them."
"Wayfairer organised our trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar. From initial contact Leonie and the team were very professional & informative. They listened to our requirements and put together an amazing itinerary within our budget. We were kept informed every step of the way. The holiday was amazing and all went smoothly. We felt confident that Wayfairer were only a call away should an issue arise. We wouldn't hesitate to use Wayfairer for our next holiday!"
We booked our honeymoon to Tanzania with Wayfairer. Tom gave us excellent suggestions for accommodation and itinerary and organised it all, including transfers. It all went very smoothly and the trip was fabulous. We stayed at Lake Manze in the Selous game reserve, an open safari camp with very knowledgeable and helpful guides and managers, followed by all-inclusive at the Sea Cliff Resort in Zanzibar. The Sea Cliff was wonderfully relaxing and welcoming. Thanks to Tom for an incredible honeymoon experience. We would definitely use Wayfairer again and have already recommended to friends.
I wanted to take my aging father on a safari in Kenya, but the task of organizing the trip seemed daunting. I wanted to make sure he was comfortable and that we chose the right tour to go on. Wayfairer stuck with me every step of the way, patiently asked all my questions and worked with me through several last minute changes. I recommend them highly.
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99% of reviewers recommend Wayfairer. (4.9* rating & 335 reviews on Reviews.IO)

More Ecuador travel inspiration from Wayfairer customers and travel specialists

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Responsible Travel Guide: Ecuador

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