Romantic Destinations In Ecuador

Citrusy ceviche, white sandy beaches, towering mountains, and colonial cobblestone streets compose the charming little country of Ecuador. Traveling as a couple is a chance to deepen your bond. It’s a time to escape from the daily routine, experience a different environment, and make new memories. One of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Ecuador gives couples a varied selection of romantic places for their ideal vacation. Having an abundance of distinct destinations with extraordinary landscapes, there is something for every couple to enjoy together. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we highlight the most romantic destinations in Ecuador – from luxurious thermal baths to the lush vegetation of the Amazon jungle.

1. Tren Crucero

Explore the country by train, witnessing ever-changing lavish sceneries. This classic locomotive carries passengers through the heart of the country. Traversing the country by train is a unique way to explore the mountains from the warmth and comfort of your train car. The staff is composed of bilingual guides, bartenders, and train managers who are your escorts throughout your trans-Andean journey. Custom built and affectionately revived (after much of the railway was destroyed by weather-related disasters in the 1990s, it reopened again in 2013), the train shows you Ecuador’s history as well as modern-day customs through carefully selected socially and environmentally-responsible destinations along the route, such as artisanal markets and indigenous communities.

Passengers spend 4 days and 4 nights aboard this timeless locomotive going from the country’s capital, Quito, to the country’s major port city, Guayaquil, or taking this route from Guayaquil to Quito. Some meals are served aboard while others are served at traditional restaurants along the route. Accommodation is provided in cute countryside haciendas that are rich in culture and history. Tren Crucero has won a slew of awards including “South America’s Leading Luxury Train” by the World Travel Awards every year from 2014 – 2019, as well as an award in 2013 from the British Guild of Travel Writers for best touristic product outside of Europe.

2. Amazon Rainforest

Unplug and relax in Ecuador’s Amazonian rainforest. Journey into the jungle and make extraordinary memories. Seek isolation in the heart of the Amazon in a charming lodge or bungalow. Indulge in this unique experience with your significant other, floating on the river in your intimate canoe among lofty trees and the sounds of birds and monkeys. The jungle is a place like no other and it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

You know that smell when the rain meets the earth? Wake up to that aroma alongside your loved one. Be part of the adventure and discover all that the jungle has to offer. Hike under the canopy of the rainforest, visit indigenous communities, explore jungle waterfalls and lagoons, see the jungle from a new perspective take a night walk, and go for a relaxing canoe ride in the rivers of the Amazon. After a day of activity, enjoy a nice dinner and drinks at your bungalow. A trip to the jungle doesn’t need to sound intimidating. Your Amazon vacation will be hassle-free with all-inclusive eco-lodges (including food, accommodation, tours, and activities). Many of the jungle lodges are run by the local indigenous communities, and we at Gulliver take great care to conscientiously select our partner jungle lodges and tours, supporting local communities with a commitment to social and economic sustainability.

3. Baños

With a stunning setting of rushing waterfalls, exuberant forests, and thermal springs, Baños is a mystical town that rests on the slope of an active volcano. It is called the “Gateway to the rainforest” due to its location at the intersection of the mountains and the rainforest. For those adventurous couples, Baños is the extreme sports capital of Ecuador. Activities include ziplining, waterfall rappelling, cycling, and paragliding, to name a few.

The most romantic highlight of Baños is the opportunity to soak in thermal baths that sit at the top of the mountain overlooking the town of Baños below. The thermal pools at Luna Volcan Adventure Spa, a romantic resort and luxury hotel are not to be missed for ultimate relaxation and breathtaking views. Couples can choose to stay at the hotel and enjoy their accommodation and amenities, or if they simply want to enjoy the pools, they can pay $20 for a 3-hour pass.

4. Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a heer paradise for couples, boasting fine white sand beaches, shimmering blue waters, picturesque landscapes teeming with unique wildlife, and luxury cruising and lodging. The Galapagos for many is a once in a lifetime trip, and thus the archipelago is a popular honeymoon destination. Cruising is the best way to visit the more remote islands and see wildlife specific to those islands. Small yachts are especially ideal for couples, providing personalized care and an intimate experience. Many vessels offer spacious rooms and private balconies. Enjoy fine dining on the cruises, with all meals included in this all-inclusive experience. Cruises sail at night, allowing you to maximize your day on the islands, kayaking, hiking to spectacular sites, and snorkeling among exotic marine creatures.

If you choose to remain on land rather than cruise, we recommend the Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz island. Located among the highlands of the town of Puerto Ayora, this hotel was uniquely and environmentally consciously designed for adventurous travelers. Given its location and carefully selected tours, Pikaia Lodge gives travelers close access to the astonishing natural beauty of the Galapagos islands. Providing upscale lodging equipped with a spa and an infinity pool as well as daily land and yacht tours to nearby islands, Pikaia is popular among couples and honeymooners. The lodge even has its own private giant tortoise reserve on the hotel grounds.

Contact our travel experts at Gulliver Expeditions to help you select the most sustainable and high-quality cruises, tour operators, and hotels for your next romantic vacation or honeymoon.