Best Resorts in Ecuador

Backpacking through Ecuador is great — until you’ve had one too many nights listening to your hostel roommate snore like a chainsaw in a cave. At some point, even the most rugged traveler deserves to swap mosquito nets for high-thread-count sheets. Perhaps, upgrade their life from “hammock and instant noodles” to “jacuzzi with a side of cocktail service.”

That’s where Ecuador’s finest resorts come in. There’s a diverse collection of indulgent escapes where the Andes meet Amazonian luxury, and the Galápagos aren’t just for sea lions anymore. If you’re in search of the best resorts in Ecuador, you’re in the right place.

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Sacha Lodge, Ecuadorian Amazon

Staying at Sacha Lodge feels like stepping into a nature documentary—except you’re the lucky explorer who gets to sleep in a private jungle treehouse. The journey there is an adventure in itself. It begins with a flight from Quito and continuing with a two-hour riverboat ride down the mighty Napo River. It’s then followed by a short hike and a glide through quiet waters in a dugout canoe.

Upon arrival, the massive thatched-roof lodge perched on the edge of Pilchicocha Lake immediately sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. Inside, you’ll find cozy common areas, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar where jungle juice is served with a side of sweeping rainforest views. Your cabin, nestled among thick foliage, is elevated and screened to keep mosquitoes out while letting monkey sightings and birdcalls in.

The interiors are warm and practical, with indigenous artwork, a ceiling fan, biodegradable toiletries, and a blissfully hot shower. Outside, a hammock on the terrace invites you to relax between jungle excursions. Days start early and are packed with activity—canoe rides, wildlife treks, and moments atop canopy towers that reveal vast, emerald views dotted with toucans and sloths.

Mealtimes are communal feasts, heralded by a bamboo horn and filled with beautifully presented local fare like tilapia, papaya, and homemade bread. And if you’re lucky, your day might end with a glowing pair of caiman eyes reflecting back at you from the dark river. A subtle reminder that here, nature always has the last word.

Samari Spa Resort, Baños

Samari Spa Resort in Baños is like a carefully preserved dream—one brought to life by Dr. Jose Gallegos and his wife, Tania. The couple rescued a long-abandoned hacienda and transformed it into a world-class retreat. What was once Hacienda San Vicente now spreads over 10 acres of serene gardens, pine groves, orchards, and hand-built cottages.

There are winding stone pathways that lead from the main hotel to tranquil corners like a Japanese garden or the outdoor pool. The heart of the property is a restored monastery, where a high-domed ceiling and skylights welcome guests into a warm blend of adobe, carved wood, and wrought iron.

Samari—meaning “enjoy and feel at home” in Quechua—lives up to its name with inviting junior suites that boast fireplaces and Jacuzzis. You’ll also find a luxurious spa offering everything from steam baths to a lavender-scented relaxation treatment that will make your stress evaporate on contact.

For oenophiles, sipping wine under chandeliers at La Casa de Piedras could be the highlight of your stay. For adventure junkies plotting their next fix—be it canyoning, bungee jumping, or white-water rafting—Samari Spa Resort has a dedicated team ready to point you in the right direction.

Hotel Santa Lucia, Cuenca

Housed in a grand 1859 mansion originally built for the provincial governor, this three-story property was transformed into a boutique hotel in 2002. The building’s restoration is so impressive that it’s become a point of pride in Cuenca. Each of the 20 rooms is completely unique, a natural outcome of converting a sprawling family home into guest accommodations.

Attic-style rooms with sloped ceilings and exposed beams give the top floor a cozy, almost whimsical feel. On the other hand, the duplex suites deliver more elbow room and the indulgence of bathtubs. Though the layout occasionally leads to some quirks—like oddly shaped bathrooms and petite showers—the charm more than makes up for it.

Public spaces are a fascinating mix of old-world architecture and global curiosities, with furniture from India and vintage decor creating a lived-in yet curated vibe. The two onsite restaurants offer distinctly different experiences. Trattoria Novecento provides a refined, candlelit setting in the central courtyard.

However, the more casual Inti Restaurant on the street side serves up breakfast and lighter meals in a cozy country kitchen setting. Breakfast is a highlight, with unlimited good coffee and options ranging from international staples to local favorites like the Morlaca breakfast (mote pilo and pork chop).

Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands

Located on Santa Cruz Island, Pikaia Lodge takes on a whole new meaning when you check in. It’s a place where your usual mix of travel excitement and skeptical dread quickly melts into awe. Opened in 2014, this 14-room retreat is perched high atop a dormant volcano, about 1,200 feet above sea level. This gives you a front-row seat to sweeping coastal views and distant islets that peek through the Pacific like shy sea lions.

Vibrant yellow warblers dart around the infinity pool, adding a splash of life to the already jaw-dropping scenery. Rooms are jaw-droppingly spacious with soaking tubs that overlook the island, patios for lounging, and mini-fridges stocked with local sparkling water. The suites add private plunge pools or gardens, but honestly, the base rooms already feel like you’ve won the travel lottery.

Then there’s the Evolution Restaurant where the food impresses at every meal. You can have ceviche at lunch, perfectly prepared fish or vegetarian dishes at dinner, and a breakfast spread that turns early mornings into a joy. At Pikaia Lodge, the only thing that hasn’t evolved is your desire to never leave.

Hilton Colón, Guayaquil

Hilton Colón in Guayaquil stands out as the city’s largest hotel, with 294 rooms. It’s an obvious pick for business travelers who value convenience and conference space. There’s an entire mezzanine level dedicated to meetings, flooded with natural light thanks to tall windows and lofty ceilings.

Leisure travelers might find the location less ideal, especially those hoping to stroll into the heart of the city or explore local culture on foot. Still, what the area lacks in charm, the hotel makes up for in comfort and amenities. The glass atrium-style lobby, complete with soaring elevators and the scent of Ecuador’s fresh-cut flowers, sets a welcoming tone.

Recent renovations, particularly in the Elements Spa and Executive Lounge, give the property a modern polish. Dining is refreshingly varied: from buffet spreads at Cafe Colon to Cuban sandwiches and shawarmas at Sal y Pimienta, or steak and seafood with a poolside view at Vereda Tropical. There’s even northern Italian fare and a wine list worth exploring at Portofino.

Conclusion

Sure, Ecuador is all about adventure — volcanoes to climb, markets to explore, ceviche to overeat. But when it’s time to trade your hiking boots for slippers and your water bottle for a wine list, these resorts are the places that make you say, “You know what, maybe I am royalty.”