Not to be confused with Contiki Tours, the adventure travel company for young people, Kontiki Expeditions is launching this December with what they’re referring to as “neo-luxury” small-ship expeditions for the environmentally conscious. Taking only 18 guests, these wee ships will start with two eight-day itineraries, both wending along the coast of Ecuador starting and/or ending at Guayaquil and Manta, showcasing the country’s flora, food and fauna—think blue-footed boobies, sea lions and howler monkeys.

The Toquilla Expedition and The Spondylus Expedition deliver the “road” less travelled, taking in little towns and historic sites, forest and wetland, beaches and eco-reserves. Both sailings include Machalilla National Park & Beaches and Isla de la Plata.

BIG IDEA: ECUADOR INTERIOR

These 40-metre Kontiki boutique yachts have nine luxury staterooms each, a sundeck, a salon, two outdoor lounges, a bar, a Jacuzzi and a small gym. This is all watched over by 10 crew, including two local experts dedicated to sustainable travel guidelines, a local chef and a wellness professional. Sanitization and health protocols are paramount and elaborate, as you can imagine.

Kontiki Expeditions is touting sustainable, conscious marine travel, supporting the local communities the ships visit, all very authentic and beautiful. The tab is US$7,245 per person, based on double occupancy, everything included (except likely booze). Start planning.

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With these four distinct eco-systems, Ecuador is more than just a jumping-off point for the Galapagos. Exploring the interior delivers Andes mountain magic and Amazon jungle surprises.

Explore the capital. Quito is a series of mini-neighbourhoods, each with a different essence and identity. Old Town brims with historic buildings, churches and museums. La Marsical comes alive at five, with young locals and tourists spilling out of the bars and restaurants near Plaza Foch. Head over to Calle de la Ronda for an authentic Ecuadorian snack and a happy-hour two-for-one. Cabs cost next to nothing, so you can skip the too-busy bus.

Head for the hills. A trip up the winding highways to the highlands nets you volcanic vistas, indigenous realism and misty forest. The city of Otavalo, in a lake region known for its textiles, has the largest outdoor market in South America, with row after row of stalls selling crafts and souvenirs. Spend a night at 200-year-old Hacienda Pinsaqui nearby, and enjoy a canelazo in the legendary bar—a spiked cinnamon tea.

Get sporty. Adventure sports are hot in Baños in south-central Ecuador, a relaxing spa town best known for paragliding, canyoneering and zip lining, as well as its picturesque parks, hilltop hikes and calming waters. Spring for a massage at one of the spas or pop into the local mineral baths for $2, and do the hot-and-cold healing-water circuit.

Hit the rainforest. Journey into the jungle for a night or three at one of the remote lodges in and around Yasuni National Park, accessible only by motorized canoe. You get the full rainforest effect communing with monkeys, fishing for piranha, scanning the treetops for rare birds, and watching parrots play along the clay riverbanks. Local community visits yield eye-opening simplicity.

Eat local. Traditional Ecuadorian food is plentiful, reasonably priced and delicious, particularly the barbecue. Fresh fish, fried chicken and churrasco beef dishes are dolled up with a variety of home-style hot sauces, patatas fritas, flavoured rice or deep-fried plantain. Steer clear of the street food, as your stomach may not react as positively as your eyes, but do step outside the taste-bud box and experience some of the authentic delicacies.

When you go. You can visit Ecuador all year round. January to May are the warmest months, but also the wettest. From June to December tends to be cooler and crowds are rare. GAdventures offers a nine-day Ecuador tour as part of its National Geographic Journeys adventure series.

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