Ecuador Itinerary: Sustainable Luxury & Community Travel
Ecuador has a way of sweeping you off your feet—gently, deeply, and with immense heart. This Ecuador itinerary for sustainable travel took me through elegant colonial cities, mystical cloud forests, and wide-open Andean highlands—where I experienced not just luxury, but genuine connection.
Throughout this journey, I stayed at sustainable properties that give back to the communities they call home. The memories I made in Ecuador still move me, and I hope this story inspires you to travel with heart and purpose.
Casa Gangotena: Timeless Beauty in the Heart of Quito
We began in Quito at the exquisite Casa Gangotena, a beautifully restored mansion overlooking the historic San Francisco Plaza. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt like walking into a dream—velvet drapes, antique mirrors, and hand-painted ceilings created a space of quiet grandeur.
Behind its beauty, Casa Gangotena is committed to sustainability. Through responsible water use and sourcing from local farms and artisans, the hotel honors its heritage while embracing a more conscious future.
During our stay, we visited a nearby monastery with a private guide and enjoyed a tasting of Ecuadorian chocolate and regional cheeses. It was a flavorful and grounding welcome to the country’s culture.
Mashpi Lodge: A Highlight of Our Ecuador Itinerary for Sustainable Travel
Next, we journeyed into the Chocó cloud forest to stay at the iconic Mashpi Lodge—a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. From our room, we looked out through glass walls to treetops alive with birdsong and mist.
Mashpi is deeply rooted in conservation. The lodge operates a scientific research center on-site and partners with local communities to protect this endangered ecosystem. This is not just a hotel—it’s an environmental sanctuary.
We hiked to waterfalls, rode the Sky Bike, and soared above the forest on the Dragonfly gondola. Every moment was magical, grounding us in the sacredness of the natural world.
➡️ Explore Mashpi Lodge here
Hacienda Zuleta: History, Horses & Heart in the Andes
Our final stop was the soul-stirring Hacienda Zuleta, a 17th-century estate tucked high in the Andean hills. Owned by the family of former President Galo Plaza Lasso, this place is much more than a hacienda—it’s a living example of community-based tourism in action.
Zuleta supports a wide range of initiatives, from rural education and community health to the renowned Condor Huasi Project, which protects the endangered Andean condor.
Days here were filled with horseback riding through sweeping valleys. I cantered for the first time since childhood—wind in my hair, heart wide open. In the evenings, we dined family-style and gathered by the fire, sharing stories with locals and travelers alike.
One golden afternoon, we even spotted a spectacled bear and her cub—captured on drone footage in the wild.
A Taste of Tradition in the Village of Zuleta
One of the most moving parts of our Ecuador journey happened in the small village of Zuleta. We were invited into a local home, where we learned how to make handmade empanadas. The scent of warm dough filled the kitchen as we laughed and shared stories in a mix of Spanish and English.
We sat around the table sipping chicory coffee—a caffeine-free drink made from a native bean—and talked about life in this beautiful valley. This wasn’t a staged moment. It was connection, real and present.
Later, we joined a local woman for an embroidery lesson—her stitches flowing like poetry. We were invited to purchase hand-embroidered linens, supporting local livelihoods while preserving cultural tradition.
These experiences are what community-based travel is all about—deeply human, generous, and unforgettable.
A Journey That Changed Me
This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a journey of transformation. This Ecuador itinerary for sustainable travel reminded me that luxury can be intentional, rooted in place, and rich in purpose.
If you’re dreaming of a trip that makes a difference—to you and to the world—I’d love to help you plan it.
👉 Let’s create a journey that feels good and does good. Contact me here »
Heading to the Galapagos next? Don’t miss my eco-luxury guide to the islands:
👉 Read the Galapagos Safari Camp blog here »
Jessica Hart
Founder
Jessica is Sustainable Luxury Travel Advisor based in California. A Mother and seasoned traveler, she specializes in crafting custom journeys for curious explorers who seek meaningful adventures without compromising on comfort or style. Read what it's like to work with Jess.
