Ecuador takes top honors at World Travel Awards ceremony; Cuenca wins again

For the second consecutive year, Ecuador took home more trophies at the South America World Travel Awards ceremony than any other country. Among its honors, were: Top overall city destination (Quito); top beach destination (Galapagos); top business destination (Guayaquil); and top vacation city destination (Cuenca).

Galapagos Islands beaches were chosen as the best in South America.

In addition, Ecuador was also recognized for having the continent’s best airport (Quito), best eco-lodge (Mashpi); best business hotel (Wyndham Guayaquil); best luxury train journey (Tren Crucero) and best  river cruises (in the Amazon region).

In all, Ecuador took first prize in 19 categories at Saturday’s awards ceremony in La Paz, Bolivia.

Among other top South America prizes were: Culinary destination (Peru); Cultural destination (Peru); Green destination (Bolivia); LGBT destination (Brazil); Nature destination (Chile); Top overall destination (Machu Picchu, Peru); and top country destination (Colombia).

World Travel Awards recognized Latam as the continent’s best airline and Avis at the best car rental company.