Nestled on the coast between Peru and Colombia, Ecuadoe is a country of contrasts - in its landscapes, its people, and its food.

It might be the Galapagos Islands, or the Amazon rainforest, the Andes, volcanic Cotopaxi, or the incredible Ecuadorian Sierra that inspires you to start considering an adventure to Ecuador, but as soon as you start your research, you’ll realise how much this small country has to offer. If you didn’t already know about them, you’ll discover how many of Ecuador’s cities have historic, Unesco-listed centres lined with photogenic plazas and elegant colonial mansions. You might also be tempted by Ecuador's beautiful coastline, with its exotic marine life; or by the Amazon with its remote settlements. Lastly, there are the mighty Andes to consider, of rolling fields and hills and craggy peaks. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Ecuador are spread across the country, and hopefully we’ve found something to suit everyone.

If there was ever a country ripe for adventurers, and those with an adventurous spirit, Ecuador is it. There are excellent opportunities for walking, hiking, biking or horse riding, as well as witnessing the glories of the natural world. The birdlife is very varied, and off the coast you can see whales and dolphins. Towering above it all are the splendours of the Galapagos, a collection of volcanic islands stradding the equator 500 miles out into the Pacific Ocean. For many, that is a trip of a lifetime on its own, and if you feel tempted (and have the budget), we have listed a collection of amazing places to stay in the Galapagos Islands.

Here are some of our Ecuador Collections:

• The Best Places to Stay in Quito
• The Best Places to Stay on the Galapagos Islands
• The Best Places to stay in Cuenca
• The Best Places to stay in Cotopaxi

What not to Miss

Famously ‘in the clouds’ 3,000 metres above sea level, Quito is built on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, and the top layers today include a well preserved colonial centre and ancient churches in both the European and Moorish styles. One of the highlights of Quito, and a fantastic way to start any visit to Ecuador, is the Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila, a spectacular museum which explores Ecuador’s fascinating past.

The isolated Galapagos Islands are an incredible haven for unusual endemic wildlife, from the giant tortoises to the land iguana, to the flightless cormorants. So incredible that it can be said to be behind the change in our entire idea of nature and our place in it. There are 19 islands, all different sizes and all worth visiting. For example, Espanola Island boasts a huge colony of waved albatross; Floreana Island teems with pink flamingos and green sea turtles; and Isabella, the main island, is inhabited by the famous giant tortoises. One of the unique things about these islands is that there are no natural predators, meaning that the animals there have no fear of humans, allowing visitors to get up close. Surrounding the islands is the Galapagos Marine Reserve, awash with corals, sharks, penguins, sea-lions and whales. So snorkelling is incredibly popular here too, along with whale watching.

Before you set out for the Galapagos Islands you might stay in Guayaquil, a really charming port city with colourfully painted houses, numerous art galleries and a lively waterfront promenade. Guayaquil has been invaded by the Spanish, the Peruvians and pirates from both France and Britain, so it has some wonderful colonial monuments.

The Parque Nacional Cotopaxi is another centrepiece of Ecuador’s natural beauty, with its snowcapped namesake the Cotopaxi Volcano and its paramo grasslands. The Parque Nacional Yasuní is the country’s largest national park, covering marshland, tropical rainforest and more grasslands and forest. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to jaguars, tapirs and pumas, as well as over 600 different species of bird.

When it comes to smaller centres, Otavalo, with its markets, Vilcabamba with its mountainous backdrop, and Papallacta, with its therapeutic hot springs all deserve a mention.

The Best Places to Stay in Ecuador

For a Quito City Stop

• In the heart of the historic centre, the Hotel Plaza Grande is an elegant, colonial-era five-star hotel with just 15 rooms, traditional architecture, fantastic cuisine and live opera.
• The Hotel Carlota is a 12 room boutique property with contemporary decor and large sash windows. The expansive roof terrace is a real highlight and a great place to sip cocktails and take in the sights. The bistro serves excellent modern fare.
• Casa Gangotena is a grand family mansion turned boutique hotel, which overlooks the lively Plaza San Francisco. These 31 rooms are some of the finest accommodation in Quito, and the Ecuadorian fare in the restaurant is exceptional.

The Best Places to Stay for the Galapagos Islands

• Iguana Crossing on Isabela Island offers comfortable and reasonably priced accommodation with a great terrace to watch the sun go down.
• A contemporary twist to the ancient landscape, Pikaia Lodge is the height of luxury on Santa Cruz. An infinity pool, spa, and floor to ceiling windows have helped earn this hotel’s exceptional reputation.
• For naturalists, the Galápagos Safari Camp is an eco-friendly hideaway deep in the forest with luxurious tents and natural décor.
• Royal Palm Hotel sits in the remote heart of Santa Cruz. Stay in a casita or villa in this charming and traditional hotel known for great food.
• Located on the South coast of Santa Cruz, Finch Bay Hotel boats modern décor, contemporary art and is only a short walk from the beach.

The Best Places to Stay in Ecuador for Colonial Charm

• La Casona de la Ronda is an historic charmer in the heart of Quito’s historic centre. Its 22 traditional, atmospheric rooms surround a central courtyard.
• Nazu House in Guayaquil is a charming hilltop property with fantastic views of the city. There are eight traditionally decorated rooms with beamed ceilings and stunning tiled floors. Outside are pretty gardens and a large pool.
• The Mansion Alcazar is a restored mansion in the centre of Cuenca, a short walk from the city's hotspots. The hotel’s 19 rooms are decorated with antiques, and have parquet floors and free-standing baths. The hotel also has a well respected restaurant.

The Best Places to Stay in Ecuador for an Adventure

• The Hacienda Cusin on the Ecuadorian Sierra, is a lovingly converted estate with 44 charming rooms with incredible views. This is the kind of place to inspire you to explore the great outdoors and you’ll return ready to feast on the regional cuisine.
• The Hacienda San Agustin de Callo sits right beneath the Cotopaxi volcano. Its eight rooms are literally on the slope, all individually styled and packed with character - expect fireplaces, exposed stonework and murals. The hacienda has their own horses, and they’re right by the national park.
• The Hacienda Zuleta is a luxuriously converted, 14 room ranch with floor to ceiling windows and beautiful decor. Spend your days riding horses or exploring the land on foot, before returning to superb home-cooked Ecuadorian dishes. A truly authentic rural experience.
• The Hosteria Dos Chorreras is a rural inn and restaurant outside the historic city of Cuenca. Full of character, this is a great place to stay to get the best of both city and country living.

Some of Ecuador’s Best Eco-Lodges

• The Tanusas Retreat & Spa is a colourful eco-resort in a tropical locations, with just ten stylish rooms. The food is amazing, locally sourced, and there’s a rejuvenating spa. This is the perfect Ecuadorian beach escape.
• Mashpi Lodge in Cariaco, is a contemporary eco-hotel and research centre in the Ecuadorian forest, with 22 slick rooms and incredible views of the forest. The decor is minimalist and the restaurant is excellent.

The Best Places to Stay in Ecuador for Great Value

• Comfortable and affordable, the Casa Gardenia is a chic, boutique-style hotel in Quito’s historic heart. There are just nine rooms and they’re slick and contemporary, with exposed brick, parquet floors and plenty of light. A great spot to explore from.
• Casa al Eden is another well-priced option in Quito. This six room B&B is elegant, and well positioned in the historic centre of town. And the breakfast is hearty and homemade.
• The Hotel Santa Lucia is a traditional, affordable choice in historic Cuenca. Its 20 rooms are arranged around a pretty central courtyard and have high ceilings, sash windows and some lovely antiques.

For an Apartment or Villa

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Direct flights to Ecuador’s two international airports, Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, and José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil leave from few hubs, but notably from Madrid, Amsterdam, Miami and Atlanta.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Ecuador for you?

• Refine your search to the best places to stay in Quito,
• or the best places to stay on the Galapagos Islands?
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.