Best hotels in Ecuador

The very first city to be made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito has a fascinating history that bleeds into every building and cobblestoned street. Built in the artists neighbourhood of San Marcos, ILLA is no exception. With its roots as a 17th-century family home, the hotel permeates a sense of warmth and hospitality while its decor is chic, modern and bold. With just 10 rooms, it's an intimate, boutique space with scene-stealing oil paintings, signature amenities (more on that later) and lovely views over the city. Set out to discover the delights of Quito, from its grand, aged plazas to the tiny stores selling Panama hats - did you know they happen to originate in Ecuador?

Amidst the Tolkien-esque landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, Chilcabamba embodies a passion for nature, appreciation for indigenous culture, and the adventurous spirit Ecuador is known for. The entire lodge was built from locally-sourced and recycled materials, its thick adobe walls keeping out the chilly night air and its style is rustic and authentic. In every room, there is a wood-burning stove to keep you toasty after a day spent delving into the rapturous surrounds with Chilcabamba's resident chagra (an Ecuadorian cowboy), Rafael. And there are horseback rides across the grasslands, hikes along trails of petrified lava, and kayaking in a crater lake to get stuck into as well.

Mysterious? Yup. Magic? Oh yes. Ecuador's slice of the Amazon Basin has to be seen to be believed. The biodiversity is staggering, with thousands of weird and wonderful creatures from pink freshwater dolphins to tiny neon frogs hidden under the leaves. Within the incredible Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, La Selva is a jungle oasis on the shores of Lake Garzacocha. A leading eco-lodge, its design was inspired by authentic thatched bamboo cabanas, which are sprinkled amongst the trees and have tranquil views over the water. Speaking of which, you'll have ample chance to explore on kayaking adventures and hikes into the forest - day or night!

Located in the heart of the Avenue of Volcanoes and just two hours north of Quito, Hacienda Zuleta holds a very noble heritage: it was once the residence of former president Galo Plaza. Today, the estate is a 2,000-hectare working farm (cheese factory included!), still run by the Plaza family and surrounded by breathtaking rural views. The hacienda’s distinguished history shines through in every room of the main house, replete with antiques and boasting an impressive library. And with plenty of activities on offer - from horseback riding and hiking to mountain biking or cooking lessons - it’s the ideal setting to immerse yourself into Ecuadorean tradition and culture.

Over the years, the Galapagos Island have reached an almost mythic status, their shores the home of adventure, surreal landscapes and an array of endemic wildlife that will have you grasping for your camera. And let us say, the 'Enchanted Isles' never disappoint. The only beachfront hotel in Puerto Ayora, Finch Bay is a little slice of heaven. Built to mimic its rugged, natural surrounds, the hotel is understated and eco-friendly - even the spa is built from volcanic rock. And then there are the activities. With every manner of water sport you could dream of, including snorkelling at one of the archipelago's top spots and island hopping on the Sea Lion, it's a perfect Galapagos adventure.

A fantastic melange of 18th-century Spanish cathedrals and Inca relics, Quito is every inch a UNESCO World Heritage city. And if you're looking for somewhere to stay that does the city justice, try Casa Gangotena. A cream-hued mansion in the centre of Old Town, the house was once home to one of Quito's most prominent families and has retained this heritage in its intricate frescos and original features. The views from the terrace are especially lovely, gazing over the Iglesia de San Francisco and snow-capped Cayambe volcano beyond. Discover the city's deep and fascinating history on strolls through Independence Square, past churches and monasteries, and on a private tour of the mansion.

Having occupied adventure films for decades, the Amazon needs little introduction. Ecuador holds only 2% of this vine-entangled wonderland but its biodiversity is astounding. Housed in a 5000-acre ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge taps into this untamed spirit. Here, giant sloths dangle from branches outside your cabin and you'll enjoy barbecues on the Balsa - an on-the-water deck where caimans peep over the inky surface and otters dive below. Armed with a lifetime of knowledge, your guide will introduce you to the forest wildlife on walks and canoe trips down sequestered waterways. With all the creature comforts, the lodge is a restful spot to return to after a day of exploring.

One of the most astoundingly biodiverse areas on the planet, one-hectare of Yasuni National Park contains more living organisms than all of Europe. Nestled amidst the tangle of mahogany trees and jungle vines, Napo Wildlife Centre is entirely managed by the Anangu Kichwa community, offering a unique chance to see the Amazon through their eyes. Sitting beside the inky black waters of Anangu Lake, you'll spot a menagerie of birdlife (there are over 600 species in Yasuni alone) and on canoe rides down sun-dappled creeks, you'll learn to decipher the call of a howler monkey or the playful splash of a giant otter. Pure magic? Absolutely!