The Coolest Hotels in the World You Can Stay at with Culture Trip

Our eight-day Adventurous Ecuador trip features a range of amazing accommodations, from the hot springs of Termas de Papallacta to the serene surrounds of Kuyana Amazon Lodge. Our pick of the bunch, however, might just have to be Chilcabamba Lodge. This rustic mountain lodge, set 3,480m (11,417ft) above sea level, blends traditional Ecuadorian homeliness with a touch of rural-weekend-away vibes. Everything here is built using local materials, with rustic decor offering a charming, unpretentious cosiness. Rooms are incredibly homely and equipped with ponchos, thick duvets and a wood-burning stove – perfect for fighting off the mountain chills. There’s also a main lodge with lounges to relax in, boasting views of the stunning Cotopaxi volcano in the distance, as well as a games room, outdoor bonfire and a trail around the area that leads to a stunning Cotopaxi viewpoint. The restaurant serves homemade Ecuadorian delights, and dinner here is best followed by a spot of stargazing around the campfire before bed.

If elephants, lions and rhinos are your jam, then stick to South Africa, but the coolest animals to camp out with are older, slower and much more docile. We’re talking about the giant tortoises of Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, of course. These gentle, hard-shell slow-movers are the ultimate symbol of this archipelago’s incredible biodiversity, which is celebrated at this glamping site up in the Santa Cruz highlands. Over a hundred tortoises roam around the camp, freely and safely, while visitors can relax at the open-air lodge, lava cave restaurant or around a crackling campfire, as well from the comfort of their safari-style tents. It’s a truly immersive experience, and the best way to understand the unique natural wonder of these incredible islands. You’ll be surrounded by a diverse range of flora and fauna, far away from the noisy clamouring of modern civilisation. What could be cooler than that?