Romantic Escape to The Amazons
What a memorable trip to Ecuador! We really enjoyed the hikes in the jungle, and learning about the indigenous cultures and the Amazon Basin.
What was your favorite place on this trip?
Quito is a busy, bustling city, primarily clean and filled with people on the streets. I can't image navigating the streets in vehicles. Instead, we took the city tour by bus for the entire day and always felt safe. We were blown away by the awesome view from El Panecillo Hill. Our stay at Swissotel was the perfect hub to get to many city sites.
What activities made this vacation so memorable?
Mindo is about a 2-hour drive from Quito. Our guide, Eric, picked us up at our hotel and was on time and well informed with the history of the area. We took the cable car tour which took us across the top of the canopy followed by a hike down to the waterfall. A bit strenuous, but the chocolate factory tour at the end of the trip was great! We saw many toucans and other birds!
The biggest takeaway from this adventure…
We stayed at the Anaconda Lodge when we were in Tena. My husband and I really enjoyed the hikes in the jungle and learning about Napo Runa culture and medicinal plants. Our guides Francisco and Cesar were amazing, and they really inspired us to do what we can to help preserve indigenous cultures and protect the Amazon basin.
Places you'll stay
Quito
Set an elevation of 9,350 ft (2,850 m), Quito is the highest capital city in the world. The population of this bustling city is a contrasting mix of Ecuadorians sporting sleek business suits and colorful indigenous clothing. These contrasts exemplify the mix of politics, history and culture that define Quito. Founded in the 16th century atop the ruins of an Inca city, Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a premier destination for those visiting Ecuador.
Tena
Nestled between lush hillsides and snaking rivers is the town of Tena, the whitewater capital of Ecuador. Many travelers come here just to raft or kayak on the many rivers that come raging down from the Sierras. For those looking for a drier experience, the surrounding wildlife and indigenous communities also offer a great way to spend your time.
San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal is the fifth largest island in the Galápagos. This islands offers easy access to snorkeling and beach sites, and is also home to some of the best surfing in the Galápagos. Geologically, San Cristóbal is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos. The main town here is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Moments to look forward to
Mindo Full-Day Tour
Kicker Rock - Leon Dormido Island Tour
Espanola Island Tour
Lobo Island and Ochoa Beach
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
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Hotel Recommendation #2
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Hotel Recommendation #1
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Hotel Recommendation #3
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Seamless Connections
Insider-led Ecuador Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Ecuador Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
