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Smile. You’ve LANDED in Ecuador.
Though it’s one of the smallest countries in South America, it possesses some of the greatest beauty in the continent. The country is an experience in compact loveliness–from the quaint streets of Quito to the Galapagos Islands, you’ll find an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.
CAPITAL QUITO
LANGUAGE SPANISH
CURRENCY US DOLLAR
READ HUASIPUNGO
SIP & TASTE CANELAZO & LLAPINGACHOS
EXPERIENCE HIKING THE AVENUE OF VOLCANOES
Ecuador, At Your Pace
Does time move differently at the Equator? Does it lose grip or stand on its head? In the rainforest, hours stretch and soften; in the Highlands, they shift and slow; at sea, they all but disappear. Urgency fades, attention deepens, and time evolves from something measured to something lived.
Light spills across the infinite Andes; the Amazon hums with ancient rhythm; and Galapagos days dissolve into sea and silence. With LANDED, doors stay open longer, moments linger, and the world moves only as fast as you choose.
Decades of on-the-ground relationships allow LANDED to craft experiences no one else can—moments that are entirely Ecuadorean, and entirely yours:
- Navigate the Galapagos Islands by charter yacht, pausing to swim with playful sea lions and penguins.
- Ride amid the ancient pyramids of a secluded Andean estate, then celebrate with a family of musicians around the bonfire.
- Canoe silently through Amazonian tributaries, encountering river otters, toucans, and electric-blue butterflies.
- Craft your own chocolate—from tree to bar—at a luxury estancia, perhaps adding native spices and heirloom fruits.
- Dine by candlelight atop Quito’s historic center, serenaded by guitar and distant church bells.
LANDED specializes in tailor-made journeys that feel personal, seamless, and deeply connected to place.
Ecuador packs astonishing diversity into a territory slightly larger than Colorado. The Andes divide the mainland into Pacific Coast, Highlands, and Amazon Basin. Offshore, the Galapagos Islands offer a pristine glimpse of creation. Volcanoes brood and spark, forests exhale clouds, and islands teem with original lifeforms.
When travel is designed with care, moments are richer and more meaningful—conversations flow, wildlife encounters feel destined, and time expands. What lingers isn’t a list of places—it’s a feeling of having been exactly where you were meant to be.
This is Ecuador experienced with depth, confidence, and imagination.
This is where LANDED begins.
Start your journey today
Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you.
Destinations
Where to go in Ecuador
Quito
Surrounded by volcanoes, Ecuador’s capital city of Quito is a living tie to the Inca empire and Spanish colonialism. The historic Old Town is the best-preserved colonial city in all of South America–and it has a powerful ambiance to match.
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The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands–where Charles Darwin famously developed his theory of evolution–is a place that’s on many bucket lists, and it’s just a short boat ride from Ecuador’s coast. Featuring a “melting pot” of marine animals and wildlife, you can encounter the “living museum” of nature and see the wonders of the islands firsthand.
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Cuenca
A charming collection of shady plazas, dazzling churches, and restored colonial mansions await you in Santa Ana of the Four Rivers of Cuenca–or just Cuenca for short. Relax and refresh in town, go hiking in the nearby national parks, or explore the Inca ruins. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll be able to find history anywhere you go.
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Adventures You Can't Miss
Enjoy A Chocolate Tasting In Quito
Ecuador is a chocolate lover’s dream! At To’Ak in Quito, you can get your fill of art and chocolate in the iconic Capilla del Hombre and the neighboring house of the famous Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamin. Enjoy trying the raw and roasted beans of one of the rarest cacao varieties, then taste limited editions of single-origin Ecuadorian dark chocolate paired with a unique look inside the life of one of Latin America’s most creative minds.
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Hike The Avenue Of Volcanoes
Visitors can explore nearly 40 mountains in Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes, which has one of the highest concentrations of high volcanic summits–including Mt. Chimborazo, one of the highest mountains in the world at 20,549′ above sea level! Choose from day trips from Quito or organize a multi-day climb–or spend the day on horseback to fully enjoy the view.
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A Day At A Hacienda
Live an authentic local experience in one of Ecuador’s family-owned private ranches. You’ll be able to taste handmade, tree-to-bar chocolate, dulce de leche, honey, and other farm-fresh products, as well as take part in other on-site activities such as river tubing, milking, horseback riding, and beekeeping.
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Snorkel With Galapagos’ Marine Wildlife
Swimming and snorkeling with the marine wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is a life-changing experience. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with sea lions, sea turtles, and marine iguanas among other amazing creatures as they play around you.
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Luxury accommodations in Ecuador
Whether you’re looking for the bustling culture of the city or a traditional hacienda getaway, Ecuador’s hospitality scene is ready to welcome you. Find the perfect luxury hotel to match your travels, no matter if you’re looking for an ultra-modern resort or a boutique, historic hotel close to one of Ecuador’s incredible cloud forests.
Who we design Ecuador journeys for
For Couples: Shared Perspective & Elegant Design
Ecuador is for couples who value depth over display—who understand that the most luxurious gift is time: uninterrupted, unobserved, and entirely your own.
To live fully here is to lean into curiosity, savor sensory details, and let connection set the pace. In Ecuador’s rare environments, luxury is not excess—it is presence, depth, and the freedom to feel every second as it passes.
Picture:
- A couple’s massage in a secluded cloud-forest spa—scented by native botanicals, enveloped in birdsong and mist.
- Morning yoga at a private Galapagos villa, while giant tortoises exhale slowly just off your deck.
- An early-morning forest walk in the Amazon, followed by breakfast above the canopy.
- Riding highland trails at a private estancia, pausing for a traditional Andean blessing.
- A sunset helicopter flight over volcanoes, ending at a table for two amid clouds and peaks.
- Insider access to rare workshops—textiles, leather, and craft chocolate.
LANDED creates space for closeness, reflection, and wonder. This is Ecuador for couples—designed entirely for you.
Multi-Generational and Milestone Travel in Ecuador
In Ecuador, life is measured in connection. When shared, extraordinary moments become lasting reference points in your family’s story.
LANDED specializes in journeys where grandparents, parents, and children each have different needs, yet the experience feels unified.
For more than two decades, we’ve designed journeys for:
- Grandparents traveling with their adult children and grandchildren
- Families with teens or college-age children seeking renewed kinship
- Milestone achievements, such as graduations, anniversaries, or retirements
- Once-in-a-lifetime family experiences that honor your family’s heritage and legacy
Safety, elegance, and your family’s priorities guide every LANDED journey.
Albums & Stories
Want a deeper look into the vibrancy and beauty of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands? Take a look at our meticulously curated collection of all the essential information and sought-after insights to help you envision your trip. Learn more about Ecuador and the Galapagos with our family photos, articles, and podcasts covering the history, geography, culture, and more to help prepare for your trip!
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ecuador?
Ecuador lies on the equator, so temperatures are fairly constant year-round. With highs in the mid-70s and lows in the 40s, Ecuador can be enjoyed any time of year.
Most first-time visitors to Ecuador are planning to visit the Galapagos, so the time of their travel is determined by the timing of their Galapagos itinerary. Galapagos is great throughout the year, although September is less desirable. You can find more information on when to visit the Galapagos here.
In mainland Ecuador, January to April tends to be rainier months, with the dry season running from June to September. In the Amazon rainforest region, rain is more likely from February to November.
What language is spoken in Ecuador?
Spanish is the official language in Ecuador. While Spanish is the primary language spoken, there are also several indigenous languages spoken by various communities across the country. Some of these include Quechua, Shuar, Kichwa, and many others.
English is spoken in locations frequented by foreign visitors. LANDED can offer bilingual guide services to ensure you don’t miss a single detail of the rich cultural information shared during your travels.
What should I pack for Ecuador?
What to pack for your trip to Ecuador depends on which destinations you’ll visit, how long you’ll be away, what you’ll be doing in Ecuador, and the time of year.
Still, here are some essentials to help you get started:
- Passport. Lock the original in the hotel safe and keep a copy (say, a photo of the passport’s photo page) with you at all times.
- US cash in small denominations (clean, un-torn bills). The US Dollar is the official currency of Ecuador.
- Credit & ATM cards. ATMs are available and major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. Please confirm your travel dates and destinations with your card issuers before you leave the country.
- Proof of public or private health insurance for the duration of your stay in Ecuador. The National Assembly of Ecuador requires this from all travelers and may deny entrance to the country without it.
- Airline flight information
- Camera, data cards or film, batteries (spare batteries are recommended), data storage devices, and battery charger. Remember any cables or card readers you might need to transfer files.
- An underwater camera. A GoPro video camera is perfect for underwater and on-land photos and video.
- Binoculars
- Electrical adapters, power converters, and a small multi-socket surge protector / power strip.
- Daypack or small backpack
- Sun protection (sunblock, sunhat, & sunglasses). The sun can be very intense in the Andean Highlands, Amazon, and Galapagos.
- Insect repellant & antihistamine (anti-itch) spray
- Prescription medications
- Lightweight waterproof windbreaker
- Synthetic fleece pullover
- Swimwear
- Light, informal clothing for dining and hotel or in cities (it’s amazing how versatile a charcoal grey sweater can be).
- Walking shoes or light hiking boots
- Rubber-soled shoes or boat shoes
LANDED has also prepared a special packing list for travelers visiting Patagonia.
How safe is Ecuador?
Ecuador is generally quite safe; however, common-sense precautions are still important. Bag snatchers and pickpockets target public transportation hubs and tourist areas. As a general rule, you should not be out in the streets alone after dark. Stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Most incidents occur in the street. Keep your travel documents (e.g. passports) in the hotel safe or concealed in a zippered pocket. Leave that flashy wristwatch at home or in the hotel security box. The hotel concierge and local guides can provide the most up-to-date safety guidance.
Luxury Travel Guides
Galapagos Guide
Everything you need to know for a memorable trip to the Galapagos Islands.
Begin Designing Your Ecuador Journey
If you’re ready to experience Ecuador in a way that feels alive, genuine, and unmistakably yours, let’s start the conversation.
Every LANDED journey begins with listening. A one-on-one consultation allows us to understand how you like to travel, what inspires you, and how you want to feel along the way.
This is travel design guided by human insight—no algorithms, no shortcuts.
With LANDED, you’ll experience Ecuador—without guesswork or compromise.
