Equatorial Ecuador is a diverse and fascinating nation with something to offer everyone. Starting with its nearly 1,000 miles of coastline boasting excellent beaches, this area advances inland to the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin’s lush rainforests.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Ecuador
It reaches as far as the isolated Galapagos Islands, known for their extraordinary flora and fauna. Large towns with five-star services and quaint local villages with bustling markets can be found in between. A rundown of the top tourist destinations in Ecuador:
1. Guayaquil
Guayaquil, the country’s commercial hub, is the country’s largest city with a population of almost 2.7 million. The city was established in 1538 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco de Orellana on the banks of the Guayas River, which empties into the Pacific.
Visitors like the colonial architecture, rich gardens, and native animals at the Parque Historico Guayaqui, and they appreciate the park’s no-cost policy.
Malecon 2000, a promenade along the river, is a perfect place to conclude the day after exploring the historic district of Las Peas, which features a lighthouse and breathtaking views of the city below.
2. Mindo
Mindo provides ecotourists with a unique opportunity to experience two very different but equally beautiful ecosystems: the tropical Andes and the Chocoan lowlands. Cloud forests, farmlands, three major rivers, and hundreds of streams await travellers here.
Mindo is one of the most visited places in all of Ecuador due to the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities it affords, including rafting, birdwatching, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous to do on your trip to Peru, the chocolatier El Quetzal del Mindo might be just the place.
3. Salinas
As the most westerly city in Ecuador, Salinas is a popular destination for surfers and yachters on the Pacific. The city of Guayaquil is Ecuador’s most frequented tourist destination, and with good reason. Its name comes from the fact that it has many high-rise condos like those seen in Miami, Florida.
It’s also the site of La Chocolatera, a beach where turtles lay their eggs (despite the name) and which requires special permission for visitors. December and early January are prime seasons to visit Salinas. Weekends in the summer are insanely crowded, and the months of April through November can be gloomy and cloudy.
4. Quilotoa Loop
The Quilotoa loop is a trail through some of the most remote Andean settlements in Ecuador, and it is guaranteed to be a hit with hikers who enjoy backcountry exploration.
The journey itself can take up to four days, but hikers can shorten the trip by taking a bus between various stops along the way—though doing so would mean missing out on important historic routes.
In Quilotoa, one may take in breathtaking panoramas of a crater lake. Throughout the week, villages offer vibrant markets, with Thursday being the best day to visit Sanquisili’s market.
5. Riobamba
The Andes city of Riobamba is famous for a few reasons. For one, it’s not far from Chimaborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak at an altitude of 6,268 metres (20,564 feet). Hikers frequently begin the journey at 1 o’clock in the morning to catch the sunrise from this spot.
The railway voyage to Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) begins here, and it is a breathtaking journey over mountainous terrain and cloud forests. On Saturdays, residents of Riobamba can visit a market that offers a more genuine experience than other Ecuadorian markets.
6. Banos
At the base of the live volcano Tungurahua is the little city of Baos. Baos, one of Ecuador’s most visited cities, gets its name from the thermal waters that flow from the nearby volcano.
Baos is a popular starting place for excursions into the Amazon Jungle and is sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to the Amazon.”
Tourists are also drawn to the river gorges because of the waterfalls that plunge thousands of feet below them. The most remarkable is the roaring Pailon de Diablo waterfall, which cascades through a valley at the confluence of the Río Verde and Rio Pastaza.
7. Cuenca
Cuenca, the provincial capital of Azuay, is famous for its preserved colonial architecture. Cuenca, like Old Quito, is a prime example of a Renaissance-era planned city in the Americas.
But, without the pollution, noise, and people of the city, its small, cobblestone alleys, balconied buildings with interior courtyards, and white churches shine. Retirees from all across the United States flock to the city every year for the vibrant festivals held in January and November. The Canar plantation is home to the most extensive Inca remains in all of Ecuador.
8. Otavalo
One of the most vibrant and significant weekly marketplaces in the Andes may be found in Otavalo. It is the best area to find authentic, handcrafted things, such as the city’s renowned fine textiles, leather goods, and jewellery.
There has been a market on this site since long before the time of the Incas. Photographers will love the picturesque setting of snow-capped mountains and traditional dress among the people of Ecuador. While the Plaza de los Ponchos’ primary market is on Saturdays, visitors may still find some handicrafts there on other days of the week.
9. Quito
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is the world’s highest capital city at an elevation of 2,800 metres (9,350 ft) above sea level. The 2.2 million residents of this metropolis call an area of the Andes with active volcanoes home. When it comes to South American cities, few can compare to Quito’s historic area.
Despite extensive renovation, the old town still has the lively working class and indigenous character that has always distinguished it, even though it was founded in 1534 and boasts no fewer than 20 Catholic churches from the colonial era. The historic district is home to Carondolet Palace, the official residence of the President of Ecuador.
10. Galapagos Islands
Located on the equator about 600 miles (1,000 km) west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a lonely yet picturesque archipelago of 19 islands that served as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection.
These islands are so far from the mainland that they have become a haven for species that can’t be found anyplace else. Marine iguanas, giant tortoises, red- and blue-footed boobies, fur seals, lava lizards, frigatebirds, colourful Christmas iguanas, and the Galapagos Penguin are just few of the rare and exotic animals that call the Galapagos home.
The Galapagos Islands were declared a national park in 1959, after having been used as a penal colony in the early 20th century and having been claimed by Ecuador after being visited by Darwin in the early 1800s.
The Galapagos Islands are becoming a well-known holiday spot. Santa Cruz, with its giant tortoises, lava tubes, and Charles Darwin Research Institute, is one of the most popular destinations. There are more hotels and travel companies in Santa Cruz.
From marine iguanas and sea lions to dolphins and whales, Fernandina is home to a wide diversity of animals. Kicker Rock is a prominent landmark in San Cristobol. The largest of the islands is Isabela, which features numerous volcanic trails and a significant sea lion colony in Plaza Sur.
Baltra is home to the airport and a few souvenir shops, while nearby Wolf and Darwin Islands are some of the top diving spots in the world. Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and Puerto Villamil are three of the few inhabited settlements in the archipelago, and each has its unique selection of restaurants, pubs, and hotels.
The islands can only be visited through cruise. Quito, Guayaquil, and Puerto Ayora are home to a plethora of tour companies. Tours can last anywhere from one day to multiple weeks aboard a variety of boats ranging from modest yachts to large cruise liners.
