This may be one of the smallest countries in South America, but it boasts one of the greatest and most significant wildlife attractions on the planet ? the Galápagos Islands ? where Charles Darwin formed the basis of the Origin of Species. Ecuador is also famed for its coffee, chocolate, links to the ancient Inca tribes, pyramids (one of which is said to be the closest earth gets to the sun) and the planet?s very first Unesco World Heritage Sites. You?ll hear 10 different indigenous languages spoken across Ecuador and may encounter as many as 4000 species of orchid.
Casa Gangotena

A former family home, this 18th-century mansion house is found on Plaza San Francisco in Quito. High-ceilinged period public spaces have a palatial look and feel, thanks to liveried doormen, an attentive concierge, original frescoes, heavy carved doors, a grand sweeping staircase and dark wooden panelling, while bedrooms (31 of them set across two floors) have received a lighter decorative touch. There?s a lounge with a glass-atrium roof for coffee or a Quinteñan High Tea taken from the comfort of a sofa, a bar and Cedrón restaurant for all meals (breakfast is served buffet-style). Check Availability & Prices
Mashpi Lodge

Nestled within around 3000 acres of a nature reserve in the Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest, this glass and steel construction was considerately embedded into its surroundings, so as not to disturb a single tree. A high wooden walkway leads to a platform perfect for bird spot...