Destinations
Could it get any better, with four vastly different regions in such a small country? There is so much to experience, from diverse and distinct faunal regions, to cultures and even accents… you will find yourself completely absorbed!
Highlands
Challenge the Andes…
Volcano Land
Tierra del Volcán, a fine network of lodges, is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places to visit in Ecuador’s highlands; Volcán Cotopaxi, considered the highest active volcano in the world, is the main backdrop and attraction.
Tierra del Volcán has three haciendas at your disposal right in the immediate hills of the various smaller volcanoes that surround majestic Cotopaxi, each with its own allure, ecosystem and distinctive climate.
These enchanting hacienda houses are the perfect spots to help enhance the adrenaline rush of living an adventure with the experts who freely share their knowledge of the zone… unforgettable moments await you.
A broad range of activities are available, among them horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, rappelling, canopying (zip-lining), bird watching, camping, cultural experiences, and more.
Hacienda La Alegria
Hacienda La Alegria specializes in horseback-riding vacations that lead you through the beautiful surroundings of the high Andes of Ecuador.
Your host, Gabriel Espinosa, comes from a family known for its equestrian tradition, and his enthusiasm for horses and riding is the core of everything we do at La Alegria.; we cater to experienced riders and total beginners.
Day rides are available for those new to riding, travelers with limited time, or for those who just want a brief taste of the fresh mountain air!
We also run a more ambitious program of more adventurous multi-day trips, traveling on horseback through the mountains, forests and paramo (high grasslands) of the Andes, camping where needed.
Le Petit Auberge
Located in the tourisitic town of Baños, this hotel is surrounded by marvelous gardens, with old-growth trees, and tropical flowers and orchids.
Here comfortable rooms with private baths, hot water, terraces and fireplaces, all wood & brick construction, private parking, a children’s play area and pool table, are some of the amenities that will make your stay fitting.
Only five minutes walking from the hot thermal baths, you are sure to enjoy your stay at La Petite Auberge in the Baños area.
Special discounts for groups and long term stays are available. In the town of Baños you have the opportunity to enjoy such activities as rafting, kayaking, canyoning, biking, hiking, etc.
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve
Bellavista offers its guests a unique stay above the forest canopy! Some prefer the 4-storey, thatch-roofed, geodesic dome, while others prefer the unusual Bamboo House, the half-timbered Trailhead House , or the House in the Woods.
And for the budget-minded, we offer our Research Station / Hostel, and even camping options.
Bellavista is a place where you can feel free to search out your own adventure, with easy hikes to discover a magical cloud forest you´ve probably never seen before, or deeper adventure, hiking sinuous trail into the forest up to waterfalls surrounded by forest. Tall, aged trees, festooned with epiphytes, envelop you.
Even those who live at Bellavista find new wonders on every hike! Go with one of our naturalist guides, and learn more about cloud forest ecology and how to identify its denizens. You can then wander on to discover things on your own; take our self-guided trail that is designed to lead your thoughts deeper into the forest.
What better way to awaken a child’s innate desire to learn, think creatively, and explore? The lodge and reserve is less than two hours from Quito, yet truly deep in the forest on a quiet and secluded road that sees little traffic. Packages, with transportation included, can be arranged to suit individuals, couples and groups.
We have an excellent network of trails - over 10 km in total length - ranging from easy to genuine, hardcore adventure.
We have 4 waterfalls on our 700 hectare property, all deep in the forest and truly beautiful.
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Coast
Come face-to-face with the Pacific Ocean’s waters right on the equator… in the middle of the world…
Hotel Bambu
With a beach front location, in the small, sleepy fishing village of Canoa, Bambu is the ideal escape for those who want some serious R&R without crowds of tourists.
When you are not relaxing, you can surf, mountain bike or even paraglide. Afterwards, dine on seafood plucked from the sea right outside your door that is prepared in the hotel's restaurant.
Hotel Montañita
The town of Montañita is a cool place and it shows.
Due both to its charm and excellent surfing, it has grown in popularity over the last few years, and although small, Montañita is a booming beachside retreat, attracting its fair share of foreigners, as well as an alternative Ecuadorian crowd.
Montañita is fast becoming South America's surfing mecca.
This increasingly popular destination on the international surfing circuit – with its strong, consistent waves, and good tubes - makes it a great place to learn to surf as well.
Hotel Montañita is the biggest hotel in town, located north of the village of Canoa. Situated right on the beach, there are 36 rooms with private baths, a swimming pool, parking and a nice restaurant.
Hostal el Gabeal
Mompiche is another ideal place for surf-lovers.
Mompiche has some beautiful natural surroundings, and it harbors one of the most extensive surfing breaks to be found in Ecuador - almost a kilometer in length.
Hostal el Gabeal is an excellent option here; it is very tranquil and comfortable, with private bathrooms and all of the necessary services.
Hosteria Alandaluz
Located right on the beach-front, this impacting and innovative Hosteria is built mainly of towering bamboo logs.
Alandaluz has a private, and large, beach, and is surrounded by magnificent flower and organic vegetable gardens, as well as some small bamboo (Guadua) forests.
Exploration tours to the “Machallilla” National Park, where abundant fauna reminiscent to that of Galapagos Islands can be found, as well as visits to a marine reserve and archeological and cultural sites, can all be arranged for you.
Some of the excursions that we recommend – and can arrange for you - include visits to La Isla de La Plata (named because there is a strong rumour that a sunken pirate ship full of silver lies close to its shores), whale watching, some of the most gorgeous and peaceful beaches you can imagine (“Los Frailes”, “La Playita”, “Salaite”, etc.), the “Agua Blanca” pre-historic city, the “Salango” Archeological Museum, the trail to “Los Pajaros” parallel to the “Ayampe” River, the “Cantalapiedra” Wild Life Sanctuary (with some fun zip-lining), etc..
Simply put, there is an endless array of activities for all ages, skill levels and interests.
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Amazon
Are you ready to get hypnotized?
Just listen…
Cotococha Lodge
Experience the western edge of Ecuador’s Amazon in comfort.
This unique Amazon Lodge is located in the upper Amazon basin overlooking the vast and majestic Napo River.
Cotococha Amazon Lodge offers 17 spacious bungalows, built in the native and traditional style in harmony with its surroundings.
All bungalows are equipped with a private bathroom and a private veranda with reclining chairs (or hammocks) for you to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Ecuador’s Amazon.
Social areas are carefully decorated and offer all the comfort and coziness you want for a splendid stay in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Hakuna Matata
Only 10 kms from Tena, the capital city of the warm and friendly Napo Province, this private hacienda and lodge, of approximately 150 has. in the lower Amazonian foothills, is the perfect place to enjoy (to the fullest) what seems like a never-ending array of activities, which this area easily lends itself to as much as any other.
Hakuna Matata has a reputation for being dedicated to high quality service, true ecotourism, respect for the local culture and nature conservation.
Our personalized service, comfortable accommodations with a local flare (all with spacious rooms and private baths with hot water), excellent meals, and unique activities and excursions make us one of the hot-spots to visit in Napo… where else can you see poison dart-frogs at close-range in a private, breeding green-house right behind the cabins?
Yuturi Lodge & Yarina Lodge
The adventure begins with a 25- minute flight from Quito to Coca over the majestic Andes where, on cloudless days, you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains and forest below.
Later, after a short transfer from the Coca airport to the Napo River, you will navigate by motorized canoe along the Napo River – one of the major tributaries of the Amazon River - down to the confluence with the narrow black waters of the Yuturi River.
This is a long, but fascinating ride down the Napo that, around each bend of the river, immerses you deeper into the the Amazon forest that awaits.
The Yuturi lodge complex is surrounded by three black water lagoons and is situated in the midst of a charming jungle landscape, where guests are treated to the innumerable sounds of nature, as well as a tranquility that only the wilds of the Amazon can offer.
Built in harmony with the natural surroundings, all cabins are constructed of local materials, but still offer such amenities as private bathrooms.
The Yarina Biological Reserve is located only about 10 kms in a straight line (down river) from Puerto Francisco de Orellana (El Coca). Motor canoes whisk you away for about only a 30 minute ride on the Napo river in order to reach Yarina.
Accommodations consist of 20 huts (single, double, triple and quadruple rooms available) with private bathrooms; all huts are made with native materials.
Electricity is provided, by way of a diesel generator, from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. (110 V)
Liana Lodge
Beautiful rainforest, Amazonian rivers and streams, animals, medicinal plants, Indian communities (and their traditions) all await you here in a comfortable and safe location.
Liana Lodge is situated in the lowland rainforest, with splendid views of the Napo River’s whitewaters.
Liana Lodge is a an ecologically oriented place which works in association with the project “Selva Viva” for the continuing protection of the rain forest, as well as with the ‘Amazonico’ center for animal rehabilitation.
Part of the success of these projects can be attributed to Liana Lodge’s ownership of a 1,000 hectare primary forest reserve and also thanks to the participation of the Quichua Indian community of Ahuano that inhabits the areas surrounding the reserve.
Community outreach is one of the important tasks underway here; without the help of the locals, the forest could not survive.
Liana Lodge is located in the vicinity of the town of Misahualli, away from the frequented zones. Because of the lodge’s withdrawn location and small size, intimacy and personalized attention are but a few of its many strengths.
Sani Lodge
Deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon you will find a mysterious lake called Challuacocha (Pirana Lake), where floating water hyacinths and grasses obscure the shores.
And if you venture out on this lagoon in a dug out canoe early in the morning when it is quiet and the light is still low, you just might see, somewhere out there, lying hidden in the vegetation, a rare and wild Manatee or Anaconda.
Here at Sani you´ll find that there´s almost too much to do; There´s always somewhere to explore or something to learn!!!
The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of our favorites: the canopy observation tree tower (where a myriad of birds parade by in the early mornings and late afternoons), the Chorongo (Wooly Monkey) trail, the Coco trail, night caiman watching, tranquil canoe rides on the black waters of Challuayacu, night hiking, etc.
As in many of the other Amazonian lodges, the diversity of wildlife is staggering; you won’t be able to see it all, but you are sure to have a sensational time trying! The lodge has ten private, thatch-roofed cabañas, each with a modern bathroom. The cabanas are spaciously designed for double occupancy.
Dracaena
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve protects 603.380 hectares. Straddling the equator, in the northeast block of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, Cuyabeno is home to various, distinct Indian communities, each with its own cultural identity.
In the Cuyabeno area over 500 different species of birds make their homes, starting from tiny hummingbirds to the majestic and rare Harpy Eagle.
Even more startling is the plant diversity; there can be as many as 240 different species of plants in one hectare, each one with a specific practical and medical use. jaguars, monkeys, anteaters, sloths, river dolphins, manatees and armadillos, are just some of the mammals that live in the Cuyabeno reserve while piranhas, giant catfish, the huge Arapaima (also called Paiche that reaches up to 3 meters in length), and other species of fish thrive here in the black water rivers and lakes.
Want more diversity? How about colorful poison-arrow frogs, tree frogs, amazing anacondas and the venomous fer-de-lances (pit-vipers) that are some of the reptiles & amphibians you may see here.
Come stay with us in our campsite located in the lower part of the Cuyabeno River and experience the Amazon!!!
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Galapagos
More up-close wildlife than you can imagine in this venerable and magical sanctuary, and in comfort…
The Red Mangrove Adventure Inn
The Red Mangrove Inn is one of those unique places on earth where beauty, tranquility and ambience merge.
This Galapagos hotel is situated amongst groves of wild red mangrove trees, perched right on the edge of the gorgeous blue Academy Bay.
The Inn is peacefully removed from the hustle and bustle of town, yet still only a stone’s throw from the Charles Darwin Station and downtown Puerto Ayora. Guests typically start their day on the Inn’s waterfront terrace, often in the company of sun-basking marine iguanas, scuttling Sally Lightfoot crabs and soaring frigatebirds.
Other activities, such as 4x4 jeep tours in the highlands, horseback riding, mountain biking, bay tours, kayaking, etc, can be arranged.
Mainao
Hostal Mainao Inn is one of the best options in the Galapagos.
Is located in a central neighborhood of Puerto Ayora and has 16 comfortable rooms with all you need to get the best experience in the islands supported by personalized service.
You can wake up and walk a few steps to touch the ocean waters. Choose us!
Mary Anne Sail Boat
Mary Anne with almost 1000 square meters of sail is the best option for sailing lovers. This barquentine was launched in 1997. Guests can enjoy a genuine sailing experience and see the wildlife on the Galapagos Islands.
The Mary Anne was designed according to all established conservation parameters; therefore Mary Anne will not damage the environment.
We offer: Wood paneled lounge with bar area, sundecks with seats on deck and outside bar, water maker, 16 double cabins with private bathroom and air-conditioning (1 suite).
Anahi Catamaran
The Anahi is one of the most luxurious cruise boats cruising the Galapagos Islands.
This is due to our dedications in designing the most comfortable catamaran available.
We have worked with the same passage and dedication to create a service standard second to none (worldwide)
Our crew to guest ratio is almost 1 to 1 (11 crew members for 16 passengers).
We are the only small yacht in the Islands to have a 24/7cruise director on board.
We offer: Great shore excursions, knowledgeable guides, fine dining and cuisine, evening nature lectures, well planned itineraries, well equipped boat.
Encantada Yacht
Sail among the Galapagos Islands aboard a charming candy-apple red schooner affectionately known as the Encantada (the Enchanted).
This 70-foot yacht can accommodate 12 passengers in double cabins with upper and lower berths. All cabins have private bathrooms and shower facilities.
Public areas offer generous deck space, a dining room and well-stocked bar.
Cruising at 7 knots with a 5-person crew, including a naturalist guide, Encantada is also an ideal boat for private charters and scuba diving groups.
The m/s Encantada, an exotic, romantic motor sailer, is a great way to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime cruise to experience the amazing Galapagos Islands. The Encantada was recently refurbished in 2004 offering a great combination of value and comfort.
Floreana Yacht
The décor of the ship is made of beautiful, dark mahogany wood.
Each cabin has double lower and single upper berths, a full bath, ample closet space, and two portholes for excellent sunlight reflecting from the sea.
In the dining room, there are two ample tables with all meals served in a buffet style.
Or, if you like, you may eat at the outside dining table and breathe in the salty sea breeze while enjoying your delicious food. A large upper deck is furnished with relaxing sun chairs.
On the front deck, you can watch the bow waves – maybe even some playful dolphins will join you! - as you cruise to the next island. If you are interested in diving in the Galapagos, the Floreana might be the right choice for you, since SCUBA Diving on board is also possible.
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Contact Us
Wirak Tour Designer
Lizardo Garcia E545 y Juan Leon Mera
(005932) 2523528 / (005939) 9479373 / (005939) 8023659 www.wiraktours.com / cbustamante@wiraktours.com, epita@wiraktours.com
Quito-Ecuador
