Our team picks:

Favourite destinations in Ecuador

As we begin operations in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, we asked our local team to share the destinations that best represent the diversity of the country they know so well. From the Andes to the cloud forest, these are places they return to again and again, both personally and professionally.

María Elena Canelos (“Malé”) highlights the Ecuadorian highlands as her favourite region. For her, the Sierra brings together the essence of the country’s diversity: UNESCO World Heritage cities such as Quito and Cuenca, historic haciendas like Zuleta, Pinsaqui, La Ciénega and San Agustín de Callo, and the dramatic Andean landscapes around Cotopaxi and Quilotoa. She also points to iconic indigenous markets such as Otavalo and deeply rooted cultural celebrations like La Mama Negra, Diablada de Píllaro and Corpus Christi, which reflect the living traditions of the Andes.

Carmen Elena Córdova (“Nena”) recommends the Avenida de los Volcanes and the Cotopaxi region, particularly lodge-to-lodge trekking experiences. Its proximity to Quito makes it one of the most versatile areas in the country, offering everything from short hikes to multi-day explorations. The area is framed by volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Rumiñahui and Pasochoa, and is home to Andean wildlife including condors, páramos wolves and deer. Beyond its landscapes, she highlights its strong connection to local communities, rose plantations, traditional haciendas, and excellent local gastronomy.

Emma Morgan shares a long-standing connection to Ecuador’s cloud forest. Her first visit in 1999 to Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve introduced her to conservation efforts in the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, and the region has remained central to her understanding of Ecuador ever since. Just a short drive from Quito, the cloud forest offers a world of misty trails, waterfalls, orchids, bromeliads and exceptional birdlife. For Emma, it remains one of the most inspiring destinations in the country: ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers and families seeking quiet immersion in nature.

Together, these destinations showcase the diversity of Ecuador’s landscapes and experiences, ranging from high-altitude Andean culture to volcanic terrain and lush rainforests. Each destination provides a unique perspective on the country.