By The UNCHARTED® editors · 5 min readThe Ecuador Experience: Galapagos, Amazon, Andes, & More
We chatted with Niels Olsen, former Minister of Tourism, about the compact country’s vibrant cities and myriad natural attractions, from the Galápagos Islands and Pacific beaches to the Andean highlands and Amazonian rainforest.
At the age of 33, during the heart of the pandemic, he became the youngest tourism minister in Latin America. Humbled by a seemingly impossible mission, Olsen declined repeated requests to serve.
But he was equipped with a backpacker’s passion for travel, a master’s degree in sustainable tourism, entrepreneurial spirit, and experience operating his family’s farm as a high-end ecotourism lodge, Hacienda La Danesa. The incoming President admired his energy and ideas, and Olsen felt he could no longer say no—so it was game on.
While serving the Ecuadorian government for over three years, Olsen saw a change of administration and focused on using tourism as a vehicle for conservation and development. His primary preservation initiatives included safeguarding the sea creatures that inhabit the waters off the Galápagos Islands, as well as establishing marine reserves along the country’s nearly 1,400 miles of Pacific coastline. Moreover, under Olsen’s leadership, Ecuador devoted more resources to its tourism sector, including establishing an air connectivity program that allowed travel from the U.S. to be easier and less expensive.
We spoke with the affable Minister Olsen (“Please, call me Niels!”), about traveling in Ecuador—a desirable destination whose profile seems poised to rise.
The interview has been edited for clarity and concision.
Q1: In addition to the Galápagos islands, Ecuador has a long stretch of Pacific coastline, Andean highlands, and a lush swath of Amazonian rainforest. That’s a lot of natural attractions. Plus you have historic, cosmopolitan cities and rural towns and villages with several ethnic groups. It’s like all of South America in one country that’s about the size of Colorado. What would you say to that observation?
Q2: We’ve been told that the Galápagos archipelago is one of your favorite places on Earth and it is a crucial part of your sustainable tourism goals while in office. Tell us more.
I go every year, and it is amazing for snorkeling or scuba. Some of my favorite spots are Gordan Rocks and San Cristobal, because you can see so many tortoises, [sea iguanas], and sea lions. I’ve been diving with whale sharks, white tips, and hammerheads —we even had dolphins swimming and circling above, playing. There was so much wildlife, I didn’t know where to look. It was quite overwhelming, but in the best possible way!
Exactly, it's everything you can get in Latin America in a nutshell.
We increased funding to the islands to help the municipalities on conservation projects, like removing invasive species and building eco-friendly [infrastructure]. We’ve also created an ‘ocean corridor’ between the Galápagos and Cocos Islas which bans commercial fishing as well. I think it is the first time, or one of the first times, four countries got together — Ecuador, Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica — and passed international legislation for the environment. Where there is tourism, there has to be positive impact.
Start up in the highlands and horseback ride while visiting beautiful family-owned farms and plantations — these spots are authentic opportunities to connect with locals. I recommend driving the hillsides between Quito and Cuenca, and staying at different haciendas that have been passed down generation by generation. They each have their own story to share. Then you can head to the Amazon rainforest and stay with indigenous communities, while at the same time experiencing some of the best wildlife. Yasuni National Park [a UNESCO ecosystem reserve] is one of the most biodiverse areas with its misty rivers, leopards, and pink river dolphins. And on the coast there are so many beautiful beaches with surf towns full of coffee shops and secret seafood stalls.
"Exactly, it's everything you can get in Latin America in a nutshell."
Q3: What are some of your favorite mainland destinations in Ecuador?
Q5: What inspired you to study sustainable tourism and move to both the U.S and Australia for school?
Many of our Amazonian lodges pride themselves on offering high-quality stays, but are also engrained with the local indigenous people — much like our haciendas pride themselves on hospitality and farmsteads that have been passed down.
I had a very beautiful upbringing, growing up surrounded by cows, horses, and cacao plantations at La Danesa. But when my family moved to Guayaquil, our big coastal city, I’d invite all my friends back to the countryside. It put such a smile on my face, hosting. After backpacking all over the world in my twenties, I realized that’s what I loved doing: Chatting with travelers, sharing stories and meals, and making great connections that last a lifetime. I would always go, ‘Oh, I think I knew this [person] in a previous life.’ When I returned to Ecuador I converted my family’s property into a high-end hacienda.
Definitely Quito, as well. It has one of the most beautiful historic downtowns in the world. And Cuenca, which is our third largest city, is known for its architecture and food. The road between those two places is, [like I said], full of classic haciendas, and [visiting] the Cotopaxi area with its volcanoes and Andes [is a must]. Because it is a small country, you drive one hour in any direction, you’re going to see profoundly different weather, culture, and food.
Q6: How did you transition from being a hacienda owner to Ecuador’s Tourism Minister in your early thirties?
Q4: Speaking of culinary delights, Ecuador seems to be having a major foodie moment, appearing on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and opening up Michelin eateries. What’s going on down there?
Well that was quite an accident! When the pandemic hit, I had to shutter the doors of my lodge, just like everyone else in this industry. But I did not want to lay off the staff, so instead we kept the farm running, and I created a business that sold yogurt, cheese, and chocolate. Every few days I would deliver our products [to suppliers and customers].
When travelers come to Ecuador they get very surprised by the food, it is a well-kept secret [compared to other Latin American cuisines]. Quito is more high-end, whereas Guayaquil has small hidden gems. But the regions of Esmeraldas and Manabí — I swear all Ecuadorians know those places have the best food in the world, no one will disagree with you.
This was around the same time we had elections in Ecuador, and one of the candidates, President Lasso, saw my videos on social media. He loved my story, and after chatting on Instagram live, he asked that I join [his cabinet if he won]. At first I didn’t think I had enough experience! Now [I’ve worked] under two presidents in the last three years.
"After backpacking all over the world in my twenties, I realized that’s what I loved doing: Chatting with travelers, sharing stories and meals, and making great connections that last a lifetime."
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Ecuador: “South America in a Nutshell”
