Ecological Lodges in Ecuador

Largely concentrated in the Amazon region of Ecuador, but also present in the cloud forests and rainforest of the eastern slope of the Andes and the Andes themselves, Ecuador’s eco-lodges are hotels which are frequently packaged together with all-inclusive tours and offer experiences close to nature where travelers’ time is mostly spent viewing wildlife in some of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet .

Eco-lodges frequently feature cultural activities where visitors get a glimpse into the lifestyles of indigenous peoples and local cultures.

Ecotourism has grown extremely popular in Ecuador recent years. To take advantage of this boom, many tour agencies and hotels have slapped the prefix “eco” in front of their names in an effort to attract clients. To know if you are really getting the ecological responsibility that you’re being promised from your hotel or tour operator, check out EcuadorExplorer.com’s definition of “eco”.

All of the ecological lodges listed below have a long reputation of providing excellent service and lodging while protecting the environment, and in many cases spearheading  local conservation projects.

MySachaJi Ecolodge & SPA – offers a unique wellness-focused ecolodge experience near Otavalo with views overlooking stunning Lake and Imbabura Volcano. The chef-prepared mostly organic garden-fresh cuisine, juice bar, and locally-harvested herbal teas leave your mind, body and spirit cleansed and filled with the positive energy of the Andes. Choose from a variety of activities like visiting the Otavalo market, hiking, horseback riding, yoga, massage or just enjoying the view from the jacuzzi.

Achupalla plant.

El Monte – This exceptional eco-lodge offers charming riverside cabins in the cloud forest surrounding Mindo. El Monte, owned by an Ecuadorian-American couple, provides an array of activities including horseback riding, hiking, swimming in natural pools, birding, and whitewater tubing down the Mindo river. At the end of the day, savor home-cooking by candlelight and listen to the night sounds of the forest. El Monte has just opened up the Mindo Biological Station for researchers, students groups, and ecologically focused tourists looking to truly explore and discover the natural treasures of the cloud forest.

Huasquila Amazon Lodge – Located in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest, only 4 hours from Quito, Huasquila offers six luxury cabins built in local Kichwa style. Each cabin features a private bathroom, hot water, wide interior spaces, and a balcony with superb views of the Amazon. Enjoy delicious meals, bar service, exciting jungle tours, caving expeditions, excursions to petroglyphs, animal rescue center, horse trekking, kayaking, and rafting with indigenous Kichwa guides. Outstanding service and activities with a friendly, family atmosphere.

Owl moth.

Playa Escondida – The river Malpelo winds down from the foothills of the Andes mountains to a breathtaking bay called Playa Escondida (“hidden beach”). The area, now part of the 100 hectare Playa Escondida Ecological Refuge, has retained its beauty despite the years because, as its name points out, it is off the beaten path. Swim in warm tidal pools full of marine life, explore the caves and tunnels of the dramatic coastal rock formations carved by wind and waves, or just relax in a hammock and listen to the sound of the surf.