Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

A flock of sheep graze on grassy land in the Ecuadorian Andes, with a snow-capped mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

Ecuador

From the Highlands to the Islands

Where the Amazon rainforest meets Galapagos wonders

Ecuador features culturally rich highlands and extensive national parks, beckoning to be explored.

We invite you to explore extraordinary landscapes, sample local flavors, and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the rainforest. Visit Quito, Otavalo, and the Amazon Basin, some of the most iconic locations in Ecuador, and meet indigenous communities who have preserved their customs and traditions for generations.

The Galápagos Islands, one of Latin America’s most family-friendly destinations, is an animal lover’s dream. Keep the kids entertained with the high-energy activities while introducing them to the importance of being a socially responsible traveler. Learn about the islands’ singular animal life, such as flightless cormorants, Galapagos flamingos, Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises, and the land iguana, while enjoying eco-friendly family experiences.

Best times to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos

For dry season: June - September
For calm waters around the Galapagos: January - May
For South American festivities: October - December

Let an expert travel designer plan your next trip

Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom adventure

What our travelers are saying

  • “We had an incredible 25th anniversary trip, planned by Elevate. The hotels were all first-class, and we enjoyed some upgrades that were unexpected and just lovely. Lana and Dominique are incredibly intuitive about what we would like. Can’t say enough really. We will definitely book a trip through them again!”

    –Dru Lindgren, Ecuador

  • “Elevate Destinations provided an unforgettable experience in the highlands of Ecuador for me and my 13-year-old son. We experienced amazing adventures — rafting, biking, trekking, and horseback riding. We also delighted in experiencing the local culture through working with a farmer, spending a day at a school, and taking a cooking class.”

    –Russell Family, Ecuador

  • “It was an amazing adventure! Although walking the Inca trail was difficult and challenging, being able to say "we did it", was quite rewarding. We stayed at some beautiful places and we were treated so well everywhere we went. I would also say that our tour guides "in country" were great! In particular, we had a great bond with Yuri in the Sacred Valley and Christian in the Galapagos. They were friendly, informative and wanted to make the trip what WE wanted it to be.”

    –Mary Kay Viscounty, Ecuador

  • A group of nine people, including Kathy Sharpe, pose together indoors, smiling at the camera. Some are kneeling in front, while others stand behind them. Casual clothing and hats are worn by several individuals.

    “Our highlights were musicians playing with the founder, the cocoa farm, rafting, the hike, and the accommodations. It was the perfect mixture of cultural education and adventure.”

    –Kathy Sharpe, Colombia

  • Three people pose in yoga stances, appearing to stand on top of three Uyuni beer bottles, with a flat, expansive salt plain in the background.

    “Elevate has helped us, yet again, plan an amazing and memorable trip to South America. They take all the stress out of researching, coordinating, booking activities and accommodations by creating custom itineraries tailored to your needs and interests and handle all the hectic scheduling and organizing for you! We were able to experience so much more of Bolivia with their help with little to no effort on our part, allowing us to relax and enjoy the ride!”

    –Justin Lamb, Bolivia

  • Peru: Cobblestone street lined with colorful textiles and crafts displayed on tables outside rustic yellow and stone buildings, with mountains and a blue sky in the background.

    “Our trip was filled with so many amazing experiences. May be our best family trip yet. We have specific dietary restrictions, and Elevate really made sure we were accommodated in each location.”

    –Sara Kubersky, Peru

  • Peru: Five people smile for a group selfie with the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and green mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    “The ease of the experience allowed all four of us to soak it all in without the usual planning and logistics stress. Nothing but positive feedback! Thank you to Lana and Emily for creating an inspiring, fun, adventurous, educational trip for us and for doing so with positive energy and contagious enthusiasm for beautiful Peru! We can’t wait to travel with Elevate Destinations again!”

    –Jody Shue and friends, Peru

  • Argentina: A freshwater lake with patches of aquatic plants and grasses under a clear blue sky.

    “My trip to Argentina was the third that Elevate Destinations has arranged for me. As with the others, I was thrilled with the itinerary they developed and amazed by their attention to every last detail. The trip was seamless and I felt well looked after the entire time.”

    –Tonnie Cummings, Argentina

  • Peru: Stone ruins of an ancient structure with mountains covered in greenery visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

    “Ephi was a fantastic leader and guide, the lunches each day were different and amazing especially the one hosted by the family and the pachamanca restaurant, and the hike and time at Machu Picchu. We loved the itinerary. Our guides were knowledgeable, fun, flexible, organized…amazing!!”

    –Ceci Enge, Peru

  • Peru: Three people wearing helmets and safety gear stand together on a rocky mountain trail, smiling at the camera with cliffs and greenery in the background.

    “Our trip was the perfect mix of adventure, philanthropy, mystical, extraordinary, and educational. We had wonderful guides at every destination. Their knowledge, personalization, and candor made our experience so enjoyable and gave us an understanding of Peru beyond a typical tourist. While it was an immense adventure, there was ease all the way through knowing that everything was taken care of for us from transportation to stays. A huge thank you to Lana and Emily on the Elevate Team, and Erica, and Efrain in Peru.”

    –The Cook Family, Peru

  • “Lana with Elevate Destinations did a great job planning our honeymoon! We advised that we were interested in hiking, bike riding, kayaking, and seeing Southern Chile - and Elevate Destinations put together an itinerary that was a perfect blend of outdoor activities that we were looking for and high end, socially responsible accommodations with amazing service. We absolutely would recommend Elevate Destinations and a trip to Chile.”

    –Holly and Blaine Murphy, Chile

  • “I loved the perfect mix of learning about Peru and its rich history and spending time in the students homes. We very much enjoyed painting at one home, gardening at the Andean Alliance, having dinner with the Peruvian Hearts girls, and working in the school with the young girls. We really fell in love with all of them and plan to be in contact with them for a very long time. We came home and immediately made donations to each!”

    –Melissa Allen, Peru

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Ecuador
Start planning your next trip