Ecuador | Designated as Wanderlust 2025 Destination of the Year

Ecuador, a South American country on the northwestern coast of the continent, straddling the Equator, well known for its unique biodiversity, relevant cultural and historical heritage since it was incorporated in the iconic Inca Empire during the 15th century, boasting a rich, diverse landscape encompassing the Andean highlands, Amazon jungle, and the wildlife - stunning Galápagos Islands was designated as Wanderlust 2025 destination of the year.

This award marks a milestone in the country's international projection as a site of high tourist interest with the Ecuadorian government actively working on strategies to revitalize the tourism sector with various initiatives, including promoting ecotourism, infrastructure improvements and attracting digital nomads.

This recognition comes from the hand of a publication in Wanderlust, an independent, leading and global travel magazine headquartered in London, England, UK which has a print circulation of close to 77.000 copies per edition and more than 345.000 readers combined between digital and prints formats, in more than 70 countries around the world,  including three of the main markets prioritized for Ecuador : Canada, Great Britain and the United States of America.

Ecuador's win in 2025 was based on public votes and expert assessments that praised the South American country's rich biodiversity, indigenous heritage, and world – class ecotourism initiatives.

This prestigious award also recognizes Ecuador's diverse landscapes, including the Andes, Pacific coast, and Galápagos Islands, offering a variety of travel experiences, a designation which highlights the Latin American country as a top destination for immersive and sustainable adventures.

In addition to the designation as Destination of Year, there are initiatives of great promotional value, including the publication of a 160 - page bookzine on Ecuador, aimed at the European market, and the creation of an exclusive microsite within the Wanderlust digital portal.

The Minister of Tourism of Ecuador, Mateo Estrellas, explained that Wanderlust has been able to connect with a trype of travellers who values authenticity, connection with nature and transformative experiences.

Ecuador with its biodiversity, cultural richness, its unique heritage and the warmth of its people, is the ideal destination for those who are looking for much more than a place to visit: they are looking for a place to feel, to discover themselves and to learn.

The Minister assured that these contents will be strategic tools that will allow everyone to take the image of the country even further, with narrative, photography and experiences that reflect the essence of Ecuador.

Undesecretary of Promotion for Ecuador, Santiago Granda, expressing his enthusiasm for the award, thanked the media for sharing positive news stating that it's time to walk together towards a positioning of the country at the national and international with many riches to offer.

Editor - in - chief of Wanderlust, George Kipouros, pointed out that it is the first time that Ecuador has been designated as destination of the year since the creation of the publication in 1994 and that it was precisely the country that with its diversity inspired the creation of the travel magazine, as a means of promoting the destinations of the world.

Wanderlust Editor stated that Ecuador is a welcoming and safe country to visit and this is the best time to visit the country.

Ecuador rise to the top global travel lists and shining in the international tourism landscape is not an accident. Nowadays this small.megadiverse country offers an incomparable mix of culture, nature and history all within reach thanks to short travel distances and modern infrastructure offering unique and authentic experiences for every type of visitor.

Link 
https://www.turismo.gob.ec/ecuador-fue-designado-como-destino-del-ano-wanderlust-2025/