Vacations are good for the soul, but you know what else is? Knowing you are playing your part when it comes to sustainability and supporting local communities. When planning a trip to Ecuador, avoid the crowds by visiting between February and April. Or September through November. Here’s our tip sheet on sustainable hotels in Ecuador. For every budget.
Budget $
Azuluna Eco Lodge is a private oceanside retreat allowing a respite from your normal routine. It’s located just south of the Machalilla National Park in the Manabi Province of Ecuador.
Cabins were built using local and sustainable materials and waste management is practiced with attention on reducing, reusing, recycling and composting.
Azuluna employs local families, ensuring fair wages. Around 10% of their revenue is used to support various community projects. Some of the projects include classroom construction, school supplies and water pump donations.
Madre Tierra Resort and Spa is an eco-resort located in Vilcabamba, the Andean village known for the longevity of its citizens. Stay there for the relaxed atmosphere, deliciously healthy food and clean air.
Values-driven, Madre Tierra is committed to peace, community, art, health, and sustainability. Approximately 90% of their income supports local Ecuadorian staff. In addition, they claim to have one of the lowest carbon footprints on the planet with no need for heating or cooling. All things considered, we think this is one of the most sustainable hotels in Ecuador.
Midrange $$
El Monte Sustainable Lodge is located in the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, and features private cabanas with full-size tubs.
El Monte believes strongly in the power of ecotourism to save natural areas. As a result, they established community owned lodges throughout the country. By doing that, they have preserved hundreds of thousands of acres of rainforest. In addition, they founded the Mindo Biological Research Station, to further promote conservation in the area.
Jamu Lodge is located along the river Cuyabeno, just 15 minutes downstream from the Laguna Grande. Given its diverse ecosystem, guests can experience nature filled activities like canoe rides, forest walks and birdwatching.
Deeply committed to the environment, water is treated onsite and solar panels are utilized. All products are environmentally friendly and minimize unnecessary packaging. The Lodge also provides economic opportunity in the community, by providing visits with local families.
Luxury $$$
The Napo Wildlife Centre features a stunning Amazon Luxury Eco Lodge in the Yasuni National Park. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park spans nearly 2.5 million acres of lush rainforest. Indulge in cultural tea ceremonies, canopy tours and hikes through the jungle for an amazing Amazonian nature experience
The Kichwa Anangu Community facilitates the experiences, making your stay truly authentic. Their primary purpose is to protect biodiversity and local socio-economic development.
The community has invested in a unique environmental system to process the wastewater, keeping the swamps clean. Energy is generated by solar panels, industrial batteries and silent generators with minimal environmental impact. For all of these reasons, this is one of our favorite sustainable hotels in Ecuador.
One of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, Mashpi Ecuador is one of a kind. The juxtaposition of contemporary design set among the lush rainforest creates a truly magical experience. Float in the clouds as you immerse yourself into nature and relax in luxurious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. The local community is at the heart of everything the lodge does, representing sustainable tourism at its finest.
If you’re planning on more than one stop in South America, check out our tips for Peru, Uruguay and Buenos Aires as well!
-Jessica Palmer
