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Discover Ecuador's sustainable ecotourism experiences

Apr 9, 2019 • 6 min read

Glide along the tracks winding through the Avenida de los Volcanes with Tren Ecuador © Jonny Bierman / Lonely Planet

From the lungs of the earth to the founding place of evolution, little Ecuador packs a big punch, exceeding expectations in nature-based sustainable travel. Leading the way as a global change-maker, Ecuador marries dense rainforests, untamed rivers and prehistoric volcanoes with community, culture and conservation.

It's worth noting that ecotourism and sustainable travel aren't exactly the same thing – ecotourism can be unsustainable. Sustainability refers to the broader concept of creating travel that is not environmentally or culturally damaging. Ecuador combines these two brilliantly; here's a list of some of our favorite sustainable ecotourism experiences.

The rise of ecotourism in Ecuador

Ecuador may be the smallest contender to make the list of the top ten most biodiverse countries, but that doesn’t stop it from inspiring and educating when it comes to ecotourism. Ecuadorian tourism entrepreneurs are leading the way regarding sustainable ecotourism, creating the awareness and attracting the financial support necessary to protect the environment around them. Rather than harvesting land, flora and fauna for short-term gain, many are employing sustainable models designed to generate revenue for generations to come.

Train rides through the Avenue of Volcanos

In an area punctuated with rolling hills, glacier-capped volcanoes and cloud-piercing mountains – all evidence of past tectonic activity – it’s hard to imagine a better backdrop for train travel. These types of trips, however, are usually costly and generally don’t put sustainability first. Tren Ecuador , on the other hand, prides themselves on “breaking with the traditional model of luxury train rides” to offer an affordable experience where everyone wins.

Departing from the old city center in Quito , the Tren de los Volcanes tour travels through the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," passing the iconic Pichincha and Cotopaxi volcanoes. The train makes a three stops along the way; including Cotopaxi National Park, where visitors disembark and take guided hikes through the temperate forests. At the final stop in Machachi, passengers enjoy a meal from Café del Tren, a locally owned and operated business working with Tren Ecuador via the company's  social responsibility program .

In addition to operating under the United Nations’ Global Code of Ethics for tourism , Tren Ecuador invites nearby communities to take a leading role in product innovation, which in turn results in several community-operated restaurants, artisanal markets, museums, lodges and indigenous dance group presentations along the tracks.

If you’re traveling on the Tren de los Volcanes tour, consider getting off at the last stop (Machachi) and taking a bus or taxi to Ba ñ os or Cotopaxi instead of going back to Quito and taking a bus the same way.

Bicycle adventures in Ba ñ os

Located on the edge of the Amazon and in the middle of Ecuador's enchanting cloud forests, Ba ñ os is a mountain and freshwater adventure hub that immerses travelers in experiences that have low environmental impact.

White water rafting, mountain biking, zip lining, mountaintop swinging, relaxing in hot springs, kayaking, hiking – the list goes on. Most travelers don’t set aside enough time for it all, but if you want to make the most of Baños, prepare to get an early start and participate in more than one activity a day.

The best way to see the area's beautiful waterfalls is by biking the  Ruta de Cascadas (Route of the Waterfalls). It can get busy, so wake up early to catch the cascadas before the crowds. Several gondolas, hiking trails and boardwalks take you to the cloud forest-shrouded waterfalls. Bike rentals in Ba ños can vary in quality and condition; we recommend  Wonderful Ecuador  for rentals and cycling tours.

Sustainable Travel in the Galapagos

In a place that is wild, raw and always lives up to expectations set by film documentaries, the Galapagos National Park is a poster child for high standards of environmental protection. 97% of the volcanic archipelago has been protected since 1968 – people live on the other 3%. And while the number of visitors allowed per yacht tour license hasn’t changed in 25 years, the islands have seen an increase in the standard of service, boat efficiency, rules on marine pollution and the allocation of yachts per location. The National Park Authority identifies variables such as how much wildlife lives on each island and how close they are to pathways in order to determine how many people can be on each given pathway and at what time of day. 

The number of visitors to the Galapagos grows every year, and the number of tour licenses (called ‘patents’)  issued has increased for day trips due to high demand and the addition of newly built budget hotels. While this region is a sustainable role model for others around the world, there's progress to be made. Visitors often book inexpensive experiences that frequently come at a cost to the environment; doing more research and spending a little more money results in a far better experience and goes a long way in conserving this pristine place.

Awarding-winning catamaran Yacht Anahí is built on a foundation of sustainability and employee empowerment. With a high employee retention in an industry notorious for turnover, this luxury catamaran boasts an exceptionally skilled crew, the most efficient vessel in the National Park (according to the National Park Authority) and a carbon offset program that takes funds from each passengers’ payment and allocates it to a project that removes invasive flora and fauna and plants native trees. 

The same Ecuadorian family who runs Yacht Anahí runs  Ikala Hotel  on Santa Cruz Island; this hotel was the first to set a trend in addressing the ongoing sewage problem by installing a compost system along with green energy, local sourcing and eliminating plastics. Another green hotel outside of the main Puerto Ayora area that's also committed to the environment, reforestation and conservation is Pikaia Lodge . Should you be looking to book day trips, the staff at these resorts will point you in the right direction.

Mindful travel in the Amazon

Despite its impressive size, the world's largest rainforest is a fragile ecosystem where tourism development can sometimes have harmful effects. In addition, many of the Amazon's original residents have often been excluded from conversations about tourism development.  Yacuma Ecolodge  in Tena has been working to change all this. Prior to the founding of the lodge and its adjacent nature reserve, local indigenous groups would sell their land to oil companies in exchange for short-term financial stability; when Yacuma entered the area, it bought the surrounding land to preserve it from industrial interests and create ongoing employment opportunity for nearby communities.  Today, Yacuma employs knowledgeable local guides, serves locally sourced meals, powers the facilities using green energy, and perhaps best of all, maintains and protects the 274-hectare nature reserve that the locals and lodge call home. 

Day hikes are especially notable for bird watching and identifying plant species, while guided night walks reveal a more active side of the Amazon replete with sightings of spiders, frogs and lizards. After a morning hike, cool off and tube down the Napo River or hang out in the riverside hammocks.

How to select sustainable operators

Sustainable travel can be broken down into a few key elements that all relate back to purpose and picking the right operators is an essential part of shifting tourism development patterns. When choosing a lodge or operator, pay attention to the connection between their values of community, culture and environment. The profits and benefits should go to the local communities, not corporations or chains. The environment should be protected and utilized as an educational asset, creating awareness and demand to keep it intact. And in Ecuador in particular, local indigenous culture should honored and preserved through realistic and stable employment opportunities. If  these three attributes align, you’ll have a purpose-driven, sustainable adventure to remember.

Jonny Bierman travelled to Ecuador with support from EcoAndes . Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

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Ecotourism in Ecuador: Eco-friendly Travel Around the Country

• February 19, 2021

Did you know that Ecuador was named the World’s Leading Green Destination by the World Travel Awards for six consecutive years between 2013 and 2018? Ecotourism in Ecuador is a growing industry, and travelers now have numerous options to choose from across the country’s diverse regions.

The idea behind ecotourism is that it functions to promote the wellbeing of local communities while protecting and preserving the environment through sustainable activities. It is an opportunity for the traveler to live and travel more consciously and experience the destination in a more profound and meaningful way. 

Must-see Ecological Paradises: Our Staff Recommendations

If you want to explore ecotourism as part of your trip to Ecuador, you can take part in experiences or stay at any of several eco-lodges around the country. Before we get into some unique activities and experiences in the next section, here is a brief list of some lodges we recommend visiting, divided by region. As always, we recommend reading about them and exploring what they have to offer. 

[ We recommend you check out this blog to learn about community-based tourism in Ecuador . ]

Sierra Region

The Secret Garden — Nestled in the hills adjacent to Cotopaxi volcano, the Secret Garden is a mesmerizing and genuinely impressive eco-tourism initiative. Activities here include day hikes, horseback riding, and even summiting Cotopaxi itself! Black Sheep Inn — Situated in the village of Chugchilán near the breathtaking Quilotoa crater, this ecolodge advocates a holistic approach to conservation by protecting the land, culture, environment, and community. They’re accomplishing this through self-sufficiency, thanks to composting toilets, alternative energy, permaculture-style gardening, and biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable products where applicable. Llullu Llama — The hike through the surrounding valleys near Quilotoa may take you through the tiny and charming town of Isinliví. Here, the cozy Llullu Llama welcomes visitors from all over the world. Their operation is quite similar to that of the Black Sheep Inn, in their implementation of composting toilets, alternative energy, permaculture-style gardening, and more. 

Amazon Region

Tamandua Ecolodge — This ecolodge, comprised of a series of rustic natural cabins, sits inside a beautiful reserve. Its simplicity allows it to blend into the setting, providing travelers with the perfect distraction-free opportunity to connect with and appreciate the region’s flora and fauna. Keep in mind that the walk to the cabins is about 20 minutes from the road, making it a remote destination like few others. The people who manage this spot are also hosts of a remarkable animal rescue and rehabilitation program.  Kapawi Ecolodge — Deep in the Amazon Rainforest near the border with Peru, the Kapawi people have established one of Ecuador’s most interesting ecolodges. Guests arrive by traveling along the river, Río Pastaza, which straddles the provinces of Pastaza and Morona-Santiago . This experience is at once educational and culturally immersive. The lodge is entirely owned and operated by this small indigenous community . Huasquila Amazon Eco Lodge — In Cotundo, a small community just north of Tena, this inviting spot offers travelers the opportunity to relax and explore the Amazon Rainforest without having to leave their low-impact, environmentally-sound retreat within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve. It is located about 3 hours by car from the capital city of Quito. Finca Heimatlos — At the edge of the Amazon Rainforest, in Pastaza Province, sits a fascinating ecolodge and sustainable farming project on 50 hectares of pristine land. Finca Heimatlos is a perfect spot from which to explore exciting trails and glimpse exciting wildlife. The farm component makes an effort to blend permaculture with regional, low environmental-impact farming practices

Coastal Region

Azuluna Ecolodge — The area known as Las Tunas in the Province of Manabí is host to some of the most stunning ocean views and beaches in Ecuador. Azuluna Ecolodge receives visitors from all over and is situated very close to the Machalilla National Park. Apart from its work to conserve and protect the environment, Azuluna also supports several fair-trade and community development projects in Las Tunas and nearby Ayampe. Umbrellabird Lodge — In the Buenaventura Reserve, just a short drive inland from the southern coast of Ecuador, the Umbrellabird Lodge provides a riveting experience for birders and conservation enthusiasts from all over the world. This spot is run by the Jocotoco Foundation, which employs some of the most thorough ecological practices around. They partner with the community to preserve this biologically diverse gem in a part of the country that the typical tourist does not often frequent.  Cabalonga EcoAdventure – In Puerto Cayo, home of some of Ecuador’s most beautiful beaches, Cabalonga EcoAdventure is dedicated to safeguarding the region’s incredible biodiversity. Guests of Cabalonga take part in memorable and awe-inspiring outdoor experiences that enlighten and help support local economies, like those of the artisan community and conservationists.

What to Consider Before Experiencing Ecotourism in Ecuador

Have you heard of the term “greenwashing”? It is used to describe hotels and businesses that appear eco-friendly, but are not. You’ll find that ecotourism in Ecuador may have very different applications and interpretations, depending on local standards.

If you wish to choose ecologically-sound establishments during your travels, make sure you thoroughly investigate the hotel or business before making a reservation. Visit their website, read TripAdvisor reviews and email them directly. Specifically, ask how the establishment supports the community and promotes low-impact tourism.

This is particularly important for your visit to more remote and pristine areas of Ecuador, like the Amazon Rainforest and Galápagos Islands.

Ecotourism Options Along the Pacific Coast of Ecuador

Compared to the Amazon, ecotourism establishments along Ecuador’s Pacific Coast are sparse, but here are a couple of spots worth visiting. 

Río Muchacho Organic Farm and Ecolodge — Located near the seaside city of Canoa, this 10-hectare organic farm and ecolodge is an inspirational and relaxing place to visit. Apart from being completely self-sufficient, Río Muchacho offers courses on sustainable agriculture and permaculture to visitors and the local community.  Finca Sarita — This organic farm near the coastal town of Calceta also happens to produce some of the world’s most expensive chocolate. Owned by a local family that champions permaculture and organic farming techniques in the community, Finca Sarita is entirely self-sufficient and offers travelers accommodations and meals for just $15. The town of Calceta is known for its production of traditional pottery.

Ecotourism Alternatives in Ecuador’s Amazon Jungle

Ecotourism in Ecuador’s Amazon is often merged with community-based tourism initiatives. Some of these are standalone operations, while others partner with high-end lodges. Here are a few we like to promote:

Sinchi Warmi – If you want to support a project owned and led by indigenous Kichwa women, come to Sinchi Warmi (which means “strong women” in the Kichwa language). This community tourism project is based near Misahualli (only 3-4 hours from Quito). It provides accommodations in attractive rustic cabins built around a small lake and features local dishes in their restaurant (they also have vegetarian options).  Campamento Kwakwiyo – Run by the Siekoya Remolino community near Lago Agrio, this camp sits on 17,000 hectares of protected rainforest close to the Colombian border. Visitors can stay with families or in a covered camping area. A unique activity here includes the ayahuasca ceremony, led by local and well-respected shamans. Other activities include day hikes, night walks, bird and wildlife watching, and canoe trips. Fundación Hola Vida – Near the Amazonian city of Puyo (4-5 hours from Quito), this community-led ecotourism initiative gives you access to 225 hectares of secondary rainforest where you can visit Hola Vida, a large waterfall. You can either hire a local guide to explore the area or go independently along clearly designated trails.

The “Leave No Trace” Principle

“Leave No Trace” is a widely known set of outdoor ethics principles developed in the United States that you can, and should, apply in Ecuador (and pretty much anywhere else you travel!). Leave No Trace was developed to promote environmental conservation by minimizing human impact. It consists of 7 principles, including:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on firm ground
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors.

The idea is, after enjoying your time in the outdoors, you leave it as you found it (if not better!), and it’s always a good and considerate thing to do—to collect any trash you find along the way.

Ecuador 10-day itinerary

Though ten days in a country offers a better feel of what that country has to offer, Ecuador doubles-down on offering the experience of nature at its most extreme and most diverse… If 5 days takes us up and down the Ecuadorian rollercoaster, 10 days is double the fun. So, sit back and enjoy the

Ecuador 5-day itinerary

Five days in Ecuador is clearly not enough to get to know the country well, but there’s one thing that five days in Ecuador can do. And that is give you a peek at its amazing diversity and distinct “worlds”. Just for that experience alone, 5 days in Ecuador is an exciting adventure that few

Ecuador Tours with local private tour guides

Tourism and travel have evolved throughout the years and we could say that, in this day and age, people are more and more inclined to seek travel experiences in which they control every last part of their journeys. Far have we travelled from the antiquated vision of the 1970s tourist, walking around with a camera

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La selva amazon eco-lodge, the spirit of the rainforest.

Located within Ecuador’s Yasuní Biosphere Reserve and on the borders of the famous Yasuní National Park — one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet — La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat was among the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador and today is still regarded as the premier eco lodge in Ecuador’s Amazon basin.

Uniquely located on the shores of stunning Lake Garzacocha, a full 70 km into the rainforest from the nearest urban center, the lodge is a veritable cocoon of comfort and luxury, offering breathtaking views of the incredible life in the Amazon from wherever you are.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat is Golden Experiences & Travel’s latest acquisition, marking its expansion across the four regions of Ecuador as a full-service luxury travel company.

The impeccable reputation of Golden’s products, our commitment to excellence, and our profound understanding of the needs of the luxury sector ensures that our guests enjoy enchanting, distinctive and redefined products and adventures in the most remote and privileged places on our planet.

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A Sustainable Lodge

With premium confort.

Caring for rainforest wildlife species is one of the pillars of Golden Sustainability, our multi-faceted sustainability program that we channel our efforts through to care for the delicate ecosystem and pristine reserve where the Lodge is located. La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat is signed its commitment to carbon neutrality, joining our sister company Golden Galapagos in reducing our carbon footprint and preserving the Amazon rainforest for future generations to cherish.

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Wellness and Spiritual

Our remote location and specialized spa services create a heightened sense of relaxation and connection with the unique wonders of the forest.

Enjoy our yoga sessions with expert teachers, having an invigorating select spa treatment after of day of wonder, or simply relaxing to the incredible symphony of nature in the heart of the Amazon.

Disconnect from the outside world and connect with spirit of the amazon jungle with our ceremonies and spiritual packages overlooking the waters and energy of the lake…

Epicure Cuisine

Amazon flavors and sensations.

Overlooking the glassy waters of Lake Garzacocha, our main lodge and restaurant will become your favorite place to spot birds and other wildlife, exchange stories with other guests or simply relax, cocktail in hand, before enjoying the dishes prepared by our passionate team of talented chefs, a gastronomic experience to remember: international cuisine coupled with the finest Ecuadorian ingredients and influences.

Staterooms in the Jungle

Premium and genuine hospitality.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat offers 16 spacious luxury suites, three scenic premium rooms overlooking the lake, and four sumptuous family staterooms. Our luxury suites and premium rooms have rainforest showers and private balconies, while the family staterooms have extra-large bathrooms, hammock, and large decks equipped with hot tubs.

The design of the lodge is inspired by the architecture native to the area, and the soaring ceilings and unique layout of the rooms and the lodge help to keep everything cool, even when the renowned Amazon sun is at its hottest.

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Connect with Magic Wildlife

Deep in the amazon.

From your base at La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat, set out to explore Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest and its people, accompanied by our English-speaking naturalist guides and indigenous guides, whether paddling by canoe, kayaking on the lake, walking along trails, birdwatching or seeking out incredible wildlife encounters, enjoying fascinating night walks to discover rare nocturnal species, climbing canopy towers and visiting native communities.

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Promotions & Combinations

Enjoy special offers.

Be sure to check out our special promotions for Amazon rainforest tours, as well as the option to combine your journey to our Amazon ecolodge with a cruise to view the fabled wildlife of the Galapagos Islands or a chance to discover the wonders of Peru.

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Ecuador Amazon Highlights

Enjoy unique experiences.

Deep within the Amazon rainforest lies La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat, an extraordinary destination that immerses guests in the wonders of nature.

Towering trees, vibrant foliage, and captivating sounds of birds surround you. Guided by an experienced team, explore the jungle’s marvels through treks, canoe rides, and wildlife encounters. Witness the astonishing biodiversity and raw beauty of the Amazon, forging lasting connections with nature all while being responsible with the environment. Memories of this extraordinary experience will linger with you beyond your departure!

Wildlife Viewing

You don-t have to be an expert! With the help of our specialist naturalist and native guides, you’ll soon be spotting parrots, monkeys, toucans, caimans, frogs and much, much more.

Birding at La Selva

Bird life is exceptionally diverse at La Selva and one of the highlights of our Amazon ecolodge — even if you’re not a serious birder, you’ll soon become a bird-lover of some of our 600+ species.

Responsible Tourism

We believe in responsible tourism and are proud of the mutually-beneficial relationships we have created with local communities. Interact with local wildlife as well as local people in a sustainable way.

comments from our guests

Networkedrobotics1.

January 25th 2024

A naturalist’s dream An unforgettable experience and a naturalist’s dream.

Our experience at La Selva was magical. Thanks to our guide Ana, who seemed to know all of the animal and plant species in the amazon, and to our indigenous guide Chicha who was able to find things that we would never have been able to find.

Thanks also to Claire who taught yoga. I am stretching at 9PM on a platform surrounded by splashing caymans, 8ft long fish, and piranhas and listening to the sounds of the forest. It was a way to get even closer to nature.

Others in our group enjoyed the spa.

Lodging and food were excellent. The days are quite busy and the amazon environment can be a bit uncomfortable so it’s no beach vacation.

I learned so much here!

January 2nd 2024

1. In places such as the Amazon, the Naturalist Guide makes or breaks the visit – our guide. Omar Ramadan, made “the Amazon Jungle come alive”!!!! We have been fortunate to have traveled to many historic and natural sites/locations around the world and have had guides in most places – Omar has been the best – hands down! I would ask for Omar.

2. The hikes and parrot clay licks were very nice, but the village visit and observation tower were even nicer.

3. We are pure vegetarians – the food was excellent! Never imagined that such tasty dishes could be prepared with heart of palm and yuca.

4. The cottages are luxurious.

5. Boarded a flight to Coca from Quito at 9:15 a.m. and arrived at the lodge at 2 p.m. Takes a while, but worth it. Strongly recommend La Selva Lodge, especially our friend Omar.

December 2023 The trip of a lifetime.

Unforgettable Absolutely stunning vacation; everything we hoped for and more. Paul was our Guide and he was extremely knowledgeable and great with the kids! The lodge itself is beautiful and the location is enchanting. This is a vacation we won’t be forgetting and we’ll be telling our friends all about it!

December 2023

Delivering the experience of a lifetime in the Ecuadorian Amazon

My wife and I stayed at La Selva between November 6 and 10, 2023.

Everything about our stay was excellent, starting with our booking agent, Vlady, who was responsive, professional and knowledgeable from the time we first made contact to book our stay through to the day before our transfer from the hotel in Quito to the airport. It all went exactly as planned. Despite travelling to such a remote location, we were quite comfortable. The motorized canoe that rockets you down the Napo River for 2 hours from Coca to the landing for the lodge is equipped with plush seats from a highway coach and a canopy to protect you from sun and rain. We were then paddled down a creek through the forest from the Napo River to the lagoon that the lodge overlooks. Our room was luxurious, clean and comfortable.

Elvis, the Chef, is a true artist. First class dining! We looked forward to each meal to see what Elvis had created. Also, a big shout out to Pamela, Jimmy and Manuel who attended to our every wish in the dining room and bar with grace and kindness. Our Naturalist, Paul, is deeply knowledgeable of the forest and its inhabitants. He held our interest on every excursion into the forest or onto the water with a seemingly endless well of information. He also provided some great tips on taking photos with cameras and phones.

In addition, we benefited from his knowledge of the stars in the southern hemisphere. Our Local Guides, Darius and Henry were masters of finding wildlife in the forest. It was truly the experience of a lifetime and exceeded our expectations.

November 2023

A magical experience We spent 3 days in this magical place for an experience like no other. Our guides Paul, and Guillermo were wonderful, ensuring interesting engaging experiences in the Amazon rain forest,. The lodge is beautiful, the food fantastic and our room exceeded expectations. The staff at La Selva were all friendly and accommodating, working together as a team to provide the best possible guest experience. Special shout out to Bernardo for his excellent cocktails.

I highly recommend a visit to La Selva Lodge

Experience of a Lifetime

I truly loved our amazing experience at this lodge. The guided walks, canoe rides were exciting and educational. We saw so much wildlife, plant life etc. I love the ecosystem of the Amazon. I will definitely return to the Amazon.

Our guide Paul was superb, I have much praise for his knowledge and personality.

Eco Adventure Ecuador

 a week-long guided eco-adventure trip for those looking to explore the beauty of ecuador..

We customize the itinerary of the trip to the group. Daily activities can include, but are not limited to:

Bird watching Whitewater Rafting Trips Scenic hikes into Waterfalls Cultural excursions Visits to Butterfly Farms Cacao plantations and learning how to make artisan chocolate Horseback Riding Participation in Community Events Sightseeing Soaking in Hot Springs Shopping for handmade crafts that Ecuador is famous for Personal relaxation days where you can opt to relax in a hammock and enjoy the scenery

You will spend time in two unique areas of the country: starting and finishing in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and the eastern region of the country, known as the Oriente . In the Oriente, we will spend time in Baños – l ocated in a unique spot between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest and the outdoor adventure capital of Ecuador ,  Tena – home to a vibrant indigenous culture, and a low land jungle setting which is habitat to monkeys, butterflies, and the famous Jatunyacu River, and finally, the Quijos Valley –  the hidden paradise of Ecuador featuring bird watching, waterfalls, the Quijos River and the lovely Rio Quijos EcoLodge .

Every day offers options for all levels of adventure travelers, from mild to advanced.  The trip is easily customizable for the individual members of the group, and we can arrange special itineraries for custom groups of 6 or more. Our goal is to make this well-organized guided trip feel unstructured and accommodating.  You will spend time with national and international guides. The guides are bi-lingual – and are happy to help you improve your spanish!

The cost of this all inclusive week-long trip is $1850.  Included are all meals, accommodations, daily activities, private transportation, and licensed guides.  Not included are adult beverages, gratuities, and air fare to and from Quito, Ecuador.

Call us today for more information!

Interested in something special for your group? Customized trips are our specialty.

ECO ADVENTURE ECUADOR 2024-25

THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR CALENDAR AND WE WILL HELP YOU PLAN A CUSTOM TRIP OR JOIN THE FOLLOWING:

9-Day All-Inclusive EcoAdventure Ecuador Package DECEMBER 13 – DECEMBER 21, 2024

9-day all-inclusive ecoadventure ecuador package february 14 – february 22, 2025, 9-day all-inclusive ecoadventure ecuador package february 21 – march 01, 2025, custom trips.

If you have a group of 6-8 that wants to enjoy Ecuador together, let us set up a custom trip for you. Custom trips can include bird watching, hiking, cultural events, sustainable ecotourism, whitewater kayaking, rafting, and many more outdoor ecoadventure options throughout the week. Call us to discuss your adventure!

Quijos River Rafting Season: Year Round

The Quijos River is Ecuador’s premier whitewater trip with miles of class IV rapids, spectacular rainforest and basalt canyon scenery. There are multiple sections of the Quijos to enjoy. Only 2-1/2 hours from Quito, you can make this a one-day trip or an overnight trip.

OTHER ACTIVITIES: Birdwatching, horseback riding, yoga, waterfall trekking and cultural immersion.

Questions? Call 828-488-6199

Activities Available From Our Destination EcoLodge

World Class Bird Watching: Individuals can enjoy personal time locating regional birds of the Oriente: including tanagers, inca jays, oropendulas, gallo de pena, mot mot. torrent ducks, sunbitterns and a large variety of hummingbirds. The lodge can be rented out for weekend and week long bird watching retreats. Contact us to schedule a custom guided trip with an expert in the field.

Hiking Our Nature Trails: Enjoy meandering through four inter-connected trails that take you from the river to the forest, observing the vast variety of native plants and birds and learning the medicinal herbs of the Oriente.

Rio Quijos Scenic Valley Reserve Ridgetop Trail: A half-day hike up the reserve ridge top trail opens up views of the entire Quijos Valley. There is ample opportunity to enjoy the birds, and a rare glimpse of the Andean bear – the Oso Anteojo and monkeys.

Tour de las Cueva de los Tayos: The hike to the Cuevas takes you down a beautiful jungle trail into a canyon that looks like a scene from Lost World. You end up in a cavern filled with the rare Tayo Birds (Oil Birds). Early evening brings out a host of exotic birds of the Oriente, including the elusive Gallo de la Pena.

Tour del Oriente: Cascada San Rafael, Cascada Malo, Cuevai de los Tayos. This is a trip you don’t want to miss!

Waterfalls: San Rafael and Rio Loco Waterfalls are treasures of the Oriente. The Quijos River drops over the 400ft+ San Rafael waterfall. Just upstream is the lovely Rio Loco waterfall. Just the drive to the waterfalls is breathtaking.

ADVENTURES Whitewater Rafting: The Quijos River is is class III/IV where we offer day trips, as well as week-long itineraries for the rafting enthusiast.

Fly Fishing: The Quijos River is home to rainbow trout. In addition, the Rio Borja and the Rio Cosanga are trout fishing settings as well. For the casual fisherman, the private Quijos River beach is just minutes away from the lodge and cabins. Gear rental and guided options available.

Horseback Riding: Guided horseback riding excursions up the Borja Canyon. Breathtaking views only experienced by horseback.

Mountain Biking: Guided and rental options available for mountain biking. Epic rides along the Quijos, or up the Oyacachi Valley.

MORE…

Galapagos: The Galapagos is a dream destination when planning a trip to Ecuador. There’s simply hardly a place on this planet similar to the Galapagos. We can help you arrange your week (or more) trip – – from cruising the Galapagos archipelago and living on board to making day trips from one of the inhabited islands.

Cuyebeno & Yasuni National Parks: Ecuador is home to two of the most biodiverse parks in the world: Cuyabeno and Yasuni, both part of the Amazon. An internationally relevant wetlant connects Cuyabeno with Yasuni. Spending time in either immerses you in an alternative world of water, nature, wildlife, and indigenous culture.

Driving Tours of Ecuador: Custom trips from one to 14+ days. This highly customizable trip using private transportation can include Ecuador’s beautiful beaches, rich culture and stunning Andes mountains. From Quito to Guayaquil to Cuenca to the Oriente, the only limitation to this trip is the amount of time you have to explore everything Ecuador has to offer.

Travel Arrangements

Flights should be arranged into Quito, Ecuador. Do not be deterred by late arrivals into Quito, that is very typical.  You will need a valid passport. The passport must have an expiration date of greater than six months after your return date.

Why travel with Endle ss River Adventures?

Unlike many of our competitors, we provide the flexibility to modify any package or create a completely tailored itinerary, in order to ensure that the trip meets the exact requirements of our clients. Our travel guides are carefully selected to ensure that they provide the best experience for our guests. 

Tell us everything you know about your ideal trip i.e. dates, types of accommodations, must see things, number of days and travelers etc. We would love to help you to plan the trip of your dreams.

Rio Quijos Ecolodge in Ecuador

Our EcoLodge   in the Quijos Valley is nestled on the banks of the Quijos River. Surrounded by 40 acres of nature, you will go to sleep to the sound of the river and wake to the sound of a collection of extraordinary birds. Our Ecolodge is fast becoming an International Birdwatching Destination . Our private beach is the perfect launch spot for kayaking and rafting, as well as the location for our yoga center .

And this does not stop with river logistics. We help you with more than just an amazing kayak trip. Mountain biking, climbing, fishing, hiking, bird watching, the Galapagos and more, there is so much to do in Ecuador!

Whether you need a break from the fast pace of Quito, or are looking to explore the Oriente of Ecuador during your visit, the lodge is a perfect destination for enjoying the flora and fauna of the Quijos Valley. You will spend time at the  RioQuijos EcoLodge and Reserve . The landmark eco-lodge of the Oriente, with land registered with the “media ambiente” for conservation. Imagine a put-in where you can walk down to the river, or back up from the river, right to your lodge! There is no better location in the Oriente

Talk with an Expert to customize all the details!

(828) 488-6199.

We are a U.S. based travel operator with locations in the U.S and Ecuador. Although Endless River Adventures specializes in Ecuador travel, we offer trips to Costa Rica, and our North American destination in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. For over 25 years, Endless River Adventure’s mission is to promote Latin American culture, bio-diversity and beautiful landscapes to people abroad, while providing them the best experience they can have while traveling with us. We do this by offering private packages with personalized service to each and every one of our guests, and by tailoring our packages and activities to meet the exact needs of each traveler.

The focus is simple: design a package that meets our customer’s needs, price it very well, and provide excellent guides that will make the experience the best it can be.

Pricing 9-Day All-Inclusive Package Tours 

$1695 per person

This includes activities, accommodations, meals, transportation and the best guides in the area.

• A $350.00 deposit is necessary to hold your space for this trip
• The full balance due no later than December 1.
• Trip price is based on double occupancy.
• If you would prefer guaranteed single occupancy for the week, you may do so at a prorated cost.
• Not included in your trip price is airfare, airport taxes, adult beverages during the trip, snacks, miscellaneous tips and your taxi ride to the airport on your way home.

Call us today to talk about your adventure 828.488.6199

We understand choosing an international destination is an exciting and can be overwhelming. We WANT to speak with you about it. Please call with any questions you have regarding an international adventure travel experience as we would love to speak about you about some of our favorite places on earth.

​Have a group of friends that you want to share a week with? Custom groups are welcome. We offer custom itineraries for rafting, kayaking, cultural exploration and more. Ecuador and Costa Rica are treasure chests for international travel and we want to help you make the most of your trip.

• PHOTOS & VIDEOS

Mc Solutions Eco Travel

We are MS Solutions Ecotravel, we are located in Quito, capital of Ecuador, we have a deep passion for traveling and exploring new places, we decided to carry out this venture by converting our passion and our love for travel with others.

LOS MAS VISITADOS

¿why should you hire our packages.

Somos MS Solutions Ecotravel, estamos ubicados en Quito capital de Ecuador,  tenemos una profunda pasión por viajar y explorar nuevos lugares, decidimos realizar este emprendimiento convirtiendo nuestra pasión y nuestro amor por los viajes con otros.

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Discover the Secrets of Eco-Travel in Ecuador

• May 24, 2023

While Ecuador may be the smallest among the top ten most biodiverse countries, it stands tall when it comes to inspiring and educating ecotourism enthusiasts.

The Growth of Ecuador’s Eco-Tourism Scene

Ecuadorian tourism entrepreneurs are at the forefront of the sustainable ecotourism movement, blazing a trail for others to follow. They have raised awareness and attracted much-needed financial support to preserve the environment around them. Instead of resorting to short-sighted methods that exploit the land, flora, and fauna, these entrepreneurs are taking a long-term approach, implementing sustainable models that generate revenue for generations to come. As a testament to its commitment to eco-responsibility, Ecuador has unveiled the world's first sustainable airport constructed from reused materials and featuring bioclimatic architecture powered by renewable energies.

Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of nature-based sustainable travel in Ecuador- a country that packs a powerful punch, from the birthplace of evolution to the lungs of the earth! This tiny yet mighty nation is exceeding expectations, offering a perfect balance of adventure and conservation. As a global change-maker, Ecuador takes the lead in merging dense rainforests, untamed rivers, and prehistoric volcanoes with community, culture, and conservation, creating an unforgettable journey that is both enriching and sustainable. Discover the beauty of Ecuador's sustainable ecotourism, where conservation and adventure go hand in hand!

Galapagos Archipelago: A Unique Protected Reserve

The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represent a delicate and precious ecosystem - a true modern-day Noah's Ark. These volcanic islands have fostered exceptional biodiversity, with a high rate of endemism resulting from evolution far from external interference. A journey to the Galapagos offers the chance to witness sea turtles, rays, dolphins, sea lions, iguanas, albatrosses, and the legendary Darwin finches. However, this unique ecosystem is under threat from the inadvertent introduction of domestic mammals and rats through boat travel.

Restoring balance is a top priority for the Ecuadorian authorities, who closely monitor the islands. The number of visitors is strictly limited, and all activities that could impact the fragile equilibrium of the environment are tightly regulated. Access is granted only to specific sites under the supervision of park guides.

Experience the Yacht Anahí , an award-winning catamaran that was built on a foundation of sustainability and employee empowerment. Considered to be the most efficient vessel in the National Park according to the National Park Authority, the Anahí has a carbon offset program that allocates a portion of each passenger's payment to fund projects that remove invasive flora and fauna and plant native trees.

Stay at Ikala Hotel  on Santa Cruz Island; the first to set a trend in addressing the ongoing sewage problem by installing a compost system along with green energy, local sourcing and eliminating plastics. Another green hotel outside of the main Puerto Ayora area that's also committed to the environment, reforestation and conservation is  Pikaia Lodge .

Sierra Region: The Avenue of the Volcanoes and Forests

Ecuador is home to some of the highest active volcanoes in the world, including Chimborazo, which towers at nearly 6,300 meters above sea level. Cotopaxi, with its magnificent ice cone, is another impressive sight to explore during treks or hikes. It's worth noting that many of these volcanoes are highly active, adding to their natural allure. Don't miss the opportunity to discover Quilotoa, a stunning inactive volcano featuring a vast lagoon within its crater. There are numerous trekking routes available to explore these majestic fire giants in their entirety.

The fusion of luxury and endemic nature amidst one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, such as the cloud forest of Chocó, makes Mashpi Lodge a paradisiacal place - a true hideaway in the forest, located at an elevation of 950 meters above sea level, nestled amidst low mountain tropical forests and cloud forests, in the heart of a private reserve spanning 1,200 hectares of lush vegetation, of which approximately 70% is primary forest. This is the ideal place to encounter over 500 species of birds, trees, and frogs that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In the midst of a forest adorned with powerful waterfalls and mysterious felines, unique adventures and emotions await you.

Additionally, The Cloud Forest of the Metropolitan District of Quito, located the northwest of the city, between 1,500 and 3,000 meters in altitude, is one of the most botanically and zoologically diverse places on the planet. It takes its name from the continuous presence of mist that rises from the ground and collied with the mountains, resulting in high-humidity levels. This site is home to epiphytic plants and rare orchids, as well as hundreds of bird species and the olinguito, identified in 2013 as the newest mammal species in the Americas. In the 4,230 square kilometers that make up the urban and rural areas of the capital, 400 species of orchids have been identified. This means that over 10% of the species recorded in the entire country are found in the cloud forest.

The Amazon: Sanctuary to seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting allure of not just one, but seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves nestled within Ecuador’s borders, were nature flourishes and biodiversity reigns supreme. Each reserve unveils a tapestry of wonders, proudly showcasing Ecuador's ecological significance on the global stage.

Leading the pack is the iconic Galápagos , an untamed paradise that has fascinated the world since its designation in 1984, and recently extended in 2019. Its mesmerizing landscapes and remarkable species diversity continue to inspire awe and ignite the spirit of exploration. Another gem in our crown is Yasuni , an oasis of life declared a biosphere in 1989, adorned with further recognition in 2001 and 2017. Its lush forests and intricate ecosystems stand as a testament to Ecuador's commitment to preservation. Sumaco , established in 2000 and extended in 2002, highlights the remarkable natural wonders of Ecuador, where Mother Nature flaunts her prowess with breathtaking beauty and unfathomable secrets waiting to be discovered. The Podocarpus-El Condor biosphere, established in 2007, provides a sanctuary for unique flora and fauna. Macizo del Cajas , designated in 2013, preserves the pristine highland ecosystems. Additionally, the Bosque Seco , part of the Bosques de Paz Transboundary Biosphere Reserve with Peru, was designated in 2014, and in 2017, it gained transboundary recognition. Lastly, the Choco Andino de Pichincha biosphere is an exceptional ecological treasure. These biospheres serve as living laboratories for conservation and sustainable development, making Ecuador stand tall as a global leader in environmental preservation.

Experience the untamed side of the Amazon like never before with a range of awe-inspiring activities. More than a hundred species of amphibians, birds, reptiles, and several hundred mammals await visitors to the park, including the majestic pink Amazonian dolphins, jaguars, caimans, and armadillos, if lucky enough to spot. Another hotspot is the Yacuma Ecolodge in Tena, which has worked tirelessly to preserve the surrounding land from industrial interests and create ongoing employment opportunities for nearby communities. They now employ local guides, serve local food, use green energy, and protect the 274-hectare nature reserve that the locals call home. Embark on day hikes to spot rare bird species and exotic plants or take a guided night walk to witness the vibrant nightlife of the Amazon. After an invigorating hike, visitors can cool off by tubing down the winding Napo River or simply unwind in the comfort of the riverside hammocks.

Ecuadorian Heritage and Culture

For those who wish to take their eco-travel trip to the next level, they can opt for community immersions that offer sustainable tourism experiences. Ecuador has 14 nationalities and 18 identified indigenous groups recognized by the constitution, each with their own unique traditions and customs, making it an ideal destination for community-based tourism. Amidst the lush nature, tourists can partake in the daily lives of local communities. For instance, they can help prepare ceremonial meals, participate in shamanic ceremonies like temazcal (sweat lodge), and learn about indigenous crafts and farming in villages near the Amazon. The more adventurous can even learn basic hunting skills with a blowpipe. During the immersion stay, travelers will stay with locals, sharing moments of celebration and dance. These authentic experiences in the Galapagos, cities like Quito, and the Andes and Amazon will leave lasting memories.

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Guide to Eco Hotels in Ecuador (2024 Updated)

An eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the natural environment and eco friendly hotels Ecuador are considered excellent place to hang out for a couple of nights in Quito and beyond in Ecuador.

It’s worth noting that ecotourism and sustainable travel aren’t exactly the same thing – ecotourism can be unsustainable. Sustainability refers to the broader concept of creating travel that is not environmentally or culturally damaging. Ecuador combines these two brilliantly; here’s a list of some of our favorite sustainable ecotourism experiences.

The rise of ecotourism in Ecuador : Ecuador may be the smallest contender to make the list of the top ten most biodiverse countries, but that doesn’t stop it from inspiring and educating when it comes to ecotourism. Ecuadorian tourism entrepreneurs are leading the way regarding sustainable ecotourism, creating the awareness and attracting the financial support necessary to protect the environment around them

 Best Eco Tours in Ecuador

Table of Contents

• Outdoor activities nature and animals
• 5-Day Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Adventure
• Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños 2 days and 1 night with hotel and meals Included
• Quilotoa Tour Full Day With Lunch
• Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, small groups

See all Eco Tours in Ecuador on GetYourGuide.

1. Kashama Eco Resort & Spa 3* – Eco Friendly Hotels Ecuador

Boasting a landscaped pond with a cascade, a lush palm tree garden and a swimming pool, Kashama offers eco-friendly cottages. Adventure tours are available and parking is free.

At Kashama Eco Resort & Spa, guests can relax in the hot-tub or Turkish steam bath, book and adventure tour or take a trip to Santo Domingo , a 20-minute drive away. Quito is a 2-hour drive from the resort.

Kashama has rustic style décor and an architectural design fully integrated with nature. Bungalows have garden views and suites feature spacious seating areas and balconies. All rooms have private bathrooms and some of them include baths.

Casual rooms, suites & bungalows in a rural ecolodge offering an outdoor pool, dining & a spa.

hotel in Ecuador that has been designed and carefully built around a natural waterfall, where ancestral purification rites once took place.”,”viewport”:”DESKTOP”}]}”>

First, stunning location, with a waterfall directly in front of our room’s balcony softly putting us to sleep each night. Staff are very friendly and helpful, food is great but slightly pricier compared to elsewhere (for obvious reasons). Fresh towels and soap etc are given each day and activities involve a brief jungle walk, fishing (apparently) and swimming, but that’s the point here, to just chill out, unwind and do nothing.

They also offer many types of massages to help with the unwinding. For us though, probably due to the time of year , we had the run of whole place to ourselves, crazy but great too. Highly recommended.

Kashama is a perfect Resort to relax and enjoy a good vacations. Starting with food, the owner is also the chef, that makes espectacular dishes every day. The flavor and taste are SPECTACULAR. Animations are remarkable starting with water rapids to painting rocks and others. The waterfall, massage, spa.

The rooms are comfortable and clean, makes you feel at home. The employee are so friendly, lovely and very professional.

This is the best place that you can choose for vacation and relax…. I have been there couple times and every time is better… The waterfall is completely relax for your thought days… The rooms are from another world and during night you can enjoy the sound of the water running through the wild scenario…. Five stars for room service and the food OMG is completely delicious… I recommend a 100% for who wants to relax and connect with nature…. María and Gerardo will take care of you no matter what and I really appreciate that.

Kashama is in the middle in of a fantastic forest, secluded within large trees, a beautiful cascade (30 ft.) is in the center of the facility and the amenities, service, room, and food were awesome. We stayed in one of the larger rooms and it was spacious, and comfortable. The spa experience was incredible to share with your loved one. They offer a bathtub with scent and flowers.

The food was very good. You can also take a trail tour that is a bit demanding if you take the wrong shoes or do not work out. In the waterfall area, you need to use shoes or sandals to avoid getting hurt with rocks at the bottom.

How much does a room costs at Kashama Eco Resort & Spa ?

Prices start 224$ /night for Standard Double Room . The Suite with Hot Tub is 483 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This suite has a tile/marble floor, minibar and private entrance.

Where to book online – Kashama Eco Resort & Spa – Eco Friendly Hotels  Ecuador   – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Ecuador during Mama Negra  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Ecuador on Booking.com or  Trip.com   or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

2. Mashpi Lodge 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels Ecuador

Mashpi Lodge is located inside Ecuador’s Mashpi Natural Reserve and has a unique biology research focus. The lodge has hiking paths, a small souvenir shop and free WiFi access.

Each air-conditioned room here will provide you an iPod dock, a safety-deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer and bathrobes. Floor to ceiling windows offer a complete panoramic view of the foggy forest surrounding the property.

At Mashpi Lodge you will find a hot tub, free shuttle service and a 24-hour front desk. Other facilities offered at the property include laundry facilities, an observation tower and natural massages with stones, herbs and leaves from the area. You will also be able to enjoy a sky bike, natural waterfalls and night-time hikes with bioluminescent fungus.

Amid remote rainforest in the Andean Mountains, this luxe all-inclusive lodge is accessed by scheduled transfer from the city of Quito.

Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping rainforest views, the sleek, modern rooms provide complimentary Wi-Fi, armchairs and safes. Suites have free-standing Philippe Starck tubs.

Freebies include all meals and non-alcoholic drinks served in a chic restaurant, as well as transfers and guided nature activities. There’s also a spa, a library and a boutique, plus a terrace with panoramic forest views.

There is so much to do around the lodge activity wise, everything from a short hour’s walk to expert long hikes if that’s what you want to do. The cloud forest surrounds the lodge and the views are exceptional – from every vantage point of the lodge building itself, the bedrooms and suites and from different viewing platforms. The lodge has so much space, it could easily have accommodated probably twice the amount of bedrooms but I’m so glad they didn’t do that.

There is such a choice of other activities too – the Dragonfly, sky bikes, visiting the observation tower, a spa within the lodge offering massage and beauty treatments, a jacuzzi and yoga deck a few minutes walk away (book in advance for the hot tub), hummingbirds area, Life Centre with the butterflies and so much more. I’m going to write a more detailed blog post which will be on my website shortly to talk more about activities.

How much does a room costs at Mashpi Lodge ?

Prices start 1373$ /night for King Room . The Suite is 1662 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This double room features air conditioning, bathrobe and iPod dock.

Where to book online – Mashpi Lodge – Eco Friendly Hotels  Ecuador   – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Ecuador during Mama Negra  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Ecuador on Booking.com or  Trip.com   or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

3. Hotel Casa Ecuatreasures Centro Historico 3* – Eco Friendly Hotels Ecuador

Featuring a shared lounge, terrace and views of city, Hotel Casa Ecuatreasures Centro Historico is set in Quito, 400 m from Colonial Art Museum. This 3-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.

The units at the hotel come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. All guest rooms feature a wardrobe.

Guests at Hotel Casa Ecuatreasures can enjoy a continental breakfast.

Set in the historic city center 2 minutes’ walk from a bus station, this airy, laid-back hotel in a restored 1946 house is a 7-minute walk from Plaza de la Independencia and the  19th-century Basílica del Voto Nacional.

The 8 relaxed rooms with colorful accents offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and en suite, shower-only bathrooms; some have sitting areas, balconies, city views and/or sofabeds.

Breakfast is complimentary. There’s a furnished courtyard.

This is a tiny hotel (about 9 rooms?) run by an Ecuadorian family that lived in Florida for several years. They could not have been nicer or more accommodating. We arrived famished and, as a B&B, they serve only breakfast, but Hernan arranged for pizza and beer to be delivered. Breakfast the next morning, cooked by Joel, was excellent and, since he is also a tour guide, he was able to make several recommendations. The hotel is eco -friendly: the rooms are named after elements (we were in Water) and its water is heated by solar panels on the roof.

A wonderful boutique hotel in the  historic   district . It has been lovingly restored and decorated with an emphasis on sustainability. The family that owns it, headed by Hernan are very attentive and provides personal service. They will make sure your stay there is the best it can be. It is an easy walk to the central plaza, beautiful churches, and restaurants. The owner is very happy to suggest activities, and point out the important things to see. The breakfasts were wonderful, focusing on Ecuadorian foods. When we come back to Ecuador we’ll definitely stay here.

This small hotel in the  historic   district is wonderfully restored and tastefully decorated. Very convenient to walk to plaza, churches and restaurants. It is a small hotel and thus staff give personal service. The owner checked in every day to suggest activities, book a table at the city’s best restaurant, and make sure we had anything we needed. Breakfasts were unique each day and showcased Ecuadorian foods. We would definitely stay again.

How much does a room costs at Hotel Casa Ecuatreasures Centro Historico ?

Where to book online – Hotel Casa Ecuatreasures Centro Historico – Eco Friendly Hotels  Ecuador   – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Ecuador during Mama Negra  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Ecuador on Booking.com or  Trip.com   or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.

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WHY VISITING THE NATIONAL PARKS OF ECUADOR?

10 REASONS TO MAKE THE NATIONAL PARKS ECO TOURS

 ecuador with parks & tribes:.

First of all, because nobody else organizes such tours;

Only Parks & Tribes actually knows the majority of the protected areas of Ecuador;

We trained a limited number of guides to accompany the tours;

We always strife for the most economical solutions in pleasant 3 star hotel environments;

It is the mission of Parks & Tribes to help protect the protected areas of Ecuador;

Senior conservation biologists of Parks & Tribes who selected the national parks system of Ecuador in the 1970s developed the programs!;

The only tour operator with an Indian tribe as owners ( Cofan Indians );

Our mission is to protect, not to make money, therefore we strife for economical prices so that more people can participate;

Significant group discounts;

Major Combi-Discount National Parks Ecotours Ecuador and visit the Galapagos Islands . Ask for details!

WHY WE CREATED PARKS AND TRIBES

How it began.

Our jungle biologists started organizing national park tours in the nineteen eighties because we were concerned that many ecotourism operators of ECOTOURS mostly organize tours outside the national parks, taking their guests to easily reachable patches of secondary forest. By doing so, such tour operators actually compete with the really important official nature reserves. We want to bring you to the national parks, where you can enjoy the best nature in Ecuador.

We also feel that national parks need to create employment and economic opportunities for communities living near the protected areas. By organizing national parks tours, we let you enjoy the most fantastic nature of the country thereby contributing to the conservation of Ecuador's fantastic national parks while helping local communities at the same time. So, by coming along on our tours, you get to see the best of the best  Ecuador has to offer, while conserving pristine nature and helping communities.

We try to organize our tours as economically as possible, but you should be aware that hiring transportation with a guide costs us about $200 per day. So you can calculate that we are not making a lot of money on our pricing .

What we do now:

Take me to the Parks Tour Programs .

 The brand new Cuyabeno Loop taking you around in the reserve in stead of staying at one point;

Ecotours to Cofan Lodge Tour ;

Organize great excursions on the brand new historical Ecuador train system ;

Why visit the Galapagos Islands .

ECUADOR TRAVEL AGENCY: ECO TOURISM TO HIGHLIGHTS & NATIONAL PARKS

6 Best Jungle Eco-Lodges To Consider For Your Next Ecuador Trip

With sustainable tourism becoming more popular and more necessary than ever before to further ensure our place on this planet, Ecuador is more than prepared to rise to the occasion with some of the world’s best eco-lodges. Ecuador is one of the eight South American countries containing the great Amazon rainforest, in addition to the fascinating micro-climates layered between the Amazon and Andes Mountains, such as the captivating cloud forest.

Before we dive into six of the most exciting and innovative eco-lodges in Ecuador’s jungle, we should ask, what exactly is an eco-lodge, and why should you consider staying in one? An eco-lodge is a type of tourist lodging that adheres to the following three principles as laid out by architect Hitesh Mehta, a founding member of the International Tourism Society.

An eco-lodge must 1) benefit the local residents, 2) exist in a natural environment, 3) create awareness, and provide education to both staff and visitors to foster and protect a healthy ecosystem. Since Mehta’s original guidelines in 1999, many other addendums have been added to what can be considered an eco-lodge. By choosing to stay in an eco-lodge, you are directly contributing to the long-term care of local habitats and the sustainable development of the local economy and welfare.

What are the top amazon jungle lodges in Ecuador?

1. mashpi lodge.

The Mashpi luxury eco-lodge is located in the heart of the Mashpi Reserve, a shockingly short trip from Quito , given the dramatic change in landscape. Less than a three hours’ drive from Ecuador’s bustling capital in the Andes Mountains, you will find Mashpi lodge in the Choco primary cloud forest. This world-renowned lodge is thoroughly committed to preserving and educating about this incredible pocket of biodiversity.

The Mashpi Lodge design was created as an integral part of its natural surroundings to not disturb the various ecosystems here. The panoramic windows in every room give you the most intimate glimpse into the homes of monkeys, peccaries, ocelots, pumas, and over 500 bird species, 36 of which are endemic to the Mashpi Reserve.

Something else worth noting is that 75% of Mashpi lodge employees are originally from this area in Ecuador, which ensures most of the proceeds go back into the community.

2. Napo Wildlife Center

One of Ecuador’s most coveted Amazon lodges, hands down, is the Napo Wildlife Center. You will find the Napo Wildlife Center in the astounding Yasuní National Park, covering almost 2.5 million acres of the Amazon Rainforest. The eco-lodge itself borders a jungle lake teeming with life and was built using entirely environmentally friendly infrastructure. And with a 40-person capacity, they are conscientious not to stress the local ecosystem in any way.

The Napo Wildlife Center also upholds a 100% sustainable and community-based business model, collaborating directly with the local Kichwa Añangu community. All of their proceeds are channeled back into local, sustainable projects highlighting renewable energy, health care, and education. And the best part? You can get there on a quick 25-minute flight from Quito.

3. Sacha Lodge

If you love butterflies, this is the eco-lodge for you! Sacha Lodge, another eco-lodge destination, is home to one of the largest butterfly farms in Ecuador. A quick boat ride up the Napo River, and you will arrive at the 5,000-acre Sacha Lodge bio reserve. The lodge’s Swiss founder was captivated with the Napo River in all its glory in the 1970s and has been a pioneer in conserving this corner of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

The minimalist room design ultimately aims to blend in with the lodge’s natural surroundings without sacrificing comfort in any way. And the lounge area is a covered stationary raft right on the Pilchicocha Lake, home to caiman, giant river otters, hundreds of birds. Even when you are not on their fascinating excursions into the forest, you can’t help but feel you are part of the forest.

4. Kapawi Ecolodge

From its beginning in 1993, the Kapawi Ecolodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon embarked on a unique partnership with the Achuar Nation to work collaboratively in a new eco-tourism project. And since 2008, the entire enterprise is now in the hands of the Achuar. This eco-lodge has immensely impacted the local Achuar communities in Kapawi, and primarily the Achuar children’s education. They are making history, and every guest who visits them contributes to their sustainable, award-winning legacy.

The lodge itself was built using Achuar architecture and expert craftsmanship, and every aspect of this lodging experience comes back to the Achuar way of living: being one with the forest. There are no set itineraries so that each and every guest can design their own combination of activities with their expert Achuar guide.

5. La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa

Also located within the Yasuní National Bioreserve, La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa claims the title of Ecuador’s first Amazon lodges. La Selva is located on Lake Garzacocha and includes a unique spa and wellness center, where you can book treatments designed to enhance your connection with nature.

The work to transform La Selva into the sustainable enterprise it is today began in 2002, refurbishing the infrastructure with eco-friendly materials such as high-strength steel and cultivated bamboo. And they are currently undergoing renovations to make the lodge a 100% fossil fuel-free environment. Their commitment to social sustainability is just as strong, working closely with the neighboring Pilchi community.

6. Sani Lodge

This final award-winning eco-lodge in the Peruvian Amazon is another example of a tourist enterprise that is entirely run and owned by an indigenous community, the Kichwa. The Sani Isla, also within the Yasuní National Bioreserve, is featured on the Green Destination Committee’s 100 Best Sustainable Destinations from 2019; and the primary rainforest here is incredibly protected with low-impact trails.

The Sani Lodge is also involved in supporting local education, healthcare, and cultural projects. A prime example of this social involvement is their partnership with the Sani Warmi program. Sani Warmi specifically empowers local women, providing equal access to economic freedom and jobs.

Suppose you are already thinking of visiting Ecuador to experience and explore the Galapagos Islands , the world’s most biodiverse archipelago. Why not consider adding an extra couple of days to experience an Ecuador jungle lodge? Contact us today with more information on how to incorporate one of these award-winning eco-lodges into your bespoke journey to Ecuador and become part of the sustainable tourism revolution!

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10 Most Sustainable Eco-Lodges in Ecuador

• By Emese Maczko
• April 24, 2023 November 9, 2023

South America is bestowed with beautiful countries, but if there’s one that deserves all the praise, it’s Ecuador. With a diverse landscape that stretches along the Pacific Ocean, filled with the thick Amazon Jungle and home to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is certainly a dream come true for any eco-tourist .

Combined with the rich culture and even richer biodiversity, Ecuador is a place where they make nature matter. This is why you’ll find many eco-lodges, as well as eco-friendly hotels taking the green initiative to heart. If you are planning a trip to Ecuador and need to figure out which place to stay, here are some of the most unique and best eco-lodges in Ecuador:

What are eco-lodges?

Eco-lodges are accommodations in undisturbed, remote natural areas where both construction and operation have the lowest impact possible on the environment. They are not only part of the local community, but they are active participants in protecting nature and culturally sensitive areas.

Ecuador Eco-Lodges

Here is the map of these eco-lodges:

Napo Wildlife Center

Another lodge in the Yasuni National Park, the Napo Wildlife Center offers luxurious eco-lodges that have gained popularity solely for their unique build. Featuring wooden cabins decorated in bright colors were built by a joint venture between the Kichwa community and Ecuador.

The electricity is generated from solar panels and is stored in generators, but the use is kept to an efficient level. A water treatment plant purifies the water, which is collected naturally through rainwater and a nearby lake, and the same treatment plant re-purifies it back to the ecosystem.

The water is also heated naturally, and, if required, through solar power. Of course, all food is organically produced from fresh ingredients, and all waste is composted back into the biodiverse area. A special addition at the Napo Wildlife Center is its massive tower made from galvanized metal, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire land.

Pikaia Lodge

A 5-star hotel on the Galapagos Island, Pikaia Lodge offers a unique exploration of the Galapagos Island, an experience it calls an “eco-adventure”. The lodge is built on cliff tops, visible clearly from below, but when you go up there, you won’t believe your eyes.

Dressed in the ultimate luxury, Pikaia Lodge looks like something out of a dream, and it becomes even more difficult to believe that such a magnificent place is completely eco-friendly. The eco-lodge features sustainable furniture, biodegradable shower gels and shampoos, and floors made up of bamboo. It was designed to keep the natural climate in mind, bestowing its natural ventilation, and, when required, thermal insulation. All electricity is hydro-powered and used efficiently, and all food is produced organically. 

MySachaji Ecolodge

MySachaji Ecolodge is a wellness hotel that promises guests a romantic look into the Andes, the infamous South American mountain ranges. MySachaji, which means “Beloved Mountain” is a refreshing retreat for anyone who’s tired of the monotonous routines of life.

At the MySachaji Wellness retreat, cozy rooms lie on the foothills of Andean cliffs and offer a breathtaking view of the San Pablo Lake against the dramatic backdrop of Imbabura Volcano. The eco-lodge has been constructed with a sustainable, holistic design in mind and contributes to sustainability by featuring green roofs, which effectively reduce CO 2 emissions.

The water at the lodge comes from a rain collecting system, and to keep the lodges warm, used tires were placed below tiles. Impressively, the lodge was constructed using brick from natural excavation, and the lodge uses renewable energy to power up. From organic food to recycled products, you’ll find this lodge completely green!

El Monte Lodge

El Monte Lodge is situated in the Mindo Cloud Forest of Ecuador and is completely in touch with nature. Built with sustainable building materials and dressed in thatched roofs, they are completely hidden underneath the thick trees of the forest.

A hand-pulled cable car awaits visitors and takes them to the lodges, all of which feature an open-air design to let the breeze in. All electricity is generated via renewable energy, and the lodges serve organic food produced from their private organic farm. The lodges have a fire pit, made of natural stones.

They collaborate with Mindo Biological Station to ensure conservation. Interestingly, the lodges offer fun activities like zip-lining, so if you’re an adrenaline-loving person, you’ve found your place.

Yachana Lodge

The Yachana Lodge is a 3-star hotel in Ecuador that offers an enriching experience of the Amazon rainforest. Sustainable and elegant, the Yachana Lodge offers a classic Amazon stay, where one can live between the trees and hike through the jungle.

Yachana embraces eco-friendliness by reducing its carbon footprint, generating power through renewable energy sources, and producing organic food. One of the most unique experiences at the Yachana Lodge is making your own chocolate from organic cacao plants, something that tourists love to do.

The Yachana Foundation runs the lodge and runs protection and eco-tourism programs so visitors can join a hand in protecting the environment.

Finca Salma

Along Ecuador’s impressive stratovolcano, the Cotopaxi Volcano lies the Finca Salma near the Cotopaxi National Park, one of the unique stays in Ecuador. Finca Salma is an eco-friendly cabin built from wood and only uses glass when necessary.

It discourages the use of plastic and offers a sustainable glamping experience. While you may get an equally luxurious stay in most Ecuador eco-lodges, what makes Finca Salma really special is its location because it is located in a deserted area, which gives this lodge the most beautiful view for stargazing . Seriously, if you’ve always wanted to see the stars galore, head over to Finca Salma where the sky is clear as crystal.

Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge

The Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge is a private ecological reserve in Ecuador’s Tandayapa Valley. The lodge overlooks the amorous cloud forest and presents a mind-blowing view of the local mountain. Staying there will make you completely in sync with nature, and you can spend your time spotting tropical birds and listening to the many inhabitants of the rainforest.

The eco-lodge is 100% eco-friendly as it powers itself from renewable energy sources. When it comes to cuisine, each and every dish is carefully created with organic ingredients, which include tropical fruits and vegetables.

Grand Selva Lodge

Romantic, gorgeous, and simple, that’s Grand Selva Lodge for you. Promising its guests, a relaxing stay, the Grand Selva Lodge offers flexible amenities and amazing services. It is located in the Amazon River, surrounded by dense trees, so you’re quite blended in with the environment.

It takes many sustainable actions to preserve the Amazon rainforest. The water used at the lodge is collected from local riverine and rainwater, which undergoes a wastewater management system before being returned to the forest. The lodge also features a waste management system and makes sure that no guest accidentally increases its carbon footprint.

Cuyabeno Eco Lodge

The Cuyabeno Ecolodge was not only the first eco-lodge but the first-ever lodge to be built in the Cuyabeno National Park. It is located on the Laguna Grande, making it one of the most interesting and unique places to explore Ecuador.

Rich in wildlife and thick in rainforest, the Cuyabeno National Park brims with life, which is exactly why the Cuyabeno Ecolodge aims to go 100% green. The lodge is built from sustainable building materials , obtained from the natural remains of the rainforest. It completely mixes in with the rainforest, and keeps a quiet profile, so no wildlife is hurt or disrupted.

The lodge discourages visitors from bringing spraying insect repellents and provides biodegradable shampoo, soap, as well as rubber boots, and rain ponchos, so you won’t have to worry much. In addition, the lodge runs on solar panel-generated electricity and has a common charging area to avoid overload. If you’re looking for a rich experience, head over to Cuyabeno.

An all-inclusive eco-resort in the Yasuni/Ecuador National Park, the Sani Lodge is the only jungle lodge run by the Indigenous community of Kichwa. It has maintained a great record of sustainability and was awarded the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations of 2019 award, among many more certifications.

At Sani Lodge, people can immerse themselves in a rich culture, learn about the community and Ecuadorian history, and become a part of one of the biggest conservation programs.

The lodge is 100% green and partakes in sustainability by generating its own electricity, empowering the community, and offering all organic food. If you truly want an experience that will make you feel at home, the Sani Lodge is a place that can’t disappoint.

As you can see, there are plenty of unique and beautiful eco-lodges in Ecuador, and you will be spoiled for choice if you are searching for a sustainable holiday.

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Emese Maczko

Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.

• Emese Maczko https://ecolodgesanywhere.com/author/emesemaczko/ 18 Places on Earth That Don't Feel Real
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• Emese Maczko https://ecolodgesanywhere.com/author/emesemaczko/ Hawaii’s 14 Best Eco-Lodges To Discover the Green Side of Paradise
• Emese Maczko https://ecolodgesanywhere.com/author/emesemaczko/ New Ranking Reveals Rome's Monuments from Best to Worst

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Eco Friendly & Green Hotels near Quito

A list by Marcin Gutkowski . Updated January 2024.

1 Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel

2 Kashama Eco Resort & Spa

3 Casa Divina Eco Lodge

4 Eco Avocado Lodge

5 Cabañas Armonía y Jardín de Orquídeas

6 Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa

7 Willka Eco Farm Intag

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San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 335
• Very Good 65
• All languages ( 427 )
• English ( 414 )
• German ( 8 )
• Spanish ( 7 )

" Be prepared for many different elevations and weather during the tour. Moderate hiking mostly with a few climbs that I used hiking poles. "

" Filtered water was provided for bottle refills. Knowledge of Spanish would be very helpful. "

" We appreciated that we could opt in and out of different activities. "

" Quito sits at 9,350', so arrive a day early to adjust. "

" Part of the San Jorge Birdwatching tours. Have to book through them. "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

SAN JORGE ECO-LODGE & BOTANICAL RESERVE - Updated 2024 Reviews

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Quito Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

I really liked my visit to Quito. I didn’t really know what to expect but I found the city lively, gritty, and full of welcoming people.

Quito might not be where you’ll stay the longest when you visit the country but it offers enough to fill a few days. Its UNESCO Old Town and proximity to the equator ensure there is enough to keep you busy for a couple of days before you move on.

This travel guide to Quito can help you plan your visit there, stay safe, and save money as you explore Ecuador’s capital.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Quito

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Quito

1. Visit the old monasteries

Quito has several ancient monasteries to visit, including Santo Domingo, San Augustin, and San Diego. The San Diego convent, built by the Franciscans, is one of the city’s largest. It’s the oldest church in Ecuador, dating to 1534, and construction took 150 years to complete. Although it has been rebuilt several times after earthquake damage, you’ll still find original tilework in the chapel and a set of stairs that were originally designed for the Vatican. Santo Domingo was constructed in the 16th century in Baroque and Moorish styles. It’s very ornate and there’s a small museum on-site featuring paintings and other works of art as well.

2. Cross the Equator

Located near Quito, you can visit both real and fake equatorial monuments. Quito is the world’s closest major city to the equator. The “fake” monument was built in the 1970s to mark the equator. However, when GPS was invented, it revealed that the original calculations were off. On the weekends you can enjoy the lively plaza with music and dance performances. There’s also a museum nearby with a planetarium, ethnographic information, local art, and fun chocolate and beer exhibits. Museum entry is $5 USD.

3. Go to El Panecillo

E Panecillo (“the bread roll”) is a hill overlooking the city. It’s famous for its views and used to contain an Inca temple honoring the sun. The Incas called it Shungoloma , which means Hill of the Heart. Later, the Spanish built a fortress on the hill to serve as a lookout. On the hill is a 140-ft-tall aluminum mosaic statue of the Virgin Mary constructed in 1976. The best time to enjoy the view of the city and snap some pictures from here is early to mid-morning to avoid the crowds and the afternoon cloud cover.

4. Explore the markets

Quito has tons of great markets and they offer amazing opportunities to experience Ecuador’s cultural diversity. Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal has tons of artisanal goods, including everything from alpaca blankets to Ecuadorian chocolates. Mercado Municipal Santa Clara is another popular market for purchasing local art and experiencing Ecuadorian craftsmanship. Otavalo Market is where you go for gifts made by the indigenous people in the area, while Inaquito Market is the best place for regional foods.

5. Spend time in the Old Town

Here you’ll find the old Spanish city, with the central plaza at the heart. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the plaza features the Palacio del Gobierno, the Cathedral, and the Palacio Presidencial. Wander through the quaint streets as you take in colonial architecture and explore Quito’s rich history. You can enjoy some of the best vistas in the city from Basilica del Voto Nacional, a stunning church that offers a 360-degree view of Quito. It’s usually busy here so take some time to people-watch and enjoy the bustling ambiance.

Other Things to See and Do in Quito

1. hang out in parque metropolitano.

Parque Metropolitano is a sprawling 1,433-acre park on top of a hill with views overlooking the whole city and the Cumbayá Valley. This place is enormous, with camping sites, cafes, barbecue pits, scenic viewpoints, mountain biking, and hiking trails. While you’re on the trails, keep an eye out for the bright Crimson-Mantled Woodpecker and other exotic birds.

2. Visit the Museo del Banco Central

The Central Bank Museum has an extensive collection of artifacts from all of Ecuador’s regions and cultures, including pre-Incan artifacts and a seemingly endless collection of pre-Columbian ceramics and gold artifacts. Some of the coolest things to see here are the Chorrera ceramics from 900-300 BCE, including bottles shaped like little creatures that mimic animal noises when you pour water into them. Admission is $2 USD.

3. Hang out in La Mariscal

This is where all the expats and tourists hang out. I couldn’t walk five feet without bumping into a Texas BBQ or an Irish Pub. It’s full of bars and posh restaurants. I wouldn’t spend a lot of time here (it’s pretty pricey) but it’s an exciting place if you want a night out. The main plaza often has live music and entertainment, and the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal is worth a stop for if you want to go souvenir shopping.

4. Ride the Teleferico

Located on the eastern side of Pichincha Volcano is the world’s second-highest cable car. At 12,000 feet, you can see over six volcanoes on a clear day. You can just do a round-trip, or get off at the top to continue a trek along Pichincha’s ridge. The trail begins at Cruz Loma and is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) long, and it’s a challenging one due to the altitude and steep incline in some places. The views are completely worth it though. Avoid this hike if the forecast calls for poor weather, as the route can get treacherous. Gondola rides are $8.50 USD round-trip.

5. Visit the Jardin Botanico

On the southwest side of Parque La Carolina you’ll find this tranquil garden escape. You can experience some of Ecuador’s ecosystems here on a guided tour or on your own, including native habitats like high-altitude grasslands, wetlands, and cloud forests. This is also a prime spot for bird watchers, with over 141 different species to keep an eye out for. The two glass orchidariums (enclosures specifically for orchids) are the main highlights of their incredibly colorful collection. Be sure to check out the 100 bonsai trees in the Japanese garden. Tickets are $4 USD.

6. Visit the Itchimbía Park and Cultural Center

Established in 2005, this park and cultural center sits on top of Itchimbia Hill with panoramic views over the city and beyond, all the way to the snow-capped mountains and Pichincha Volcano. There’s also a glass house here that serves as an exhibition center and museum which regularly hosts workshops, art shows, and other events. There are about 40 different species of birds and 400 types of tropical flowers to admire here too.

7. Admire La Compañia church

La Compañia is considered the most ornate church in Ecuador. It took 160 years to build (1605-1765). Although its dominant architectural style is Baroque, it also includes Moorish elements (like the geometric shapes on the church’s pillars), stucco decoration in the Churrigueresque style, and Neoclassical touches in the chapel. The central nave is completely covered in gold and is incredibly ornate and lavish. It’s $5 USD to visit.

8. Hang out in La Floresta

If you want to go where the locals hang out, spend some time in La Floresta visiting its many coffee shops, galleries, and street art locales. Pop into the Ocho y Medio indie movie theater, or visit one of the craft breweries. In the evenings, some bars host live music.

9. Take a free walking tour

There are a few free walking tours available in Quito. This is the best (and cheapest) way to explore the city while getting a detailed overview of its culture and history. I recommend Free Walking Tour Quito because they also offer more in-depth tours to lesser-known neighborhoods. Just don’t forget to tip your guide at the end!

Quito Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels are incredibly cheap in Quito. A bed in a 6-8-bed dorm costs $6-15 USD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also include free breakfast. A basic private room for two with an ensuite bathroom costs from $15-50 USD per night. Prices don’t really change between peak season and off-season for hostels.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels during peak season range from $40-100 USD per night for a double room in a three-star hotel. Free Wi-Fi is standard. In the off-season, rooms cost $25-60 USD. Many budget hotels have shared bathrooms so just make sure you check before you book in case you want your own bathroom.

Airbnb is available in Quito, with a private room starting at $20-30 USD per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay closer to $45 USD per night.

Food – The local fare of Ecuador features ilapinchagos (fried potato cakes stuffed with cheese), ceviche (a raw fish dish usually with lemon), empanadas, arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), and cuy (roasted guinea pig).

In Quito, you can find street food stalls selling things like ceviche, empanadas, or even fresh-squeezed fruit juices like maracuya (passion fruit juice) for $1-2 USD. For comparison, a McDonald’s combo meal is about $7 USD.

Local lunch spots sell meals for $3-5 USD, including empanadas, soups, rice, and grilled meat. If you want western food, such as pizza or burgers, you’ll pay about $13-16 USD.

If you want to splurge on a high-end restaurant, you’ll spend about $25 USD for a three-course fixed menu. A dish of a traditional guinea pig ( cuy ) is $10 USD, while pasta and vegetarian dishes are $9 USD.

Beer is $3.50 USD while a latte/cappuccino is $2.50 USD. Bottled water is $0.65 USD.

If you’re planning on shopping in the markets and grocery stores, you can expect to spend around $20-30 USD per week on basic staples like bread, milk, eggs, cheese, chicken, fruit, and veggies.

Backpacking Quito Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of $30 USD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat some street food and cook some meals, take a free walking tour, and use public transportation to get around. If you plan on drinking, add $5-10 USD per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of $105 USD per day, you can stay in a decent hotel or Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy all the drinks, take a paid tour or two, and visit most museums.

On a “luxury” budget of $245 USD per day, the sky is the limit. You won’t have to worry about any restrictions on your spending. You can do anything!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Quito Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Quito is an affordable destination to visit, but it never hurts to save money! Here are a few tips to help you cut down your costs during your visit:

• Make sure your taxi is metered – Don’t get into a taxi unless the driver is using his meter. There are many stories of drivers unscrupulously overcharging tourists.
• Eat at the markets – This is the place to do your food shopping. You can find meals for just a few dollars, making this the best way to eat cheaply in the country.
• Stick to almuerzos – Many restaurants have “almuerzos” i.e., cheap lunches from a set menu. These are usually just a couple of dollars and usually include a drink.
• Carry small change – Forget about carrying any bills over $20 USD as you’ll have trouble changing them — even $20s can be difficult to break in small towns.
• Drink local beer – Ecuador produces many of its own beer brands which are cheaper than imports. Drink like the locals and save your money!
• Couchsurf – Use Couchsurfing to connect with locals who can provide free accommodation and share their insider tips and advice.
• Take a free walking tour – Quito Free Walking Tours offers free tours around the city. If you want to see the main sights and learn some history, this is a great place to start. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes in handy in Quito since you shouldn’t drink the tap water. Save money and reduce your reliance on single-use plastic and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw .

Where to Stay in Quito

Quito has lots of social and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Community Hostel
• Vibes Hostel
• Minka Hostel
• The Secret Garden Quito

How to Get Around Quito

Public transportation – The bus is the most common and efficient way to get around Quito. A local bus ticket costs $0.25 USD and can get you anywhere you need to go. Although there are designated bus stops, the driver will usually let you get off at any street corner. You should note that the buses stop running at 9PM.

Currently, Quito is building a new subway system that should be in operation by early 2023.

Taxis – Taxis are very affordable in Quito, and they’re metered (unlike elsewhere in the country). A short taxi ride shouldn’t cost much more than $5 USD. At night, the minimum rate is $2 USD; it’s $1.50 USD in the daytime. Always make sure your taxi is metered before you get in. If the driver won’t turn on the meter, get out and find one that will.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Quito and it’s usually cheaper than taxis.

Bicycle – BiciQuito is Quito’s free bike-sharing program with stations all over the city. Best of all, it’s free! You’ll need to register online and download an application from the website — and then deliver the application to one of the stations or at the AMT offices for approval. It’s not as easy as simply using a digital app, but at least the rides are free.

When to Go to Quito

It can be pretty chilly in Quito year-round due to its high-altitude location in the Andean mountains. The peak season to visit is from mid-June to September and then December-January. The average daily high is 15°C (60°F) while the average daily low is 8°C (48°F). Temperatures are slightly higher in July and August, averaging about 18°C (66°F) per day. In short, no matter when you visit you’ll want to bring a sweater or jacket.

Quito is very rarely overcrowded, but if you want to avoid inflated prices, come during the shoulder seasons or off-seasons. June to November is the low season in the Galapagos, and Quito is also quieter during this time as people aren’t hopping off to the islands. This is a good time to visit if you want to purely appreciate all that Quito has to offer without moving on to the Galapagos.

How to Stay Safe in Quito

The risk of violent crime is low in Quito, however, petty crime like pick-pocketing happens a lot. This can occur around high-traffic areas, especially in busy plazas and on public transportation.

Public transportation tends to get very crowded because the fares are so low, so be alert. Leave your valuables at home and don’t flash around your iPhone, camera, or expensive jewelry. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

Use caution at night. Avoid the Old Town and Carolina Park after dark, as well as Ave. de Los Shyris.

La Ronda, República de El Salvador, and Plaza Foch are safer places at night.

Don’t climb El Panecillo on foot, night or day. It’s best to use public transportation to avoid muggings or assaults, which are unfortunately very common in this area.

Solo female travelers should take the standard precautions (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For more specific information, read one of the many solo female travel blogs out there that can have more specific tips.

Scams are rare, however, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, tell them to stop and get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Quito Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Quito Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Quito travel and continue planning your trip:

The 13 Best Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Earth Day: 11 Eco Champions Making Our Travels Better

By Juliet Kinsman

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

How to Travel Better is a monthly column with Condé Nast Traveler’s sustainability editor Juliet Kinsman . In this series, Juliet introduces us to the sustainability heroes she meets, signposts the experiences that are enhancing our world, and shares the little and big ways we can all travel better.

My favorite memories from my travels as a sustainability editor come, not from stays at beautiful eco hotels and lodges (although who doesn’t love those), but the unplanned conversations I get to have with purpose-driven, passionate individuals around the world. Meeting Dutch-Malaysian artist Skaii, for instance, on a sweltering day in Langkawi, as she built beautiful pirate ships from plastic waste with preschoolers; my chats with Roque Sevilla, a former mayor of Quito turned sustainability champion, about the preservation of the páramo, a grassland ecosystem in Ecuador ; or bumping along in a 4x4 through Knepp Estate’s rewilded thickets in West Sussex with Ned Burrell, looking out for free-roaming English longhorn cattle.

When it comes to the wellbeing of our planet, there’s so much to consider, and it relies on each of us trying to make a difference—big or small. In an industry dominated by large travel corporations, these 11 Earth Day heroes are leading inspiring grassroots initiatives that are leaving a more positive, equitable, and lasting impact on our planet—and our travels.

The humanitarian protecting Daintree’s flora and fauna

Kristin Canning is helping hospitality hit net zero targets through Rainforest Rescue , her initiative that fights to protect Daintree 's delicate ecosystem. Believing that businesses have the power to be significant changemakers, this NGO has been a nature-based solution partner to The Travel Corporation’s Climate Action Plan for over a decade, working towards safeguarding the fragmented lowland rainforest while supporting Indigenous practices and knowledge sharing .

“Lowland habitats are some of the most at-risk areas, as they are prime for agriculture and development, yet are home to precious flora and fauna not found anywhere else,” Canning says. Covering less than 1% of Australia’s surface, Daintree’s rainforests are among its most biodiverse regions, housing 40% of its bird species, 35% of its mammals, and 60% of its butterflies. Despite this, it remains under-protected—and Rainforest Rescue helps fix carbon, improve soil, and stitch habitats back together. “Sustainable, green, and regenerative tourism is going beyond a trend—it’s a movement where people are consciously deciding to give back to the places they choose to visit,” says Canning.

The lodge owner saving mountain gorillas and their habitat in Uganda

Lydia Eva Mpanga is a social worker, lawyer, and safari expert who founded Nkuringo Safaris in 2007 when there were just 880 mountain gorillas left in the world—a species that was headed towards extinction. Today, numbers have increased to more than 1045, and 50% of them reside in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , thanks to the funds raised from gorilla trekking . Today, Nkuringo supports sustainable and community-led gorilla tours and wildlife safaris through its two safari lodges.

Having seen the tangible effects of deforestation on the environment firsthand, Nkuringo Safaris and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge set out to support both environmental and social initiatives that in turn support both tourism—and the gorillas. “Uganda has one of the youngest populations, with almost 60% below the age of 15,” Mpanga tells me. "Feeding its people means forested areas are constantly cleared for agriculture.” Through adjacent programs designed to keep girls in school, and combat early marriages and childbirth, we are reminded of the crossovers between environmentalism, socio-economic reform, and climate solutions.

The Michelin Green Star chef in London taking circular dining to the next level

Chantelle Nicholson is the New Zealand -born chef-founder of Apricity , a fine-dining, forward-thinking restaurant in London 's Mayfair that was awarded Michelin’s highest ethical and environmental recognition. Chantelle works tirelessly to incorporate regenerative practices into every aspect of the restaurant's operations from sourcing to production and waste management—collaborating, for instance, with produce supplier Shrub, that sources seasonally and regionally from the best biodynamic farms in South East England.

“In the Western world, it's like we have lost the value of things—whether it is food, goods, or equipment,” says Nicholson. “We work in a throwaway society that does not respect our planet and many of its inhabitants.” The circular-economy dynamo is not only concerned that our world creates so much waste, she’s also proving we can run restaurants more responsibly. “For me, it’s about working in a way where everything is valued and kept in use for as long as possible until there really is no other alternative.” Even the beautiful uniforms at Apricity are fashioned from textiles made from reincarnated PET bottles by Gung Ho, a sustainable British fashion brand.

The captain of industry saving Ecuador’s cloud forest

When Roque Sevilla , the former mayor of Quito , told me about his entrepreneurial journey from setting up an insurance company to saving Ecuador’s forests , I was blown away. A significant percentage of Grupo Futuro's profits goes to its charity wing, Fundación Futuro—and its travel company Metropolitan Touring has been carbon neutral since 2017, thanks to the expansion of its private ecological reserve and tree-planting mission. When visiting its luxury eco lodge Mashpi Lodge inside Ecuador's Chocó rainforest, I learned that only about 5% of the forest in the Andean Choco bioregion remains.

“Ecuador ranks among the most biodiverse nations on Earth, and protecting that diversity is key for all of our futures,” explains Roque. While at Mashpi, I saw firsthand how they’re helping farmers switch from agriculture to rewilding to create a wildlife corridor totaling 17,000 hectares, and learned about long-term plans to double the size of the reserve it sits on. “By marrying tourism and conservation, and by creating innovative funding mechanisms for biodiversity protection—while also ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local communities—we hope to counteract the pressures that drive deforestation,” says Sevilla.

The not-for-profit cleaning up Nepal by making sustainable sanitary products

A huge perk of travel is it opens our perspectives to local issues that also play into more widespread global challenges. Anyone that treks through Nepal is likely to notice the significant waste management issue it faces, exacerbated by the pressures of tourism. Tackling this problem of plastic waste through the distinct lens of compostable feminine hygiene products—and supporting women’s empowerment in the process—is Project Sparśa . When founder Dipisha Bhujel realized most menstrual products imported from China and India were 90% plastic, she developed a social business that would produce and sell compostable menstrual pads. Sparśa prioritizes local sourcing, creating economic opportunities for communities involved in banana farming, and the production of the pads—made from the byproducts of banana farming—is entirely circular. And with the revenue generated, the organization runs menstrual awareness campaigns that challenge societal taboos.

The Jordanian community-builder tackling economic leakage in tourism

Muna Haddad ’s first project through Baraka Destination , a rural, low-impact tourism venture that she started in 2011, was in Umm Qais, Jordan . “For the first six months, all we did was listen to the locals, learning so much about the place from their perspective, such as there being more than 300 different species of flowers. Through this, we created beekeeping and foraging experiences, nicely connected through a cookery class," recalls Haddad. Today, she works with local communities from the Middle East to the Mediterranean to design enriching travel experiences that give more than they take, collaborating with the World Bank, USAID, and the EU to tackle what she calls the biggest challenge in the world—inequity. “In popular destinations, local communities often receive just the crumbs of tourism benefits because of a lack of capital, market knowledge, or language skills, and this has created a strained relationship between people and the environment,” she explains.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

A recent trip to Iceland reminded Haddad of how much we all have in common, no matter where in the world we are. “A Bedouin in the desert of Jordan and an Icelander inhabit totally different terrains, but they are both still reliant on their land.” By partnering with local communities and designing tourism experiences together, Baraka offers travelers a chance to connect with the people that call it home.

The rewilding restaurateur in West Sussex promoting a healthy landscape

I first learned of the Knepp Estate through its founder Isabella Tree’s best-selling book Wilding . Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree’s 3500-acre rewilding and regenerative farming project has turned marginal lands into a home to a remarkable array of wildlife—everything from red and fallow deer to Exmoor ponies and turtle doves roam free here—and an abundance of flora. When their son Ned Burrell opened The Wilding Kitchen in a restored 18th-century barn with a menu designed for estate-to-plate dining, I couldn’t wait to visit. Burrell believes that the biggest threat to humanity is biodiversity loss: “There’s so much land tied up in producing so little food, but if you reverse that, as Knepp has, the biodiversity benefits are enormous. A recent study showed 95% of the carbon footprint of every ingredient generally comes from its production and manufacturing, whereas our free-roaming pigs, cattle, deer, all are drivers of a healthy landscape,” says Burrell. The Knepp estate also offers sustainability-minded travelers an opportunity to camp and eat on site, and enjoy its walking trails, safaris, and tours.

The filmmaker in Bahamas showing us what we do on land affects the oceans

I first learned about Andre Musgrove , a freediving guide who specializes in photographing humans and marine wildlife, at the last UN Climate Conference. Based in the Bahamas , Musgrove has vast knowledge of its marine wildlife hotspots—and is an ambassador for the ocean non-profit group SeaLegacy . “People are so disconnected from nature and the knowledge that every aspect of our natural world is to our wellbeing,” says Andre. “Through my imagery or private dive guide experiences, I change perspectives by showing them what’s happening underwater. It makes them more aware of the repercussions of our actions on land.”

Andre takes visitors from all over the world on dives so that they can fall in love with the ocean and, in turn, do whatever they can to help protect it. “It can be as simple as encouraging them not to use plastic straws or to use reef-safe sunscreen now that they understand its effects on coral,” he says. “It helps the penny drop that just because a situation is out of sight it shouldn’t mean it’s out of mind. People think the story ends where they can see, but when they put their head underwater, it’s a whole new world they start to care about.”

The Malaysian artist upcycling waste into creative crafts

Skaii De Vega was fashioning waste polystyrene into a starfish destined to become jewelry when I met her at Kanshalife Project ’s headquarters in a tiny hidden village in Langkawi. As part of The Datai Langkawi ’s outreach program, the Dutch-Malaysian visual artist provides employment to single mothers and marginalized communities by upcycling commercial waste into upscale interior design products sold via the hotel’s elegant gift shop.

Skaii also hosts activities in the resort’s Lab as part of their efforts towards waste reduction and the celebration of small-scale production. “One of the most pressing challenges facing our planet is the pervasive issue of plastic and food pollution, and the relentless use of single-use plastics.” The initiative also engages with the local children of Geng Bersih Kampung to nurture the next generation of green leaders. “Together, we are not just tackling pollution, we are cultivating a generation of changemakers who will shape a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.”

The ecofeminist tackling eco-anxiety through climate cafes in Nigeria

Jennifer Uchendu cares about the mental health of young Africans and wants to make sustainability solutions both actionable and relatable. Through her work with SustyVibes , she works at the intersection of climate change and mental health issues faced by African youth through research, advocacy, and community intervention.

In its co-working space Zen Cafe in Lagos , Uchendu brings young people together with older folk to create intergenerational safe spaces. “Mother Earth is facing many challenges—many of which are intersecting and happening simultaneously,” Jennifer told me from the Netherlands where she has just completed a research fellowship on eco-anxiety at the University of Utrecht. “The concept of the ‘polycrisis’ best describes this phenomenon: ongoing wars, the climate crisis, and the mental health crisis are all harming life on the planet.” SustyVibes’ clean-ups and tree-planting events are open to all to join.

The charity-entrepreneur unlocking water solutions from Bangalore to Mexico

Machiel van Dooren of Made Blue Foundation may be based in the Netherlands, but he’s helping provide access to clean water for communities as far as Asia and the Americas. The World Economic Forum describes the water crisis as our most urgent challenge today, and this entrepreneurial-minded water charity’s mission to provide communities with access to clean drinking water is significant. “It’s hard to imagine what it might be like to walk for four hours a day just to get polluted water and then have to spend ages boiling it. It’s also about opening people’s lives up to do better things.” Since 2014, Made Blue has provided clean water to nearly 140,000 people, totaling over 17 billion liters. Made Blue also partners with hospitality groups such as the Lore Group, and its hotels like Sea Containers London and Pulitzer Amsterdam fund up to 100 liters of clean water per room night sold.

Machiel was also the first to bring it home to me that water scarcity caused by a heating planet exaggerates the gender inequity so much more than many of us realize. “People understand that not everyone has access to clean water—but what we don't think about enough is the disproportionate impact this has on the lives of women and girls, and how much of their time could be freed up for education and generating income.”

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