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15 Best Cities to Visit in Ecuador

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on April 27, 2024

Whether it is beautiful beaches or stunning mountain scenery, astounding colonial-era architecture, or bustling indigenous markets, Ecuador’s cities are as diverse as the country’s incredible landscapes, with each of them having their own distinctive look and feel to them.

Exploring bustling port cities and sleepy fishing villages along the Pacific coastline for example offers up a completely different experience to visiting the lofty Andean cities of Otavalo and Quito , while other cities in Ecuador are nestled amidst the dense foliage of the Amazon rainforest. A mesmerising country with a wealth of things for you to see and do, traveling around Ecuador and exploring its lively cities for yourself is sure to be an incredible experience.

With nearly five hundred years of history contained in its old streets, Loja is a fascinating place to visit and its beautiful setting at the bottom of Cuxibamba valley only adds to its charm.

Renowned for its music scene and rich cultural heritage, Loja has a number of impressive historic sites with the gates of the city and the beautiful cathedral being among its many highlights.

Whereas Loja was once used as a base by Spanish conquistadors searching for gold in the nearby mountains and jungles, now it is tourists who flock to the city to visit the huge Parque Nacional Podocarpus which is home to awe-inspiring lakes and waterfalls.

If you’re looking to visit the Amazon rainforest then Tena is the place to head to as the small city is surrounded by jungle and its numerous rivers also make it a fantastic place to go white-water rafting.

A picturesque city, Tena has lots of shops, tour operators, and accommodation options. The range of outdoor activities is very impressive as you can explore caves, summit volcanoes, and kayak along jungle rivers.

The main draw of course is the opportunity to visit the famous Amazon rainforest and taking a trip to the dense confines of the jungle with all of its spectacular scenery will live long in the memory.

13. Riobamba

Scenically nestled away in a valley amidst snowcapped mountains and with the gigantic Chimaborazo volcano (the closest point on Earth to the sun) towering in the distance, Riobamba is a sprawling place to visit with a delightful colonial center.

The center of town has lots of impressive churches and colonial-era architecture on show while its bustling Saturday market is a fun and festive occasion which highlights the indigenous make-up of Ecuador’s third largest city.

Popular amongst hikers and mountaineers, many people use the city as a base from which to explore Ecuador’s highest mountain or take an incredible train journey through breathtaking scenery to the Nariz del Diablo, in Alausí.

12. Puerto Lopez

Lying on a bay on the Pacific Ocean, the sleepy little fishing town of Puerto Lopez has a marvellous beach and many people use it as a base from which to visit the surrounding coastline.

Its peaceful streets are home to some nice restaurants and bars, and in the evening cabanas blast out music while whale watching tours and boat trips run during the day.

Truth be told, there is not all that much going on and so relaxing on the beach or exploring the tide pools are the main thing to do alongside visiting the spectacular wildlife and nature in the nearby Parque Nacional Machalilla.

A very popular spot amongst Guayaquilenos looking to escape the city for the weekend, Playas is home to the longest beach in the country and is well worth stopping by when in Ecuador.

Quite a touristy city, Playas has no airs and graces and is a laidback place to head to if you just want to lounge on the beach all day and eat delicious seafood.

If you find yourself needing a bit of excitement then book a dolphin watching tour to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

10. Otavalo

Famed for the largest indigenous market in Ecuador, Otavalo is a pleasant place to spend some time as the city is nestled in the Andes at a height of 2,532 meters and there are lots of volcanoes, waterfalls, and breathtaking gorges in the surrounding countryside.

While the scenery that borders the city is certainly impressive, the center of town has lots of bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy and a distinctive and rich cultural heritage that is unlike anywhere else in the Andes.

The undoubted highlight however is the teeming markets that light up the town with their festive feel and bright colors and here you can pick up loads of great local crafts, textiles, and leather goods that highlight the amazing craftsmanship of the indigenous Otavalo people.

Encompassing both beaches and businesses, Manta is a bustling port city that is home to a number of important industries and as such it acts as a hub for the region.

While there isn’t much in the way of sights, Manta does have loads of fantastic seafood restaurants as well as some lively nightlife while its beaches are nice without being anything to write home about.

Many people stop by Manta on their way to other places along the coast and Montecristi is a popular town nearby which is famed for its Panama hats.

8. Montañita

With its pulsating nightlife, beautiful beaches and fantastic surfing spots, Montanita offers up quite the package and it comes as no surprise that it is now a popular tourist destination.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Montanita has successfully managed to retain its charm despite the proliferation of hotels, restaurants, and bars and there is a very bohemian vibe about its laidback streets.

Lush vegetation borders Montañita and watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean is the perfect way to end the day in this tropical paradise.

7. Puerto Ayora

The largest town in the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Ayora is the perfect base from which to explore the incredible natural wonders of the islands as it has a wealth of hotels, restaurants, and stores for you to choose from.

A laidback place, Puerto Ayora has a delightful waterfront where you can grab a meal and you’ll often find pelicans, marine iguanas, and sea lions flopping about along the shore.

Of course, the spectacular scenery is what everyone comes for and in town you can easily arrange to go scuba diving, take a boat trip around the islands, or book a visit to the nearby National Park .

Lying just north of Atacames, Tonsupa is an increasingly popular destination amongst both locals and foreigners alike as it has a lovely expansive beach and lots of upmarket resorts.

Quieter and more relaxed than many of the other cities along the coast, Tonsupa is the perfect place to head to if you’re after a quiet getaway and there are lots of fine dining options available.

If the peaceful nature of Tonsupa gets to be too much then you can always head to nearby Atacames or arrange to go on a whale-watching tour.

Perched on the tip of a peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, Salinas is the westernmost city in the country and is a very popular beach resort due to its glorious sandy beaches and abundance of great surf spots.

With high-rise apartment blocks dotting the coastline, Salinas looks somewhat like Miami and the city is home to lots of great seafood restaurants as well as some lively nightlife.

While it can get packed during the summer months, Salinas is a lovely city to head to if you’re looking to kick back and relax in the sun and there are loads of watersports on on offer.

4. Banos de Agua Santa

Surrounded by beautiful forest-coated mountains, plunging waterfalls, and the smoky Tungurahua volcano, Baños’ setting is absolutely spectacular and the town is known as the ‘Gateway to the Amazon’ due to its proximity to the steamy rainforest.

As the center of town is quite touristy and cluttered with tour operators and souvenir shops, you are best off exploring the amazing gorges, waterfalls, and hot springs that border the city.

With loads of outdoor activities for you to try, this adventure capital’s stunning setting makes it the perfect place to go mountain biking, rafting, or hiking and the amazing landscapes are simply breathtaking.

3. Guayaquil

The largest city in the whole of Ecuador, Guayaquil lies on the banks of the Guayas River and is a vibrant, teeming city with one of the busiest ports in South America.

Ecuador’s economic heart has many different sides to it and the architectural gems, such as the glorious Palacio Municipal and delightful colonial buildings in Parque Historico, can be found not far from glistening malls, modern museums, and towering skyscrapers.

Home to a growing arts and culture scene, Guayaquil has lots of great nightlife on offer, a plethora of fantastic restaurants, and a beautiful riverfront promenade for visitors to enjoy while it is also the main port of call for people heading on to explore the Galapagos Islands.

One of the most beautiful colonial cities in the country, Cuenca is an absolute delight to visit and wandering around its old cobbled streets that are lined with beautiful churches and balconied buildings will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

Dating back to the sixteenth century, the historic center is similar in appearance to that of Quito’s, though Cuenca’s is much more peaceful and laidback and the stunning New Cathedral is one of the city’s most famous sights.

With the spectacular Inca ruins of Ingapirca lying nearby, boisterous local festivals in November and January, and a lively arts and crafts scene; Cuenca is understandably one of the country’s most popular destinations.

Standing at over 2,800 meters above sea level, Quito is the highest capital city in the world and its stunning location amidst lofty mountain peaks will just as likely take your breath away with its beauty as the altitude itself.

With one of the best preserved historic centers in South America, Quito’s Old Town is fascinating to explore as beautiful colonial-era churches lie next to lively plazas, teeming markets and wonderfully leafy parks.

In addition to all of the wonderful architecture on show, Ecuador’s capital has absolutely loads of historic and cultural sites for you to visit, as well as a plethora of great restaurants and a pulsating nightlife scene.

Before heading off, make sure to take the Teleférico cable car up the Pichincha volcano to its east side at 4,000 meters and bask in the stupendous views of the Andes and Quito down below.

Map of the best cities in Ecuador

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Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

20 Best Things to Do in Ecuador & Incredible Places to Visit

March 20, 2023 By John Widmer 22 Comments

Ecuador may be a relatively small country, but it holds loads of amazing experiences for travelers to enjoy. There are so many awesome things to do in Ecuador to fill weeks or even months of travel! The vast diversity of landscapes lends to so many different places to visit all throughout the country.

The glacier-capped Andes loom over the country.

A lush jungle environment thrives in both the Amazon basin and Ecuador’s cloud forests.

Then toss in the many charming colonial cities dotting the natural landscapes.

And let’s not forget about the incredible underwater world of the Galapagos !

This vast diversity supports the long-held tourism slogan “ All you need is Ecuador .” Each different environment holds so many intriguing things to do in Ecuador. Yet with this abundance of recreation and culture to explore, it can be difficult to narrow down exactly what to do in Ecuador.

We’ve now spent a total of six months traveling across the country to seek the very best places to visit in Ecuador. This article was written from that experience to offer travel ideas and suggestions for those who may be considering a trip to Ecuador.

The best things to do in Ecuador will vary for each person, depending on interests. Some may have a penchant for cultural exploration. Whereas others may be more interested in Ecuador’s nature. Some may favor relaxing at Ecuador’s beaches or luxury spas. Others may prefer climbing a volcano or mountain biking down it!

There’s something for everyone! We wrote this roundup of what to do in Ecuador to highlight the best travel experiences Ecuador has to offer across each of those spectrums. It’s our hope that this list of the best places to visit in Ecuador will provide travel inspiration for a trip to this fascinating country.

20 Best Things to Do in Ecuador

This travel guide focuses on the things to do that make Ecuador special. You’ll also see exactly where to go in Ecuador to find the country’s best attractions.

Here is an interactive map that pinpoints each of the best places to travel in mainland Ecuador mentioned in this guide.

1) Seek Wildlife Encounters in the Galapagos Islands

Lying off Ecuador’s coast, the Galapagos Islands are like nowhere else on earth. This island chain has been untouched for centuries. Visitors will now find it teeming with unique wildlife and endemic species, not found anywhere else on the planet. Nature abounds both above and below the ocean’s surface throughout the Galapagos!

A visit to Galapagos National Park can be like wandering through a living museum. Visitors regularly encounter sea lions and iguanas by simply walking around the port or beaches. But that’s not all. Some common Galapagos wildlife encounters include:

• Gazing upon wild  flamingos ,
• Swimming with  sea lions ,
• Watching wild  penguins frolicking in a bay,
• Stumbling across both marine iguanas & land iguanas ,
• Snorkeling with sharks, including hammerheads ,
• Gliding past dozens of sea   turtles ,
• Visiting wild Galapagos  tortoises ,
• Diving with giant manta rays ,
• Coming face-to-face with  blue-footed boobies ,
• Spotting Galapagos hawks, finches, and frigate birds, among other endemic bird species ,
• and possibly even having a rare encounter with a whale shark !

They’re all here in the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Islands are undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Ecuador for nature. And the famed islands are now more accessible for travelers than ever. Even those who are traveling on a budget can make a Galapagos trip a reality.

Four of the Galapagos Islands boast affordable hotels. So visitors can plan out their own daily adventures around these inhabited islands. Many of the aforementioned wildlife encounters are easily possible to do for free. Yet those who splurge for day tours or cruise packages can reach further-flung locations where more wildlife awaits.

For in-depth information on planning a Galapagos adventure, be sure to read our detailed travel guide to the islands. It reveals

• where to find the Galapagos’s most famous wildlife residents (for free!),
• where to find seafood dinners for less than $5 and hotels for $35,
• how to visit the islands independently,
• how to organize a cheap liveaboard Galapagos cruise, and
• how much a Galapagos trip can cost.

Open in a separate tab to read later: How to Travel the Galapagos on a Budget .

2) Climb a Volcano in Ecuador

There are dozens of volcanos throughout the country. And those who are fit for the challenge should definitely put summiting a volcano on their list of things to do in Ecuador.

Some of Ecuador’s volcanos are fairly accessible for a day hike, while others require technical climbing skills. The following are some of Ecuador’s most notable volcanos to consider a trek up.

Volcán Chimborazo: Summiting Ecuador’s Highest Point

Rising 6,263 meters (nearly 4 miles high), Volcán Chimborazo isn’t just the tallest mountain in Ecuador. This inactive stratovolcano is the furthest point on Earth’s surface from the center of Earth . When measuring the height from the earth’s center, rather than sea level, Chimborazo clocks in even higher than Everest.

This happens because there is something known as the equatorial bulge. The earth is actually a bit wider around its midsection, caused by Earth’s rotation. Because of this, the Chimborazo Volcano is the closest point on planet earth to outer space.

Summiting Chimborazo is a challenging high-altitude ascent requiring technical ice-climbing gear. Adventurers will also need at least two days to complete the overnight summit. The town of Riobamba acts as the staging ground for this climb. It’s here that adventure operators are able to assist and guide climbers.

For a less extreme challenge on Chimborazo, it’s also possible to take a short day hike towards the summit. Whether hiking independently or as part of a tour, visitors can ascend to a small pond at an elevation of 5,100 meters high (16,732 feet). For more info about hiking Volcan Chimborazo, read the Chimborazo section of our Riobamba Travel Guide .

Hiking Volcán Sierra Negra: Most Active Volcano in the Galapagos

Volcanos aren’t only limited to the Andes of Ecuador. The Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island is the most active volcano in the island chain . And this volcano can make for a convenient day hike in the Galapagos! Well, that is, when this volcano is not erupting. Sierra Negra is quite active, having last erupted in the summer of 2018.

Sierra Negra is actually one of the widest active volcanos on earth! The caldera stretches out 9.3 kilometers wide at one point, making it the largest of all Galapagos volcanos. It’s so wide that it’s virtually impossible to photograph the entire volcano.

This 16 km (10-mile) hike up and around a portion of Sierra Negra’s rim is an awe-inspiring thing to do in Ecuador! Trekking across the black volcanic rock feels like walking on another planet. The otherworldly views that hikers are rewarded with from the top make the sweat-inducing trek totally worth it.

Hiking Volcan Sierra Negra can be included as part of multi-day Galapagos tours. Yet those traveling the islands independently can find half-day hiking tours of Sierra Negra in the town of Puerto Villamil. It’s $35 per person, including a guide and transportation to the trailhead.

Trek to the Glaciers of the Cotopaxi Volcano

This glacier-capped Volcán Cotopaxi is one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world ! It’s also the 2nd highest point in Ecuador, with a summit is 5,897 meters high. That’s an elevation of about 3.6 miles in altitude!

To reach the summit of Cotopaxi, it takes a grueling overnight ascent. Sometimes it’s even off-limits due to heightened volcanic activity.

But a day trek to Cotopaxi’s base camp is a more accessible consideration. Hikers can reach an elevation of 4,864 meters, which is around the snowline and where the glaciers begin. Such Cotopaxi day trips can be organized from the town of Latacunga or Quito. For more info on reaching this volcano from Quito, check out the Cotopaxi section of our Quito Travel Guide .

3) Explore Ecuador’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centers: Quito & Cuenca

Ecuador has two historic centers recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their long-standing cultural value. Roaming around the ornate buildings of the centuries-old streets can make visitors feel like they’ve gone back to a different era.  

Explore Quito’s Historic Center

Quito is said to have the best-preserved, least-altered historic center in all of Latin America . It’s this recognition that led Quito to become one of the first cities in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, back in 1978. (Read full UNESCO description: here .)

The historic center of Quito delivers not only cultural significance but also lots of charm. Despite earthquakes and modernization, the baroque buildings in Quito’s Old Town remain largely intact. It’s enchanting to wander through the bustling South American capital amongst the beautiful architecture that’s remained here for nearly a half millennium!

Grand plazas open up to historic churches while quaint cafes line the streets to museums that further detail the history of the city. Quito’s historic center is a fascinating place to wander around and deserves to be firmly placed on any Ecuador itinerary. Read more about Quito’s Old Town in our 20 Best Things to Quito Travel Guide .

Explore the Historic Center of Cuenca

Cuenca’s charming colonial streets exude European flair. Its nickname as the “Athens of Ecuador” is not just a reflection of Cuenca’s architecture, cathedrals, and ruins. It’s also a reference to Cuenca being a long-held hub of culture, art, and artisanry.

It’s this history and traditions that lend to Cuenca’s UNESCO-designated status. Cuenca’s historic center is recognized for its centuries-old colonial architecture. The city planning outlined for Cuenca has been respected and followed for more than 400 years!

Read further about all there is to do in Cuenca’s historic center and beyond within our full travel guide about the 20 Best Things to do in Cuenca .

4) Float through the Amazon Jungle

Eastern Ecuador covers a wide swath of the Amazon Rainforest and holds many tributaries to the Amazon River. It takes some effort to reach this remote jungle environment. Yet those who do so are rewarded with awesome Amazonian experiences.

Within the Ecuadorian Amazon, it’s possible to go fishing for piranhas , spot pink river dolphins , meet with a local shaman , and search for anacondas .

In addition to common reptilian life throughout the jungle, visitors can also find monkeys, tapirs, or even an elusive jaguar. This is all set amongst the lush rainforest setting with its enormous tree canopies. The Ecuadorian Amazon is also home to remote native tribes, which can be very interesting to visit and have cultural exchanges.

It’s possible to explore Ecuador’s Amazon on your own. Yet the Amazon can be best approached as part of a tour and a lodge stay experience.

Two popular areas to explore in the Ecuadorian Amazon are:

• Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
• Yasuni National Park

Reserva de Cuyabeno is one of the best areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon to see wildlife.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve has an assortment of jungle lodges for all budgets. Such tours of Cuyabeno depart from Lago Agrio (or nearby), accessible from Quito by bus or flight. Expect to pay about $100 per day for such tours, inclusive of meals and accommodation. For example, check out the highly-rated 4-Day Lodge Stay at Cuyabeno Tucan Lodge for $380 on Viator .

It can take a few days of busing and boat rides to reach the isolated village of Nuevo Rocafuerte. From there, guides are available to delve further into the National Park.

You can read more about our Amazon journey to Yasuni National Park and beyond here: An Adventure Down the Napo River .

Yet ultimately we suggest a Cuyabeno lodge stay as a much more complete experience in the Amazon. Search availability and compare Ecuadorian Amazon lodge stays .

5) Admire Ecuador’s Best Waterfalls

Given the many rivers flowing from the Andes, there are thousands of gorgeous waterfalls spilling their waters across Ecuador.

In March 2020, it was reported that Ecuador’s highest waterfall, San Rafael, has seemingly vanished after a sinkhole swallowed part of its source waters. The once-notable waterfall in Ecuador is currently closed to tourism.

Thankfully, there are still thousands more raging waterfalls to check out, scattered all throughout Ecuador.

Visit Pailón del Diablo Waterfall: Among Ecuador’s Most Popular and Beautiful

Translated as the Devil’s Cauldron, Pailón del Diablo is likely the most popular waterfall to visit in Ecuador, is now generally accepted as the tallest waterfall in the Ecuadorian Andes, and is arguably the most scenic!

The short trail to the waterfall includes lots of stairs and fun suspension bridges to traverse. This adds to the adventure through a narrow canyon leading to the waterfall’s viewpoint. Yet soon enough, the 80-meter waterfall comes into view, along with the misty spray that regularly soaks visitors.

This waterfall is easily accessed from Baños by bus, taxi, or cycling. And only a $2 entry fee to enter.

Visit Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary

This waterfall sanctuary in the Mindo Cloud Forest holds one of the greatest concentrations of waterfalls in Ecuador. There are at least fifteen different waterfalls found throughout the Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary! The largest waterfall is the 50-meter (164-foot) Cascada Reina (Queen Waterfall).

Continuing onward, hikers will encounter a series of a half-dozen more falls, each within a 10-minute walk of the other. To cool off after all that hiking, wear a bathing suit to soak in the natural pools that form below the falls. Entrance to the Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary is $5, which includes a thrilling ride on a tarabita cableway to access the hiking trails. More information can be found in the Nambillo section of our Mindo Travel Guide .

El Chorro de Girón Waterfall

This 70-meter (230-foot) high waterfall dramatically plummets down from the Andes into a cloud forest environment. Known as Cascada El Chorro or the Giron Waterfall, it takes just a short hike of less than a kilometer to access falls, on trails draped with flora.

This lesser-visited beauty can be accessed from the city of Cuenca. It’s about a 1.5-hour trip and the entrance will set you back $2.

You can find more info in the Giron waterfall  section of our Cuenca Travel Guide

6) Discover Ecuador’s Ancient Inca Ruins  

Ecuador holds many Inca ruins scattered across the country. One such archeological site can be found right within the colonial city of Cuenca. The Pumapungo ruins in Cuenca are believed to be a part of the ancient city of Tomebamba which was first inhabited by the Cañari people before the Incas overtook it for use as a fort. It’s easily accessible in town and is free to enter.

Part of the ancient Inca Trail (a popular pursuit in Peru to Machu Picchu ) also runs through Ecuador. A 40-kilometer section of the UNESCO-listed Camino de Inca (Inca Trail) can be traversed from Alchupallas to Ingapirca. Ancient bridges, crumbling structures, and former Incan towns are passed along the way across this centuries-old trail through the Andes. Experienced trekkers with gear and navigation can give it a go on their own. But Ecuador’s Inca Trail is best approached as a guided trek, like this one .

Ecuador’s Inca Trail ultimately leads to the ruins of Ingapirca, which can also be accessed by roadway. Ingapirca is the best-preserved and largest Inca ruin site in Ecuador . The stone terraces, walkways, and buildings at Ingapirca are punctuated by the impressive Sun Temple. Slits in the temple align perfectly with the sun on solstice days.

Entrance to the Ingapirca is just $2 and the ruin site is located about a 2-hour drive from Cuenca, accessible by public bus or small-group tour . Regardless of how you arrive at Ingapirca, a short guided tour of the ruins is included upon a visit. Afterward, visitors can walk down a portion of an Inca trail and visit the onsite museum.

For more info on getting to these ruins, see the Ingapirca section of our Cuenca Travel Guide .

7) Relax among Ecuador’s Best Beaches

Ecuador has some world-class beaches, along its Pacific coastline and throughout the Galapagos Islands. Sunbathers and surfers can both have fun in the sun across Ecuador’s many picturesque playas .

From natural beaches, to resort beaches, to party beaches and laidback surf towns, there’s a beach for everyone in Ecuador.

Laidback Surf Beaches in Ecuador

Montañita is a fun-loving surfing town full of reggae vibes. It’s a party spot too and a popular stopover on Ecuador’s backpacking trail. Canoa is another chilled-out town along the coast with great surf. It also boasts one of the longest beaches in Ecuador and is scenically backed by looming cliffs.

Resort Beach Living in Ecuador

Salinas is Ecuador’s premier beach resort town. This beachside city often receives comparisons to Miami. It boasts five-star hotels, various tourist attractions, and vibrant clubs. Within easy reach of Guayaquil, Salinas can be a great escape from the city or to warm up after an Andes adventure. It’s also a good place to go whale watching!

Best Natural Beaches

The beaches throughout the Galapagos comprise the best natural beaches in Ecuador. There are many of them, all with a different flair. From Playa Mann on Isla Cristobal to Puerto Villamil Beach on Isla Isabela.

Yet it’s Tortuga Bay that made Tripadvisor’s list of Top 10 Beaches in the World , and deservedly so! This scenic stretch of coastline can be found on Isla Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands. It’s never very crowded. At least not by humans. Sea lions and iguanas usually outnumber people here. There’s can be decent surf here too!

8) Hike to one of Ecuador’s Spectacular Crater Lakes

Ecuador boasts three massively impressive crater lakes! Each one is a visual spectacle, special in its own merits. The Quilotoa Crater, El Altar, and Laguna Cuicocha should each be a consideration to visit, depending on your travel itinerary and the level of fitness involved in reaching these gorgeous natural wonders.

The Quilotoa Crater and Laguna Cuicocha can be accessed, fairly easily, by bus or tour. But trekking around the craters is highly recommended, if possible. Meanwhile, El Altar is more remote and can only be reached by an overnight high-altitude trek.

Hike Ecuador’s Most Popular Trekking Route: Quilotoa Loop

Quilotoa’s gorgeous three-kilometer-wide caldera is a spectacular sight to see. This former volcano collapsed from an eruption, estimated to have occurred about 600 years ago. It now lays filled with water, transformed as a deep crater lake. It’s easily possible to trek down into the Quilotoa crater as a day trip from Quito. To approach Quilotoa Crater this way, read this day trips section in our Quito Travel Guide .

But for a more complete trek around the Quilotoa Crater, consider embarking on the 3-day Quilotoa Loop trek . This 34-kilometer trek is along a well-worn trail that connects farming communities. It’s in these Andean villages where hostels are found, offering comfy places to sleep and homecooked meals to eat. So packs can stay light!

This is Ecuador’s most popular trekking route and one of the most enjoyable multi-day treks we’ve completed in South America.

If interested, be sure to read our detailed instructions:

• Guide to Trekking the Quilotoa Loop: The Cheap & Easy Way .

Climb to the Rim of El Altar for High Andes Adventure

El Altar is a collapsed volcano near Riobamba that now contains a beautiful crater lake known as Laguna Amarilla. The El Altar Crater is also part of Sangay National Park. That’s recognized as Ecuador’s only other natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, right alongside the Galapagos Islands.

The trek to El Altar takes 2-3 days to complete the 35-kilometer roundtrip hike. But beware that it is more challenging than the aforementioned Quilotoa Loop. The trek to El Altar is more remote, more grueling, and often quite muddy. More planning is involved and hikers must pack in all of their food and supplies. Yet the payoff for this extra effort can be extremely rewarding.

For more about the trekking here, check out the El Altar section of our Riobamba Travel Guide .

Trek around this Gorgeous “Guinea Pig” Lake: Laguna Cuicocha

This stunning slice of nature is the result of yet another exploded volcano, occurring over 3,000 years ago. Although the two islands scenically popping out from the middle of the lake were formed during subsequent eruptions. Those islands are thought to resemble the backs of two guinea pigs. Hence the name of this lake, Cuicocha, which means “guinea pig lake” in the indigenous Kichwa language.

This impressive crater lake is impossibly blue on a clear day. Laguna Cuicocha is accessible as a day excursion from Quito that also includes a visit to the Otavalo markets.

Yet those who visit by day trip may only have enough time to gaze out upon the crater lake. If staying in nearby Otavalo or Cotacachi, it’s possible to reach the crater lake by public bus and taxi. That will provide visitors enough time to trek the entire 14-km perimeter of the crater lake and even take a boat ride around the namesake islands.

9) Go Birdwatching in one of the Best Birding Destinations in the World: Mindo

Ecuador holds so many awesome birdwatching opportunities throughout the country.

In the Galapagos, birders can find blue-footed boobies, endemic Galapagos hawks, finches, frigate birds, and more. In the Andes, some travelers are lucky enough to spot an Andean Condor. In the Amazon, toucans and colorful parrots thrive. Yet there’s another destination that is renowned across the world for its vast birding opportunities.

The Mindo Cloud Forest is one of the premier birding destinations on earth!

More than 500 different types of birds have been spotted in Mindo. In fact, Mindo regularly holds the annual world record for the most bird species counted within a 24-hour period. Birders travel to Mindo specifically searching for varieties of toucans, parrots, quetzals, and even umbrellabirds!

Yet one of the most sought-after birds to spot in Mindo is the Andean cock-of-the-rock, also known locally as gallo de la peña . This elusive red bird is known for its early-morning lek. That’s a song-and-dance these male birds perform as a competitive courting ritual to impress the females.

Even for those not into birding, Mindo can be a perfect place for beginners to give it a try. Grab a pair of binoculars and set off on one of the many birding tours that are offered throughout the area. Yet it’s also possible to go hiking through the cloud forest on your own in an attempt to spot some of Mindo’s avian life. And it takes no effort at all to spot the many hummingbirds buzzing around.

For more info about birding in Mindo, be sure to check out our complete Mindo Travel Guide to the Cloud Forest .

10) Mountain Bike Down the Andes Mountains

Ecuador has some awesome downhill bike rides for adventure-seekers who want to fly down the Andes on two wheels!

There are great opportunities to rent bikes in Ecuador or join a cycling day tour through some of the most scenic locations. We think three of Ecuador’s best mountain biking adventures can be found:

• Down the Volcan Chimborazo,
• Down the Waterfall Route from Baños, and
• Down the Cotopaxi Volcano

Mountain Biking Down Chimborazo: Ecuador’s Tallest Mountain

Trekking up Chimborazo can be a fun thing to do in Ecuador. Yet we’d argue that an even bigger thrill is to go mountain biking down this famous volcano.

The 40-km route is almost entirely downhill. Little peddling is required. Along the gravity-driven descent down the single-track, riders pass by a scenic canyon and ancient Inca barracks. Bikers also glide by friendly vicuñas, a relative to llamas and alpacas. It’s an awesome thrill that we recommend as the best of Ecuador’s many downhill mountain biking descents.

Expect to spend about $65 on this all-day adventure from Riobamba. For more info, browse through the Chimborazo section of our Riobamba Travel Guide and check out the video, above.

The Waterfall Route from Baños to Puyo

Setting off from the town of Baños is a scenic yet harrowing downhill road known as the Ruta de las Cascadas , or Waterfall Route. It plummets down the Andes and into the Amazon.

It’s a thrilling ride and passes by numerous canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls as the landscape transitions from mountains to jungle. There are many stops along the way, with viewpoints, waterfalls, ziplines, and other adventure pursuits. The most notable attraction is the Palion del Diablo waterfall, mentioned earlier in this list of things to do in Ecuador.

The Waterfall Route mountain biking trip can be done independently using bikes rented in Baños ($5-$10). Just be careful, as bikes share the road with cars most of the way down this well-trafficked route. The entire way to Puyo is 61 kilometers, resulting in an all-day affair. Yet it’s possible to go as far as desired before flagging down a bus to carry you back to Baños ($1-$2).

Biking Down Volcán Cotopaxi

Many of the day trips to the Cotopaxi Volcano also include what is yet another thrilling descent on a mountain bike. The ride down the side of Cotopaxi is a jaw-rattling plunge down a gravel road. Amidst the Andean scenery, wild horses are often spotted along the way down.

These mountain biking tours down Cotopaxi are often referred to as “hike & bike” since they include a short hike up to the Cotopaxi refugio before plunging down the volcano. They’re priced around $50-$75 and can be arranged from Quito. Details and tour operators can be found in the Cotopaxi section of our Quito Travel Guide .

11) Shop for One-of-a-Kind Artisan Crafts in Ecuador

Those who enjoy shopping for handmade keepsakes and unique crafts will find an abundance of textiles, clothing, jewelry, carvings, painting, and souvenirs at the many markets all throughout Ecuador.

There are some great artisanal markets in each of Ecuador’s three biggest cities. Quito has its popular Mercado Artesanal la Mariscal . Guayaquil has its own Mercado Artesanal  on the southern end of the Malecon 2000. And local handicrafts can be found throughout Cuenca’s Plaza de San Francisco and  Mercado de Artesanias Rotary .

Yet shoppers can dive deeper into Ecuador’s communities to uncover thriving weekly markets and other interesting shopping opportunities. The bustling Thursday market in more rural Saquisilí can be a dazzling cultural experience to witness the local trading taking place. Riobamba’s Saturday market is another fascinating look into the local wares. And anyone looking for leather goods should not pass up the shops in Cotacachi and its Sunday market day (pictured above).

Yet it’s the following three notable shopping opportunities that we find to be the best in Ecuador.

Shop at One of the Largest Markets in South America: Otavalo

Otavalo is home to Ecuador’s most famous local market, which is one of the largest and most renowned markets in all of South America . The Otavalo market tradition goes back hundreds of years, all the way to pre-Incan times!

And Otavalo’s artisan market is still going strong today. It’s best to go on Wednesdays and Saturdays. That’s when the market expands with hundreds of additional stalls sprawling across dozens of blocks of the Andean city.

Otavalo can be visited as an overnight stay or as a day trip from Quito, as it’s located about two hours away from the capital. It’s accessible by bus or day tours that occur during Otavalo’s market days (Wed & Sat). Additional logistical info can be found in the Otavalo section of our Quito Travel Guide .

Shop for a Panama Hat Sombrero de Paja Toquilla: Ecuador’s Famous Hats

Ecuador, not Panama, is the origin and production center of what is well-known around the world as the “Panama Hat.” There’s an explanation behind this confusing name. It’s because these Ecuadorian hats were being exported to Panama while the Panama Canal was being built in the early 1900s. That’s when US President Roosevelt visited the construction site and was photographed wearing the hat in Panama. The name “Panama Hat” has stuck ever since.

But make no mistake, this is purely an Ecuadorian product and they are known locally as sombreros de paja toquilla . The town of Montecristi lays claim to be the birthplace of Panama hats . Today, its streets are lined with shops selling Ecuador’s famous hats. You can make a pilgrimage to the town to buy one at some of the best prices in Ecuador, and the world. A high-quality, tightly woven hat will still cost $100 and upwards, while more affordable options also exist.

Yet it’s Cuenca that has become the largest producer of these hats. Throughout Cuenca, there are Panama Hat factories and museums to tour, with adjacent shops to purchase their wares. The Homero Ortega Museum is one of them, as they claim to be the oldest and most experienced Panama hat producer in Ecuador. For more about Cuenca’s Panama Hat production, take a look at the Panama Hat section of our Cuenca Travel Guide .

Artisan Towns of Azuay Province

About an hour’s drive north of Cuenca lies a trio of towns that are highly regarded for their artisan products. Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and Sigsig each offer intimate shopping experiences. Here, shoppers can hunt down local crafts from right within the charming Andean communities that produce them.

Perhaps most notable is the town of Chordeleg, where dozens of jewelry and craft shops line the town’s pretty streets. Go during the mornings on a weekend, when vendors fill its Plaza Artesanal selling their wares. More about what to do in Chordeleg and its two neighboring villages can be found in the Artisan Towns section of the Cuenca Travel Guide .

12) Swing off the End of the World!

Ecuador has a love affair with large crazy swings that fly high over cliffsides. The swing at Casa del Arbol in Baños is thought to be the original and has become the most popular of Ecuador’s high-flying swings. But other imitators have since popped up in additional places throughout the country that we’d dare say may be even better than the original!

So here are a few of the best swings to check out in Ecuador.

The Original Swing at the End of the World: Casa del Arbol

Photo credit: Our friend Buddy the Traveling Monkey more about Casa del Arbol here.

This famous treehouse near Baños is the swing that started it all. It’s often known as the “swing at the end of the world” and it’s a must-do activity in this adventure hub town in Ecuador.

The Casa del Arbol swing costs $1 and is accessible by bus ($1), shuttle van ($5), or even a 3-hour hike from Baños. Given the swing’s rise to fame, there is often a queue of people waiting to get their Instagram pic.

Swing High over Ecuador’s Capital

This swing recently sprung up on the side of the Pichincha Volcano, looming over Quito. Adventurous souls can now soar high above Ecuador’s capital city on this swing while nervously enjoying views of the metropolis down below.

This awesome swing is accessible by the TeleferiQo cable car ($9.00) from Quito, which is one of the best things to do in Ecuador on its own merits. The 18-minute cable car ride is one of the highest in the world, as it whisks passengers up from the city to an altitude of 4,000 meters (about 2.5 miles high). That’s where this swing above Quito awaits. Read more info in the TeleferiQo section of our Quito Travel Guide .

Swing over the Quilotoa Crater

The Quilotoa Crater boasts a stunning natural setting to swing over. This crazy swing soars out over a crater lake! The Quilotoa Crater swing is reached via a short hike down into the crater and costs $1 for a few minutes of awe-inducing swing action! You can get to this crater swing during a Quilotoa day trip from Quito or while trekking the Quilotoa Loop .

13) Stretch Yourself Across the Equator Line

Did you know the country of “Ecuador” literally translates to “equator?” The equator is a pretty big deal in Ecuador. This line dividing the north and south hemispheres slices right through Ecuador and even the Galapagos Islands too.

A visit to the equator line is a major tourist attraction and point of interest in Ecuador. It’s a fun novelty to hover over both sides of the earth at once. If you’re coming to the country named after the equator, you kinda have to take a trip to the famous line!

There are many different places to cross the equator in Ecuador. The most popular of the bunch is known as Mitad del Mundo , (Middle of the World), easily accessible from Quito. This is where visitors will find the main equator monument and that big yellow equator line to snap an equator selfie on top of.

The neighboring Museo Solar Intiñan is another interesting equatorial attraction. Here, visitors can perform some suspicious experiments along the line.

Does draining water really change directions on each side of the equator? You’ll have to go and judge for yourself. We question the validity of such experiments, even though we clearly had trouble walking a straight line on the equator. It’s claimed that the hemisphere’s forces tug at you.

For more about these equator sites, which ones to visit, whether it’s really worth going to, and how to get to the equator from Quito, all the info is included here in the equator section of our big Travel Guide to Quito .

14) Take a Dip in Ecuador’s Volcanic Thermal Pools

Given the volcanic origins of Ecuador’s Andes, it should come as no surprise that hot springs abound throughout the country’s midsection. After a grueling trek through the Andes or during a particularly chilly day, indulging in a visit to Ecuador’s many thermal pools can feel downright heavenly.

The thermal baths of Papallacta are a popular escape from Quito and boast volcano views among the more than a dozen of pools to soak in there. The town of Baños, Ecuador, is appropriately named as it translates to “bathing” and offers several thermal pools and spas to bathe in. Take a long soak in one of the many pools at the large Las Piscinas de la Virgen  complex.

Yet a personal favorite thermal spa in Ecuador can be found in a different municipality also named Baños. It’s in the Baños of Azuay province, on the outskirts of Cuenca, where you can find Piedra de Agua . Their 90-minute “spa circuit” includes treatments such as steam therapy. Yet perhaps most interesting is the volcanic mud exfoliation treatment, involving two different mud baths!

After the spa circuit, guests can spend as much time as they’d like relaxing in the three warm outdoor mineral pools. And they’ll even deliver drinks to you on a little boat that floats with you in the warm waters! It’s all a great experience and economical too, with access to the thermal pool and spa facilities starting at $15. But go during their weekly promotions to really save. More logistical info for this affordable luxury experience is covered in the spa section of our Cuenca Travel Guide .

15) Go Ziplining through the Cloud Forest

There are several great ziplining runs throughout Ecuador. You can find zip lines in the Andes surrounding Cuenca and others soaring over canyons near Baños. Yet we suggest the best ziplining opportunity in Ecuador is the canopy tours offered through the lush Mindo Cloud Forest.

Mindo may be best known for birding. Yet it is also becoming an awesome hub for adventure pursuits in this unique cloud forest environment. There are some serious ziplining routes in Mindo to soar amongst the toucans.

We’ve been ziplining all around the world, but Mindo’s canopy tours stick out for the length of their runs, the cloud forest environment, and what we’ve found to be the best value zipline tour in the world .

It takes more than an hour to complete all ten zip lines which adds up to a 3,640-meter-long course (nearly 12,000 feet). Yet it only costs $20 USD for the entire length of this awesome canopy tour. Find more about this adventure in the Ziplining section of our Mindo Travel Guide . It’s not only one of Mindo’s best activities. Their ziplining courses are firmly one of the best things to do in Ecuador!

16) Don’t Only Admire Ecuador’s Churches, Experience Them

Ecuador boasts a handful of impressive churches and cathedrals scattered about the country. Even those who may not be fascinated by these religious structures should find appeal in the experiences that can be had throughout Ecuador’s churches.

It’s not only about the artwork, architecture, history, and religious significance. Many of Ecuador’s cathedrals can be climbed for their spectacular surrounding views, among other interesting experiences.

Climb the Basilica del Voto Nacional for Views & Maybe a Cerveza

Quito’s Basilica del Voto Nacional is a prime example of an incredible experience that can be had in an Ecuadorian church. This basilica includes a rickety climb up many stairs , ladders, and even a walkway across the roof of the church. Ultimately you’ll reach the top of a spire that affords awesome views of Quito.

Oh, and you can also drink a beer from high up within one of the basilica’s towers. It’s in a semi-hidden little cafe. You can see exactly where to find it and all the logistical info in the Basilica section of the Quito Guide .

Ascend the Spiral Staircase of Cuenca’s New Cathedral to a Bell Tower with No Bells

Cuenca’s Cathedral de la Inmaculada , AKA the New Cathedral, took nearly a hundred years to complete. Construction finally wrapped up in 1975. The result is now one of the largest churches in South America.

Visitors can climb the bell towers for views of the city and take an up-close look at the Cathedral’s signature blue domes. While atop the cathedral you can also learn about why the bell towers don’t have bells. Learn more in the New Cathedral section of this Guide to Cuenca .

Unlock Ecuador’s Oldest Catholic Church: Iglesia de Balbanera

While this modest church pales in comparison to the grandiosity mentioned above, it’s no less impressive to visit what is recognized as the oldest catholic church in Ecuador. It dates all the way back to 1534 ! Many people make pilgrimages here for the ancient Virgin of Balbanera. The very old relic from Spain is on display near the church’s altar.

Yet what we found to be impressive is the experience of using the original keys to lock the church’s half-millennia-old door! The Balbanera Church is easily visited from the town of Riobamba. Directions can be found in the La Colta section of our full Riobamba Travel Guide .

17) Go Whitewater Rafting from the Mountains to the Jungle

With fast-moving rivers flowing down the Andes mountains, there are excellent whitewater rafting opportunities throughout Ecuador!

Down towards the Amazon basin, the town of Tena is a main base for whitewater rafting activity in Ecuador. The Jatunyacu River , which flows into the Napo River, is a major tributary to the Amazon. And it makes for some fine whitewater rafting. It’s not every day you can have the opportunity to go whitewater rafting in the Amazon basin.

The Jatunyacu River is the most popular whitewater run in the area, with class III+ rapids in a picturesque jungle setting. The rapids are mild enough for beginners, yet still offer some bouncy thrills across swift-moving waves. Trips down the Jatunyacu are priced from $50 – $85 and many reputable operators can be found in Tena.

Moving further up in the Andes, the adventure hub of Baños offers some more whitewater action down the rushing Pastaza River . The dips and spills on class III & IV rapids can really add a jolt of adrenaline to any Ecuador trip! It’s a pretty setting too, given the river flows down amidst towering canyon walls in some sections.

With prices set around $30 for the 5-hour rafting tour from Baños, it’s one of the most economical whitewater rafting trips we’ve encountered anywhere in the world. There’s no shortage of rafting operators around town offering the trip daily within this price range.

Lastly, in Mindo, there is an exhilarating tube-rafting experience unlike we’ve seen anywhere else in the world. The rivers around Mindo are too shallow for true river rafts. Yet the river can be way too intense to float down on an innertube. So rafting is accomplished by roping several tubes together to form a makeshift raft. It’s then used for a thrilling ride through the cloud forest, while a tubing guide navigates the rock-strewn river!

It’s all quite the experience. And this tube rafting in Mindo is yet another adventure bargain. If you can round up a few friends to go together, the price can be as low as $6 per person. That gets you an exciting river run that lasts about a half-hour, depending on how fast the water is flowing. You can read more about this cloud forest tube-rafting in our Mindo Travel Guide .

18) Stroll Guayaquil’s Impressive Malecón

While many of Ecuador’s beaches boast pleasant seaside malecóns (waterfront boardwalks), we’d argue that the riverfront walkway of Guayaquil’s Malecón 2000 reigns supreme. The 2.5-kilometer promenade boasts excellent views of the River Guayas. It meanders past gardens, monuments, museums, restaurants, artisanal markets, shopping malls, and other fun attractions.

Perhaps most notable is the La Perla! Soaring 57 meters high above Guayaquil, La Perla is touted as the largest Ferris wheel in South America . Wander further down the malecón to hop aboard the Barco Morgan. This pirate ship takes passengers up the Guayas River for views of the expansive malecón . For added fun, there’s an unlimited drink option!

Taking just a short jaunt off Malecon 2000 will bring you to one of Guayaquil’s most beloved attractions, the Iguana Park. That’s where you can always find the namesake reptiles roaming freely. Meanwhile, the other end of the malecón stretches towards the colorful and historic Santa Ana neighborhood.

For more on all of these attractions, on and off Malecon 2000, browse through our complete travel guide of the 15 Best Things to Do in Guayaquil .

19) Eat Delicious Local Ecuadorian Cuisine throughout the Country

Ecuador has some interesting local cuisine to try while traveling throughout the country. The food across Ecuador varies regionally. Local specialties can be as diverse as Ecuador’s landscapes. Seafood reigns king along the coast. Meanwhile, warm comfort foods are found in abundance across the Andean highlands.

Yet regardless of location, eating is a thing to do in Ecuador! It should be noted to seek out some of the delicious local specialties throughout the country. So here are just a few notable dishes to look for:

Eat Ecuadorian Ceviche along the Coast

Ceviche is a national dish in Ecuador and this country has a different take on the marinated seafood dish, compared to other Latin American nations. Ecuadorian ceviche tends to be very saucy and soupy. The ceviche here is always served with a spoon in a bowl that is so very full of all the tangy citrus juices the seafood was marinated in.

We’ve eaten ceviche in just about every country that serves it across the Americas. Personally, we find Ecuadorian ceviche to be the best in the world. (Shh… don’t tell Peru we said so.)

Ceviches of fish, shrimp, and octopus are all popular and common along Ecuador’s coast and the Galapagos. But you can also find ceviche inland too. One Ecuadorian ceviche chain that we frequent and recommend is Los Cebiches de la Ruminahui , with more than 50 locations including in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Ambato, Ibarra, Manta, and more.

Be Charmed by Hornado in the Highlands

Hornado is a whole roasted pig and is found in just about every Andean market in Ecuador. It’s a local favorite. The resulting pork is extremely tender, well-seasoned, and salty. A plate comes with some crispy skin along with traditional sides like mote (hominy), llapingachos (thick potato pancakes), and veggies.

Yet the experience of getting hornado at the market is nearly as satisfying as the dish itself. The women selling their hornado are charmingly aggressive to get you to choose their particular stall. These hornado vendors always hold out samples of their best cuts for potential customers to try. This happens all while lapping on the praise, telling passersby how good-looking they are to woo them for a purchase. Markets in Cuenca , Gualaceo , and Riobamba are just a few cities that are particularly known for their hornado.

Adventurous Eaters Can Try Cuy

Yes, it’s a guinea pig.

Guinea pig, known here as cuy , is indeed a local specialty in the southern highlands of Ecuador. A whole-roasted cuy is something for adventurous eaters to try. Look for it around here in Cuenca and in the town of Loja too.

More Local Ecuadorian Cuisine to Try

This all scratches the surface of local specialties to eat while in Ecuador. Yet here are a few more favorites to keep an eye out for during meal times:

• Fritada – A national dish of well-seasoned fried chunks of pork. Look for it in Quito , Otavalo, Gualaceo , and Latacunga , among other highland locations.
• Locro de Papa – A hearty potato soup that’s made complete with cheese and avocado. Find it throughout the highlands, particularly around Quito .
• Churrasco – Ecuadorian steak & eggs. It’s a favorite found throughout the highlands.
• Bolon – Fried ball of plantains and cheese. Eat Ecuador’s most delicious breakfast along the coast or Galapagos. Order with a cafecito .
• Encebollado – Fish stew that is a national dish. It’s found along the coast, is often eaten in the mornings, and helps cure hangovers.
• Cangrejo criollo – Creole crab is a local specialty to Guayaquil that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

20) Take a Scenic Rail Journey through the Andes (Possibly returning in 2024)

Ecuador must have some of the most beautiful rail routes in the world. The country composed six different scenic train journeys to embark on day trips to see the country by rail. To be clear, these train trips are not used for transportation, but rather as day excursions that are a journey unto themselves.

Each of these train day trips would take passengers on a scenic ride to an interesting destination, then return back to the starting point. Stunning vistas along these routes impress passengers, as the trains chug along through the Valley of Volcanos, past farmland, and down into canyons.

Important update 2024: When the world closed to travel in 2020, these touristic trains ceased operating across Ecuador. During the past few years, there’s been much speculation and even announcements about these train routes returning. Ecuadorian officials, such as the Minister of Transportation and Public Works, vouched that the six routes will be operating again in 2023 ( source ).

In September 2023, the Ecuadorian President further renewed his commitment to Ecuador’s railway and toured the station for the famed Devil’s Note route in Alausi ( source ). He reaffirmed these rail routes would open again with mobile ticket sales to come. Yet as of January 2024 , no reopening announcements have been made . Still, it is hopeful that trains will be rolling again soon, perhaps in time for your travels through Ecuador. So stay tuned!

Check out our favorite of Ecuador’s rail routes below, which could resume in 2024.

Ride the Devil’s Nose: The Most Difficult Railway Ever Built

The most famous of Ecuador’s train routes is the Nariz del Diablo , or Devil’s Nose. It has been dubbed the “ most difficult railway ever built !”

This was a critical section of Ecuador’s railway constructed over a hundred years ago to connect the coast with Quito. Yet the engineering challenge faced was to somehow lay tracks up a vertical cliff measuring 765-meter (2,500-foot) high.

Thousands of laborers died during the rail line’s construction. Hence, the pointy mountain taunting building efforts became known as the Devil’s Nose. The engineering feat was finally pulled off by developing a series of switchbacks. The train actually overshoots the tracks, then reverses to zigzag up the side of the mountain cliff.

This was once a rugged rail journey through Ecuador in which passengers were permitted to sit atop the train cars until an unfortunate head-loss incident occurred (yikes!). After that, passengers have been only permitted inside the train.

It’s a fascinating look into Ecuador’s rail history, rolling across this engineering feat. But this scenic trip through the Andes is also an exhilarating ride. Grab a seat on the right side of the train to look out the window, straight down that sheer cliff. When operating, the Devil’s Nose train ride from the town of Alausi cost $33 for the half-day trip.

In government updates regarding Ecuador’s tourist trains, it’s been discussed that the Devil’s Nose route would be given priority to open first. Will Smith visited this famous railway when filming his National Geographic series Welcome to Earth . So it is hopeful this will provide increased interest and added incentive to get this famous railway back up and running again.

Ride the Ice Train around Chimborazo to Meet a Living Legend

The Tren de Hielo I , or the Ice Train, is another fascinating rail journey to embark on in Ecuador. Winding through the Ecuadorian Andes from Riobamba to Urbina, the train’s windows offer sweeping views of Volcán Chimborazo. On a clear day, passengers can gaze upon Ecuador’s highest mountain throughout the ride.

But the highlight of the Tren de Hielo is the stop in Urbina. It’s Ecuador’s highest train station, at 3,609 meters in altitude. The real treasure here isn’t its high elevation. It’s for the rare opportunity to meet Baltazar Ushca.

The 80-year-old (in 2024) man is known as the last ice merchant . For the past 60+ years, he’s been climbing up to the “ice mine” on Chimborazo every week to harvest glacier ice that he then sells to the markets in Riobamba.

Ushca is the last person known in Ecuador to continue practicing this lost trade of ice harvesting. It’s so fascinating that global documentaries have been made about him. So Ushca has now garnered local celebrity status. And he still makes the rigorous trek up the side of Chimborazo.

When operating, the Ice Train was priced at $25 for the day trip, plus lunch at your own expense. For more about this local legend and other stops on the Ice Train route, browse the Ice Train section of our Riobamba Travel Guide .

Ecuador’s Other Scenic Rail Trips

In addition to the Devil’s Nose and the Ice Train, the other four rail excursions set to resume:

• Tren de la Libertad : Journey from Ibarra through many tunnels to reach Salinas. Here, Afro-Ecuadorian culture is explored.
• Tren de Hielo 2 : The bus-like train travels from Ambato to Urbina to meet Baltazar Uscha. There are also stops at farming communities for shopping and lunch.
• Tren de los Volcanos : This train from Quito heads to the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano for a short walk. Many other volcanos are passed during the scenic route.
• Tren de la Dulzura : This train from the outskirts of Guayaquil focuses on the farming of cocoa and sugarcane. After reaching Naranjito, there’s an optional trek in the cloud forest to a waterfall.

Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Reading through this article, you’ve likely noticed a few destinations that have been repeatedly mentioned. Cities such as Quito and Cuenca can make excellent travel hubs to stay in to pursue further adventures. Yet there are many more places to consider traveling, beyond those two cities.

So the following offers advice on an Ecuador itinerary, travel routes, and how much time to spend in each location.

How Much Time to Spend in Ecuador & Where to Travel

If planning a trip to Ecuador, the following can be used as a rough itinerary suggestion for what we’d advise as the minimum time to spend in each location.

• Quito (2-4 days)
• Mindo (1-3 days)
• Amazon (3-5 days)
• Baños (1-3 days)
• Quilotoa Loop trek (3-4 days)
• Riobamba (1-3 days)
• Alausi (Devil’s Nose Train, 1 day)
• Cuenca (2-4 days)
• Guayaquil (1-2 days)
• Beach (Salinas or Montañita, as desired for relaxing)
• Galapagos Islands (1-2 weeks)

Tailor an Ecuador itinerary that best matches your interests and time constraints. Do note that the amount of time suggested for each destination (above) is on the low side. This is so travelers can attempt to maximize a trip to Ecuador. Those who have more time should definitely consider staying in each location for far longer than the above suggestions.

Spend as much time in Ecuador as you possibly can! A two-week trip to Ecuador can be nice. But more time is needed to venture into each of the highlights suggested within this travel guide.

Exactly where to travel in Ecuador depends greatly on the amount of time you have and your personal interests. For example, those who have no interest in adventure activities can easily skip Baños. Not into trekking? Then definitively cut out the Quilotoa Loop entirely and consider a visit to the crater as a day trip from Quito instead.

Short on time? It would be a shame to miss visiting the Ecuadorian Amazon. But making the concession of axing the Amazon from your Ecuador itinerary is perhaps the best way to save on time that can instead be allocated to other locations throughout Ecuador. Logistically, skipping the Amazon might make sense to those short on time and can also extend your travel budget.

Meanwhile, many people regularly skip over Riobamba. It could be rational to follow suit. But those who want to see Ecuador’s highest mountain must keep the oft-overlooked town firmly on their itinerary. Guayaquil is another city that’s regularly passed. But if transiting through Guayaquil anyways, we find it to be well worth spending at least a day, if not two.

Ecuador Travel Itinerary

The map below illustrates a proposed Ecuador itinerary that can be a logical route in attempting to visit many of the best places in mainland Ecuador. You can use this as a rough outline while cutting and adding based on your interests, budget, and time constraints.

Also, add on a trip to the Galapagos, which is easily possible from starting/ending points of Quito or Guayaquil.

How to Travel Around Ecuador

Getting from place to place can be accomplished in a variety of ways depending on preferences and budget. Consider:

• Public buses
• Shuttle buses
• Hop-on-hop-off tour buses
• Guided tours

Bus Travel in Ecuador

Ecuador’s public buses can be a great way to travel around Ecuador for those who are comfortable with independent travel. Buses in Ecuador are frequent, reliable, comfy, and inexpensive. Expect to pay roughly $1 for each hour traveled. Buses in Ecuador are best for backpackers and seasoned budget travelers.

There are some safety concerns to be aware of when using buses to get around Ecuador. The mountain roads are precarious and bus drivers have been known to drive faster than they should. Accidents are rare. But they do indeed occur and can be deadly. We suggest avoiding night buses. And, always, always buckle up!

Also, know there have been reports of petty theft on buses in Ecuador. Travelers should keep valuables secure and close while on public buses. Personally, we’ve taken over 100 different buses throughout Ecuador and have never experienced or seen theft on buses. But it can happen to unsuspecting passengers.

Lastly, know that most public buses do not have restrooms onboard. Plan accordingly.

Each city in Ecuador has a bus station, often called Terminal Terrestre . There, visitors can find up-to-date timetables and purchase bus tickets.

Shuttle buses can be an alternate consideration to buses. These are full-sized vans that ply popular routes in Ecuador, such as between Cuenca and Guayaquil. They cost slightly more than a regular bus. Shuttle buses can sometimes be found at bus stations. Or inquire at a tourism agency within the city you’re traveling from.

Hop-on-hop-off buses can provide a more comfortable and safe bus option for traveling across Ecuador. They’re also significantly more costly compared to public buses. Companies like  Wanderbus have set itineraries with departures on certain days. Passengers can choose to stay at each destination as long as they desire and then hop back on the bus for the next segment. There are different itineraries to choose from.

Ecuador Tours

Guided tours of Ecuador can be a great option for the most convenience. Professional travel guides help navigate the country as they effortlessly whisk travelers to all the best spots. Leave all the planning and logistics to the tour company. Just show up and enjoy Ecuador. Tours of Ecuador can also be the best way to learn about the country, as local guides are usually employed.

Many Ecuador tours also include domestic flights to the Galapagos and even cruises throughout the islands. We’ve found some of the best Ecuador tours and prices through Gadventures’s Ecuador tours . Browse through each of their listings and travel dates to find an Ecuador tour that best fits your interests and travel style.

Flights within Ecuador

Even though Ecuador is a small country, travel times on those winding mountain roads can be notoriously lengthy.

So if covering long distances, it can sometimes make sense to consider a domestic flight within Ecuador. For example, the bus from Quito to Lago Agrio (for Amazon tours) takes more than eight hours. A flight will save precious time by getting to the Amazon in less than an hour.

Flights between Quito and Cuenca or between Quito and Guayaquil can often make sense too. But just know that flying between these major cities bypasses many of the best places to visit in Ecuador that can be visited using land transport.

Of course, going to the Galapagos can only be accomplished by plane. Flights to the Galapagos depart from both Quito and Guayaquil.

There are three main domestic airlines in Ecuador:

• LATAM (formerly LAN)

All three are fairly comparable in terms of quality of service. We suggest choosing whichever airline has the best price and/or schedule for your trip. Yet if prices are similar across the board, we suggest Avianca and LATAM over TAME, based on our experience flying with these airlines. TAME has been known to unexpectedly cancel flights.

Happy Travels in Ecuador!

We hope this Ecuador travel guide has helped to provide trip ideas and travel inspiration. Ecuador is such a fascinating country to explore. Ecuador holds a beautiful culture. The diversity of landscapes is unparalleled. Ecuador’s nature is incredible. The cuisine delivers many interesting dishes to try. Plus, it’s a country that delivers excellent value.

And we hope that we’ve been able to show that there are so many fun things to do in Ecuador!

If this guide has been helpful, please let us know in the comments. Or give us a shout with any questions. And if you’ve traveled to Ecuador and you have your own favorite things to do, share them! 🙂

Above all else, have a great trip to Ecuador. Or as they say here, ¡buen viaje!

Publishing note: this travel guide about the Best Things to Do in Ecuador was originally written in August 2019 and is updated in best attempts to keep the info current. Last updated January 2024.

Related Posts

July 15, 2023 at 2:11 PM

Mindalae – Ethnohistoric & Crafts Museum of Ecuador (Museo Etnohistórico de Artesanías del Ecuador Mindalae) in Quito near Plaza Foch. Address: Reina Victoria N26-166, Quito

Great little museum that is often overlooked.

BTW: Plaza Foch – formerly a great hangout – is still struggling to recover from the pandemic.

May 7, 2023 at 10:02 AM

Thank you so much for your blog. It’s really helpful.

We are planning a trip to Cuyabeno – do you know which of the lodges there are owned by the local indigenous peoples, or do the best job in working with them and supporting them by design (rather than knowing they need to!).

That’s important to us.

Thank you, Matt

March 30, 2023 at 12:02 PM

i looooooove it

January 25, 2023 at 3:18 PM

What about renting an SUV and driving?

February 7, 2023 at 11:46 AM

It’s certainly possible to rent an SUV and drive around the country. Visitors have and do rent cars to travel around Ecuador. But, personally, I wouldn’t recommend it, particularly to first-time visitors to Ecuador. The Andes roads are precarious and can be hazardous. And within cities, a car really isn’t necessary. But to travel throughout the country, if you’re a very confident driver and have a strong preference to be behind the wheel, I suppose a rental car would be a consideration. Personally, when I’m in Ecuador, I feel far more comfortable relying on buses, taxis, and private drivers.

November 30, 2022 at 10:13 PM

Much appreciation for your efforts in all your guides, which are so clear and informative – remarkable!

We had decided to cancel our trip, based on the Canadian government travel advisories, fearing that Ecuador had become too dangerous for us to feel comfortable there. Your guide inspired us so much that we’re going for it. Carpe diem, in our mid-60s!

We’ll be spending Feb and March there in 2023. We promised our daughter we’d be acutely vigilant, and hire guides/take tours whenever possible. I’m trying to think of a question, but you’ve answered all of them!

With sincere gratitude….

December 14, 2022 at 3:48 PM

Hope you have a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoy this amazing country!

October 5, 2022 at 6:07 AM

Hi, such a nice post: enough short but still enough explained! Thanks! Have any idea is these tips still topical in late 2022?

Cheers, Meri

October 13, 2022 at 2:59 PM

Yes, almost everything here still holds true in 2022. One major exception is that the train rides in Ecuador ceased operating in 2020 and have yet to resume. There has been promises by the Ecuadorian government to revive the railways but it seems rather uncertain to happen anytime soon. Hopefully the trains will return because we found those rail journeys to be fantastic experiences. Anyhow, thank you for the comment and the question. It has encouraged me to update this article to ensure it reflects current info for 2022 and beyond.

November 1, 2021 at 4:01 AM

You’ve definitely sold it to me! Ecuador looks amazing. I’m planning a 2 week trip in January. From a weather/season point of view, is that a sensible time to visit? Thank you

October 2, 2021 at 11:23 PM

Thank you for all the effort you put into this guide! Very helpful! I have a family of 5 (3 kids) exploring Central and South America for about 8 months. We need to settle in to an Airbnb for a couple of weeks every once and a while to get work/school done. Is there a town/area you would recommend we do this in Ecuador? We love the outdoors.

October 7, 2021 at 4:10 PM

That’s awesome – greatly admire traveling as a family and introducing the kiddos to the wonderful culture and outdoor splendor of Central & South America! As for where to settle down for a few week in Ecuador, there really are so many great options all throughout the country. I’d say it would depend on whether you want to linger somewhere with creature comforts and many things to do or if you prefer to escape to somewhere remote and quiet to connect with nature and really focus on work/schooling. Considering you’ll likely want good reliable wifi and things to keep the kids entertained, I’d think you’d want to at least be in a mid-sized city. So I’d probably throw my weight towards Cuenca being a great option, as there are lots of Airbnbs there, it’s up in the mountains so plenty of outdoor recreation nearby, and has all the creature comforts you may want for a longer stay since its a sizable city. On that note, Quito may be another consideration, since it’s huge, many Airbnbs, has children’s parks/museums/activities, and great outdoor recreation for day trips outside of the city. (Although big city life may be a turn-off, idk). For smaller towns, perhaps consider Cotacachi (in the North) and Vilcabamba (in the South). Hope that may help!

August 18, 2021 at 12:37 AM

As an Ecuadorian I have to say this was such an amazing, comprehensive and helpful post. I’m really impressed! Thanks 🙏🏾 I’ll share this with anyone traveling to my beautiful country 🥰

August 17, 2020 at 4:30 PM

Hello, we are planning a trip to Ecuador next year and this has been extremely helpful. Specially the content on travelling Galapagos on a budget! =) I have one question regarding seasons. When have you been to Ecuador and Galapagos and how was the weather like? We are planning out trip for June/July and I was wondering if it was a good time to visit, mainly Galapagos. Thank you

August 25, 2020 at 5:08 PM

So glad to hear this has been helpful! As for timing on when to go, June/July can be nice. It tends to be drier and less chance of rain on mainland and throughout the Andes. There are better views of the surrounding volcanos and better hiking conditions. It can be slightly cooler too. The Galapagos is also sunnier and cooler during June/July, both in the water and on land. In June currents bring cold water up from the South, so you’ll likely need a wetsuit for any snorkeling/diving (widely available for rent there). June should prove to be a bit warmer than July, so you may want to consider going to Galapagos on the front end of your trip. Waters can be rougher around then too and waves more likely at the beaches. But that can depend on the day. Hope that helps and you have a great trip!

February 15, 2020 at 8:43 PM

Well explained, well detailed! Very helpful! Congrats!!!

marcos – brasil

February 1, 2020 at 8:51 PM

Great informative site, good job!

January 11, 2020 at 11:43 AM

Hey! Great work! It’s super helpful!

December 27, 2019 at 7:30 PM

Thanks you for writing this well thought out, helpful overview of what to see and do in Ecuador. Much appreciated.

September 11, 2019 at 4:33 PM

Awesome work. I did a lot of reading here and despite the fact that I’ve been to Ecuador once before, I learned a lot. Thanks for putting this together.

September 2, 2019 at 7:12 PM

this is the best quide I have ever seen 😀 we are going in 2 weeks for 3 weeks and are (I guess) very much follow your tips. thanks so much – it just sums up most of my questions.

one request – the itinerary doesnt work, can you re-share it?

September 5, 2019 at 1:29 PM

So glad that this guide has proved helpful! Thank you for alerting us that the itinerary map was not showing up. I just fixed the problem, so it should be there now. Hope you have an excellent trip to Ecuador!

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10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ecuador

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Sep 24, 2021

More than making up for its small size with an array of Indigenous cultures, colonial architecture, scenic landscapes, and dense rainforests, Ecuador is one of the most fascinating nations in South America. Bordered by Colombia , Peru , and the Pacific Ocean on the continent's west coast-and no larger than most US states-this beautiful country of nearly 18 million people attracts tourists from across the globe for a myriad of reasons.

For outdoor sports enthusiasts, there are endless climbing and trekking adventures to partake in. For nature lovers, it's Ecuador's lush, ecologically important forests that are the big draw, while wildlife watchers will also gravitate to its famous Galápagos Islands. And for sun seekers? Ecuador's pristine tropical beaches are widely considered to be among the best and least spoiled in the world.

Once a part of both the Inca and, later, the Spanish Empires, Ecuador still displays many influences from both groups. These lasting influences are perhaps nowhere more notable than in the rich culture of its people, and the splendid colonial architecture of the capital city of Quito, much of which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

To learn more about this lovely South American country, be sure to read through this list of the best attractions and top things to do in Ecuador.

1. The Galápagos Islands

2. quito: ecuador's historic andean capital, 4. cotopaxi and cajas national parks, 5. the boardwalk of guayaquil, 6. la nariz del diablo: the devil's nose, 7. the hot springs of baños, 8. otavalo market, 9. exploring the amazon's upper reaches in tena, 10. the beaches of salinas, bahía, and montañita.

Since their "discovery" in the 16th century, the Galápagos Islands have intrigued and inspired visitors from around the globe. Named for the giant tortoises on the islands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a unique ecosystem that largely evolved without outside influences (mainland Ecuador lies some 1,000 kilometers to the east). Consequently, a visit to this unspoiled region offers an exceptional opportunity for wildlife viewing. Here, you can see a variety of rare creatures both on land and in the surrounding seas.

The Galápagos Islands remain one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, and the formation of the islands is still in progress. Most of the 13 large islands, six smaller islands, and 42 islets that make up the Galápagos were declared part of the Galápagos National Park in the 1950s.

Not surprisingly, visiting this fragile ecosystem can only be undertaken as part of a guided tour to designated visitor sites. There are, however, one or two areas visitors can go without a guide, including some areas popular with scuba divers.

The main attraction here are the region's many rare bird species, of which 28 are unique to the islands. These include the Galápagos penguin, flightless cormorant, and waved albatross, along with the 13 species of Darwin's famous finches.

Hot Tip: If you're fortunate enough to make it to the Galápagos Islands, be sure to book a behind-the-scenes visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station , located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Tours of this important research facility can be made in advance of your arrival and are certainly worth it.

Official site: www.galapagos.org/about_us/about-us/

Set high in the Andes, Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is filled with well-preserved examples of colonial architecture and is the largest historic center in South America. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many old churches, beautiful public squares, and world-class museums, this city of 1.6 million people has long been a favorite with artisans and is a great place to shop for local art and crafts, from ceramics and wood carvings to colorful clothing.

The most famous attraction in Quito's historic center is the San Francisco Church on the Plaza San Francisco. Dating back to the first half of the 1500s, the church's white-washed twin towers flank each side of the entrance to this massive complex. It's notable for its splendid Baroque interior and the Convent Museum of San Francisco with its religious paintings, sculptures, carvings, porcelain, textiles, and handcrafted furniture.

Other beautiful churches to visit include La Compania de Jesus Church . Constructed in the early 17th century, it's listed by UNESCO as one of the top 100 most important buildings in the world . Equally attractive is Quito's cathedral, Basílica del Voto Nacional , which was constructed in the 1560s.

One of the top things to do in Quito is to explore Plaza Grande . This beautiful square is surrounded by many important points of interest, including the cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and the Archbishop's Palace. It's also where you'll find the Municipal Palace, as well as Calle La Ronda , a buzzing street lined with restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and other entertainment.

The beautiful city of Cuenca-officially known as Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca-is located in southern Ecuador. Home to some 660,000 souls, this picturesque city is a delightful place to visit and explore on foot. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city brims with splendid colonial influences and architectural treasures spanning 400 years and encompassing both Spanish and Indian elements.

The historic city center is also where many of Cuenca's key attractions lie, one of the most important being the Old Cathedral of Cuenca (Iglesia del Sagrario). Built in 1567 from stones taken from nearby Inca buildings, highlights include its old organ from 1739, its tower clock from 1751, and the Museum for Religious Art.

Also worth a visit is the massive New Cathedral of Cuenca . Built in the 1960s, it's hard to miss for its three beautiful blue-tiled domes. The Church of San Sebastian with its mix of Gothic and Neoclassical elements is also worth seeing.

As you wander Cuenca's pleasant narrow streets, be sure to spend some time exploring the many squares and parks. The best of these include Calderon Park in the heart of the old town; Plaza San Blas Square , dominated by the Church of San Blas; and Plaza de San Francisco, with its merchants selling textiles and other goods.

Two of Ecuador's most popular national parks, Cotopaxi (and Cajas, are within easy driving distances from the cities of Cuenca and Quito and make wonderful day trips. Of the two, Cotopaxi National Park (Parque Nacional Cotopaxi), just 50 kilometers south of Quito, is perhaps the best known.

Highlights of a visit include the opportunity to see its many volcanoes up close. The most remarkable of these is the massive (and still active), Cotopaxi volcano. With its last eruption as recent as 2015, this massive volcano, along with the smaller Rumiñawi and Sincholagua volcanoes, dominates the area's stunning scenery.

About 30 kilometers from Cuenca in Ecuador's stunning highlands, Cajas National Park (Parque Nacional Cajas) offers a very different experience due to its numerous hills and valleys, making it a perfect place to hike and bike. It's also a delight for water sports enthusiasts, particularly kayakers and canoeists, thanks to its more than 270 lagoons and glacier-fed lakes.

Finally, Podocarpus National Park , often referred to as the "Botanical Garden of America," offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. Located in the southeast part of the country, its humid mountain forests are home to more than 4,000 species of plants and trees. Some of these specimens are as tall as 40 meters, including the famous cinchona, Ecuador's national tree.

Official site: https://national-parks.org/ecuador/cotopaxi

Ecuador's largest city in terms of population (2.7 million), the Pacific port of Guayaquil is well known as the gateway to the Galápagos Islands . In addition to its many historic sites, Guayaquil boasts great shopping and entertainment venues in its many picturesque squares and plazas, as well as along its splendid waterfront.

The highlight for those who enjoy exploring on foot is the magnificent Malecón 2000 , a two-and-a-half-kilometer-long boardwalk adjacent to the Guayas River. Undoubtedly one of the world's most memorable promenades, this remarkable urban renewal project winds along the river's west shore past many of the city's best attractions.

Along the way, you'll see numerous important historical sites, gardens, museums, and entertainment venues. For a real treat, take a tour boat on an evening trip up the river, when the city is lit up to beautiful effect.

Other highlights include the splendid Guayaquil Metropolitan Cathedral and Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporaneo . The latter is worth seeing for its fascinating displays and collections focusing on the country's rich culture and history.

A visit to the stunningly beautiful La Nariz del Diablo ("The Devil's Nose") should be on everyone's bucket list. Whether you're a train enthusiast or not, this spectacular part of the Andes mountains near the town of Alausí is best seen aboard one of the country's superbly restored railways.

Part of a network that stretches across the country to some of its most scenic locations, the 12-kilometer return trip to Nariz del Diablo is undoubtedly one of the most popular. Highlights include a fantastic sightseeing trip aboard a train that zigzags through a number of switchbacks as it climbs the near vertical sides of the mountain to the viewing station at its top.

Along the way, you'll have the chance to experience the rich culture of the Andes. Highlights include a visit to the Puñuna Condor Museum with its exhibits and displays relating to the area's Indigenous people.

Thanks to its lovely surroundings and numerous hot springs, the small town of Baños de Agua Santa is a popular tourist destination within central Ecuador. Located at the western edge of the Amazon basin, Baños is nestled among dense jungle-like forests and offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking and mountain biking.

But the big draw are its mineral-rich hot springs and many waterfalls. Some of the best of these beautiful waterfalls are easily accessible from the town via a series of trails incorporating rope bridges with incredible views over the falls and their deep pools.

Adventure sports such as whitewater rafting and kayaking are also popular here. More sedate things to do include visiting landmarks such as the Virgen de Agua Santa church with its famous statue of Mary (it's claimed she appeared at one of the town's waterfalls).

Other things to do in Baños de Agua Santa include shopping for local goods. Some of the most popular Ecuador souvenirs found here include the colorful carved balsa parrots. Be sure to also sample the town's famous "melcocha," a type of candy made from cane sugar.

In a pleasant valley surrounded by mountains lies the picturesque town of Otavalo. The town's big draw is its excellent market, one of the largest in South America, where locals and tourists alike come to buy colorful locally made rugs and blankets, sweaters, bags, and other wool products made by the Indigenous Otavaleños people.

Other notable items are the unique tagua nut jewelry, leather goods, Indigenous costumes, as well as many interesting food items. Of these, some of the most interesting are the locally produced spices.

If visiting in June, be sure to check out the famous Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) music festival featuring numerous local musicians with their distinctive instruments and sounds.

Another excellent place to visit from which to experience some of the vast Amazon basin is the city of Tena, capital of the province of Napo. Famous as Ecuador's cinnamon capital, Tena was established by missionaries not long after the Spanish arrived in South America and is an increasingly popular destination for travelers due to its many opportunities for adventure.

Highlights here are jungle excursions into the Amazon, along with river journeys, including whitewater rafting, and canoeing. Kayaking down the Tena, Misahualli, and Napo Rivers, the latter of which flows directly into the Amazon, are also popular adventures here.

For those who enjoy their river action a little smoother, Tena also boasts a superb pedestrian bridge and tower high above the Tena River offering great views of the city.

While best known for its ecotourism and adventure travel opportunities, Ecuador also boasts a number of beautiful beaches worth visiting . Whether for a short break from sightseeing or as a base for a longer sun, sand, and sea vacation, you'll be spoiled for choice.

One of the most popular areas due to its many beach resorts is the coastal city of Salinas, located a little west of Guayaquil and boasting a consistently warm climate year-round.

Also popular is the Pacific coastal city of Bahía de Caráquez. Situated on a pretty peninsula jutting out into the ocean, Bahía attracts many tourists with its fine beaches, numerous hotels, and lively entertainment scene.

Another popular area, particularly among younger travelers and surfers, is Montañita in the south coastal region of the country (for families, head a little farther south to the quieter beaches of the fishing village of Ayangue).

More on Ecuador

10 Best Cities in Ecuador: A Local’s Guide for Travelers [2024]

There’s a saying in Ecuador that you can have breakfast on the coast, lunch in the Andes, and dinner in the Amazon. This isn’t just a cute idea: within this tiny country, you’ll find tons of diversity, every climate you can think of, from the tiniest of villages to sprawling cities in Ecuador, all within just miles of each other.

As long time expats living in Quito we had the pleasure of exploring almost every corner of Ecuador, including some destinations travelers would love and others that are better off skipping. Read on for our recommendations for the best cities in Ecuador for your ultimate Ecuador itinerary .

Best Cities in Ecuador

Ecuador is an increasingly urban country, with cities stretching out their bounds across the country. You’ll find bustling cities around the country, though Guayaquil on the coast and Quito in the Andes Mountains are the most prominent cities in Ecuador. As an international traveler, you’ll likely travel through one of these cities to enter the country.

This list of the best cities in Ecuador for travelers includes big and small cities of particular interest to visitors. You’ll find everything from small towns in some of the country’s most beautiful and unique spots to the biggest and most bustling cities, with enough to keep travelers busy for weeks.

Quito is by far the most impressive city in Ecuador and one of the best cities in Latin America for travelers. I might be biased – I called Quito home for more than two years, after all – but there is so much to see and do here that you certainly don’t want to miss this incredible and vibrant city.

Ol d Town Quito is an impressive living monument to Ecuador’s history and is well known as the most extensive and best-preserved historic centers in Latin America. You can easily spend at least an entire day exploring this neighborhood – it is one of the best things to do in Quito .

You’ll also want to enjoy the incredible topography of Quito – wedged between high mountains and volcanoes, you can see up to five snow-capped volcanoes from the top of the TelefériQo cable car and riding to the top of Pichincha volcano via this cable car is a must when visiting .

Quito is also an excellent spot to base yourself for a shorter trip to Ecuador, as easy day trips from Quito can bring travelers to some of the country’s most impressive attractions and areas. Within a short distance, you’ll find cities and towns in the Amazon Rainforest, the cloud forest, and the rest of the impressive Andes mountain range.

While you’ll find plenty of hiking options around Quito – Cotopaxi , Pasochoa , and Rucu Pichincha volcanoes are famous climbs – you’ll also find unique markets, waterfalls, cultural events, and much more.

Plan a Trip to Ecuador

• 2 Days in Quito: Ultimate Itinerary
• Guide to Exploring Quito’s Old Town
• 10 Most Impressive Volcanoes in Ecuador

Named for the bubbling hot springs, heated by volcanic activity, that surround the city, Baños is both a spa town and a destination for adventure sports , giving travelers the best of both worlds when visiting.

Some of the most popular activities in Baños include canyoning – which involves repelling down a series of waterfalls on a thrilling (though safe!) journey – as well as white water rafting, bungee jumping, and paragliding. You’ll also find countless waterfalls outside of town that you can visit by bike or taxi. 

However you’d prefer to travel, make sure to visit the famous Pailón del Diablo waterfall, known in English as The Devil’s Bathtub , for how the waterfall shoots down into a narrow canyon. It’s the most famous and impressive waterfall in Ecuador.

Just around three and a half hours south of Quito, Baños is a popular day trip destination , though you’ll get much more out of a trip if you’re able to spend at least two or three days here.

Plan a Trip to Baños

• Baños, Ecuador: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 15 Best Things To Do in Baños
• Best Places to Stay in Baños

Best known as the home to the sprawling Otavalo Market , the tiny city of Otavalo is one of the most popular cities in Ecuador for international visitors. Located just a few hours north of Quito, travelers can easily visit Otavalo as part of a guided excursion to Otavalo – or independently – in just a day.

However, don’t write off Otavalo as just a great day trip destination. Nestled in the heart of the highlands, Otavalo is home to spectacular scenery and natural beauty that has enough to keep a visitor busy for days.

Don’t forget to visit the stunning Peguche waterfall just outside Otavalo and the stunning Cuicocha Crater Lake. Cuicocha is an ancient volcano – one of Ecuador’s most impressive volcanoes ! – whose cone collapsed in a massive explosion centuries ago, leaving a crater with an enormous lake and two “islands” in the center.

Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake or hike the crater’s rim for an unforgettable experience at this unique spot.

Read More: Otavalo, Ecuador: Ultimate Travel Guide

What To Pack for Ecuador

Check out our  Ultimate Ecuador Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Ecuador and what we never travel without.

Often overshadowed by Baños for offering similar adventure activities like ziplining and canyoning, the small town of Mindo , just two hours northwest of Quito, is not to be overlooked or underestimated. In fact, after visiting almost everywhere in Ecuador during my two years here, Mindo is the town I most frequently dream of returning to.

What makes Mindo so special? This small town between the Andes Mountains and the coast is brimming with excellent activities, hostels with hammocks by gurgling rivers, waterfalls to hike to, and delicious, fresh food – international and Ecuadorian – served in cool cafes by awesome locals and expats. 

Favorite activities in Mindo include adventure sports, hiking to waterfalls, finding hidden swimming holes, and learning how chocolate is made (and trying your hand at making it!) at a local chocolate shop that sources cacao from the cloud forest.

Mindo is an oasis of relaxation, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of Quito for a few days. The temperature is about 72°F (22°C) year-round , near perfection. Some visitors have loved this little slice of paradise surrounded by lush cloud forest so much they’ve never left.

Plan a Trip to Mindo

• Mindo, Ecuador: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 10 Best Things to Do in Mindo, Ecuador
• Best Places to Stay in Mindo, Ecuador

Located on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest, Tena is another one of the most popular cities in Ecuador for backpackers, drawn here by the easy access to the stunning biodiversity of the jungle. From here, many travelers head out on full-day or multi-day treks or excursions into the Amazon .

If you’re looking for a trip to the Amazon Rainforest in Amazon and have a bit more to spend, consider heading deeper into the Amazon with a trip to Cuyabeno or Yasuni, two of the best places to visit for a deep Amazon trip.

Looking for the feeling of a lodge on a backpacker budget in Tena? Stay at Hostal Pakay – this charming hostel and boutique hotel on the edge of Tena is conveniently located to access the rest of town while making you feel like you’re immersed in the jungle. Hostal Pakay also offers incredible jungle tours for small groups and can organize specialized trips with private guides.

Tena is also an adventure sports hotspot in Ecuador, particularly known for being the  white water rafting  capital of Ecuador. Tours embark daily for rapids of all levels, meaning everyone from beginners to more advanced rafters will enjoy tours here. 

Read More: Tena, Ecuador: Ultimate Travel Guide

6. Guayaquil

The sprawling port city of Guayaquil is Ecuador’s biggest city and significant capital in South America . Here, you’ll find the center of Ecuador’s business and finance sector and one of the major international airports in the country.

What does Guayaquil have to offer travelers? Well, not much. While there are a few attractions worth visiting if you find yourself in town, like the Malecón 2000 river walk or the charming and historic neighborhood of Las Penas, there isn’t enough to draw visitors here.

So why even add it to this list of the best cities in Ecuador? Well, Guayaquil is an important transportation hub for exploring the coast of Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands . 

If you’re headed to the incredible beaches in Ecuador , you’ll likely pass through Guayaquil – whether at the airport or the bus station. Thankfully, the bus station here is relatively clean, quite safe, and has buses to every corner of the country and every tiny beach town that is calling your name.

Read More: Guayaquil, Ecuador Travel Guide

Often overlooked by travelers to Ecuador, most of whom don’t travel south of Cuenca on their trip to Ecuador , Loja is a hidden gem city near the Peruvian border. Surrounded by national parks, rolling hills, and charming small towns, this lovely city in Ecuador is well worth considering as you plan your itinerary.

Loja is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador and has a lot of history to show for it. The city is packed with charming plazas, churches, and colorful buildings. Don’t skip the lovely and vibrant  Lourdes Lane , lined with colorful storefronts – though a bit touristy, it has plenty of shops and cafes worth checking out. 

You’ll also want to pay a visit to the stunning  Basilica de la Virgen del Cisne . Just outside of Loja, this is one of the most important religious destinations in Ecuador , and people make pilgrimages of multiple days to visit this stunning and significant site.

Most travelers will head onward from Loja, about 45 minutes south to the town of Vilcabamba. This tiny town is home to plenty of long-term travelers and expats, drawn here by the lower cost of living, perfect year-round temperature, and natural beauty. You’ll find plenty of cute cafes and restaurants, breweries, yoga studios, spa retreats, and much more. 

Head out of Guayaquil and directly to the coast as soon as possible – Salinas is a great first stop and one of the favorite cities in Ecuador on the beach. While there aren’t many true cities (rather than towns or villages) along the coast of Ecuador , Salinas is one of the largest and nicest, making it an extremely popular beach vacation spot for Ecuadorians. 

Visitors can enjoy the many amenities here for tourists and travelers: you’ll find countless places to stay – at all price ranges – great restaurants, and of course, the charming malecón walkway along the ocean.  Salinas is busy during the high season, from November through April, though it empties out the rest of the year.

If you’re looking for more of a beach town rather than a small city like Salinas, there are countless great options in Ecuador – doing a proper tour of them all would take at least a month or two!  

Favorite beach towns in Ecuador include Canoa , Mompiche, Ayampe, and Puerto López, though you’ll find each backpacker who has taken their own trip up the coast will hotly debate the best coastal towns and villages. 

Read More: Salinas, Ecuador: Ultimate Travel Guide

9. Latacunga

Located just a few hours south of Quito, Latacunga isn’t a tourist hotspot by any means . There isn’t much to Latacunga as a city in Ecuador to draw visitors and keep them in town, other than a few pretty and historic buildings around the town’s main square and market.

However, Latacunga is the perfect base for exploring some of Ecuador’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Latacunga sits just south of Cotopaxi Volcano , one of Ecuador’s most stunning natural spots and a must-visit destination for travelers to the Andes. Though my top recommendation for Cotopaxi visitors is The Secret Garden Cotopaxi (by far my favorite hostel and boutique hotel anywhere), Latacunga makes an excellent base for exploring the National Park, or an overnight after climbing the volcano.

Latacunga is also the start of the famed Quilotoa Loop , one of South America’s most famous and scenic multi-day treks.

While visiting Latacguna isn’t right for every traveler, it’s an excellent option for adventurers and those looking to get off the typical tourist path in Ecuador . Spend your days here eating local food, visiting the market – or the indigenous market in the nearby town of Saquisilí – and exploring the natural beauty surrounding the city.

Read More: Ultimate Guide: Quilotoa Crater Lake + Quilotoa Loop

Last but certainly not least on this list is  Cuenca , the charming and historic city that is a hands-down favorite among many visitors to Ecuador.

Located towards the south of the country, Cuenca is chock full of lovely colonial architecture and has some excellent day trips nearby you won’t want to miss . In addition to touring the beautiful Cuenca Cathedral, one of the country’s most beautiful religious spots, visitors can spend hours wandering the charming and historic center of town. 

You’ll also want to visit  El Cajas National Park  – this stunning and dramatic national park just a short ride from the city looks like a Martian landscape. Plus, nearby Incan ruins at Ingapirca make for another excellent excursion from the city. 

Most visitors should choose Quito over Cuenca. While you can take easy day trips or overnights from Quito to the Amazon, the cloud forest , and many other incredible spots in the Andes, Cuenca is much further from these spots, making exploring harder. 

Read More: Cuenca, Ecuador: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

Top 15 Places to Visit in Ecuador

by Julie | Dec 4, 2023 | Ecuador , Travel

Are you planning a trip to Ecuador but you’re not sure where to go?

In this post, I’m going to share with you my ranking of the 15 BEST places to visit in Ecuador . I’ve divided these 15 destinations into 3 categories based on how much you should visit them. In that way, you’ll be able to know which places to add to your itinerary depending on how long you’re staying in Ecuador.

• First Tier Destinations – The 7 absolute MUST-VISIT places for all visitors to Ecuador
• Second Tier Destinations – Add these 4 places to your itinerary if you have more than 2 weeks in Ecuador.
• Third Tier Destinations – If you have at least 4 weeks in Ecuador , you should visit these 4 destinations.

This list is based on my 6 months traveling around Ecuador and working remotely from Quito and the Coast. I’m a sucker for historic cities , rich cultural experiences , beautiful architecture , local food , stunning scenery, and wildlife . If that’s what you’re also into, then grab a cup of tea or coffee and read on!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website’s  Disclosure  for more info.

First-Tier Destinations in Ecuador

The following 7 destinations are must-stops on ALL Ecuador itineraries regardless of how long you’re staying in the country.

• Cuyabeno National Reserve (Amazon)
• Yasuni National Park (Amazon)
• Cotopaxi National Park

1.      Galapagos

The Galapagos is one of the top 5 places in the world I’ve visited . So, it’s a given that it’s my #1 destination in Ecuador.

Located an hour-long plane ride from the mainland of Ecuador, the Galapagos is made up of around 20 islands and numerous islets . I visited 12 of the 20  on a 12-day cruise aboard the Anahi Catamaran . They also have 5-day Galapagos cruises and 8-day Galapagos cruises .

The Galapagos is all about the wildlife —giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins, sea lions, Blue Footed Boobies, frigate birds, and more. The animals are special because of how unafraid they are of humans . The birds will literally peck the ground around your feet as if you’re not even there. When you experience this, it’s hard not to change the way you see the world.

The other reason to visit is for what you can see under the water— the colorful fish, sea turtles, iguanas, sea lions, seals, manatees, and sharks . It’s the PERFECT place for snorkeling or scuba diving .

If you go, make sure to get a good camera for the Galapagos . It’s one thing you don’t want to skimp on.

Then there’s the natural scenery—the ancient volcanoes , the moon-like emptiness of the lava fields , and the white sandy beaches . The climate is tropical yet it’s nothing like the Caribbean.

The Galapagos is not cheap , but a visit is so worth it even if it’s for only a few days.

Top Places to Stay in the Galapagos

$ – Under US$40 | $$ – US$40 – $100 | $$$ – Over US$100

• Anahi Galapagos Cruise ($$$) – This is a great first-class boat with a fabulous crew and amazing itineraries! ( Anahi Website )
• The Isabela Beach House ($$$) – This beautiful hotel is located right on the beach of Isla Isabela! RATING: 9.6/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Hostal Cattleya ($$) – A great option on San Cristobal Island; fabulous views and an amazing location! RATING: 9.1/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Posada Del Mar ($$) – A great hotel on Santa Cruz Island with AMAZING views of the ocean! RATING: 9.3/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Casa Playa Mann ($$$) – Close to Mann Beach on San Cristobal; Amazing views and location! RATING: 9.6/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

PRO TIP: For those heading to the Galapagos, make sure to make smart packing decisions. Here are my must-pack items for the Galapagos: (1) rash guard (2) sunscreen that’s reef friendly (3) a hat (4) a good camera (5) good walking shoes . Check out my complete Galapagos packing list here !

2.      Quito

My #2 favorite place in Ecuador has everything culture, history, architecture , and food lovers could want in a travel destination! You should spend at least 3 days in Quito.

It also has a special place in my heart . I stayed in Quito for 6 weeks and thus, I got to know the city pretty well.

What makes Quito so special is its geography . It’s located in the Andes Mountains at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) . Surrounding the city are mountains and volcanos . When the sky is clear, you can even see the snow-capped volcano of Cotopaxi.

The highlight of the city is the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It’s a maze of narrow cobblestoned streets lined with ornate colonial buildings dating back to the 1600s. The best part, though, is the grand and spacious plazas . Some are like little parks–full of trees and fountains. Others, like San Francisco, are vast, stark, and empty. To immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city, book a place to stay in Quito’s Historic Center .

Quito is a great introduction to Ecuadorian cuisine . You can find pretty much all the traditional and popular dishes of Ecuador here. Plus! The city has some great food tours that you should take!

Do not be scared of going to Quito because of stories of crime. Yes, there has been an increase in crime lately in Ecuador–mostly scams and pickpocketing. But if you take certain precautions, Quito can be as safe as most European cities. Taking one of Quito’s great tours gives you an added sense of security and safety.

Top Places to Stay in Quito

• Viajero Quito Hostel ($) – The BEST hostel I stayed at in Quito; located in the historic center; beautiful building; great facilities with an outdoor garden and game room! RATING : 8.8/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Friends Hotel and Rooftop ($$) – Perfect location in historic center; breakfast included, rooftop restaurant with incredible views. RATING: 9.3/10 ( Booking.com )
• Hotel Casa Gangotena ($$$) – This beautiful and historic hotel is perfectly located right on Plaza San Francisco!  RATING: 9.1/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Check out this list of the 25 BEST places to stay in Quito . It includes tips on booking a hotel with a rooftop terrace so you can get spectacular views.

Cuenca is one of those cities that it’s REALLY hard not to like. It’s beautiful, historic, culturally rich, and laid-back.  During my week in Cuenca, I kept on saying to myself: I could live here—it’s so easy and pleasant.

The crown jewel of Cuenca is the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Its streets are cobblestoned . The buildings are ornate and made of beautiful sandstone and its plazas are inviting . The skyline is dotted with steeples, towers, and a bright blue dome .

Cuenca is also an excellent place for buying Ecuadorian handicrafts . Although the Panama Hat didn’t originate in Cuenca, the city has become the center of its production. You’ll also find street vendors and shops specializing in Ecuadorian traditional sweets .

Cuenca is also the safest large city in Ecuador . It’s supposedly (according to my hotel) safe enough to walk around alone at night .

The other reason Cuenca is such a must-visit in Ecuador is that it’s a great base for exploring even more tourist destinations located outside the city. The most important Incan ruins in Ecuador, Ingapirca , are an easy day trip from Cuenca. For those of you wanting to do some hiking, Parque Nacional Cajas is an easy bus ride from Cuenca. You can also get off-the-beaten-path and explore the beautiful countryside with trips to Bibilain, Azogues, Canar, and Banos.

I highly recommend adding Cuenca to any Ecuador itinerary.

Top Places to Stay in Cuenca

$ – Under US$40 | $$ – US$40 – $100 | $$$ – Over US$40

• Guillerminas Hostel Boutique ($) – Very popular hostel – dorms and private rooms; clean and comfortable; centrally located! RATING: 9.7/10 ( Hostel World )
• Pepe’s House Cuenca ($ – $$) – Excellent location; Wonderful breakfast; I stayed here for a week! RATING: 9.2/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Hostal Suite Le Fabrique ($$) – Beautiful hotel in an amazing location. Wonderful breakfast. Access to kitchen. RATING: 9.9/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Itza Hotel Boutique ($$$) – Beautiful hotel centrally located! Rooftop restaurant! RATING: 9.3/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

3 Popular Cuenca Tours

Mindo is one place where I wish I had stayed longer. Unfortunately, I didn’t plan enough time for this quiet, laid-back town in the Cloud Forest . There’s so much to do , especially if you’re into birds, chocolate, and adventure sports .

Plus! It’s only two hours and a half by bus from Quito.

The area around Mindo is a world-famous bird-watching destination . Mindo’s cloud forest is home to over 500 species of birds like the colorful, exotic, and hard-to-spot Quetzal, the Toucan Barbet, and the Plate-Billed Mountain-Toucan.

Mindo is particularly good for birdwatchers who are also solo travelers . There’s a tour agency in town called Bird Paradise Tours that’ll hook solo travelers up with a birdwatching tour . The tours for solo travelers are much cheaper than what you’d find in most South American and Central American destinations . I did a tour to see one of Ecuador’s most unique birds— the Andean Cock of the Rock (the above photo).

If your budget isn’t that big and you still like birds, Mindo is teeming with hummingbirds . There are two spots (one that is within walking distance from the center of town) where you can watch AND feed the hummingbirds. Yes! Feed! You hold out a stick of nectar and the birds just come to your hand and eat it.

The other things to do in Mindo include hiking, tubing, rafting, and ziplining . All for a VERY affordable price .

If you travel to eat or just like chocolate, Mindo has two chocolate businesses that offer chocolate-making and tasting tours .

Top 5 Places to Stay in Mindo:

• Casa Divina Ecolodge ($$$) – Beautiful eco-lodge on the outskirts of Mindo. RATING: 9.2/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Saguamby Mindo Lodge ($$) – Magical place near a river. Amazing view! RATING: 9.3/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Cinnamon House ($) – Stylish hostel in town. RATING: 8.8/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• La Casa Cecilia de Mindo ($) – Great Budget accommodations with dorms and affordable private rooms. RATING: 9.2/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

5.      Cuyabeno National Reserve (Amazon)

My #5 best place to visit in Ecuador is the Amazon.

These are the 3 most popular places to explore Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest:

• Cuyabeno National Reserve
• Yasuni National Park
• Tena and the Upper Napo River

I’ll talk about each of these 3 destinations in this post, but I’m starting with Cuyabeno National Reserve because that’s where I went.

Cuyabeno is ideal for those on a budget. I booked with Guacamayo Lodge and paid $280 for a 4-day/3-night tour of the Amazon that included lodging, all meals, and a guide .

Cuyabeno National Reserve is located in the eastern part of the Oriente region of Ecuador . The closest city is Lago Agrio (aka Nueva Loja ). There are 5 indigenous groups living in the Cuyabeno: Siona, Kichwa, Copan, Shuar, and Secoya. These groups technically own the land in the reserve. They then lease the land to hotels that build lodging and offer Amazon tours along the Cuyabeno River.

Your lodge will take care of all your activities. You’ll be doing jungle hikes during the day and at night. On your hikes, you will most likely spot monkeys , snakes, caimans, capybaras (only in rainy season), pink dolphins, tarantulas, bullet ants, frogs, and lots of other creepy crawlies.

Other activities include swimming, fishing for piranhas, and visiting indigenous villages.

My favorite part of my trip to the Amazon was the birdwatching . We saw so many colorful and exotic birds—Macaws (the blue and yellow ones!), toucans, parrots, parakeets, and trogons.

Top Places to Stay in Cuyabeno

• Guacamayo Ecolodge – Very affordable lodge with basic but clean accomodations. Great guide! A variety of ages and nationalities.
• Jamu Lodge – Popular lodge with higher quality lodging and a bit higher priced but still affordable.
• Nicky Amazon Lodge – Very highly rated lodge with basic but clean accommodations.

You might be interested in these posts…

• Top 20 Quito Tours You’ve Gotta Do
• Top 25 Best Places to Stay in Quito
• Best Quito Street Food Tour

6. Yasuni National Park (Amazon)

For those of you who can tour the Amazon on a bigger budget , head to Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Yasuni is located south of Cuyabeno in the far eastern part of Ecuador. The Napo River runs through the park.

Here the lodges are super luxurious and will cost you one arm and one or two legs . Expect to pay at least US$550 but most likely around $1,600 for a 4-day/3-night tour that includes lodging, meals, and guided tours. Everyone I know who has stayed in Yasuni has raved about their experience.

You can pretty much do the same things in Yasuni that you can do in Cuyabeno: birdwatching, jungle hiking, fishing, visiting indigenous villages, swimming, and learning about the Amazon .

According to my guide in Cuyabeno, the two parks have the same wildlife . Besides the luxury and price tag of the lodges, the other major difference between Yasuni and Cuyabeno is that the lodges in the former come with extremely tall towers for the ultimate birdwatching experience . If you’re an avid birdwatcher, then Yasuni might be a better place to visit in Ecuador than Cuyabeno.

Top 4 Lodges at the Yasuni National Park?

• Napo Wildlife Center ($$$) – Popular luxury lodge. all-inclusive. My roommate on my Galapagos Anahi cruise stayed here and loved it.
• La Selva Lodge ($$$) – Sustainable luxury lodge. All-inclusive. Includes a spa.
• Sacha Lodge ($$$) – Beautiful luxury lodge. All-inclusive.

7. Cotopaxi National Park

I did not expect to like Cotopaxi as much as I did. My expectations were so low that I only booked one night. The cozy lodge I stayed at and the views were so amazing that I wish I had booked at least 2 or 3 nights.

Located about one hour from Quito , Cotopaxi National Park is home to the second highest mountain in Ecuador: Cotopaxi at 5,897 meters (19347 feet).

Cotopaxi is an active volcano .

That sounds cool, but it does put a bit of a damper on visiting it.

Since it’s active, people are often not allowed to climb very far up the mountain. When I was there, you could only hike to the Refuge . I believe as of February 2024, you are now allowed to climb to the summit.

You can visit Cotopaxi National Park tour on a day trip from Quito or stay overnight at one of the lodges inside or near the park. If you’re just visiting for the day, you can drive yourself (make sure it’s an SUV) to the park or join an organized tour.

Tours from Quito usually include hiking to the Refuge or horseback riding around the park.

However, I recommend staying overnight in one of the cozy lodges inside or near the park. If you stay overnight, you’re more likely to see the volcano because it’s covered up by clouds for most of the day. The mountain is often only visible early in the morning or late afternoon.

Second, staying overnight allows you to do other hikes around the par k that are even better than Cotopaxi.

I stayed at Secret Gardens Cotopaxi . This is the BEST place to stay if you don’t have a car because they have a daily shuttle service that takes guests to their lodge and back to Quito and even onward to Latacunga or Banos .

Top 4 places to stay in or near Cotopaxi:

• Tambopaxi Lodge ($$$) – Amazing place right inside Cotopaxi National Park; Huge windows with views of the park. RATING: 9.2/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Hacienda El Porvenir ($$$) – Beautiful hotel owned by a wonderful family. Great location! RATING: 9.1/10 ( Booking.com )
• Secret Gardens Cotopaxi Hostel ($ – $$) – Hostel dorms and private rooms! Great location and great views! Transport to lodge from Quito. ( Secret Garden Website )
• Balcon al Cotopaxi Hosteria ($$) – Affordable hotel with great views of Cotopaxi from your room. RATING: 9.5/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

Devil’s Nose Train Ride

Devil’s Nose Train ( La Nariz del Diablo ) was a breathtaking ride through the Andes Mountains (between Alausi and Sibambe) It used to be one of the top things to do in Ecuador! Sadly, the train was a victim of the pandemic. The train company went bankrupt, thus closing down the route . I’ve heard that the government is trying to revive it. Hopefully, it will be soon.

But be aware that scammers on social media are telling people that the train has reopened. The scammers then try and sell you tickets for the ride.

Second-Tier Places to Visit in Ecuador

This next group of places to visit in Ecuador belongs to the second tier. Add them to your itinerary if you have more than 2 weeks in Ecuador or if you want ideas for day trips from Quito . They’re wonderful places but they’re not as unforgettable as the previous seven Ecuador destinations on this list.

8. Baños – possible day trip from Quito if you join a tour

9. Quilotoa – easy day trip if you join a tour

10. Papallacta – easy day trip from Quito

11. Otavalo – easy day trip from Quito

Baños is one of those places in Ecuador that get a mixed reaction from people. Some love it while others are turned off by its crass mass tourism.

I loved Banos’s beautiful scenery , stunning waterfalls, and affordable hot springs .

It’s also a great place for adventure travel . There are lots of opportunities to go canyoning, ziplining, white water rafting, and rock climbing.

Baños is located in the Central Highlands about 3.5 hours by bus from Quito and 10 hours from Cuenca . The town is small—you can pretty much walk from one end to the other in 20 minutes. But what makes it so special is the mountains that tower over the town.

One of the most popular things to do in Baños is to bike along the Rutas de las Cascadas (The Road of the Waterfalls )—a road that runs along the Pastaza River. It passes by several waterfalls (along with countless ziplining businesses) and ends at one grand-daddy-of-them-all waterfall, Pailon del Diablo (The Devil’s Cauldron). If you don’t want to do the route on a bike, you can also get on a party bus.

One other must-visit Baños attraction is the miradors (lookout points). Perched up high on the mountains that hang over Banos are several viewpoints that offer the Instagram stunning views of the mountain range and valley below. The BEST viewpoint BY FAR is Pasarela Diamante ( Google Maps ).

Top Places to Stay in Baños

Baños has loads of affordable places to stay—good value for your money!

$ – Under US$40; $$ – US$40 – $100; $$$ – Over US$100

• Hosteria Llanovientos ($) – I stayed here during my time in Banos. Very inexpensive especially for solo travelers, clean, and comfortable! Friendly staff. RATING: 9.2/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Casa del Balcon ($$) – Excellent hotel in the center of the city, great views, includes breakfast! You can use the hotel’s hot springs outside of city for free. RATING: 9/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Spa Hosteria Miramelindo ($$) – Outstanding hotel with spa located outside of Banos next to a river and walking distance from The Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall. RATING: 9.2/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Luna Volcan, Adventure SPA ($$$) – The MOST fun hotel you can stay at in Banos and with the most AMAZING views in all of Baños! Situated high above the city. Includes outdoor pool and hot tub! RATING: 8.8/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Samari Spa Resort ($$$) – Beautiful hotel with loads of character. Includes breakfast. Hotel has spa and pool. Amazing views. RATING: 9.2/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

3 Popular Baños Tours

9. quilotoa.

Whenever I asked people for recommendations on where to go in Ecuador, Quilotoa came up nearly every time.

The crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa with its brilliant blue-green/green-blue water is a jaw-droppingly beautiful sight . If it’s not too cloudy, you can also see the mountains of Cotopaxi National Park in the distance.

For those of you with not a lot of time, you can visit Quilotoa on an organized tour from Quito like this highly-reviewed tour . Usually, the tour includes a hike down to the shore of the lake and a boat ride on the lake . You can also take this t our that visits Cotopaxi in the morning and Quilotoa in the afternoon.

Visiting as a day trip from Quito on your own is doable but the bus ride to Quilotoa involves a bus transfer and it will take around 4 hours to the lake and another 4 hours back. Read this guide on the best day trips from Quito for info on how to get to Quilotoa.

If you want to visit independently, it’s probably best to stay overnight in Latacunga or one of the villages around the lake.

The ultimate way to see Lake Quilotoa is to do the Quilotoa Loop either by bus or foot . You not only get great views, but you also get to explore the culture of the Kichwa indigenous villages . This challenging hike around the lake takes two to four days . 

Top Places to Stay in Quilotoa

• Hostal Cloud Forest ($) – Excellent hostel in Chugchilan; dorms and private rooms. Includes FREE breakfast AND dinner! There’s a spa and a balcony with hammocks. RATING: 9.1/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda)
• Hostal Taita Cristobal ($) – Excellent hostel in Isinlivi; dorms and private rooms. Includes FREE breakfast AND dinner! Amazing views; has a balcony with hammocks! RATING: 9.4/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Hostal Café Tiana ($) – Lots of people doing the Quilotoa Loop stay at this hostel because you can store your bag here while doing the hike. RATING: 8/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

10. Papallacta

Whenever I asked locals from Quito for recommendations on where to go in Ecuador, Papallacta came up almost every time . Their rave reviews sparked my curiosity and I just had to visit.

Located about 1.5 hours by bus from Quito, Papallacta is a small town high up in the Andes mountains. The town is famous for its hot springs . On weekends, Quitoans flock to Papallacta to relax in its therapeutic waters.

Most people head to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort ( Termales de Papallacta ).

The resort has three types of thermal pools as well as a spa with very good massages, wraps, and health treatments. You can visit on a day trip from Quito and pay for the public pools or stay overnight at the resort and get your own private pool in front of your room.

Another thing that makes this place so special is the gasp-inducing setting —the mountains cloaked in fog and mist and the green pastures with grazing cows and sheep surrounding the resort.

The Papallacta Resort is also the location of the back entrance to the Cayambe-Coca Reserve There’s an assortment of hiking trails —some can be done solo while others require a guide. The hiking trails take you past meadows, waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped mountains.

You can also take a tour of Papallacta from Quito with this highly reviewed tour. Another great tour is this Papallacta + Cotopaxi Tour.

This AMAZING guide to Papallacta will tell EVERYTHING you need to know—how to get there, how to book a room at the resort, what to bring, how to visit as a day trip from Quito , and what to do there.

Top Place to Stay in Papallacta

• Termas de Papallacta ($$$) – Fabulous hotel with private and public hot springs. Free buffet breakfast included. RATING: 9.3/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

11. Otavalo

Otavalo is the PERFECT Ecuador destination for exploring the country’s indigenous culture and for souvenir shopping .

You can visit the city as a day trip from Quito or stay overnight. I did this tour that also included Cayambe and Cuicocha. Those I’ve met who stayed longer than a day raved about the town even more than the daytrippers! I visited Otavalo on a day tour.

Located 2 hours by bus from Quito, Otavalo is the home of the proud Kichwa people who still hold onto their traditional culture. The most obvious is in their clothing and hairstyles —long black skirt, white blouse, black shawl, colorful belt, and hat.

Most travelers visit Otavalo for its famous Saturday marke t. Vendors sell rugs, blankets, sweaters, jewelry, hats, hammocks, and carvings. All things are supposedly made by hand by the indigenous residents of Otavalo. The market is a great place to buy souvenirs.

Be careful of pickpockets —one person on my tour got her credit card stolen after taking it out to pay for something.

For me, the highlights of the market were the aisles and stalls selling things locals would buy —fruits, vegetables, spices, grains, beans, bread, and street food. There’s also an area of the market that’s like a food court where you can lunch on traditional Ecuadorian cuisine .

If you stay for several days, there’s more to do than just shopping in Otavalo. Outside of the city are loads of hiking opportunities to lakes and waterfalls .

Top Places to Stay in Otavalo

• Hotel La Rosa Otavalo ($) – A great inexpensive hotel that’s located near the bus terminal; clean and spacious rooms! RATING: 9/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Las Palmeras Inn ($$) – A beautiful 150-year-old farmhouse turned hotel on the outskirts of Otavalo! Beautiful views of the mountains. Fireplace in your room! RATING: 9.1/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Intiyaya ($$ – $$$) – Gorgeous hotel with loads of bright colors! Located outside of Otavalo. Amazing views! RATING: 9/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Hotel Otavalo ($$$) – Beautiful historic hotel in the center of Otavalo. 10-minute walk from Plaza de Ponchos where the Saturday market is located. Breakfast is included! RATING: 9.5/10 ( Booking.com )

3 Popular Ways to Visit Otavalo

Third-tier destinations in ecuador.

This next category of top places to visit in Ecuador belongs to our third tier. Add these destinations to your itinerary if you’re in Ecuador for 4 weeks or more.

12. Ruta del Sol

13. Vilcabamba

14. Tena and the Upper Napo (Amazon)

15. Riobamba and Mt. Chimborazo Reserve

12. La Ruta del Sol

Step one foot on the coast of Ecuador, and you might find yourself still there 3 months later .

That’s what happened to me. I planned 2 days on the Ruta del Sol because my first 90 days were almost up. However, I loved the relaxed vibe and the fabulous accommodations so much that I ended up extending my Ecuador visa for another 3 months.

You’ll want to base yourself somewhere between Montañita and Mompiche . I love the areas around Ayampe and Las Tunas —both are laidback and quiet and have some terrific places to stay.

Montañita is an extreme party town—it’s hard to get any sleep as the music goes on all night long!

Puerto Lopez is an ugly and unfriendly town; only good for taking whale watching and Isla de la Plata tours . Manta is for retired ex-pats and there’s not much for travelers to do.

Mompiche is off-the-beaten-track but those who made the long bus journey have raved about it.

Most people come to the coast to surf . There are lots of places that offer lessons and board rentals .

The other reason to come to coastal Ecuador is that it’s known as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos.” You can see some of the same wildlife here that you can see in the Galapagos but at a cheaper price : whales, Blue Footed Boobies, and frigate birds. If you go snorkeling or diving , you’ll also see some of the same colorful fish, sea turtles, and sharks that you’ll find in the Galapagos.

Finally, the best food in Ecuador can be found on the Ruta del Sol. Because of its proximity to the ocean, Ecuador’s seafood dishes like ceviche, encebollado, and viche are going to taste ten times better here than the same dishes in Quito or Cuenca. Ecuador’s most popular non-seafood dishes also come from the Coast— Bolon and Tigrillo .

If you’re looking to chill out, do some surfing, or can’t afford the Galapagos, Ayampe, Las Tunas or Mompiche are great additions to your Ecuador itinerary.

Top Places to Stay on the Coast

• Onda Hostel ($ – $$) – Lovely hostel with a laidback vibe. It has dorm rooms and comfortable private suites with kitchens. Includes pool and hot tub. Free breakfast. I stayed here for 3 months. Has fast WiFi and a coworking space. RATING: 9.3/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Ganso and Búho ($$) – Excellent hotel just a few minutes from the beach. Relaxing. Stylish. RATING: 9.4/10 ( Booking.com )

Located in the Southern Andes, Vilcabamba has everything the weary long-term backpacker wants in a destination: A small laidback town surrounded by beautiful mountains , filled with restaurants serving pizza, pasta, and vegetarian fare, and inhabited by friendly and welcoming people . It’s the perfect place to relax and recover from those long Ecuadorian bus rides or before you make your way to Peru.

Over the years Vilcabamba has attracted a fair number of gringos from the U.S., Canada, and Europe who’ve come to the small Andean town to retire. Perhaps they were attracted to Vilcabamba’s claim to fame as being the home of some of the longest-living inhabitants in the world . There’s something about its clean air, clean water, and organic produce that contributes to people living a long and healthy life.

The most popular activities are hiking on the mountain trails, horseback riding, and relaxing at the eco-lodges and spas.

Vilcabamba is a bit out of the way for most travelers, but if you’re spending 4 weeks in Ecuador, it’s a great additional to your itinerary. 

Top Places to Stay in Vilcabamba

• Avalon Hostal Boutique ($) – Lovely hostel with dorms and private rooms. Amazing views. Comfortable, clean, and centrally located. RATING : 9.7/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Hostería Paraíso ($$) – Great hotel outside of Vilcabamba with pool, hot tub, and sauna. Peaceful and quiet. Breakfast included. RATING: 9.1/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

14. Tena and the Upper Napo River Area (Amazon)

The third Amazon destination on this list is Tena and the Upper Napo River area. This area is the easiest of the 3 Amazon spots to get to, but it is also the most developed and least wild.

Located in the western part of the Oriente region, Tena is both a tourism and transport hub as well as the capital of Napo province. It sits along the Tena River and near several other river systems like the famous Napo River, making it a great place for white-water rafting and kayaking. You’ll find plenty of high-quality white-water rafting and kayaking businesses that offer professional guides and quality equipment.

You can also book an Amazon tour at a rainforest lodge along the Upper Napo River or its tributaries. You’ll get to see toucan, parrots, monkeys, sloths, snakes, and other wildlife of the jungle just like in Yasuni and Cuyabeno. A stay at these lodges also includes canoe rides and jungle hikes .

If you want to avoid the hassle of getting to the Amazon but still be in the Amazon, then consider adding Tena to your Ecuador adventure.

Top places to stay in Ten and along the Napo River

• Casa del Suizo Lodge ($$$) – Top place to stay in the upper Napo. All-inclusive lodge ( website )
• Selina Amazon Tena ($ – $$) – Great budget option on the Napo River. – 8.5/10 ( Booking.com )
• Banana Lodge ($) – On the Misahualli River, a tributary of the Napo River. Breakfast included. – 9.4/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Hostal Pakay ($) – Great budget option in the city of Tena. – 9.2/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Anaconda Lodge ($$$) – All-inclusive lodge near Ahuano. RATING: 9.7/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

15. Riobamba & Chimborazo Reserve

Ecuador has so many volcanoes (over 100) that it’s hard to keep all of them straight. However, you should at least know the tallest one in the country. That is Chimborazo at 6,310 meters (20,055 feet).

Chimborazo’s other claim to fame is that because it sits at the equator (the Earth bulges at the equator), its summit is technically the highest point on the planet and the closest point to the sun .

Climbing to the top of Chimborazo is not for novices . To get to the top, you’ve got to have climbing experience, strength, stamina, and a body that’s been acclimatized to high altitude.

Plus! You need a guide and special equipment . All of these things can be obtained in Riobamba or Quito.

If you don’t want to climb Chimborazo , you can just make a day trip from Riobamba to the Chimborazo Reserve (Reserva de Produccion de Fauan Chimborazo). In the Reserve, you can do mountain biking as well as do some easier hikes than Mt. Chimborazo.

The other cool thing to do in the Reserve is to spot a vicuña —an animal that looks like a llama.

Another popular tour from Riobamba is the Devil’s Nose Train Ride in Alausi. Unfortunately, this train is no longer running . The company that owns it went out of business. I have heard that the government is trying to revive it.

For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, Chimborazo is a great option.

Top Places to Stay near Chimborazo

• Casa 1881 ($$) – Beautiful hotel in the center of Riobamba – 9.7/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Chimborazo Lodge ($$$) – Great views of Chimborazo – 9.6/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Casa de Marmol ($) – Popular budget option – 9.6/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Hosteria La Andaluza ($$$) – Historic hacienda – 9.5/10 ( Booking.com )
• Nomad Ecuador ($$$) – Unique lodging with views of Chimborazo – 9.5/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )
• Villa Bonita Hostel ($)– Great budget option – 9.3/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

PRO TIP: Make your trip to Ecuador even more memorable and pick up one of these FABULOUS books on Ecuador. Here are my top 5 favorite books: 1. Portrait of a Nation 2. Law of the Jungle 3. The Mapmaker’s Wife 4. Queen of Water 5. The Old Man Who Read Love Stories . Check out my list of 25 books on Ecuador HERE !

Final Thoughts on Ecuador

There you have it: the top 15 places to visit in Ecuador.

Quito, Cuenca, and Otavalo are PERFECT for those of you who want to explore historic cities with beautiful architecture , a rich cultural heritage , and great food .

For those looking for wildlife , Mindo, the Amazon, the Ruta del Sol, and the Galapagos are also great options.

Cotopaxi, Vilcabamba, Chimborazo, the Galapagos, Quilotoa, Papallacta , Baños, Tena, and the Ruta del Sol are excellent destinations in Ecuador for those who love outdoor sports like hiking, surfing, snorkeling, white water rafting, diving, and canyoning.

If you’re looking for the best day trips to take from Quito , Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Papallacta, Otavalo, and Mindo are all options.

For those of you wanting a place to chill and relax , the Ruta del Sol, Mindo, Vilcabamba, and Papallacta are PERFECT!

If you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, what stops are you thinking of adding to your itinerary?

Please feel free to add a comment or ask a question in the Comment Section below. In addition, share on social media if you’ve found this info useful!

Best Resources for Your Trip to Ecuador

Book your flight:.

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to Ecuador. They will turn up results for all airlines including major ones and local airlines. You’re guaranteed to find EVERYTHING that’s available and thus get the cheapest price.

Book Your Accommodations:

The best hotel booking sites are Booking.com and Agoda . They have the most choices and they consistently churn out hotels and hostels with the lowest prices. Another site for backpackers and budget travelers is Hostel World.

Book Your Tours:

Viator has the most tour choices of any site in Ecuador. They’re reliable and trustworthy. I also like using Get Your Guide for Ecuador for their excellent service. Both booking sites are reliable and trustworthy, and if you have trouble with your tour, they’ll quickly help you.

Get an eSIM

The most convenient way to stay connected to the internet is with an eSIM. I like to use Airalo for their excellent prices.

Want More Ecuador Travel Info?

Check out my Ecuador Travel Guide for more ideas, inspiration, and tips on traveling in Ecuador.

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And feel free to follow me on Pinterest, where you’ll find lots of travel articles for everywhere around the world.

More Posts on Ecuador:

• Top 40 Foods You’ve Gotta Try in Ecuador
• How to Get to Papallacta Hot Springs
• How to Extend Your Visa in Ecuador
• The Ultimate Food Tour in Quito
• Galapagos Packing List
• Best Camera & Camera Gear for the Galapagos
• Anahi Galapagos Cruise Review: Western Islands Tour B1
• Anahi Galapagos Cruise Review: Eastern Islands Tour A2
• 25 Books to Read on Ecuador
• 15 BEST Places to Visit in Ecuador
• 25 BEST Places to Stay in Quito
• 20 BEST Quito Tours
• 15 BEST Day Trips from Quito
• Quito Itinerary for Culture, Food & History Lovers

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The 16 best things to do in Ecuador

Sep 27, 2023 • 10 min read

Outdoorsy travelers will find plenty of adventure in Ecuador's mountains © BROTEstudio / iStockphoto / Getty Images

Ecuador offers some of the most incredible outdoor experiences on earth, from surfing on beautiful beaches to treks through the Amazon jungle. The fourth-smallest country in South America offers experiences to rival anything in Brazil, Argentina or Chile, all packed into a small space that's easy to explore by bus, boat or plane.

With top-flight natural wonders such as the Galápagos, the Andes and the Amazon Basin, the opportunities for wildlife watching and bucket-list adventures are limitless in Ecuador . Then there are the country's myriad cultural attractions; it's a banquet of riches.

Whenever you need to pause to acclimatize to the altitude or rest after an expedition, Ecuador’s cities and villages offer live music, delicious local cuisine, energetic markets, historic architecture and unique festivals to enjoy. To get you started on the journey, here are the best things to do in Ecuador.

1. Marvel at the wildlife of the Galápagos Islands

If we’re talking must-dos, going wildlife watching in the Galápagos Islands sits at the top of the list for many visitors to Ecuador. A trip to these remote islands – perched 906km (563 miles) off the Ecuadorian coast – is a South American safari, both terrestrial and marine, starring such charismatic creatures as seafaring iguanas, blue-footed boobies, gigantic Galápagos tortoises, diminutive penguins and a mind-bending diversity of birds and sea life. 

Planning tip: Visiting the Galápagos needn’t cost a fortune. If your budget won't stretch to an all-inclusive cruise, DIY travelers can fly in and take advantage of public ferries between the islands, land-based tours and even last-minute discounts on organized cruises.

2. Spot humpback whales from Isla de la Plata

Nicknamed ‘The Little Galápagos’ or 'The Poor Man’s Galápagos,’ tiny Isla de la Plata is a more affordable alternative if your budget won't cover a Galápagos visit. The island is accessible on a day trip from Puerto López or Salinas, and you’ll see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and albatrosses, as well as tortoises, lizards and crabs.

The ideal time to visit, though, is from June to September, when humpback whales migrate through these waters. Time it right, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot one of these majestic creatures – not a bad consolation prize for missing the Galápagos!

Planning tip: During the whale migration season (June to September), whale-watching tours combined with visits to Isla de la Plata leave regularly from Puerto López. The journey to the island takes over an hour and can be rough; bring a rain jacket for the wind and spray.

3. Hit the highlands from Cuenca

One of Ecuador’s most exquisite cities, historic Cuenca has a stunning mountain backdrop and streets full of 16th-century colonial architecture. It's a gorgeous base for local treks and day trips to the archaeological site of Ingapirca , Volcán Chimborazo , Parque Nacional Cajas and local villages with busy markets frequented by Indigenous communities. Take time to explore Cuenca's cathedrals, museums, handicrafts markets, lively cafe culture and an appealing clutch of quality restaurants and microbreweries.

4. Venture deep into the rainforest along the Río Napo

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, pull on some knee-high rubber boots, hop into a motorized canoe from Coca and head deep into Ecuador’s Oriente , where the Río Napo melts into the Amazon River. The experience doesn't come cheap, though – even ‘budget’ river lodges are all-inclusive, and all food, water, supplies and staff must be shuttled in by boat.

Lodge stays are a requirement, both to protect Indigenous tribes from unwanted contact and to protect visitors from the hazards of the jungle. Days spent exploring the Napo and its tributaries will include treks through dense rainforest in search of rare birds, monkeys, tapirs and even anacondas. If you’re lucky, you may spot pink river dolphins, river otters or the air-breathing arapaima – one of the world’s largest freshwater fish.

Planning tip: Along with the natural wonders of Amazonía, take time to visit Kichwa villages that work with local lodges to introduce visitors to their culture through sustainable, community-run tourism projects.

5. Explore the Parque Nacional Yasuní

Parque Nacional Yasuní is a stunning, remote corner of Ecuador and the largest national park on the mainland at 10,227 sq km (3949 sq miles). Providing a home for rare wildlife, including jaguars, nocturnal curassows (a rare, pheasant-like bird) and giant armadillos, this Unesco Biosphere Reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. 

The reserve is also home to the small, self-isolated Tagaeri and Taromenani tribes, who continue their traditional coexistence with the jungle without interference from the outside world. Most Río Napo lodges can arrange visits to other Indigenous communities that welcome outside visitors and trips to see colorful parrots descending in a spectacular display along the riverbanks at Yasuní’s famous salt licks.

Planning tip: To explore the reserve, you can stay within the park’s boundaries at eco-lodges, such as the Napo Wildlife Center , or camp on an adventurous tour from Coca. Either way, the trip will include wildlife and cultural encounters.

6. Hike the Quilotoa Loop

Popular for good reason, the multi-day Quilotoa Loop trek traverses verdant hills and valleys, connecting the scattered villages of Cotopaxi province. Along the way, you can peek into local art galleries, hit Kichwa markets (if you time it right) and take in the gorgeous green crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa . The Quilotoa Loop offers a scenic combination of cultural immersion and cardiovascular exercise – trek with a local guide to get the best from the experience.

Planning tip: The driest season for hiking the loop is June to September; start from Latacunga, prep for cold and wet weather and bring trekking poles to deal with the uneven pathways.

7. Hop on a bike in Quito

The ciclopaseo is Quito ’s version of the ciclovía – a chain of officially sanctioned cycle routes that shut down 30km (18.6 miles) of the city's streets to motorized traffic every Sunday from 8am to 2pm. The city's bike culture promotes sustainability, supporting people-centered events, cafe culture and pop-up markets, and cycling is a great way to explore the Unesco World Heritage-listed Old Town, with its colonial architecture and soaring rooftop views.

Don't make the mistake of limiting your explorations of this high-altitude capital city to the historic center. Outlying neighborhoods such as La Floresta and La Mariscal serve up jazz bars, art galleries and cozy restaurants where you can ease back and feel like a local.

8. Go whitewater rafting around Tena

The rivers around Tena offer everything from gentle rafting trips to thrilling whitewater on Class III to Class IV+ rapids in the humid lowlands of the Oriente. Licensed operators have booking offices around town that can organize a rafting trip best suited to your abilities. If adrenaline isn’t your thing, Tena also happens to be an appealing little lowland town with a cute malecón ( esplanade), an active bar scene and a buoyant blend of local and ex-pat energy.

Planning tip: For rafting trips, September through February is the best season for white water, with the peak rafting months being October and November.

9. Surf the breaks of Montañita

The beaches of south-central Ecuador are famed for their beach breaks, and Montañita has cemented its position as the country's landing spot for novice and expert surfers. The boho atmosphere attracts backpackers, surf lovers and solo travelers, who revel in Montañita's party scene and make full use of the beaches. For easy access, fly into Guayaquil and take a two-hour bus ride as an alternative to the nine-hour bus ride from Quito.

Planning tip: Rather counterintuitively, the best time of year to come is during Ecuador’s rainy season from December to May, when the sun is warmer, and the air feels fresher after bursts of rain.

10. Buy snacks and souvenirs in the Otavalo market

The biggest and best-known Indigenous market in Ecuador, the colorful Otavalo market is open daily, year-round. Vendors offer everything from fresh produce to Panama hats, wood and leather handicrafts, jewelry and alpaca-wool sweaters. Seek out interesting things to eat, such as llapingachos (Ecuadorean fried potato cakes) from food stands based in and around the market.

Planning tip: The busiest market days are Saturday and Wednesday – get here early to beat the crowds. If you’re not staying in town, it’s easy to visit the market on a day trip from Quito.

11. Climb to the summit of Cotopaxi

At 5897m (19,347ft), Volcán Cotopaxi’s conical peak can be seen from several provinces away. On a day trip from Quito or Latacunga, you can hike, mountain bike or ride horseback on its rugged slopes, which are protected as part of the Parque Nacional Cotopaxi . While you explore, look out for local wildlife such as Andean condors and deer. Climbing to Cotopaxi’s summit requires some planning and a bit of training with a licensed guide, but the experience of summiting at dawn is well worth the midnight start.

12. Meet the creatures of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is another hugely biodiverse park in the Oriente, with humid ecosystems ranging from seasonally flooded woodlands to permanently inundated rainforest. These damp zones are home to tapirs, caimans, monkeys, sloths, pink river dolphins and hoatzin (large, prehistoric-looking birds), as well as hundreds of other bird species. Despite the reserve's remoteness, visiting can be cheaper than taking a trip to Parque Nacional Yasuní.

Planning tip: To help protect Cuyabeno's Indigenous people and wildlife, the rainforest can only be visited as part of an organized package, with accommodation at Cuyabeno Lodge , Jamu Lodge or one of the other lodges in the reserve. 

13. Bliss out on the central beaches

Unless you’re a surfer, Ecuador probably won't be top of your list of beach destinations, but its beautiful coastline won’t disappoint lovers of sand, sea and sun. December through April is the best season for sunning and surfing in Manabí and Esmeraldas provinces, where you’ll find a string of stunning beaches.

Canoa is a laid-back surfing village with a little nightlife and backpacker amenities. To the south, a hike through Parque Nacional Machalilla will deliver you to Playa Los Frailes, one of Ecuador’s most beautiful beaches, backed by steep bluffs. To the north, the fishing village of Mompiche has miles of peaceful sand and, blessedly, not much else.

14. Trek to the summit of El Altar

Ecuador’s fifth-highest mountain, Volcán El Altar tops out at 5319m (17,451ft) and is one of three mighty volcanoes within Parque Nacional Sangay . A trek to the summit, which can be tackled overnight or spread over three days, is a fascinating journey through varied ecosystems, ranging from tropical forest to páramo (alpine tundra) and glacial lagoons.

Planning tip: Treks to the top of Volcán El Altar can be arranged in the town of Riobamba; access is from the Hacienda Releche near Cadelaria, a 30-minute bus trip from Riobamba.

15. Relax in the mountain town of Vilcabamba

Easygoing vibes pervade the air in the mountain town of Vilcabamba , perhaps contributing to the longevity that locals are said to enjoy. The atmosphere is definitely conducive to slowing down and soaking up the bucolic mountain setting. Whether you choose to do this from the porch of a cafe, from the back of a horse or on foot on a trail winding through undulating Andean valleys is up to you. Post-hike, Vilcabamba plies travelers with massages, meditation and gastronomic love.

Planning tip: Vilcabamba also provides a great base for trips to Parque Nacional Podocarpus and birding at Tapichalaca Reserve ; make arrangements with local adventure tour operators.

16. Soak away your worries at Papallacta

Who couldn’t use a soak in a mineral-rich hot spring? If you feel you’ve earned a little luxury after getting soaked in high-altitude downpours or buffeted by wind on a hut-to-hut trek, book a stay in the tiny village of Papallacta (ideally, on the night before your flight out of Quito) for a decadent spa-style hot springs experience.

Spend the evening and morning soaking in outdoor hot springs, watching steam curling into the mountain air while the warm mineral waters restore your spiritual and physical balance. If you can't get to Papallacta, our hot springs runner-up is Baños , a busy hub for outdoor activities with spas on every corner.

This article was first published Nov 26, 2021 and updated Sep 27, 2023.

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The 20 Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

The small country of Ecuador offers travelers just about everything they could want to explore. From towering volcanoes to the Galapagos Islands, historic city centers to the Amazon Rainforest, there are many incredible places to visit in Ecuador . 

Although small, Ecuador has many natural wonders, fascinating cities and a strong cultural heritage. There is truly something for everyone in Ecuador. Discover the top 20 places to visit across the country. 

Table of Contents

• Galapagos Islands
• Amazon Rainforest
• Otavalo Market
• Quilotoa Loop
• Ingapirca Ruins
• El Cajas National Park
• Devil’s Nose Train Ride
• Machalilla National Park
• Mitad del Mundo
• Manabi Province Beaches

1. Galapagos Islands 

The top destination in Ecuador is the remarkable Galapagos Islands. From incredible natural sites to unique wildlife, the Galapagos is at the top of many bucket lists for good reason. Blue-footed birds, playful sea lions, giant tortoises and lava lizards are just a few of the animals you can find in these islands. While there are many incredible things to do in the Galapagos , the key to a great trip is to respect and appreciate the wildlife.

Blue-footed boobies live on several islands across the Galapagos. Photo by pen_ash on Pixabay .

Each island offers different activities and wildlife. However, a trip to the Galapagos is sure to please all sorts of travelers. The Galapagos is home to many bird species, including albatross, frigatebirds, flightless cormorants and blue-footed boobies. If you prefer being in the water, take advantage of the snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking tours. 

A lizard on North Seymour Island in the Galapagos Islands. Photo by L’odyssée Belle on Unsplash .

The Galapagos Islands takes the prize as the best place to visit in Ecuador. To learn more, check out our complete Galapagos travel guide . 

Galapagos Tours:

Andean Gems & Galapagos Quito, Cuenca, Galapagos Cruise 11 Days / from $4099

Galapagos Island Hopping Tour Galapagos Islands 6 Days / from $2579

As many natural wonders as Ecuador has to offer, it is also full of fascinating cities too. Quito, Ecuador’s capital city and international travel hub, is a place where most Ecuador vacations begin or end. 

Its heritage can still be seen in the historic city center , largely praised as one of the most authentic and best preserved areas in South America. The area even earned the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The most famous cathedral in Ecuador is Basilica del Voto Nacional. This site is a top attraction due to its religious significance, architecture and panoramic views of Quito.

A lookout point known as Panecillo with a statue of the Virgin of Quito overlooks the historic center. Image: Quito Cathedral  by Pedro Szekely , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped and compressed from original

Otherwise, some of the best things to do in Quito are around the spacious Plaza de La Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande. Museums, shops, monasteries and other attractions surround the plaza. Museum enthusiasts will enjoy the Museo del Banco Central which showcases pre-Columbian, colonial and contemporary art and artifacts. The museum provides a comprehensive review of Ecuador’s history. Visit Quito to discover these wonderful landmarks for yourself!

Quito’s Metropolitan Cathedral sits in the Plaza Grande, Quito’s main plaza. Photo by skylark on Pixabay .

3. Amazon Rainforest

When we say Ecuador has it all, we mean it! Besides the Galapagos, another top natural destination is the Amazon Rainforest. Regardless of where you are, a visit to the Amazon is one of the top things to do in South America. While not as large as the Brazilian or Peruvian Rainforest , the Ecuadorian Amazon is still home to astounding biodiversity. Thousands of plants and animals call this section of the jungle home. 

Two cities, Coca and Tena, are the main hubs for Ecuadorian Amazon travel. Flights from Quito to Coca take about 35 minutes. However, to reach Tena, you must drive nearly four hours from the capital.

Head deep into the jungle to discover diverse creatures, such as pink river dolphins. Image: Cuyabeno, Ecuador  by Rinaldo Wurglitsch , used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped and compressed from original

From the Coca airport, you can travel by boat to a remote lodge or to board a luxury cruise. Wildlife is much more diverse and active in Coca. Diverse wildlife lives along the Napo River and within the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and Yasuni National Park.

Tena is considered a secondary forest. While there is less wildlife activity, it is an adventurer’s paradise with activities like zip lining and rafting. Head to the nearby waterfalls and caves to connect with the beauty of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest .

Tour boats travel by water to reach tour destinations in the Amazon Rainforest. Image: On The River Napo  by F Delventhal , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original

Cuenca is a distant third to Quito and Guayaquil’s size and population. But, what it lacks in crowds it certainly makes up for in rustic charm. This magical city resting in the highlands is certainly among the top cities to visit in Ecuador .

Cuenca’s cathedral is certainly one of the most beautiful spots in town. Photo by fernandozhiminaicela on Pixabay .

The charming historic downtown has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich architecture and historical buildings. Two of the most fascinating constructions are the Old Cathedral, Iglesia de El Sagrario , and New Cathedral, Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción .

The markets of Cuenca are fantastic places to shop for souvenirs, people watch, and try authentic local cuisine. Cuenca is also one of the best places to buy a Panama hat, which contrary to popular belief, are actually from Ecuador.  Head to Mirador Turi, a lookout point south of the city that will give you an unforgettable view. And if you have extra time, visit some of Cuenca’s nearby villages for true insight into the local lifestyle. 

Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city by size and population. Photo by DEZALBon Pixabay .

5. Cotopaxi 

A true icon of the Andes, Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world and second highest volcano in Ecuador. Because of this and its natural beauty, it  certainly earned its place among the best places to go in Ecuador . Andean landscapes galore, hikers can embark on a journey to Cotopaxi, reaching an impressive 19,347 feet (5,897 meters) above sea level.

Cotopaxi pierces the clouds that rest in the surrounding Cotopaxi National Park. Photo by alejomiranda on Pixabay .

Cotopaxi is rather emblematic of the Ecuadorian Andes. Like a guardian looking over the capital city, the snow-capped peak makes the Quito skyline all the more breathtaking. With thousands of people summiting its peak each year, it remains one of the most popular Quito day trips. 

Besides the volcano, its surrounding Cotopaxi National Park helps make this site one of the top places to visit in Ecuador. A unique ecosystem known as paramo means the altitude is too high for trees to grow. Instead, it is dominated by shrubs, llamas and the elusive Andean condor.

The Cotopaxi Volcano is a top hiking destination in Ecuador. Photo by 8moments on Pixabay .

6. Guayaquil 

Although Quito is the capital of Ecuador, the biggest city in Ecuador in terms of population and geography is Guayaquil . It rests on the banks of the Guayas River that flows into the Pacific Ocean. Guayaquil has a long and tumultuous history involving Spanish colonialists, French and English pirates, the Peruvian army and a devastating fire in 1896. Today, however, the city is a booming place for trade, commerce and tourism.

A lush, colorful oceanfront city, Guayaquil, one of the top places to visit in Ecuador, is the country’s largest city.

Stroll in and out of the restaurants and shops along Cerro Santa Ana. Visitors who reach the top are treated to a sweeping view of all Guayaquil. Back at sea level, one of the top things to do in Guayaquil is visit the Parque Histórico. This beautiful park includes a zoo, nature reserve, playgrounds, monuments and plenty of green space to relax. Finally, there is the family-friendly, 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) long Malecon 2000, an esplanade along the Guayas River. Here, you can find modern entertainment, dining and shopping options to explore during your trip to Ecuador .

Just outside of Guayaquil, you can also find some of the best beach towns in Ecuador : Salinas and Montanita. Relax on the Pacific Ocean’s shores, scuba dive or try your hand at surfing in these top Ecuador beaches .

Guayaquil’s Malecon 2000 is a promenade along the Guayas River.

With many amazing things to do and see, Baños certainly earns a top spot on this list. The lush town of Baños de Agua Santa, simply known as Baños, is the adventure capital of Ecuador. Bungee jumping, zip lining, river rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding and more await. 

Cable cars soar over the Pastaza River with striking views of the jungle and waterfalls. You can also visit the swing at the end of the world at the Casa del Árbol , or the Tree House. Swing at the edge of a cliff for a dramatic photo op and impressive views of Tungurahua Volcano.

Swing above a cliff in this dramatic Baños scenery. Image: Swing at the End of the World, Baños, Ecuador  by Rinaldo Wurglitsch , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original

The nearby Tungurahua Volcano naturally heats hot springs year round. Visit the volcano’s hot springs for a chance to relax and recharge before embarking on an adventure in town.

More incredible views await as there are hundreds of waterfalls in the area. One of the most incredible is the Mantle of the Bride waterfall, or El Manto de la Novia , that got its name as it looks like a bride’s veil. Alternatively, take a staircase down to the dramatic Pailon del Diablo , the Devil’s Bowl waterfall.

The Pailón del Diablo waterfall in Baños is one of the best places to visit in Ecuador. Image: Pailon del Diablo  by Simon Matzinger , used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped and compressed from original

8. Riobamba 

A top trekking and mountaineering destination in Ecuador, Riobamba is well worth a visit. The closest town to the Chimborazo Volcano, Riobamba is often a launching point for trekkers. However, not only is the mountain terrain breathtaking, there are plenty of top things to do nearby .

The view of Chimorazo Volcano from Riobamba. Image: 465 – Riobamba, Ecuador  by Andrew Campbell , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original

Due to the altitude and equatorial bulge, the summit of the massive Chimborazo Volcano is the tallest point on the planet. It is the farthest point on the earth’s surface from the center of the earth, even surpassing Mount Everest. As it is a rather challenging climb, only experienced mountaineers should attempt to summit this volcano. Nevertheless, plenty of travelers embark on shorter hikes and mountain bike rides through the Chimborazo Reserve. 

In Riobamba, many churches and museums hold incredible history. Head to the Santa Barbara Cathedral or Basilica of the Sacred Heart for a look at colonial architecture. For a look at modern life in Riobamba, visit one of the parks, such as Parque Maldonado where the city comes to life.

Explore the unique culture and heritage in Riobamba, a top place to visit in Ecuador. Image: Riobamba Ecuador  by Julia Rubinic , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original

9. Otavalo Market 

Those in search of textiles and handcrafts can find some of the best at Otavalo Market, a day trip from Quito. One of the most colorful markets in South America, Otavalo is full of unique items to take home as souvenirs. From textiles to silver jewelry, musical instruments to art, there is something for all tastes. Rest assured any purchase in the market is supporting the surrounding indigenous communities in the small town of Otavalo.

Find apparel, accessories, art, handcrafts and more at the Otavalo Market. Photo by DEZALB on Pixabay .

The busiest days are Sundays, when market stalls fill about one third of the town. However, visitors can go any day of the week and still be in one of the biggest markets in Ecuador. Be sure to bring small coins and bills as most vendors will not accept credit or debit cards. 

En route, pass by San Pablo Lake and the Imbabura Volcano, an inactive peak reaching over 15,000 feet (4,600 m) above sea level. Be sure to add Otavalo Market , one of the best places to visit in Ecuador , to your trip itinerary.

When searching for souvenirs in Ecuador, look no further than the Otavalo Market. Image: PRESTRIP OTAVALO TURISTAS CULTURA003  by Ministerio de Turismo Ecuador , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Compressed from original

About two hours away from Quito, Mindo sits in the Ecuadorian cloud forest, a unique microclimate with frequent cloud cover in the canopy. One of the most unique places to see in Ecuador , Mindo offers travelers a variety of adventure activities. Head to Mindo for your chance to see many different species of birds, butterflies and orchids. A top destination for birdwatching in Ecuador, Mindo is home to the Andean cock-of-the-rock, the long-wattled umbrellabird, dozens of hummingbird species and many other creatures.

A Doris longwing butterfly in Mindo, Ecuador. Image: Heliconius doris (Nymphalidae Heliconiinae Heliconiini)  by Alexey Yakovlev , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Compressed from original

An area full of hidden waterfalls, Mindo has plenty of beautiful landscapes to explore. Head out on nature walks, visit observation towers above the canopy, go zip lining or go river rafting. Mindo also falls on the cacao route of Ecuador, offering some of the best chocolate in the world. Learn about the history, cultivation and production of Ecuadorian chocolate while in town.

Head to Mindo for adventures in the Ecuadorian cloud forest. Image: Jungle bridge  by David Ceballos , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original

11. Quilotoa Loop 

Trekking the Quilotoa Loop is one of the best things to do in Ecuador . The hike can begin or end at Quilotoa Lake, a sparkling crater lake. Trekkers can hike the entire loop or a smaller section in just a matter of days. Generally self-guided, trekkers hike between two and six days, depending on the route and their hiking speed. Passing through the Toachi Canyon and traditional villages, the remote trek shows a unique side of the country. 

With hostels available along the trek, there is no need to camp or carry any equipment. The accommodation tends to include breakfast and dinner, with the option to purchase a packed lunch as well. With a similar altitude as Quito, trekkers can acclimate in the capital before embarking on their journey.

Resting in an ancient crater, Quilotoa Lake is among the most beautiful places to visit in Ecuador. Photo by Adriana Proaño of Peru for Less.

12. Ingapirca Ruins 

Dating back to the fifteenth century, the Ingapirca ruins are the largest Inca ruins in Ecuador. This day trip from Cuenca shows the pre-Hispanic history of the region. One of the top places to go in Ecuador , these ruins show the clash of the invading Inca Empire with the Cañari indigenous group. Whether a religious post, administrative center, fortress or possibly all three, the vast archaeological site has traces of both the Inca and Cañari. 

The most significant construction is the Temple of the Sun, a large stone with an elliptical-shaped building around it. Interestingly enough, this is the only remaining elliptical construction still standing from the Inca. Along with the ruins, check out its accompanying museum. The museum displays an array of ceramics, jewelry, tools and other items related to the site.

The largest Inca ruins in Ecuador, Ingapirca is a short day trip from Cuenca. Image: Museo de Sitio de Ingapirca  by Ministerio Cultura y Patrimonio , used under Public Domain Mark 1.0 / Compressed from original

13. El Cajas National Park 

In the highlands, El Cajas National Park is home to hundreds of lakes and lagoons. Contrasting with the distant rocky mountains, the glistening lakes and lagoons make this park one of the best things to see in Ecuador . Just west of Cuenca, the national park is a lovely place to hike, birdwatch and get to know Ecuador. The national park certainly earned its spot as one of the top places to visit in Ecuador.

Home to Andean condors and the giant hummingbird, the largest hummingbird in the world, bird watchers feel right at home in this park. An Important Bird Area , over 150 species call the park home, including the curiquinga, a black and white raptor with an orange face.

El Cajas National Park is home to hundreds of lakes and lagoons for hikers to explore. Image: Ecuador cajas national park  by Delphine Menard , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 FR / Compressed from original

14. Devil’s Nose Train Ride 

Train lovers should embark on the Devil’s Nose train ride. This train rides along the most difficult railway in the world. Traversing the tough Andean terrain, its construction was very difficult to complete. During construction, the workers came upon a massive, nearly vertical rock known as the Nariz del Diablo , or Devil’s Nose, that they had to pass. They began to create a zig-zag, switchback track for the train to climb up and down the Devil’s Nose. 

This nerve-wracking ride takes travelers in one direction past a junction, then moves backwards in the next section. The train continues to switch directions during the climb. While it used to be public transportation, today it only runs as a tourist attraction. Winding around the mountains between Alausi and Riobamba, the Andean landscapes are stunning. When it is clear, you can even see the massive Chimborazo Volcano.

The Devil’s Nose train ride winds through the tough Andean terrain of Ecuador. Image: Alausí – Tren Nariz del Diablo  by Emanuel Agustin Lorenzoni , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original

15. Machalilla National Park

If you are traveling to Ecuador and don’t have the time or the budget to travel to the Galapagos Islands, a visit to the Machalilla National Park is a nice alternative. Isla de la Plata is home to many birds and marine life found in the Galapagos. About 25 miles (40 kilometers) off the coast from Puerto Lopez, the island is a haven for marine birds. Encounter masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and more. It also presents a unique opportunity to snorkel with manta rays, migratory humpback whales and many schools of fish.

Explore the Pacific coast of Ecuador in the Machalilla National Park. Image: TEcuador Nationalpark Machalilla 2

Once home to the ancient Valdivia and Machalilla cultures, the area today is better known for its natural beauty and wildlife. Nevertheless, archaeological excavations have unearthed evidence of these pre-Colombian coastal cultures within the Machalilla National Park. 

A top spot for whale watching in South America, humpback whales migrate annually to the waters off the National Park. If you are visiting between June and October, keep your eyes peeled for your chance at seeing these gentle giants.

Sandy beaches and unique rock formations make up the Machalilla National Park. Image: TEcuador Nationalpark Machalilla 1  by Kulfman, used under CC BY-SA 3.0 / Compressed from original

16. Mitad del Mundo 

Just north of Quito, travelers can visit one of the most famous landmarks in Ecuador : the equator. Literally translating to “middle of the world,” Mitad del Mundo is now two separate locations.

A large 100-foot (30 meter) monument sits at the previously determined equator. It is actually about 790 feet (240 meters) away from the GPS proven line. While this monument is not on the actual equator, it sits where the French Geodesic Mission believed the line was in the 1700s. 

In addition, the Intiñan Museum sits on the GPS-determined equator. A line and sign make for fun photos in both hemispheres. Exhibits show a glimpse of the indigenous communities in Ecuador. Tour guides also show guests unique experiments to prove the location of the equator. Whether scientifically accurate or just for show, they are certainly entertaining. 

The Mitad del Mundo monument is a short drive from Quito. Photo by Chowih on Pixabay .

17. Papallacta

A short drive to the east of Quito, Papallacta is one of the best cities in Ecuador to recharge. With several hot springs of varying temperatures, Papallacta offers a chance to relax during a vacation in Ecuador . Papallacta’s hot springs also offer spa services, such as massages and facials.

Home to several hot springs, Papallacta is a top relaxation destination in Ecuador. Image: Termas Papallacta Hotel Spa  by F Delventhal , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original

Sitting at 10,827 feet (3,300 meters) above sea level, views of the towering mountains and volcanoes certainly impress. The fourth highest volcano in Ecuador, the Antisana Volcano sits just behind Papallacta. Nearby lakes, including Lake Papallacta, are common hiking destinations. With massive Andean condors often flying overhead, Papallacta is certainly among the most scenic places to visit in Ecuador .

Hike to Lake Papallacta from town and explore the Ecuadorian Andes. Image: N Laguna de Papallacta 0909 (1) ” by Diego Tirira , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Compressed from original

Carnivalis a big draw for tourism in Ecuador . In Ambato, Carnival combines with another event at the same time. Alongside their Carnival celebration, Ambato is home the Festival of Fruits and Flowers. This festival commemorates an earthquake that destroyed the town in 1949. Guests can enjoy festive parades during the day and at night. Participants cover floats in colorful fruits and flowers, showcase traditional attire and dances and more. 

Carnival parades showing traditional attire and dances are common every February in Ambato. Image: carnaval09_06  by Adn Montalvo Estrada , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Compressed from original

Typical of Carnival celebrations across South America, travelers should be aware of water and foam fights . Wear clothes that can get wet! Many people use water guns or dump buckets of water on strangers passing below their windows. Nobody is safe from getting wet, but it is all part of the fun. Learn more about Carnival in Ambato .

If you are unable to visit during Carnival, there are still several highlights to see year round. The active Tungurahua volcano overlooks the town. Several parks like Juan Montalvo Park allow you to see the colorful flowers Ambato is known for. Ambato also has several great markets to explore. Mercado Central and Mercado Modelo are traditional markets with food, general goods, clothing and many other items. While you won’t find many traditional souvenirs, these markets show you a more authentic piece of life in Ambato.

Ambato is one of the best places to visit in Ecuador for the Carnival festival in February. Image: carnaval09_10  by Adn Montalvo Estrada , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Compressed from original

19. Manabi Province Beaches 

If you are searching for the best beaches in Ecuador , look no further than Manabi Province. Here, you can find quaint, rather untouched beach destinations. Partake in water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and whale watching across the province. Try the local cuisine with dishes featuring fresh seafood, corn and peanuts. To the west of Quito, travelers can reach the beach by car from the capital in just a few hours. Alternatively, they can take a quick 45 minute flight to Manta.

As the Manabi Province is not extremely popular, you can find many empty sandy beaches along the coast. Image: 120314-Puerto Lopez Equador (73) ” by Cecilia Heinen , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original

If visiting Canoa, try hang-gliding or parasailing above town or head to the water for great surfing conditions. While in the area, head to the Heart Island Mangrove Reserve for birdwatching in Bahia de Caraquez just south of Canoa. 

Similarly, Manta offers plenty of water activities and quaint, sandy beaches. The most popular beach in Manta, El Murciélago, is home to many restaurants serving local cuisine. Try seafood soup and other fresh fish dishes while in town. Go fishing, sailing, surfing or swimming while exploring El Murciélago beach.

Puerto Lopez is a quaint sandy beach along the Manabi Province coast. Photo by alejomiranda on Pixabay

20. Vilcabamba 

One of many quaint towns in Ecuador , Vilcabamba was once a retreat for Inca royalty. The towering Mandango Mountain, or the Sleeping Inca, looks over the valley. Locals believe it protects the area from volcanoes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. 

Today, Vilcabamba is best known as the “Valley of Longevity.” Researchers once believed that its residents lived for a very long time. Many locals claimed to be over 100 years old, with some claiming they were older than 140 years old. While this is probably not true, it shows a unique look into the region’s culture. Many believe that the older you are, the more respect and honor you receive from others. Because of this, elders often exaggerate their age in search of societal praise and acclaim. 

Vilcabamba is a quaint town in the “Valley of Longevity” in Ecuador. Image: Vilcabamba, Ecuador  by Carlos Adampol Galindo , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Compressed from original

Travel to Ecuador to visit some of the most interesting places in the world from the Amazon Rainforest to the Galapagos Islands and everything in between. Combining fascinating history, natural beauty and a one-of-a-kind culture, Ecuador has something for every traveler.

Explore some of the best places to visit in Ecuador on your next trip. For help planning your Ecuador vacation, contact our team of expert Travel Advisors to customize your dream trip. 

Latin America for Less is a group of travel experts who live, work, eat, and breathe all things South America. Their inspiration stems from a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity that make this continent so special.

Tags: Ecuador , Galapagos Islands

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The Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes mountains to the idyllic beaches of the Pacific Coast and the colorful colonial architecture of Quito, Ecuador is a country brimming with natural and cultural wonders. To help you plan your trip, we’ve selected the best destinations to visit and things to do in Ecuador.

Architectural Landmark

At 2,850m (9,350ft), Quito is the world’s second-highest capital city and contains many of Ecuador’s most important religious landmarks. Within its Unesco-listed historic center, the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, the Presidential Palace and the San Francisco Church and Monastery display some of South America’s most beautifully preserved colonial architecture. For superb aerial views, climb up the Basilica del Voto Nacional or ride the TelefériQo gondola to Pichincha – the volcano which overlooks the city. At the Intiñan Museum, north of the city center, you can snap a photo at the equator.

With Culture Trip, you can enjoy a guided walking tour of Quito and visit the equator as part of our exclusive eight-day Ecuador adventure, led by our Local Insider .

2. Galápagos Islands

Natural Feature

3. Cotopaxi National Park

5. Guayaquil

Known as The Pearl of the Pacific, Guayaquil – Ecuador’s most populous city – is within relatively easy reach of some of the country’s best beaches, such as Salinas, Montañita and Puerto Lopez. Not just a convenient hub for exploring the coast or flying to the Galápagos, there’s plenty to see and do in the city itself: admire free-roaming iguanas in Parque Seminario, learn about Guayaquil’s heritage at the Parque Histórico, or take a stroll along Malecón 2000 – the lively promenade which runs along the Guayas River, lined with gardens, monuments, museums, bars and restaurants.

6. Baños de Agua Santa

Ecuador’s adventure capital and gateway to the Amazon, Baños de Agua Santa is named after its mineral-rich hot springs (geothermally heated by the Tungurahua volcano), which are said to have myriad health benefits. Although compact, the town has a fairly extensive selection of budget and luxury accommodation and is an excellent base for venturing into the nearby nature. Go whitewater rafting on the Pastaza River, rent bikes and cycle the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route) to Puyo, or ride the iconic Swing at the End of the World – one of South America’s most Instagrammable spots.

Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature

Otavalo, two hours’ drive north of Quito, in the Imbabura Province, is a mountain town of around 40,000 people – who are largely indigenous to the region. The town’s market – locally known as Plaza de los Ponchos – was designed and built by Dutch architect Tonny Zwollo in 1970, and has since flourished to become one of the largest in South America. You’ll find everything from woolen blankets and jumpers to handcrafted jewelry and traditional street food in the kaleidoscopic labyrinth of stalls. It’s open every day from 7am-6pm, and tends to be busiest on Saturdays.

8. Amazon rainforest

Cuenca, established in 1557, but not connected by paved road to the rest of Ecuador until the early 1960s, is Ecuador’s third-largest city. Often labeled the Athens of Ecuador due to its rich cultural and architectural heritage, Cuenca is split into old and new districts by the Tomebamba River. Its Unesco-listed Old Town features an array of colonial buildings, including the Old Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco and the Church of Santo Domingo. Meanwhile, the blue-domed New Cathedral (constructed between 1885-1975), is striking inside and out and offers magnificent views from the top.

10. Pacific Coast

Natural Feature, Hiking Trail

Stretching all the way from the Colombian border in the north to the Peruvian border in the south, Ecuador’s Pacific Coast is often overlooked by travelers but offers a refreshing change of scenery from the mountainous and jungle-covered interior. Salinas and Playas are two of the most popular resorts, while Montañita, slightly further up the coast, is renowned for its nightlife and outstanding surfing conditions. For peaceful, golden sand beaches without the crowds, Bahía de Caráquez, Los Frailes (part of the Machalilla National Park) and Mompiche are worth considering.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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The 15 Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

There are some beautiful places in Ecuador. The country is one of the main tourist destinations in South America and offers a diversity of attractions.

Here, we present our recommendations of the top 15 places in Ecuador. These include beautiful places, cities, beaches, rivers, lodges, hotels, and environments.

Here is a summary guide and overview of the best places to visit in Ecuador.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are the world’s most famous archipelago. One of the world’s top tourist destinations, enjoy seeing some incredible wildlife and beautiful places. Enjoy spotting the different animals, such as the giant tortoises, blue-footed boobes, marine iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles, and more.

In addition to incredible animals, enjoy beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, island cruises, and adventure. Walk different trails, see hidden lagoons, and enjoy kayaking and snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, and friendly reef sharks.

The Galapagos are located just a short flight from Ecuador’s coast where you can learn about the fascinating and unique history. Hear stories of pirates, whalers, and explorers. Famously, this is where Charles Darwin noted down observations of island wildlife. These notes would help him develop the theory of evolution by natural selection.

For the best experience of the Galapagos Islands, we recommend a luxury cruise aboard some of the select catamarans. Choose different itineraries suited to how long you have available to make the most of your experience. Recommendations include the Ocean Spray, Cormorant, and Petrel cruises.

The Ocean Spray Cruise

Aboard the Ocean Spray Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger luxury ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, all guided excursions, captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail, transfers from & to Galapagos airport. | 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 days

Santa Cruz (Galapagos Islands)

To single out one of the Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz is a fantastic place to visit. This is also a great base to explore the other islands on day tours if you’re not choosing to take a Galapagos Cruise.

Centrally placed, Santa Cruz is one of the main Galapagos Islands and there are some fantastic things to do . Enjoy walking in the highlands with iconic giant tortoises and visit Fisherman’s Wharf to see locals going about their day, including residents, but also sea lions, pelicans, and large frigatebirds. From this one island, you can see some of the favorite Galapagos tourist attractions.

Santa Cruz is home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, spas, and shopping opportunities on the islands. This is also where you can find the Charles Darwin Research Center, which is positioned next to the fantastic Red Mangrove Hotel. The Red Mangrove Hotel is also where you can enjoy some delicious lunches and dinners.

Enjoy kayaking with sea turtles at Tortuga Bay, spot the Sally Lightfoot crabs, walk with the marine iguanas, visit hidden lagoons, and see some impressive lava formations. For the adventurous, you can also head out to see a population of land iguanas.

The Red Mangrove Hotel

Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience. However, you can visit the tour operator's website for more information.

La Selva Lodge (Amazon Rainforest)

La Selva Lodge & Spa is positioned in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest just outside the incredible Yasuni National Park. Enjoy comfortable suites, delicious cuisine, and incredible wildlife. As this is also a spa, enjoy a range of relaxation treatment surrounded by pristine rainforest.

The award-winning lodge offers a very comfortable base for guided tours into Amazonia. With your professional rainforest guide, explore Amazonia to find a diversity of animals and plants.

Nestled at the edge of the beautiful Lake Garzacocha, the lodge offers some incredible views. You can even spot monkeys and different colorful birds from your suite or lodge restaurant.

The nineteen spacious cabins are made from traditional bamboo, which offers natural ventilation. In addition to the cabins and suites, La Selva Lodge offers the restaurant and bar, a gift shop, comfortable lounge area, and a canopy tower. The tower provides some spectacular views over Amazonia.

Offering one of the most wildlife-rich places on Earth, enjoy expeditions with your professional guide to find different monkeys, parrots, toucans, caiman crocodilians, turtles, delicate tree frogs, and fantastic scenery.

La Selva Lodge

I wanted to let you know that we had an amazing experience at Le Selva! The service, accommodations, guides, tours, ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, guided tours, transfers from and to Coca airport. | 4, 5 days+

The Napo Wildlife Center (Amazon Rainforest)

Owned and operated by members of the Kichwa Añangu Community, the Napo Wildlife Center is the only rainforest lodge located actually inside the fantastic Yasuni National Park. A beautiful part of Ecuador and definitely one of the best places to visit, the Yasuni National Park continues to set records for wildlife.

Enjoy being guided through the rainforest by members of the Kichwa Añangu themselves who will teach you about this incredible forest. You will also visit the incredible Yasuni claylick to see different parrots gathered at the clay in a fantastic spectacle of colors.

The lodge itself offers some beautiful views of the Amazon Rainforest and Añangu Lake. You can even spot many colorful birds from the lodge itself.

The Napo Wildlife Center provides 16 private cabins, including 4 luxury suites. In addition to the accommodation, the lodge offers a canopy tower, dining room, bar, lounge area, and a small library.

From the comfortable lodge, head out with your expert guide to explore the Yasuni National Park. Spot toucans, colorful parrots, different monkeys, and more. Enjoy exploring the rainforest on forest walks, guided kayaking tours, and boat rides.

The Napo Wildlife Center

Ecuador’s cloud forest.

The cloud forest is one of the world’s most threatened and most wildlife-rich areas. The environment is defined as forest at such a high altitude that it’s penetrated by cloud cover.

The area offers a different environment to lowland rainforest with a cooler temperature, new species, and many more hummingbirds, orchids, epiphytes, and beautiful butterflies.

The cloud forest offers a mystical looking environment with lush green plants clinging to the trees. There are a variety of different cloud forest lodges in Ecuador that allow you to experience this fascinating place.

You can enjoy some fantastic guided tours in the cloud forest to learn about this fascinating and lesser known habitat. There are over 400 different birds to find in this small area of forest, including the colorful tanagers, cotingas, toucans, and more hummingbirds than anywhere else on Earth.

You can reach Ecuador’s cloud forest on a two hour drive from Quito to the town of Mindo. From here, you can enjoy heading out for the day to explore different trails or choose to spend a few nights at one of the excellent cloud forest lodges.

The Napo River

The Napo River weaves and winds through the Ecuadorian rainforest before joining with the Amazon River in Peru. As one of Ecuador’s most beautiful places, you can enjoy some beautiful scenery on river cruises in addition to spotting many different animals and plants.

The Napo RIver also runs between the Yasuni National Park and the Cuyabeno Reserve, which are the famous protected areas of Ecuador’s Amazon.

In addition to fantastic scenery and beautiful sunsets, you can find the mysterious pink dolphins in the river. These are often curious enough to approach swimming or canoeing visitors.

The best way to enjoy the river is to enjoy a cruise aboard the Manatee Explorer or luxury-class Anakonda Amazon Cruise.

The Manatee Cruise offers guided exploration into the Amazon Rainforest on a comfortable vessel. Visit the Yasuni parrot clay lick, enjoy the canopy tower to gaze out over the Amazon Rainforest, and have a go at glamping in the jungle.

For the only luxury cruise in Ecuador, the Anakonda Cruise provides a similar experience to the Manatee but in more comfort. Enjoy spacious seating areas, a large observation deck, an outdoor jacuzzi, and an al fresco lounge for relaxing, cocktails, or reading. Each of the eighteen spacious suites offer large, comfortable beds, modern ensuites, and private balconies.

The Anakonda Cruise also provides large panoramic windows to keep you connected to this fantastic place.

The Manatee Amazon Cruise

The Manatee Amazon River Cruise is a fantastic cruise for adventures into the wonderful Yasuni National Park, one of the ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, guided tours, transfers from and to Coca airport, private assistance at Quito airport. | 4, 5, 8 days

The Anakonda Amazon Cruise

The Anakonda Amazon Cruise provides an immersive and unique experience of the Amazon Rainforest. Enjoy large and comfortable beds, a ...

The Cotopaxi Mountain

An iconic landmark in Ecuador, Cotopaxi is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and one of the world’s highest active volcanos. With its almost perfect volcano shape, Cotopaxi creates some beautiful scenery.

This is the most famous volcano in South America and is found just outside Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. Cotopaxi reaches 5,897 m (19,347 ft) into the sky and is located in one of Ecuador’s most popular protected areas.

Surrounding the volcano are some enjoyable hiking trails to explore the region. There are also some fascinating animals and plants, including the famous Andean condors.

You can also hike up the volcano itself and if you would prefer, you can also make the journey on horseback. Not just an iconic and attractive volcano, the views you will enjoy makes this one of the most beautiful places in Ecuador.

The Machalilla National Park

The Machalilla National Park sits on Ecuador’s coast and offers a very beautiful area. Enjoy fantastic views of the forest, ocean, and coastline as you walk different trails.

The Machalilla National Park is a 55,000 hectare area of tropical dry forest. Enjoy diverse wildlife and some fantastic scenery that make this one of Ecuador’s favorite places.

Inside Machalilla National Park, you can find a diversity of different birds and 300 different species have been recorded so far. These include hummingbirds, trogons, and parrots. As a fantastic feature of the park, you can see humpback whales passing along the boundary from June to September.

In addition to the wildlife, you can find some archaeological remains. The most well known is remains of settlement from over 20,000 years ago. Cultures that called this region home include the Machalilla and Manteña.

To visit the park, you can choose from accommodation options in Puerto Lopez, which is also a great place to enjoy different tours, whale watching, and diving opportunities.

Los Frailes Beach Within the Machalilla National Park and just south of Machalilla town, about 12 km from Puerto Lopez, you can find Los Frailes Beach. Free of crowds, the smooth, white sand beach offers picturesque views and welcoming, crystal-clear water. However, do note that there can be strong undertows so be careful if swimming.

The beach itself is a great place to simply relax while taking in the beautiful views. As mentioned above, Ecuador’s coast is a great place for whale watching between June to September. Remember to bring your binocular if traveling during these months as there is also a well-placed lookout near the beach.

The Sacha Lodge & Reserve

The Sacha Lodge sits in a private reserve of Amazon Rainforest near the Napo River. Because of the reserve’s private nature, the wildlife only comes into contact with lodge workers and tourists. This means the wildlife has better habituated to people than some other areas.

Enjoy troops of squirrel monkeys or capuchins crossing over the lodge as they would naturally. Tamarins frequently come and catch food or play near the lodge boardwalk as you walk between the different Sacha buildings.

Sacha Lodge is composed of comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms, two different restaurant locations, and a relaxation area.

The main attraction at Sacha Lodge is the 940-foot (275-meter) long canopy walkway that takes you on a fantastic walk 94 feet (30 meters) above the forest floor. This is often a much-loved area for bird enthusiasts and hundreds of species have been seen on the lodge grounds.

The entire area is nestled beside the beautiful Pilchicocha Lake, which you can explore on guided canoe rides to find wildlife. You will also enjoy guided tours through the rainforest to find a diversity of animals and plants. Spot several different monkeys, colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, delicate orchids, and giant rainforest trees.

The Sacha Lodge

Located in a 5000 acre private ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge provides a safe and comfortable base for you and your ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, selection of guided tours, transfers from and to Coca airport. | 4, 5 days+

Baños de Agua Santa

Baños is a favorite area in Ecuador and is commonly on the tourist route for visitors. Named after the natural hot springs, Baños is also a draw for adventure travelers. Enjoy a range of activities, including rafting, horse riding, rock climbing, and kayaking.

Of course, there are also the hot springs themselves with warm welcoming water and fantastic views of the landscape. You can also see some of the 60 different waterfalls, including one seen from La Virgen hot springs. The largest in the region is named Pailón del Diablo after the pool below the falls, which is thought to resemble the devil’s face.

Although the town itself is a little disorganized with different tour operators, the area around Baños is very scenic. Enjoy forested foothills, gorges, and the mountainous views. In addition to relaxing in the thermal baths, you can choose from different treatments in spas.

Note that Tungurahua is still an active volcano and eruptions are seen as a regular part of life. However, the scenic valleys, walking trails, and many waterfalls make Baños another of Ecuador’s most beautiful places.

Cuenca is possibly Ecuador’s most beautiful city. The center of Cuenca is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. You can enjoy the Spanish colonial architecture that dates from the 16th and 17th century.

In the city, enjoy beautiful churches and cathedrals, Incan remains in some building foundations, different museums, and a fantastic flower market. Walk the cobblestone streets to admire the wooden balconies, monasteries, and courtyards. However, what makes Cuenca even more special are the surroundings.

Located in Ecuador’s highlands, in the area surrounding Cuenca you can enjoy some fantastic day trips. One of the most popular and attractive natural wonders is the Mirrored Lake (Lacs en miroir) in the nearby Cajas National Park.

The Cajas National Park

As mentioned above, the national park is located just outside of the beautiful Cuenca city. The park is full of beautiful sights, including lakes, lagoons, rivers, cloud forest, orchids, bromeliads, and hummingbirds.

There are many other animals to find as well, including a number of species not found anywhere else on Earth. Enjoy spotting different toucans, Andean condors, and woodpeckers.

Covering 29,000 hectares, in addition to the natural sights, enjoy finding a few Incan and pre-Incan remains, such as different Incan roads. However, even the road to reach the park is impressive as you will pass through some fantastic Andean scenery.

Throughout the park are many different walking trails, which you can enjoy on guided treks. Enjoy different routes that take you past some of the park’s most attractive features.

Ecuador’s capital city, Quito’s Old Town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito was built on the ruins of a defeated Incan city and offers some fantastic architecture to enjoy as you walk the cobbled streets. Being the capital, there are also many great restaurants, cafes, and interesting museums.

Named after the equator, a favorite thing to do in Ecuador is to visit La Mitad del Mundo, which is located near where the equator crosses the country. This is a monument in Quito dedicated to the equator. Around the monument, you can enjoy some great views, good food, and even different museums.

While in Quito, you can visit the different cathedrals, churches, galleries, and the different city parks. One of the favorites is also one of the largest city parks in South America and is called the Metropolitano Guanguiltagua Park.

There are also some trail walks and hiking opportunities around the city. The nearest volcano is Pichincha, which has a cable car to the top for some great views of the city and surroundings.

The Quilotoa Loop

One of Ecuador’s most loved multi-day walks is called the Quilotoa Loop. Enjoy some beautiful scenery, interesting villages, markets, and the crystal-blue Quilotoa Lagoon itself.

The track is found about three hours from Quito city and is a favorite walk for visitors who like to get off the beaten track. There are not many facilities for visitors and requires a few days to complete if you’re interested in walking the entire 200 km trail.

On the trail, you can enjoy impressive scenery of lakes, rivers, valleys, and the volcano. While at the edge of the Quilotoa Laguna, you can also see the famous Cotopaxi Volcano.

The Laguna Cuicocha

Known as the lake of guinea pigs, Laguna Cuicocha is a crater lake at the bottom of the Cotacachi Volcano. Protected at the southern part of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, you can see a number of different animals and plants in the region.

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• Top 15 Places To Visit In Ecuador For A 2024 Megadiverse Tour In South America

23 Mar 2023

Despite having a rejoicing vacation earlier, many travelers cannot resist the abundant scenic landscapes in this blissful paradise of Ecuador. With so many things to do around the place, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Historical buildings, pristine islands and thrilling adventure sports will lure you back into this gorgeous country. With a high respect for nature, this country has surely made more efforts to preserve its natural reserves. Also, being the closest country to the space, several tourists visit to simply admire its highest mountain Mount Chimborazo. So, are you on board?

Read on to know about the places to visit in Ecuador and find out what awaits in this country that might just fit your into your plans perfectly!

15 Best Places To Visit In Ecuador

With so many places to explore for every kind of traveler, Ecuador’s warm and welcoming folks would surely add to your trip. Know where to go with this list of best places to visit here!

1. Quilotoa Loop

Image Source

A quiet introspection through the mountains is something you might need after a choatic schedule in your daily routine. Heading to Ecuador requires a must-visit to this spectacular loop, which connects several hiking trails crossing the remote villages of Andean, offering you the gorgeous views of the famous crater lake. You can of course, take a bus to shorten your hike and tour around the villages but missing out on the splendid views that you can cover on your hike, is not something we would advise. There’s always an option of local flea markets put up by the villages if you’re in mood for a little shopping with your hike!

Must Read: Galápagos National Park: A Complete Guide For An Exhilarating Ecuadorian Travel

Image Credit: Dezalb by Pixabay

This place in Ecuador will give you all the reasons why shopping on your vacation is highly important. The vibrant markets here display handmade crafts for sale, along with leather items and jewelley with a variety of textiles, famous in Andes city. It is the most favouable place for photographers with exclusive shots of locals wearing their traditional outfits and snowcapped mountains in the background. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you can enjoy the main market’s gleeful vibes here and inspite of whether these markets are there or not, you can also buy the handmade products in the Plaza de los Ponchos.

3. Galapagos Island

Image Credit: Paul Krawczuk by Flickr

Heard about these volcanic islands yet? Well, if not, here’s your chance to visit and see for yourself. What better way to learn about these glorious Galápagos with a distinctive ecosystem located in the eastern Pacific Ocean. While spotting the penguins, sea lions and iguanas around the region won’t be a problem, measures have been taken to maintain the upkeep of the national park, due to which some areas have a restricted access. But, the good news is that you can surely visit with a certified tour guide to have a reviving encounter with the nature’s own!

Suggested Read: This Island In South America Is The World’s Most Dangerous Place

A village like Mindo in the Andes mountains will never disappoint you when you’re on a high energy level. For some travelers, when a soothing vacation amidst nature isn’t enough, places like Mindo offer adventurous activities to enliven your trip! You can choose between a range of fun activities like rafting, mountain-biking, hiking and horse riding. What’s more is that you can also learn about the process of chocolate making at El Quetzal del Mindo along with bird-watching. Soaking in the naturaly beauty of this place with farmlands, several streams and three main rivers, it provides the perfect outing for a family trip.

This one is famous for its festivals hosted in the months of November and January. Visiting this city, you will come across the fascinating old buildings from the colonial period with balconied houses, cobbled streets and white old-styled churches. This is one of the factors that makes this city a delight to be covered by foot mainly. Nevertheless, both Old and New Cathedral of Cuenca along with the Church of San Sebastian and Museum of Religious Arts are some of the places you should check out in this colourful city, also a World Heritage Site now. If you’re a history buff, this will surely top your list of Ecuador tourist attractions!

Suggested Read: 10 Best American Road Trips For An Unforgettable Journey In The Land Of Enchanting Sceneries!

6. Guayaquil

Being the country’s largest populated city, Guayaquil is often considered as the commercial hub of Ecuador with multiple entertainment venues to shop from and dine at. The famous Malecon 2000, which is a boardwalk along the serene Guayas river is an essential to end your action-packed tour. You can explore the various historical sites as also offered by The Parque Historico Guayaqui with a free entry. It can be really overwhelming for the tourists visiting the Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporaneo which illustrates the country’s famed culture and rich history.

Image Credit: Jacorream by Pixabay

Why Quito? Well, you surely cannot afford to miss the renowned capital city crowned as yet another World Heritage Site with public squares, informative giant museums and churches dating back to almost two centuries! Famous for the historic buildings and grand structures displaying a peek into the old forms of architecture, the palaces around the city like the Carondolet Palace and the Presidential Palace stand proud in all glory. You can also stop by to admire Archbishop’s Palace and Municipal Palace while exploring Quito’s popular cathedrals like Basílica del Voto Nacional and churches like La Compania de Jesus Church and San Francisco Church.

Suggested Read: 15 Most Haunted Places In America: One Of A Kind & Each One With A Disturbing History!

8. Nariz Del Diablo

Located in Riobamba, Nariz Del Diablo, or the Devil’s nose is a restored railway covering the routes opening to the country’s most breathtaking views amid the Andes mountains. For some folks, it is also considered to be a mandatory bucket list item. You can witness the most splendid views lying between the towns of Aluasi and Sibambe which is where the train begins its journey, going all the way up to the staion crossing the vertical sides of the mountains. Visiting the Puñuna Condor Museum is also some of the things to do around this route of devil’s nose. Are you on board?

Despite being a small town, Banos is one of the most famous tourist destination in Ecuador due to having several hot springs abode. Lying at the bottom of an active volcano called as Tungurahua, this places offers the most spectacular Ecuador sightseeing spots in the country with multiple waterfalls flowing down to the river. Due to its location at the corner of Amazon basin, mountain biking and hiking are some of the fun activities you can do around the place. Be sure to try the famous candy ‘melcocha’ here while shopping for some local goods to take back home. A colourful balsa parrot is something you’ll find commonly in these markets.

Suggested Read: Sipadan Island Guide: A Paradise for Diving Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers!

10. Salinas

With several high-rise condos spread across the shoreline, Salinas’ beach, also known as the Little Miami beach, is famous amogst the surfers and folks with yachts. Topping the list of hidden places in Ecuador, this is surely the place for a relaxed and laid-back vacation if you wish to soak in more sun and sand during your visit. The winter months of December and January are ideal to visit this beach paradise while you might want to keep your luggage light as the weather is pleasant here throughout the year. You can also spot some sea-turtes laying their eggs near the shore during your beach time!

The capital city of Ecuador is a mandatory place to visit on your trip to the beautiful country. Located at a high altitude, the city is a great mix of different cultures and is one of the first cities that were listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its cobbled streets will make you fall in love with it.

12. Guamote

If you are looking for a peaceful expedition, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, then you should visit Guamote. The beautiful scene of mud-brick homes and block buildings will leave you awestruck! It is also known for its Thursday market which offers unique souvenirs like trinkets, multi-colored frocks, and more and is definitely one of the interesting places to visit in Ecuador.

If you want to have an offbeat vacation wherein you just step into the wild, away from the city’s noise, then Tena is your place to be. Located on the edge of the Amazon basin, Tena is a small town and attracts lots of backpackers with its aesthetical charm.

14. Vilcabamba

For a royal retreat, head to Vilcabamba! It is a beautifully built town nestled between Podocarpus national forest and Mount Mandingo. From horseback riding and hiking to spa sessions and sightseeing, it offers a mix of everything.

15. Cotopaxi

One of the most exotic places in Ecuador, Cotopaxi is a must-visit. If you want to witness the backcountry, then this is the place to be. Not only can you absorb the magic and charm of the place but also hike to the permanent ice field there.

Further Read: Split Nightlife: Get Groovy As The Lights Go Down This

Has knowing about these places to visit in Ecuador, South America made you excited to visit this country ASAP? If yes, then what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Ecuador right away, to have a mesmerising experience with your friends and family.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Ecuador

Is Ecuador safe for tourists?

Ecuador is a safe country and tourists from all around the world keep checking into this country from time to time. The government has applied multiple safety precautions for tourists recently to make them feel safe here.

What is Ecuador famous for?

Ecuador houses the Galápagos Islands, which makes it one of the most visited countries by tourists in the world. Being the fourth smallest nation in the southern American region, Ecuador has some of the best architectural beauties, naturally built caves.

Is it safe to visit Ecuador during Covid times?

You need to follow all the mandatory safety guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Remain masked while stepping out of the hotel and maintain social distance. Avoid visiting crowded places and keep sanitizing your hands after touching surfaces.

What should you not miss in Ecuador?

Some places that you should not miss in Ecuador are: 1. Quilotoa Loop 2. Galapagos Island 3. Mindo 4. Cuenca 5. Quito

What electrical plugs are used in Ecuador?

Ecuador uses 110 volts, 60 cycle electricity, like the US. They use the 2 pinned flat type plugs. So if you have US adaptors then you will not need a converter or adapter.

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Top 14 Must See Places to Visit in Ecuador

Ecuador is a beautiful South American country with so much to explore! I found Ecuador to be a thrilling, adventurous, and cultural country. There is really something unique for everyone to explore. Below I am sharing the Top 14 Must See Places to Visit in Ecuador – believe me, you won’t want to skip these amazing destinations!

Quito, Ecuador:

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and a mecca for history & culture! Visiting Quito is an absolute must while in Ecuador. The best things to see and do in and near Quito are Mitad del Mundo, Bascilica del National, Lake Quilotao, and Cotopaxi Volcano! Read more below about each must-see places to visit in Ecuador!

MITAD DEL MUNDO – THE EQUATOR

The number one most iconic place to visit in Ecuador is the equator line. After all, that is where the country got it’s name! The “ Mitad del Mundo ” (which literally translates to “The Equator”) is a monument that indicates what was believed to be the middle of the Earth. The equator (and therefore, the landmarks) are about 40 miles away from Quito. You can take a bus for less than $1.00 or taxi for around $30-$40. Mitad del Mundo is the most iconic monument, but it is roughly 250 meters off from the exact equator line.

Nearby, you can visit the Intiñan Solar Museum which is right on the actual equator and offers interesting experiments that only happen in the middle of the Earth! Be sure to take a picture standing between two hemispheres!

Try to visit this landmark early in the morning because it is filled with tourists later in the day.

Bascilica del National

Talk about breathtaking! This church is located in the heart of Old Town Quito and is a site to see! Construction began in 1884, and it is still technically “unfinished.” Local legend says that when it is finally finished, the world will come to an end. However, you wouldn’t know that it’s unfinished by looking at it. There are a few different parts of the church to explore (each costing around $2 entrance fee).

My favorite part was climbing to the very top of the church. But be forewarned: this is not for the faint of heart. The ladders are incredibly steep with little room for resting. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning view at the very top which, in my opinion, makes it all worth wild.

This is definitely one of my favorite must see places in Ecuador – it’s truly breathtaking!

Ecuador is known for it’s high altitude. Why not experience one of the highest aerial lifts in the world while your here! The TeleferiQo is located in Quito and rises 3,000ft above the city of Quito. This makes you almost 13,000ft above sea level. The cable car is a 15 minute ride to the top that offers great views of Quito. Please note – before doing this, be sure to acclimate yourself to the higher altitude. This is not for the faint of heart.

At the top, you’ll have stunning views of the capitol of Ecuador. You can hike along the mountains (again, only for those who are very fit and acclimated to the altitude). There is also a “Swing in the Clouds”. If you’re lucky, you may also see Alpacas at the top of the mountain.

Lake Quilotoa

Everyone has one or two places in each country that they would keep going back to. For me, that would be Lake Quilotoa in Ecuador.

Ecuador has three crater lakes but the one that really stands out is Lake Quilotoa! It is the kind of place that casts a spell on you with its otherworldly beauty and turquoise water. This spell comes with the furry alpacas, women with coral beads, and poncho-clad men. 

The best way to experience its beauty is to do a three or four-day loop. But if you don’t have that much time, you can do a day trip. If you are coming from Quito, you can take a bus from Quitumbe to Latacunga or Ambato, and then switch to take one more from there to Quilotoa.

While visiting Lake Quilotoa, try a moderate hike or horse back ride. You can also rent a kayak to enjoy the lake! If you’re looking for a true outdoorsy experience you can even camp out here as well! So, if you are traveling to Ecuador, definitely plan on visiting Quilotoa. It will not disappoint you.

Related Post: No Nonsense Guide to Ecuador Visa’s

Contributed by Deb ( The Visa Project )

Cotopaxi Volcano

Did you know Ecuador has 48 volcanos?! Obviously this means your visit to Ecuador is not complete without visiting at least one Volcano. I recommend hiking the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano. Located a quick drive away from Quito, hiking (or exploring the area, if hiking isn’t for you) is a perfect day trip outside the city. However, a note of caution– the altitude here is no joke, so make sure you have spent a few days adjusting prior to attempting the hike, as the glacier you’re hiking to is located at 5000 meters above sea level.

The area is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, with wraparound vistas of volcanic surroundings, as well as the huge Lago Limpiopunga and its resident wild horses. The hike is invigorating, with lots of switchbacks and opportunities for beautiful photos as you ascend. At the summit, catch your breath and warm up a bit with a hot cocoa at the Refugio, and don’t miss the photos and memorabilia on the walls of those who have hiked Cotopaxi before you. From the Refugio, it’s another 250 meters to the glacier, where the sparkling white snow contrasting with the bright red clay is sure to impress. Overall, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in Ecuador , whether outdoor adventures, exploring cities, or sampling delicious cuisine, chocolate, and coffee.

Contributed by Tegan (Why Not Walk )

If you’re looking for a two week itinerary to see volcanos in Ecuador, check out Flashpack Journal’s guide to “ Ecuador’s Avenue Of The Volcanoes 2-Week Itinerary: Quito To Cuenca “. She provides so much detail on how to see all the best Volcanoes in a 2 week adventure!

Banos, Ecuador:

Banos is known as the “Gateway to the Amazon” and it’s easy to see why. This stunning rainforest town offers amazing views of mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and more! Banos is a must-see destination for adventurous travelers! Out of all the must-see places to visit in Ecuador, the ones in Banos were my favorite!

Swing at the End of the World

Get a taste for adventure as you swing on this infamous treehouse swing “at the end of the world.” In fact, the “Casa de Arbol” is the perfect instagram spot for your trip to Ecuador. While it may look like you’re swinging high up in the clouds, you’re really just swinging over a small drop off. But, it is 100% still worth it to visit (especially for the picture). The entrance fee is only $2 which makes it very accessible. However, this treehouse swing is now iconic so the lines are very long. Luckily, there are guides monitoring the swings to help you push off and to ensure no one stays on too long.

Travel Tip: Be sure to check the weather before you visit the Swing at the End of the World. If you’re visiting this fun spot, you’ll definitely want to get a great picture and if it’s cloudy or foggy you won’t see the magnificent views around you.

PAILÓN DEL DIABLO – DEVIL’S CAULDRON

This waterfall is sure to take your breath away. Pailon Del Diablo is a massive 80 meter waterfall near Banos. There is a small entrance fee ($2 as of April 2020). The path around the waterfall is just as fun as the actual site. There are draw bridges, staircases, and more that put you up close to the falls! It can get slippery, and some people like to bring their raincoats to stay dry. Parking here is only $1.

For more info on the Pailon del Diablo, check out  this guide  for everything you need to know!

Guayaquil, Ecuador:

Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is the main port for shipping and receiving. It is often overlooked as just a “port city” with not much to offer. However, this is simply not the case. Guayaquil is a great city to explore if you know the areas that are worth visiting. The most notable is Las Penas Neighborhood. Read more below!

Las Penas Neighborhood

Guayaquil is not only a common stopover on the way to  the Galapagos Islands , but also worth visiting as a destination in and of itself.  Las Peñas is one of the highlights of any visit to Guayaquil. 

The Las Peñas Neighborhood sits atop a steep rounded hill called Cerro Santa Anna, beside the Guayas River. It is covered in brightly covered houses.  A steep, narrow cobbled street winds its way around the hill to the top.  It is definitely a challenge to climb (though you can also take a taxi). I recommend walking though because along the way you will pass brightly colored, well-preserved (albeit slightly – and charmingly – shabby) colonial-era houses filled with art galleries, restaurants, bars, tiny stores and homes.  You will meet families hanging out with their neighbors, kids playing on the steps and business people welcoming you into their establishments. 

The views over the river and the city are stunning.  Worth the effort (there are 444 steps) is the Plaza de Honores at the top, where there is a tiny colonial era chapel, a couple of cannons that were designed to keep the city safe from pirates, and a lighthouse.  Climb the steps of the lighthouse for an even better 360-degree view of Guayaquil. 

Contributed by James Ian (Travel Collecting)

Galapagos, Ecuador:

I’m willing to bet you’ve heard of the Galapagos! This majestic island chain is off the coast of Ecuador and features immaculate wildlife that you cannot see anywhere else! In fact, the Galapagos is home to three must see places to visit in Ecuador! Explore the Galapagos for yourself to see how Charles Darwin discovered the theory of evolution in this very location.

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Puerto Ayora is the largest city in the Galápagos Islands and probably the first one that many visit while vacationing on this unique group of islands. The town is located on the island of Santa Cruz.

Unsurprisingly, Puerto Ayora is so popular as there are tons of incredible places to experience. One of our favorites is Las Grietas. It is a small beautiful bay that is located between huge rock formations. The water here is crystal clear, so you can look far down and spot some colorful fish. On the way to Las Grietas, you will pass a picturesque beach, Playa de Los Alemanes. Make sure to have a little stop here to enjoy the beautiful nature and watch the exotic birds that frolic here.

But there are also many other  great things to do in Puerto Ayora and Santa Cruz . You shouldn’t miss the city’s fish market either because a lot of sea lions gather here every day, which you can watch up close.

Contributed by Vicki ( Vicki Viaja )

Isla Isabela

Isla Isabela  is one of the best places to visit in Ecuador. It is the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago and was formed approximately 1 million years ago by 6 volcanoes. Most of the volcanoes are still active today, making it one of the most volcanically active places on earth.

Don’t miss hiking to the caldera of Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos. The otherworldly landscape resembles something more akin to the moon than an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The trail to the caldera is about 16km (9.9 miles) return.

For wildlife head to Las Tintoreras. It is an islet located just off the coast of Isabela Island. Here you can see turtles, penguins, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue herons, and more.

There are also stunning beaches fringing the coast of Isla Isabela. Some of the most popular include Playa del Amor, Urbina Bay, Elizabeth Bay, Playa Puerto Villamil, and El Faro. They feature white sands and green palm trees, perfect for a swim and an afternoon nap.

Contributed by Oksana & Max from  Drink Tea & Travel

San Cristobal

One of the best places to visit in Ecuador is San Cristobal. You can find this island in the Galapagos archipelago, and we guarantee that you’ll fall in love with it shortly after arriving.

San Cristobal is famous for its colony of sea lions. They have chosen the only town of the island, Puerto Baquerizo, as their breeding grounds. While going for a walk, you will see them everywhere – playing on the beach in the middle of town, lounging on benches by the harbour or relaxing on the boats anchored in the sea.

If you want to swim with the sea lions, head over to La Loberia. Here, you can relax at the beach and snorkel with the animals in the sea. Just be careful, or you will find that the sea lions have taken over your towel when you come back out of the water!

Besides watching sea lions, you can find many more  things to do on San Cristobal . Explore the island and discover a crater lagoon, a giant turtle reserve and white powdered beaches. And then finish the day observing marine iguanas at Playa Santa Carola, while watching the sun go down behind the ocean.

Contributed by Daniel and Ilona ( Top Travel Sights )

Other Amazing Locations in Ecuador:

Located in the southern Andes mountain of Ecuador is Cuenca , one of Ecuador’s most historic cities. In fact, the entire historic center of Cuenca is a proud UNESCO Heritage Site, mainly due to the 52 churches that exist in the city, one for every Sunday of the year.

Full of well-preserved colonial architecture, strolling through the historical center will feel like you are back in time. Every corner is dotted with colorful colonial buildings, old cobblestone streets, and a mix of Andean culture. This balance of both worlds is an interesting aspect of Cuenca’s culture.

The New Cathedral of Cuenca is Cuenca’s most iconic building and one of the largest churches in South America. No trip to Cuenca is complete without admiring the intricate details and lavish interior décor of the New Cathedral. Avid hikers can take a day trip to Cajas National Park , where the tundra-like environment offers rare unique landscapes. Beware of the high altitude if you are visiting Cajas.

As the third-largest city in Ecuador, Cuenca is full of diverse attractions and a place you cannot miss in Ecuador! 

Contributed by Sean Lau ( Living Out Lau )

Located in a cloud forest in the foothills of the Andes, Mindo is a gorgeous town that is a must-see when exploring Ecuador. If you’re visiting Quito and are in need of a bit of adrenaline (and a little relaxing, too), head northwest to Mindo for a couple of days full of fun.

There are so many amazing things to do in Mindo – no matter your interests, you’ll definitely find something to keep you busy. Adrenaline junkies will love ziplining through the cloud forest on the Mindo Canopy Adventure, enjoying the gorgeous views and the thrill of soaring through the air. If you’re in the mood for a hike, take a cable car to Nambilla Cascadas, where you can hike to 7 waterfalls in a forest that looks like something from a movie. For travelers who’d prefer to keep both feet on the ground, the town of Mindo has plenty to offer, including a chocolate factory and delicious restaurants.

Other fun things to do in Mindo include horseback riding, visiting a butterfly garden, and roaming around in a bird reserve. If you want to do more than one activity while visiting Mindo, you can purchase combination tickets to several of Mindo’s top attractions including ziplining, the waterfall hike, a chocolate factory, and more.

Contributed by Sydney Richardson ( A World in Reach )

No trip to Ecuador is complete without a visit to the world-famous Otavalo Market, the largest Indigenous market in South America. The market is located in the town of Otavalo, a small city in the Andean highlands surrounded by volcanic mountains. The easiest way to get there is a quick 2-hour bus ride from Quito, making it an excellent day-trip option. The market officially runs from Wednesday-Saturday between 7 am-6 pm, though it’s best to visit early in the day to avoid big crowds. 

The Otavalo Market is famous for its colorful woven textiles and handmade crafts, sold by Indigenous locals who make the goods themselves using traditional techniques. You’ll find everything from knit alpaca sweaters, bright wall hangings, hats, ponchos, jewelry, and more! We suggest walking around and checking out all the different options and stalls before making a purchase.

There is also plenty of delicious local foods on offer as well as musicians playing Indigenous music. Some of our favorite Ecuadorian specialties include yaluarlocro (a soup made with potatoes and entrails) and carne colorado (beef made with annotate seasoning, with fried plantain, corn, and boiled potatoes). 

After you’ve had your fill of the market, explore the rest of Otavalo and its rich Indigenous culture. We recommend checking out the Tejidos El Obraje Museum, which has textile exhibitions and weaving demonstrations. If you enjoy hiking, head to Cuicocha National Park for a great day hike around the crater lake. 

Contributed by Natasha ( Great Ocean Road Collective )

There you have it – the Top 14 Must See Places to visit in Ecuador. Like I said before, this country is filled with so much culture, adventure, and history.

Save this pin of the Must See Places to Visit in Ecuador for later:

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21 comments.

Great guide, looks awesome! The Basilica is beautiful!

WOW! I had no idea Ecuador had so many amazing places. I’m adding this country to my bucket list now, because that swing has my name all over it.

Ecuador is spectacular! Galapagos, volcanos, mountains – there’s just so much to see and experience. I hear it’s also a good place to explore the Amazon. Can’t wait to visit it

Ecuador looks like a fabulous place, especially the Galapagos. I love the swing at the end of the world too. What an amazing photo. I didn’t know there were 48 volcanoes there.

What a beautiful country! It is so scenic. Love the Alpacas haha. I would love to see Lake Quilotoa in person – it looks so mesmerizing!

After visiting Quito and Galapagos islands, I really want to go back to Ecuador and see more of this beautiful country. I’m putting Banos and the swing at the top of my list of places to see.

Ecuador looks SO amazing! So much beauty and things to see! The mountains and volcanos are just unreal. I’m so excited to use this helpful guide when I visit within the next few years!

This looks incredible! I was actually supposed to be in Ecuador this year but it sadly didn’t happen for obvious reasons. I hope I can go soon and will save this post!

I haven’t heard so many things about Ecuador so far so I liked to read your article! I hope to get the opportunity to get there!

The views from that swing are gorgeous, if a bit nerve-wracking! I’ve yet to get out to Ecuador for some reason. It’s on the list!

The swing at the end of the world looks amazing! I can’t wait to visit and see if I chicken out or not :p

My trip to Ecuador was cancelled this year, so I’m looking forward to using these tips when I can travel again! And that photo of you on the swing is amazing haha, will add that to my Ecuador to-do list for sure!

What a beautiful country! Ecuador was never big on my radar but it looks like I’m gonna have to add it to the bucket list!

Wow that waterfall in banos looks insane and the colourful town looks exactly like Italy!! so beautiful

I am dreaming to make it to the Galápagos! Such a great guide of Ecuador!

Those swing shots look EPIC! I’ve never been to Ecuador, just wondering if you have any advice on whether it is considered a safe country?

Ecuador looks amazing!! It’s high on my list especially to experience the swing at the end of the world and visiting Quito! I will save this for later because this post is so helpful!

This is incredible and I LOVE it!!!!! Ecuador is very high on my next place to visit, and I am saving this guide as an inspiration and information – Love the pictures too! Very Inspiring.

I loved this post so much. I lived in Ecuador for 2 years and met my husband there, and we actually got engaged at Quilotoa 🙂 such a special spot in such a special country. Thanks for sharing!

I’ve been to Peru and Bolivia and would love to go back to a similer part of the world. So many adventure to be had here!

Ecuador looks amazing. I still have it on my bucket list 😀 definitely saving this post for inspiration, for when I finally get to plan a trip!

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Top 10 places to visit on the Ecuador coast

Air Europa’s new flights from Madrid to Guayaquil start on 16 December, making an Ecuador trip much easier. Here, we highlight a coastline of great resorts, as well as tropical forest and wonderful wildlife

Santa Elena and Salinas

Just outside provincial capital Santa Elena is Museo Los Amantes de Sumpa . Around 200 skeletons were unearthed at this site in the 1970s, including the “Lovers of Sumpa”, a man and a woman found in an 8,000-year-old embrace. There’s no bigger contrast between old and new than the nearby resort of Salinas, a wannabe Miami Beach for Guayaquil’s rich set. It’s a comparatively expensive resort but has two sheltered beaches. The resort has thumping nightlife in the high season between December and April. Cocos (doubles from $40) is the best budget option on the waterfront of Salinas, or splash out on colourful ecolodge Hosteria Ecológica el Faro (doubles $100 B&B) with spacious rooms and tropical gardens with resident parrots and monkeys

Ecuador’s biggest city has come a long way in the past 20 years. A once-rundown waterfront has been regenerated, winning UN development awards in the process. The waterfront Malecón area’s offerings range from historical monuments, artisan markets and botanical gardens to a new ferris wheel and several museums, notably Guayaquil en La Historia , which documents the city’s turbulent past. The climb through the artistic district of Las Peňas to the lighthouse at the top is another highlight, while the harbour and promenade of Puerto Santa Ana is the latest addition to the waterfront scene. Don’t miss the Iguana Park, beneath the neo-gothic cathedral, where reptiles roam free, and across the river, set in mangroves, caiman, monkeys and parakeets can be observed in the Parque Histórico . Stay at the eclectic, Arabian-themed boutique Hostal Manso (doubles from US$55) opposite Malecón, or, for more comfort on the edge of the city, Nazu House has a swimming pool backed by forest (doubles from $90 B&B)

Playas and Puerto el Morro

The closest beach resort to Guayaquil is the vibrant Playas, as unpretentious as its name (which means beaches). At weekends in high season, between Christmas and Easter, it gets packed with people from the city escaping the heat. The main draw is the long beach and rows of beach cafes offering sumptuous specialities, such as shrimp ceviche and fried sea bass in garlic. The surfing is good here, too; but for a break from sun and sand, head a few miles east (half an hour by bus) to Puerto El Morro, where boat trips wind through the mangroves with opportunities to watch dolphins in the channel. There is also a small colony of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Stay at the Posada del Sueco (doubles from $58), on the edge of town, with its thatched rooms set among bougainvillea bushes

A Latin American beach party takes some beating so, if you’re looking to dance the night away, go to this surfer-friendly village. Those seeking a quieter beach break should head further north. For surfers, the rideable breaks reach two-to-three metres on good days, while for partygoers it’s busy at weekends, particularly between Christmas and Easter. Hola Ola and Caňa Grill are long-standing hotspots for drinking and dancing. Stay in the bamboo bungalows of Nativa Bambu (from $110 B&B) on the northern edge of town

Machalilla national park and Isla de la Plata

This national park is one of the country’s few protected coastal regions, and boasts stellar scenery of tropical dry forest leading directly onto pristine beaches. Isla de la Plata, 25 miles off the coast is rather unfairly tagged “the poor man’s Galápagos” for its populations of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies, as well as a small colony of sea lions. From June to September, humpback whales converge on these waters, with great opportunities to watch them twirling out of the ocean. The mainland national park contains tropical dry forest and cloud forest, and the crescent-shaped Playa Los Frailes is arguably the most beautiful beach in the country – and often deserted. The best budget accommodation is in the village of Puerto Lopez in a cabin at Itapoa ( hosteriaitapoa.com , doubles from $16) in a garden set back from the beach, or try the mid-range Hosteria Mandala (doubles from $40), which has decorated cabins in dense tropical gardens and serves excellent breakfasts

Montecristi

Locals shout from the rooftops that Panama hats are actually from Ecuador. The misconception dates to 1906 when the president, Eloy Alfaro, ordered more than 200,000 hats to be sent north for toiling workers constructing the canal. US president Theodore Roosevelt was pictured in newspapers wearing one during a canal visit and the name “Panama hat” stuck. The hats originate from the toquilla palm shoots farmed around Montecristi and there’s no better hat to be found than the tightly woven superfinos. They are far cheaper here than outside Ecuador but top-quality hats still fetch several hundred dollars (standard hats are far cheaper at under $50). Montecristi itself does not have a wealth of tourist attractions beyond hat shopping but its status as Alfaro’s birthplace, a hero of current president, Rafael Correa, has raised the town’s profile. A museum documenting the life of Alfaro is fascinating, together with a spectacular copper sculpture in the mausoleum. There are very few good accommodation options in Montecristi so go to the fishing village of La Crucita (an hour by bus via Manta), which has an emerging kite-surfing scene. Stay at beachfront Hotel Voladores (doubles from $30)

Bahía de Caráquez

This small city has a spectacular location on the coast, perched on a sandy peninsula reaching from the mouth of the river Chone into the Pacific. It’s arguably the most ecologically sound urban area in Ecuador, thanks to a well-organised local effort. Around town, the museum Museo Banco Central has an excellent archaeological collection from the country’s oldest civilisation, Las Vegas , that lived on the Santa Elena peninsula to the south, from the eight century to the fifth century BC. Climb up the hill to Mirador La Cruz for spectacular views over the peninsula. The best eco-tourism is found on an excursion through the mangroves to Isla Corazon, which has a large frigatebird colony. Stay at La Herradura (doubles from $50), which translated means “the horseshoe”, it’s one of the best hotels in town with an eclectic decor of saddles and wagon wheels

Although badly hit by the April 2016 earthquake , this fishing village has recovered and is still one of the most pleasant resorts in the country with a small, friendly, expat community. It’s also an excellent surfing spot: the 10 miles of beach break with no rocks, riptide or reef are good for beginners and advanced surfers, and it’s popular with kite surfers later in the year. For a taste of the region’s burgeoning eco-tourism, 10 miles north of town is the Rio Muchacho organic farm, which produces fruit, vegetables, jams, coffee and chocolate. The farm can be visited on a one-day tour or you can stay for a few days. Ride horses, catch freshwater shrimp and make your own organic dinner. In Canoa, stay at friendly Hostal Amalur (doubles from $25) with colourful rooms and good Spanish food

A hilltop town in the southern Andean foothills, the pace of life in Zaruma is reassuringly slow and best enjoyed over a cup of coffee (the finest in Ecuador, it is claimed). It’s worth exploring the town’s mining heritage – the story goes that a local miner found a huge chunk of gold here in the 16th century and sent it to Spain as a gift for King Felipe II. The king promptly reduced taxes from one fifth to a one sixth of income, giving the El Sexmo mine its name. It is now a tourist attraction with an accompanying small museum. The dramatic hills in the region offer great walking and nearby Bueneventura reserve is rich in wildlife, including monkeys and 24 species of hummingbirds. Stay at Hosteria Jardin (doubles from $50) where simple rooms are set in lush gardens

Puyango Petrified Forest

The largest petrified forest in South America covers about 6,000 acres in the south of Ecuador, just five miles from the Peruvian border. Experts believe that a volcanic eruption followed by a flood caused the petrification. Follow the trails to see fossilised plants, fish and ammonites dating from the Cretaceous period embedded in the tree trunks. The surrounding tropical dry forest hosts 130 species of birds, and a plunge in a stream is a welcome cool-off. Puyango is not very accessible but a couple of buses daily run to and from Machala (2.5 hours). There is basic accommodation in the nearby village of Alamor but it is better to take a bus to Grand Hotel Americano (doubles from $50) in Machala or go to Zaruma

Ben Westwood is author of the Moon guide to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands . To order a copy for £12.29 including UK p&p visit the guardian bookshop or call on 0330 333 6846

• Ecuador holidays
• South America holidays
• Adventure travel

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Places To Visit In Ecuador

Ecuador, a mesmerising country in South America, beckons Indian travellers with its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and thrilling adventures. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the majestic Andes Mountains and the enchanting Galapagos Islands, Ecuador offers an unforgettable experience that promises to leave a lasting impression. Exploring Ecuador is not just a journey through nature but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and culinary delights. Consider a personal loan from Bajaj Finance to turn your Ecuadorian adventure into reality, ensuring you can explore this beautiful country without financial constraints.

Places to visit in Ecuador

• Explore the Amazon Rainforest : Embark on an exhilarating journey into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Discover exotic wildlife, lush vegetation, and indigenous communities as you navigate the winding rivers and dense jungle.
• Visit the Galapagos Islands : Explore the iconic Galapagos Islands, a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Encounter unique species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies while snorkelling in crystal-clear waters.
• Experience Andean Culture : Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Andean highlands by visiting indigenous markets, colourful festivals, and historic sites such as Ingapirca, the largest Inca archaeological site in Ecuador.
• Hike Cotopaxi Volcano : Challenge yourself with a hike to the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Marvel at breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape as you trek through snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain.
• Explore the Historic Centre of Quito : Wander through the charming streets of Quito's Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its colonial architecture, bustling plazas, and ornate churches.
• Discover the Avenue of the Volcanoes : Journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a scenic route flanked by towering peaks and picturesque valleys. Stop at quaint villages and scenic viewpoints along the way to capture stunning photographs and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
• Relax in the Hot Springs of Baños : Unwind in the natural hot springs of Baños, nestled amidst lush forests and cascading waterfalls. Soak in the therapeutic waters while surrounded by stunning natural beauty, providing the perfect opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.
• Visit the Ecuadorian Amazon : Venture into the Ecuadorian Amazon to experience the incredible biodiversity of this pristine ecosystem. Take a guided jungle tour, spot wildlife on a river cruise, and immerse yourself in indigenous culture with visits to local communities.
• Marvel at Quilotoa Crater Lake : Admire the stunning beauty of Quilotoa Crater Lake, a turquoise-coloured lake nestled within the crater of an ancient volcano. Hike along the crater rim for panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscape.
• Explore the Cloud Forest : Discover the enchanting Cloud Forest, a biodiverse region shrouded in mist and home to an incredible array of plant and animal species. Take guided nature walks, zip-line through the canopy, and visit butterfly farms to experience the magic of this unique ecosystem.

Planning and budgeting

Careful planning is essential to make the most of your Ecuadorian getaway. Create a detailed itinerary and budget to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Consider availing a personal loan for travel from Bajaj Finance to cover expenses such as flights, accommodation, transportation, and guided tours, allowing you to focus on making memories without financial worries.

Visa and travel costs

Indian travellers planning a visit to Ecuador must obtain a valid visa before arrival. Budget for visa fees, travel insurance, airport transfers, and incidental expenses to avoid any last-minute surprises. A travel loan offers a convenient way to manage these costs and ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

Why choose a Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan for Ecuador trip?

Your trip to Ecuador can be even more memorable with a personal loan from Bajaj Finance Limited. Here are some ways in which a Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan can benefit you:

• Tailored repayment options : Enjoy the flexibility to tailor your loan repayment period to suit your financial circumstances, spanning from six months to eight years. This adaptability empowers you to effectively manage your budget, providing the freedom to navigate life's financial fluctuations effortlessly.
• Unsecured loans: Say goodbye to the hassle of providing collateral such as gold or property for your loan. Bajaj Finance offers personal loans without the need for valuable assets, simplifying the eligibility criteria and borrowing process. This unsecured approach streamlines access to financial assistance, ensuring individuals can obtain the support they need without unnecessary hassle or risk.
• Swift fund transfer : Upon approval, anticipate prompt transfer of funds to your designated bank account within 24 hours, and in some cases, even on the same day as approval. This expedited processing ensures you can promptly address your financial needs without unnecessary delays, providing reassurance and convenience when you need it most.
• Simplified application process: Enjoy the convenience of completing your personal loan application process entirely online in just five minutes, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork and saving valuable time. Our digital platform ensures a seamless and hassle-free application process from the comfort of your own home, aligning with modern expectations of efficiency and convenience.

In conclusion, Ecuador is a country of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural diversity, offering a wealth of experiences for Indian travellers to explore. From the lush Amazon rainforest and the iconic Galapagos Islands to the majestic Andes Mountains and vibrant indigenous markets, Ecuador captivates the imagination with its breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. To ensure a stress-free and thoroughly enjoyable journey, consider a Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan to manage the financial aspects of your trip. With benefits such as flexible repayment options, transparent fee structure, collateral-free borrowing, quick fund transfers, and a streamlined application process, a personal loan can help you embark on your Ecuadorian adventure without any financial worries. Plan your trip with a well-thought-out budget, and let Ecuador enchant you with its natural wonders and warm hospitality.

Apply for a personal loan from Bajaj Finance Limited and embark on your trip to Ecuador without any hassle.

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The 7 Best New and Affordable Places To Travel in 2024

Posted: March 16, 2024 | Last updated: March 16, 2024

Planning your 2024 vacation? If your wanderlust has you eager to go where you've never been, consider one of these new and affordable destinations for 2024.

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Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Most safari vacations offer rustic accommodations, and a stay at Angama Amboseli does mean you'll be sleeping in a tent. But you'll also be able to gaze on the majesty of African elephants in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. The resort celebrates the local indigenous community in its architecture and its culinary offerings.

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Busan, South Korea

While the K-pop stars BTS may have put Busan on the map, an influx of new resorts keeps it there. A new Windham property joins many beachfront resorts on the Sea of Japan. Foodies will want to consider Busan as it will welcome a new Michelin guide this year.

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Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ocean views and a thriving maritime economy have long been associated with Nova Scotia, but this seaport now boasts an emerging technology industry. The newly redeveloped waterfront area features the Queen's Marque, with restaurants, art galleries and a five-star hotel.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

This Australian destination has rebuilt much of its lost in bushfires in 2020, and several new resorts will open this year. Cabn X is an affordable option, with small homes with a modern feel, and Southern Ocean Lodge, destroyed in the fires, has been rebuilt and is now open.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The DR has long been known as an affordable Caribbean destination, but it is now being recognized for luxury as well. Several new resorts in Punta Cana will open this year, including the St. Regis Cap Cana, the Sanctuary Cap Cana, and a new W hotel. Many resorts are all-inclusive, and some only welcome adults.

Find Out: 7 Cheap, Beautiful Places for a Winter Vacation

Quito, Ecuador

Most travelers visit Quito on their way to the Galapagos Islands, but the Ecuadorian capital has undergone a recent renaissance that makes it a destination in and of itself. An expanded subway has reduced traffic congestion and made it easier for non-locals to get around. New shops, galleries and restaurants have much to offer visitors, and its weather is mild year-round.

Transylvania, Romania

Beautiful castles and a rich history will prove that Transylvania is known for more than just vampires. Try Bethlen Estates near many historical sites, including Dracula's Bran Castle, for luxury. For a retreat experience, Matca offers walking safaris and praying with monks, all with views of the Carpathian Mountains.

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