Press & News

Mashpi Lodge has achieved the incredible honor of receiving 2 Michelin Keys, solidifying its place among the world's finest. This luxurious eco-retreat offers an unparalleled fusion of sustainability, innovation, and culinary excellence. Guests are treated to a gastronomic journey that highlights the vibrant flavors of the region while immersed in the breathtaking beauty of nature. Mashpi Lodge isn't just a destination—it's an experience that redefines luxury in the heart of the wild.

Casa Gangotena has earned the prestigious Michelin Key, a testament to its exceptional culinary artistry and world-class hospitality. This iconic boutique hotel blends timeless elegance with innovative flavors, offering guests an unforgettable dining experience celebrating Ecuador's rich heritage. Whether savoring their signature dishes or enjoying a handcrafted cocktail, Casa Gangotena continues to set the standard for luxury and excellence in South America. 

Metropolitan Touring has been crowned the top Expedition Ship Line in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. Operating three expedition vessels in the Galápagos, this cruise line offers an intimate and casual experience, with ships accommodating between 40 and 90 passengers. The focus is on wildlife spotting in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Beyond the Galápagos, Metropolitan Touring also provides land-based tours in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia, allowing travelers to combine their cruise with rich cultural and natural explorations. A well-deserved recognition for a leader in sustainable and immersive travel!

We're delighted to share that the restaurant at Casa Gangotena has been included in the 50 Best Discovery List, the go-to global guide for travelers passionate about gastronomy. The platform currently brings together more than 3,700 restaurants, bars, hotels, and vineyards from around the world, each one selected only after receiving a significant number of votes from the academies of experts behind this prestigious list. This recognition reaffirms Casa Gangotena's culinary offering, which celebrates Ecuadorian "cocina mestiza" — drawing on ingredients from the Coast, the Andes, and the Amazon — from the heart of Quito's Historic Center, adding to the hotel's recent accolades, including its MICHELIN Key.

Metropolitan Touring enters Travel + Leisure's list of Best Intimate-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines for the first time at #3, as part of the 2026 World's Best Awards, the reader-voted survey drawing on insights from more than 207,000 travelers worldwide. The recognition celebrates the company's Galápagos expedition fleet — Yacht La Pinta, Yacht Isabela II, and Santa Cruz II — where certified naturalist guides, intimate small-ship experiences, and decades of conservation leadership come together. To debut this high on a list of the world's finest is a powerful endorsement straight from the travelers themselves.

Metropolitan Touring has been recognized among the Best Tour Operators in the World in Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards, the reader-voted survey drawing on insights from more than 207,000 travelers to reveal the brands and experiences that earned top honors around the globe. The distinction places the Ecuadorian company — with over seven decades crafting journeys through the Galápagos, the Andes, and the Chocó cloud forest — among an elite handful of operators worldwide. Voted on by the travelers themselves, this recognition celebrates Metropolitan Touring's signature blend of expert guiding, conservation-driven travel, and award-winning properties such as Casa Gangotena, Mashpi Lodge, and Finch Bay.

Metropolitan Touring's latest Sustainability Report, this piece explores how the Galápagos is leading a shift from access-driven travel to impact-driven travel. From funding conservation projects and supporting local entrepreneurs to introducing young girls to marine science, the best operators are redefining success — not by where they take you, but by how they help fragile destinations thrive long after the ship has sailed.

Metropolitan Touring has been featured in Wanderlust magazine — and it's easy to see why. From the colonial grandeur of Casa Gangotena in Quito's UNESCO-listed Old Town, to the cloud forest wonder of Mashpi Lodge and its 3,000-acre private reserve, to Finch Bay — the Galapagos' only beachfront hotel on Santa Cruz Island — these three properties represent Ecuador at its most extraordinary.

Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador exemplifies regenerative travel by combining luxury with conservation. Nestled in a 3,000-acre private reserve in the biodiverse Chocó Cloud Forest, this eco-lodge funds vital conservation efforts, including reforestation and research that has discovered 22 new species. Guests enjoy immersive experiences like guided hikes, night walks, and unique activities such as the Sky Bike and Butterfly Farm. The lodge's sustainable design blends seamlessly with its surroundings, offering breathtaking views and a serene Rainforest Spa. Every stay supports rainforest restoration and local communities, making Mashpi Lodge a transformative retreat for both visitors and the environment.

Ecuador was honored with the "Destination of the Year – Adventure Experiences" award at the 2026 PATWA International Travel Awards, held during ITB Berlin. This recognition highlights Ecuador's exceptional offerings in adventure tourism, including its breathtaking natural landscapes, such as the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galápagos Islands. The award celebrates the country's ability to offer thrilling experiences such as hiking, wildlife exploration, and water-based adventures, while showcasing its rich biodiversity and commitment to sustainable tourism.

The National Geographic article highlights six exceptional conservation projects worldwide that invite travelers to participate actively in environmental restoration. From Ecuador's Mashpi Reserve protecting cloud forests and discovering new species, to Romania's efforts to rewild the Carpathian Mountains, these initiatives highlight biodiversity preservation. Other projects include safeguarding sea turtles in Costa Rica, restoring coral reefs in French Polynesia, preserving Japan's ancient ama diving tradition, and supporting wildlife conservation in South Africa's Eastern Cape. These immersive experiences combine adventure, education, and sustainability, demonstrating how travel can help protect the planet's natural and cultural heritage.

Ecuador shines in "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026" as a must-visit destination, offering unforgettable experiences. Imagine riding horseback through the breathtaking Andes Mountains, where every step reveals sweeping vistas and a deep connection to nature. This adventure is more than a journey—it's an immersion into the soul of the Andes, blending culture, beauty, and the thrill of exploration into a truly inspiring experience.

Mashpi Lodge, located in Pichincha, Ecuador, has been honored as the fourth-best resort in Latin America by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025. With an impressive score of 99.51, this exclusive lodge, nestled in the biodiversity-rich Ecuadorian cloud forest, stands out for its commitment to sustainability, luxurious design, and unique connection to nature. Mashpi Lodge offers guests an unforgettable experience, blending adventure, comfort, and a deep respect for the natural environment.

The winner of Ecuador's Best Hotel Spa 2025, as recognized by the World Spa Awards, is The Spa at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. Renowned for its exceptional services and serene ambiance, this spa offers a luxurious escape in the heart of the Galapagos Islands.

The Vogue article "Quito, Ecuador: A Design Hotspot" highlights the Ecuadorian capital as a rising hub for architecture and design. Known for its breathtaking natural surroundings and high-altitude charm, Quito is also home to cutting-edge architectural marvels like the Iqon and Epiq buildings by Bjarke Ingels, alongside historic treasures in its UNESCO-listed Old Town. The piece explores the influence of local developers like Uribe Schwarzkopf in attracting global "starchitects" while fostering a new generation of Ecuadorian talent. From mid-century gems like Casa Kohn to vibrant art districts like La Floresta, Quito offers a blend of modern innovation and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for design enthusiasts.

Ecuador has been named the "Wanderlust Destination of the Year 2025" by the renowned UK travel magazine Wanderlust. This recognition highlights Ecuador's biodiversity, cultural richness, and transformative travel experiences. The accolade includes a 160-page bookzine about Ecuador for the European market and a dedicated microsite on Wanderlust's digital platform. Tourism Minister Mateo Estrella emphasized Ecuador's appeal to travelers seeking authenticity and connection with nature. Wanderlust's editor-in-chief, George Kipouros, noted that Ecuador's diversity inspired the magazine's creation in 1994, making this recognition particularly significant. This milestone aims to elevate Ecuador's global tourism profile further.