Ecuador is a small coastal country in the middle of the world with four regions: the Pacific coast, the Amazon Jungle, the Andes Highlands, and the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and has the most density of rivers per square kilometer than any place in the world.
Here, find a list of highlights we recommend visiting in Ecuador depending on your interests, there is always some trip that would fit your wishes.
Banos de Agua Santa
This little tourist town is a hotspot for adventure fans, who can try rafting, paragliding, horse riding, canyoning, mountain biking, and bridge jumping. They also enjoy the view of the sometimes active Tungurahua, end the day in the hot springs, and have a good massage in the many spas around the town.
Chimborazo
At 6,268m, this is Ecuador’s highest peak and the furthest point from the earth’s center. Chimborazos require experience to climb, but the surrounding Fauna Reserve is filled with wild vicuñas, beautiful flora, and hiking trails. A night in a cozy mountain lodge allows you to enjoy the enchanted atmosphere of Ecuador’s giant.
Cotopaxi
One of the world’s highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi in Quechua, means “The Neck of the Moon” for its perfectly conical shape and snow-capped peak. The surrounding area offers many hikes, horse rides, and haciendas, and if you are in shape, you can attempt to summit the peak when the activity allows the ascent.
Cuenca
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of South America’s best-preserved colonial cities. Founded by the Spanish in 1557, Cuenca had already been a settlement for 1,000 years for the Cañari and then the Incas. Today, Cuenca is the city with the most retired people from the US, already around 5,000 retired expats.
Machalilla National Park
Holds the only dry forest found in Ecuador and has preserved many archaeological artifacts from one of South America’s most ancient people, the Manteño. You can tour this area by the small community of Agua Blanca and end at the sulfur pools, where you can have a mud bath in the black waters. Don’t miss Los Frailes Beach – one of Ecuador’s most beautiful beaches.
Mindo
At the base of the Andean slopes starts the exuberant Cloud forest and tropical lowlands in Mindo, one of Ecuador’s most phenomenally biodiverse regions with, waterfalls and rapids, with a range of excellent lodges to stay. You can see over 450 species of birds and also do some adventure sports like tubing, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, and hiking, absolutely a highlight of Ecuador and just 1 hour from Quito, you can do a 1-day tour, but it is best you stay in this colorful town.
Napo – Yasuni
The Napo River is one of the main tributaries of the Amazon, and at the shores, you can pass little jungle settlements, lagoons, and wonderful ecolodges. Visitors can spot tapirs and Papagayos. The Napo River passes by the Yasuni area, which has some of the most biodiverse places on the planet where you can spot macaw clay licks, giant otters, and anacondas.
Otavalo
Hosts one of South America’s biggest Indian markets, most of the population speak Quechua, their native language, and dress in traditional clothes. There, you can find alpaca woolens, woven throws, straw hats, and bright paintings sold by Quechua locals. At the nearby animal market, chickens, sheep, and guinea pigs can be seen each Saturday early in the morning for sale. Out of town, you can find panoramic hikes around the sacred Laguna Cuicocha at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano—Otavalo day trip.
Papallacta
Situated at 3,300m, Papallacta’s main attraction is its natural thermal baths. The setting is beautiful, surrounded by a beautiful basaltic formation point where the Andes descend into the Amazon, along with waterfalls and rivers. Nearby is the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, where you can do some wonderful hikes.
Puerto Lopez
It’s easy to lose track of time in this little fishing town on the hot, dry central coast. Stroll along the long stretches of golden sand, sip coconut juice from wonky beachside huts, bathe in the warm waters, and tuck into a refreshing bowl of ceviche. Whale-watching tours depart from here in Jun-Sep, plus year-round trips to Isla de la Plata – a parched rock covered in loofah bushes, boobies, and balloon-chested frigate birds.
Quito
Stretched narrowly between volcanic peaks, Quito is a fittingly dramatic introduction to Ecuador. The Old Town’s beautifully restored colonial architecture and busy plazas are perfect for people-watching, while its lively indigenous community provides traditional music, dance, and food. Step back into the modern world in the Mariscal Sucre district, with excellent restaurants, trekking gear shops, and funky cafes.
Tena – Misahualli
Ecuador’s whitewater capital and the doorway to the Amazon, superb rafting and kayaking, while outside the town, there are waterfalls and a labyrinth of caves to explore, as well as indigenous communities, Just a few minutes from Tena you can find Misahualli, where you can visit native communities, jungle wildlife and hike by the Amazon forest to a Ceibo the biggest tree on the Jungle.
Quilotoa
Andean communities, farming land, Quechua-speaking people, llamas, mountains, and canyons populate this area. Multi-day hikes from village to village, known as the “Quilotoa Loop,” can be done around, and it is also possible to hike down to the lake, Kayak across, and horseback ride back to Quilotoa crater at 3,900m high.
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