Ecuador is one of the smallest countries on the South American continent, but this doesn’t make it any less of an attraction with all the natural and wildlife wonders it has in store! Considered by many to be one of the most accessible and striking countries of the Andes Mountains, Ecuador is also famous for its offshore island archipelago, the Galapagos Islands, which are home to many unusual and interesting species of animals and flora.
To the east of the Andes lie the tropical lowlands of El Oriente, an unspoiled wilderness of Amazonian rainforest. To the west is the lush cloud forest which offers excellent bird-watching, attractive waterfalls and superb flora and fauna, ideal if you are looking for a luxury wildlife holiday in Ecuador.
Ecuador boasts superb Amazon rainforest lodges, including:
Sacha Lodge
Sacha has a fantastic 940ft long canopy walkway, nearly 100ft up in the treetops providing an unbelievable opportunity for bird watching and wildlife spotting in the rainforest. This jungle lodge has just 26 rooms, each with private facilities and hot water, biodegradable soap and shampoo. Cabins are thatched and screened, with ceiling fans, and it is the most easily accessible of the lodges, situated on an oxbow lake off the Napo River.
Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve
Located in one of the most remote and well protected parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon, Kapawi is an award winning lodge noted for its comfort and quality of service as well as its abundance of wildlife and rich biodiversity. The lodge is run in conjunction with the Achuar tribe to promote sustainable resources and ensure minimal environmental impact. A solar energy system provides nearly all of the lodge’s energy needs including hot showers.
Arasha Tropical Resort and Spa
Arasha is a luxurious retreat located in the rich biodiversity of the cloud-forest zone, two and a half hours from Quito. As well as offering a variety of excursions and activities, you can really pamper yourself here with excellent spa treatments, using luxurious tropical ingredients. Much attention is given to the comfort of guests, with superb cuisine, impeccable service and exceptional accommodation in 27 elegant private bungalows. More than 150 species of birds can be seen in the trails around the resort. Other leisure activities available include: taking a refreshing swim in a nearby river lagoon or you can even learn how to make chocolate from raw cocoa beans!
Cotopaxi National Park
With Ecuador’s highest volcano at 5897m, the Cotopaxi National Park is the jewel of the Eastern Cordillera. Featuring lush highland which is perfect for hiking or horse riding, there is the option to stay at one of the historic haciendas close to the national park itself. Here a number of tours are offered many including fishing, cycling and riding.
To plan your luxury wildlife holiday to Ecuador, call our Latin America specialists today.