TORONTO — Globus is unveiling a new way for travellers to experience Ecuador with the launch of ‘Ecuador: Natural Wonders & Ancient Cultures,’ an 11-day Small Group Discovery tour that offers an immersive journey from the Andes to the Amazon.
Designed for an average of just 18 guests (and capped at 24), this itinerary delivers an intimate adventure through one of South America’s most diverse and rewarding destinations.
“Ecuador may be compact, but its travel rewards are colossal,” said Stephanie Brooks, vice president, product and operations for the Globus family of brands. “We designed this new Small Group Discovery tour from the ground up to showcase the country’s incredible diversity – pairing boutique stays with big ‘wow’ moments, from the cloud forests of the Amazon to the cobblestones of colonial Cuenca.”
The journey begins with three nights in Quito at Hotel Patio Andaluz, a restored 16th-century mansion near the capital’s historic centre. Highlights include a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the El Alabado Museum, offering access to one of South America’s most significant collections of pre-Colombian art, including sections not open to the general public.
Travellers then venture to Otavalo for a day of meaningful cultural encounters. They’ll visit the Quitsato Sundial Monument on the true equatorial line, explore the famed local market and meet with a family of traditional weavers preserving ancient textile techniques.
From there, the group heads across the continental divide into the Amazon Basin for a two-night stay at Casa del Suizo Eco-Lodge along the Napo River. Guests will glide through rainforest waterways by canoe, trek jungle trails with Quichuan guides, and unwind in hammocks with panoramic views of the surrounding canopy.
The route continues into the Andes, where guests will follow ancient Incan road systems through dramatic valleys and volcanic landscapes. Highlights include visits to sacred waterfalls, rose plantations, the archaeological site of Ingapirca, and artisan towns steeped in local tradition.
Boutique accommodations throughout the tour include:
- Samari Spa Resort (Baños): A former horse ranch turned 10-acre luxury retreat, offering 37 rooms, Turkish baths and a full-service spa at the foot of the Andes.
- Hotel San Juan (Cuenca): A 25-room historic residence in the heart of Cuenca’s cathedral-lined square, blending colonial charm with boutique elegance.
The itinerary also includes hands-on experiences such as learning to weave Panama hats with local artisans and indulging in a cacao tasting at a women-owned plantation. Guests travel in private transportation and benefit from the insights of expert Local Guides throughout the trip.
To round out the journey, travellers have the option to extend their adventure with a four-day Galápagos Islands cruise.
‘Ecuador: Natural Wonders & Ancient Cultures’ joins Globus’ existing Small Group Discovery tours in South America, including ‘Costa Rica: Coast to Coast’ and ‘Patagonia: Journey to the End of the World,’ reflecting the brand’s continued investment in small-group, high-impact travel.
Travel advisors can log into the Travel Advisor Portal for more information.
