Galapagos Luxury Lodge Tours
Private adventures in the Galapagos Islands from the comfort of luxury lodges
Quito | Santa Cruz Island
ECUADOR LUXURY TOURS
LUXURY TRAVEL ECUADOR
Ecuador is one of the world’s great ecological contrasts: a country the size of Nevada that contains the Amazon, the Andes, and the Galápagos Islands. From volcanic peaks that rise above the clouds to ancient rainforest systems and Pacific islands that reshaped our understanding of evolution, Ecuador is home to some of the most biologically significant regions on Earth and journeys here showcase a rare convergence of natural extremes.
Our bespoke luxury tours of Ecuador go beyond the highlights, pairing iconic destinations such as the Galápagos Islands, Quito’s UNESCO-listed centre, and the Andean highlands with immersive private experiences including exclusive private yacht-based wildlife excursions, guided visits to colonial haciendas, and meaningful encounters with indigenous communities.
Every journey is privately designed and carefully paced, with specialist guides, exceptional accommodations, epic active adventures, and seamless logistics throughout, allowing Ecuador’s extraordinary diversity to be experienced with clarity, depth, and ease.
GET INSPIRED WITH THESE LUXURY TOURS TO ECUADOR
Every Blue Parallel tour is tailor-made by our travel experts, based on your unique travel preferences. Discover our bespoke Ecuador itineraries and explore the regions Blue Parallel are specialists in.
WHERE TO GO IN ECUADOR
From the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands and the colonial grandeur of Quito to the mystical cloud forests and the biodiverse Amazon Basin, learn more about Ecuador's highlights.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have the most diversity of living creatures in the world. Encounter an unfathomable variety of wildlife, including albatrosses, penguins, boobies, giant tortoises, whales, and dolphins, and discover why Charles Darwin began his ground-breaking theory of evolution here. Our Galapagos tours journey through the islands from a base either on the land or sea. Blue Parallel travel experts will help you select the perfect option depending on your preferences and group size. For sea-based explorations, there are a variety of ships to choose from, ranging from 40 passenger shared vessels to 16 passenger privately chartered yachts. For those who prefer a land-based tour of the Galapagos, accommodation options vary from sleek, modern eco-lodges to luxurious glamping tents.
Quito
Nicknamed “the Florence of South America” for its beautiful and well-preserved colonial architecture that is mixed with indigenous influences, Quito has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. While visiting Quito on a private tour of Ecuador, explore the capital city’s narrow streets and its most impressive churches with a private guide and enjoy exclusive access to the Convent of Santo Domingo in the evening. This opulent church was constructed in a Latin American Baroque style and is known for its breathtaking interiors and beautiful views of the city from its rooftop. Indulge in a gourmet meal in Quito’s vibrant culinary scene, where many restaurants highlight traditional Ecuadorian cuisine and ingredients.
Amazon Rainforest
Take a private tour into the heart of the Amazon rainforest to discover its unique flora and fauna. The Ecuadorian Amazon also offers a fascinating look into the lives of indigenous populations. Using a luxury eco-lodge as a base, enjoy daily excursions with your expert naturalist guides to explore the Amazonian jungle from sunrise to sunset. Visit a mysterious parrot salt lick in the early morning to watch the Napo river banks come alive with the colors and sounds of hundreds of birds. During the day, trek through the terra firme forest to see ancient trees, bromeliads, and orchids, as well as different species of monkeys, birds, or even tapir. In the evening, a night walk will introduce guests to the nocturnal wildlife of the area. Our bespoke Amazon tours also offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a local Kichua village where female community members will show their extraordinary way of life.
Highlands
Stunningly picturesque, the Andean highlands are not to be overlooked when planning your luxury tour to Ecuador. To experience this incredible region, stay at Hacienda Zuleta, a working, colonial-era farm located between the peaks of the Andes mountains at over 9,000 feet above sea level. This charming property has been owned by the family of former President Galo Plaza Lasso for more than 100 years. While at the hacienda, enjoy horseback riding on their exclusive breed of Andean Zuleteño horses, a mixture of Spanish-Andalusian, English, and Quarter horses. En route to the highlands from Quito, stop at the famous Otavalo market, one of the most important indigenous markets in Latin America, where one can purchase everything from livestock to fresh produce to artisanal jewelry and crafts.
Cloud Forest
The varying altitudes of the cloud forest create cooler temperatures than the Amazon and numerous microclimates, resulting in an incredible assortment of flora and fauna. So while it is less well known than some of Ecuador’s other highlights, the beautiful cloud forest is a perfect addition to a tour of Ecuador. Perched on a plateau at 3,117 feet, the five-star Mashpi Lodge is both a private, luxurious hideaway in the clouds, as well as an active nature reserve. Trek through the enchanting cloud forest with a personal guide who will point out some of the fascinating plant and animal species of the area, including orchids, trees, frogs, and 400 species of birds. The forest is equally as intriguing at night - as the sounds and smells of the forest intensify, listen to the croaking of nocturnal frogs, spot nocturnal birds, and then turn off your flashlight to observe sparkling fireflies and bioluminescent fungi.
BLUE PARALLEL CREATES TAILOR-MADE ITINERARIES TO ECUADOR
Contact us to start planning your private adventure of a lifetime
START PLANNINGWHERE TO STAY IN ECUADOR
We scout for the very best luxury accommodations in Ecuador, from Amazon retreats to remote lodges. Browse some of our favorites below or explore our portfolio of preferred properties.
WHEN TO VISIT ECUADOR
Ecuador’s diverse regions each follow their own seasonal rhythms, making timing an important consideration for any journey. Discover more about the best time to visit Ecuador.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| QUITO | ||||||||||||
| GALAPAGOS ISLANDS | ||||||||||||
| AMAZON RAINFOREST | ||||||||||||
| ANDEAN HIGHLANDS | ||||||||||||
| CLOUD FOREST |
WHEN TO VISIT ECUADOR
Ecuador’s diverse regions each follow their own seasonal rhythms, making timing an important consideration for any journey. Discover more about the best time to visit Ecuador.
- QUITO: January to December
- GALAPAGOS ISLANDS : January to December
- AMAZON RAINFOREST: January to December
- ANDEAN HIGHLANDS: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- CLOUD FOREST: January, February, July, August, September, October, November, December
SEE WHAT OUR TRAVELERS HAVE TO SAY
❮ ❯ACCESS EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL TIPS EVERY MONTH
Sign up to our monthly newsletter to inspire your next adventure and receive insider travel tips.
SEE BLUE PARALLEL IN THE MEDIA
View all media