Exploring Ecuador’s Treasures

Visiting a destination and exploring one are distinctly different experiences. Exploration is non-linear—it’s about weaving together countless moments into a story you’re fully immersed in. With Ecuador’s Metropolitan Touring, those moments take on a golden luster. Every detail—from the contagious joy of the guides to the raw.

Ecuador’s appeal lies in its contrasts. Roughly the size of Colorado, the country encompasses three UNESCO-recognized ecosystems. Metropolitan Touring places travelers in the heart of it all—from meandering through historic Quito in the Andes highlands, to sailing the Galápagos Islands aboard a luxury yacht, to soaring through the canopy at Mashpi Lodge in the Chocó Cloud Forest. Nature, conservation, and cultural connection form the core of every journey.

Quito: The Gilded Gateway to
Ecuadorian Adventure
My first stop was a gold-leaf workshop with Yolanda Cadena, a master restorer and one of the few women at the forefront of this centuries-old craft. Her studio sits just steps from La Compañía de Jesús, Quito’s most ornate church and a Baroque masterpiece that took 160 years to complete. The moment I entered, I audibly gasped—the church’s interior glows with astonishing gold-leaf detail, its splendor unmatched anywhere else in the Americas.

Later that evening, I dined at Casa Gangotena’s acclaimed restaurant, where Ecuadorian gastronomy balances tradition and innovation. Dishes like Cream of Chaucha Potato transform familiar Andean ingredients into artful expressions of local flavor. The setting—high ceilings, marble floors, and views of the historic plaza—made it a perfect prelude to the adventures ahead.

The Galápagos:
Sailing the Living Laboratory of Evolution
As enchanting as Quito’s Old Town was, the call of the Galápagos proved irresistible. From Baltra Island, I boarded Yacht La Pinta for Metropolitan Touring’s five-day “Origin of Species” adventure. The itinerary promised to reveal the extraordinary diversity of the North-Eastern Galápagos—and it delivered in abundance.

Few travel moments compare to snorkeling alongside sea lions and schools of vibrant fish. Yet the most unforgettable experience came when our guide led us to a school of hammerhead sharks gliding below in synchronized formation, sunlight filtering through the water like golden ribbons. It was both humbling and exhilarating.  

The yacht—intimate, with just 24 cabins—offers a deeply immersive experience. Over the course of the voyage, we explored Santa Cruz Highlands, Eden Islet, Chinese Hat, Bartolomé Island, Santiago (Sullivan Bay), and Genovesa (Bird Island). Each stop offered land walks and wildlife encounters, from blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises. Afternoons were devoted to snorkeling, kayaking, or simply marveling at nature’s artistry. 

Darwin’s legacy permeates every aspect of the journey. His theories and discoveries echo through the islands, grounding the experience in both science and awe. Metropolitan Touring honors that legacy by supporting Galápagos National Park conservation efforts, funding habitat protection, and offsetting carbon emissions through Fundación Futuro’s forest preservation and reforestation projects.

After the yacht expedition, I lingered a few extra days at Finch Bay Hotel, Metropolitan’s oceanfront property on Santa Cruz Island. A peaceful contrast to the energy of exploration, Finch Bay offered a chance to unwind, write in my salt-stained travel journal, and reflect. Nearby, Tortuga Bay Beach, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and the Las Grietas lava chasm provided a fitting farewell to one of the world’s great natural sanctuaries.

Mashpi Lodge: Cloud Forest Magic and
Transparent Frogs  
If the Galápagos is an ode to the sea, Mashpi Lodge is a hymn to the sky. Hidden in Ecuador’s Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest, the eco-luxury lodge sits within a 1,200-hectare private reserve—a biodiversity hotspot teeming with life. Arriving here, surrounded by mist-draped treetops and the sounds of unseen wildlife, feels like stepping into a dream.

Metropolitan Touring’s commitment to conservation is perhaps most evident here. Mashpi is not just a lodge—it’s a living research center. The property’s Life Center hosts scientists, citizen researchers, and guests eager to engage in hands-on discovery. Research Director Mateo Roldán and resident biologist Chiara Correa lead a team responsible for identifying more than 20 new species, including the captivating Mashpi Glass Frog—a tiny amphibian whose translucent skin reveals its beating heart.

The discovery even inspired an unlikely partnership: global fragrance house MANE and The Red List Project collaborated with Mashpi to create a one-time scent extraction from a newly found magnolia species. Revenue from the fragrance now supports ongoing conservation work in the forest—an elegant example of nature and artistry intertwined. 

Days at Mashpi are filled with wonder. Guests can ride the Sky Bike across forest canopies, climb the observation tower for panoramic views, hike to waterfalls, or join a night walk to encounter creatures like the luminous glass frog. For quieter moments, there’s a butterfly sanctuary, a hummingbird garden, and a serene spa. No special outdoor expertise is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to be awed.

Ecuador:
A Journey of Connection and Conservation
What struck me most during my twelve days with Metropolitan Touring was how effortlessly the company integrates luxury with purpose. Every stay, meal, and excursion supports local communities and the preservation of Ecuador’s irreplaceable ecosystems. Whether surrounded by Quito’s gilded churches, the Galápagos ancient wildlife, or the living laboratories of the cloud forest, each experience deepens the traveler’s connection to this remarkable country.

Ecuador is not just a place to see—it’s a place to feel. And in the hands of Metropolitan Touring, exploration becomes a story of both beauty and responsibility—one that lingers long after you’ve returned home. 

Plan Your Journey
Metropolitan Touring: metropolitan-touring.com
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel: finchbayhotel.com
Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel: casagangotena.com
Mashpi Lodge: mashpilodge.com