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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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The Top 16 Tourist Attractions in Ecuador

Here is our selection of the top 16 tourist attractions in Ecuador.

We will provide information on each attraction. And we will mention top travel bloggers to give you their own opinions of each place.

The Amazon Rainforest

The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest ranks as the most wildlife-rich area on Earth. And it contains an astounding number of animals and plants. Rare for the northern Amazon, in Ecuador you can also see some clay licks. This is where flocks of colorful parrots visit muddy banks for the nutrient and salt-rich clays.

From excellent rainforest lodges or Amazon River cruises, you will head out with your professional guide to spot the many different species. See several different monkeys, colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, and a diversity of delicate frogs. The monkeys you’re likely to find on Ecuador Amazon tours include squirrel monkeys, capuchins, howler monkeys, sakis and titi monkeys.

For a comfortable lodge with expertly guided tours to experience Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, we recommend the Sacha Lodge.

See the video below for a short introduction to the Sacha Lodge.

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+

The main protected areas in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest are the Yasuni National Park and the Cuyabeno Reserve. These areas contains a fantastic amount of wildlife and there are rainforest corridors linking the rainforest so animals including jaguar, monkeys, and tapir can cross from one reserve to the other.

Enjoy large canopy towers from different lodges to gaze over the Amazon. These are great spots for seeing different birds flying high over the forest. At the highly acclaimed Sacha Lodge , you can enjoy their giant canopy walkway high above the Amazon, which is much loved by tourists and especially by bird watchers.

The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest has some great luxury Amazon tours, such as the community-owned Napo Wildlife Center or the Manatee Amazon Cruise . The Manatee also has its slightly later sister vessel called the Anakonda Amazon Cruise , which offers the same high standard of comfort and service.

For an introduction to the Manatee Amazon Cruise, click the video below.

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 Galapagos Islands

Sitting just off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands have fascinated people since the 1800s when Charles Darwin made his notes on the archipelago’s unique collection of animals and plants. Darwin’s notes on the Galapagos helped him develop the theory of evolution by natural selection, as he noted the different finches inhabiting the islands had adapted to suit the island’s particular food available.

On tours of the Galapagos, you can see tortoises the size of small vehicles, blue footed boobies, ocean diving iguanas, sea lions, flamingos, and a diversity of others. Enjoy touring some of the the 19 various islands to enjoy fascinating nature, geological spectacles, beautiful beaches, and interesting history. A great stop over common to many tours is the Charles Darwin Research Center where researchers are studying the local wildlife and conservation programs are undertaken to help different species, such as the iconic giant tortoises.

To combine the Galapagos Islands with the Amazon Rainforest, you can enjoy the Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour.

And over 11 days, enjoy Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, a yacht trip to another nearby island and the Amazon Rainforest.

The tour includes:

• 3-nights at Scalesia Lodge – Isabela Island
• 3-nights at Finch Bay Hotel – Santa Cruz Island
• 1-night at Quito Airport Hotel – Quito
• 3-nights at Sacha Lodge – Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest

To check availability for your travel dates, you can send a message to the Sacha Lodge who operate the tour, and who operate the Scalesia Lodge on the Galapagos, using the tour bubble below.

The Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour

Enjoy a seamless journey to combine two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions. And over 11 days, you will ...

Includes: all meals at Sacha Lodge & Scalesia Lodge, half-board at Finch Bay Hotel, accommodation, all guided excursions, transfers from & to Galapagos & Coca airports, Galapagos & Coca air tickets

Founded in the 16th century, Quito is Ecuador’s capital and a great example of a South American colonial city. Originally built on the ruins of an old Inca city, Quito offers some fascinating architecture, great restaurants, comfortable cafes, and fascinating museums.

Located in the Andes surrounded by mountains, Quito’s main attraction is Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with interesting colonial buildings, history, and monuments. Unlike many historic centers, this is a well used part of the city with frequently visited plazas and busy streets.

The country’s name gives a clue to one of the favorite things to do while in Ecuador, as ecuador means equator in Spanish. Visitors can enjoy a trip to La Mitad del Mundo and you can take photographs at the equatorial line and tall 30 meter (100 ft) high monument. This is a little off the GPS coordinates for the equator, but don’t let that spoil the fun.

The colonial architecture is best seen in the old Catholic churches, such as as the San Francisco Monastery, La Compañía (further down the list), and Santo Domingo Monastery. The Basílica del Voto Nacional is also a must see attraction, which is the largest Neo-gothic basilica in the Americas and you can climb right to the top of the tall tower.

Hiking and walking opportunities can be found from various trails around the city. The closest volcano is Pichincha, and you’re also provided with a cable-car ride to the top with fantastic views. Inside the city itself, you can find Metropolitano Guanguiltagua Park, which is one of the largest city parks in South America. This is a great place to relax during the day.

You’re sure to visit La Mariscal, which is affectionately known as Gringolandia. You can find many tourist focused restaurants, shops, travel agencies, cafes, hotels, and nightlife. Don’t forget market day on Sundays as you’re sure to encounter fascinating stalls filled with interesting Ecuadorian crafts, products, and food.

Quilotoa Loop

One of the favorite scenic hikes in Ecuador, the Quilotoa Loop not only offers stunning scenery but also cultural experiences with local people, markets, and villages. You will also have the crystal-blue Quilotoa Lake itself. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Ecuador and makes for a fantastic visit. Many people regard this trek along with the Galapagos and Amazon as one of the country’s must-visit attractions.

About three hours from Quito, this is a much-loved trail but it is off-the-beaten-track and an adventurous attitude may be required. The trek takes around five days if you take your time and you can stay in different accommodations on the way, which prepare your meals and provide maps to help you stay on track.

The circuit is about 200km and if you want to finish at the lake itself, a great way to go is from north to south beginning in Sigchos and ending in Quilotoa. However, many people choose to go in the other direction as well. You will pass fantastic scenery, such as lakes, rivers, valleys, Quechua communities, as well as the fantastic volcano. From the rim of Quilotoa Laguna you can also see the beautiful snow capped peaks of Cotopaxi.

Some travel bloggers who enjoyed the Quilotoa Loop are Andrew & Emily from Alongdustyroads.com and Johnny & Teo from 2driftingcoconuts.com

Otavalo Market

Otavalo itself is an indigenous town in Ecuador and the most famous attraction here for visitors is the fantastic market. The indigenous Otavaleños are known for their weaving of Andean textiles and clothing, which are then sold in the market on Saturdays. You can choose from a variety of colorful and intricately patterned items, such as blankets, clothing, table cloths, a diversity of bags, ornaments, and jewelry.

Dating from pre-Colombian times, the market continues today but took off in 1960 with a bustling community of buyers and sellers selling all types of novel items sourced from around the country. The market remains one of the most interesting in Latin America. Some of the surrounding towns then focus on other products, such as wood carving and leather and you can visit the different areas to browse what’s on offer.

Famous for traditional and mixed textiles, tourism is now the town’s main industry and a focus is made on producing traditional handicrafts for the market. Some sellers also have success in selling their goods abroad and the Otavaleños are one of Latin America’s most commercially successful indigenous groups.

Surrounded by fantastic scenery, it’s the people and landscape that add the the attraction of the market. The local people wear traditional clothing, such as colorful ponchos and traditional hats.

Not only offering the famous Otavalo Market, you can also visit the nearby waterfall called Las Cascadas de Peguche and some attractive lakes. There are also different enjoyable activities nearby, such as mountain biking, horse riding, kayaking, and many different hiking opportunities.

Some travel bloggers who visited Otavalo Market are Laura & Lance from Traveladdicts.net and Brenna from Thisbatteredsuitcase.com .

The Ecuador Diverse Tour

To combine the Galapagos Islands, Quito, Amazon Rainforest and the Andes, including a guided visit to the Otavalo Market, you can choose the 13-day Ecuador Diverse Tour.

Starting from Quito, explore Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. You will stay at both the Scalesia Lodge and Finch Bay Hotel for two of the region’s premium accommodation options.

You will also enjoy a day trip exploring another nearby island aboard the Finch Bay Hotel’s exclusive yacht.

After the Galapagos, travel to the Amazon Rainforest and the Sacha Lodge for incredible wildlife tours scouting for many different animals. With your highly trained guide, spot many different monkeys, reptiles and colorful birds.

And after the Amazon, travel to the Andes and the beautiful Hacienda Piman to explore the Andes. On guided tours, search for spectacled bears (one of the largest mammals in South America), visit the Condor Rehabilitation Project and enjoy cultural activities. And this includes a fascinating visit to the Otavalo Market.

You will then return to the Hacienda Piman for delicious farm-to-table meals of regional cuisine.

Your tour includes:

• 2-nights at Hacienda Piman – Ecuador’s Andes

On the Ecuador Diverse Tour, explore all three of Ecuador’s most remarkable regions. Over 13 fantastic days, you will enjoy ...

Includes: all meals at Sacha Lodge, Scalesia Lodge & Hacienda Piman, half-board at Finch Bay Hotel, accommodation, all guided excursions, transfers from & to Galapagos & Coca airports, Galapagos & Coca air tickets

Baños lives up to its name with steaming thermal pools you can visit. Sitting in an incredible environment of waterfalls, forests, and volcanoes, the area is worth a visit for its scenery alone.

Baños de Agua Santa is a small Andean city backed by the Tungurahua volcano. Known as the adventure capital of Ecuador, in addition to the fantastic scenery you can enjoy many different activities, such as mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, and lively nightlife.

The city is located in central Ecuador and is a tourist hub for visitors interested in the hot pools, the many different activities, and also for visiting the surrounding forests.

Cuenca is a 16th century city in Ecuador’s highlands with the city center listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. A favorite city in Ecuador, you can find many fantastic historical buildings with impressive architecture as well as a lot of other tourist attractions, such as churches, museums and attractive city parks.

A favorite place for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, Cuenca is also a great place to browse traditional Ecuadorian products, such as ceramics, hats, and different crafts. You can enjoy international and traditional cuisine with many fantastic restaurants throughout the city.

After the defeat of the Cañari who lived here beforehand, the Inca inhabited the area for a brief period but abandoned the region long before the Spanish arrival. You can find some Incan architecture dotted around the city as the Spanish built Cuenca on the ruins of the Inca’s ancient settlement.

This is Ecuador’s third largest city and one of the country’s most significant colonial cities providing a cleaner and more relaxed vibe than the country’s capital of Quito.

Surrounding Cuenca are great nature experience, such as visits to the impressive El Cajas National Park where you can walk, hike, and enjoy great mountain biking opportunities.

Some travel bloggers who visited Cuenca are Mike & Anne from Honeytrek.com , Anna from Blondebananablog.com , and Brittany from Borealblonde.com .

Cloud Forest

The Ecuadorian cloud forest is a remarkable environment home to one of the world’s highest levels of animals and plants. The birds here are incredibly diverse with a fantastic number of species. Enjoy hummingbirds, toucans, and other wildlife, such as various monkeys and mysterious-looking plants.

Cloud forest is defined as forest at such a high altitude that it’s penetrated by cloud cover, which makes the lush forested sides of the Andes a great place for a range of wildlife rich areas. The varying altitudes create a fascinating diversity of wildlife and the cloud forest contains many different endangered species. The environment alone is one of the world’s most threatened.

You will notice that the cloud forest is a lot more lush than the lower rainforest and offers a cooler temperature because of the higher altitude. The environment is unique with mosses covering the trunks of trees, fast moving rivers, orchids cling to the branches, and epiphytes dotting the tall trees.

You can enjoy some fantastic cloud forest lodges in Ecuador and visit many different cloud forest reserves. From these unique accommodation options, enjoy guided walks through the cloud forest to learn about this incredible environment while spotting many of the different animals and plants that call this threatened forest home.

The name Cotopaxi is thought to mean ‘the neck of the moon’ and the volcano was once worshiped by ancient civilizations. This is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes and one of the most famous volcanoes in South America. Located just south of Quito, Cotopaxi is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and an iconic landmark. The volcano has a beautiful form with a symmetrical volcano shape and snow covered top.

Reaching 5897m (19,347ft) into the sky, Cotopaxi is the second highest peak in the country and sits in the middle of Ecuador’s most popular national park. The park protects the environment of the volcano itself and surrounding grasslands. The area around this impressive volcano is home to fantastic hiking trails where you can see different animals and plants, including the majestic condors, spectacled bear, and deer.

The first European who attempted to climb the volcano was the famous explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, but he failed to reach the top. Nowadays you can enjoy horse riding around the volcano and hikes up the volcano itself. Not only offering a thrill of climbing a still very active volcano, the views from the top are breathtaking.

La Compañía de Jesus Church

One of the only buildings on this list, we have to add one of the most beautiful churches in South America. La Compañía is a Jesuit church in Quito and the central space is intricately decorated with gold leaf and ornate wood carvings making it such a fantastic building. The church even shows the subtle ways early Christians manipulated followers of indigenous beliefs to convert to Catholicism, as lining the entrance are images of the Sun and other highly revered symbols of indigenous people.

Dating from 1605 and taking over 100 years to build, the outside of the church is topped with beautiful green and gold domes. Almost every inch of the church tells a story and the building providing a fantastic example of artistic expression.

A must visit building and UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Compañía de Jesus offers both an architecturally beautiful and ornately decorated church fitted with fantastic artwork, sculptures, and altars. Enjoy tours around the church that show off the building’s unique history and architecture.

Los Frailes Beach

As Ecuador is a coastal country in the tropics, you can be sure that you can find some great beaches. Los Frailes Beach is one of the country’s favorites. Located near Puerto Lopez, you can find this very scenic beach for white sand, nature trails through the forest, and some different birds, including the famous blue footed boobies.

The white sandy beaches are surrounded by dramatic cliff scenery and tropical dry forest. You can enjoy visiting the mirador or lookout point for some fantastic views of the ocean and coastline.

Los Frailes Beach is located inside the National Park of Machalilla. There is a two hour walk leading to Los Frailes, which passes through the beautiful black sand beach of Playita Negra then to the lookout point and finally ends at the beautiful Los Frailes.

Ingapirca Inca Ruins

One of the most significant and largest sets of Inca ruins in Ecuador, Ingapirca means the ‘Inca wall’ with the main building known as the Temple of the Sun, which was designed and built with incredible precision. The stones were cut in such an exact way that sunlight will shine through the central doorway at the top of the temple on the solstices.

Although the ruins are not as grand as neighbouring Peru, the site still offers a fascinating look at the Inca expansion into Ecuador with their iconic building style and remarkable engineering ability.

Originally, the site was inhabited by the Cañari people but were pushed out by the Inca after a long battle at the end of the 15th century. Later on, because of respect earned by the Cañari, both civilizations worked out a way to cohabit the same region.

The conquistadors arrived in Ecuador before the Inca could finish the city. The Spanish looted what they could and used many of the stones to build their own churches and colonial buildings in other cities, such as Cuenca. Today, a lot of the area has been reduced to its foundations but the Temple of the Sun remains, which provides an interesting point to look over the surroundings imagining the experiences of the Incas.

Located south-west of Quito, Guayaquil is a fantastic colonial city and the second largest city in Ecuador. Guayaquil offers beautiful architecture, fantastic restaurants and bars, and an interesting history. You can also find a great arts scene, fantastic nightlife, and many different city parks and squares. One of the most loved is the Parque el Centenario positioned in the center of the city. The park is dotted with different bronze monuments representing the ideals of Guayaquil.

Founded by Francisco de Orellana, Guayaquil sits on the Guayas River and is one of South America’s main port cities. The malecon or riverfront promenade is one of the city’s favorite destinations, which is where you can find many of the fantastic restaurants, interesting museums, sculptures, bars, and shops lining the walkway. The ultramodern walkway is probably the most focussed renovation on creating a nice environment for tourists in the whole of South America. Although, this is also a much loved spot for locals as well.

Because of it’s location and hub of activity, Guayaquil was frequently raided by pirates during colonial times who would take anything they could carry, including the local women on many occasions.

Laguna Cuicocha

A very scenic and deep lagoon to visit located just a little north of Quito, Laguna Cuicocha sits in the cordillera of an extinct volcano and formed after a big eruption over 3,000 years ago. The lake is home to two islands made of solidified lava. You can enjoy hiking around the crater’s rim for fantastic views and cruise on the lake itself within the volcano.

The name stems from the lake’s shape as indigenous people felt the water was shaped like a guinea pig, which is why the translation of Laguna Cuicocha is the ‘lake of the guinea pig.’ Guinea pigs are an important food for indigenous people throughout the Andes and along with the camelids are South America’s only domesticated animals.

The hike around the caldera takes about 5 hours and provides excellent views both of the caldera itself and the surrounding scenery. Surrounding the caldera are a few different volcanoes, including Imbabura, Cayambe and Mojanda. The eruptions of these volcanoes created the fertility of the valley and show why Ecuador really is the land of volcanoes.

Santay Island

A 2200 hectare island in the middle of the Guayas River, Santay Island can be reached from Guayaquil. You can enjoy a boat trip to the island from this fantastic colonial city. A testament to conservation, Santay Island is a highly diverse wetland where you can enjoy the mangroves and many wildlife sightings.

On the island you can see many different birds, including many threatened species, reptiles, such as the famous iguanas, and different fascinating snakes and mammals. You can enjoy many different trails leading around the island that connect to restaurants, accommodation options, and a ranger’s station.

Although a small population lives on the island itself, the majority of the island is dedicated to nature. Not only a fantastic area for wildlife, Santay Island helps filter and clean the air from the city and provides an important ecological service.

Iguana Park

Officially known as Parque Seminario, this a small city park but is definitely worth a visit when in Guayaquil. You may think this is just like any other attractive city park until you look to the trees or notice some movement from the corner of your eye.

What sets this park apart and makes it unique are the abundance of free roaming iguanas. Iguanas are almost everywhere, from the trees to the park benches. Not only full of iguanas, the waterways are full of turtles and fish and squirrels from the surroundings are frequently seen jumping around the branches.

The park is loved by visitors but is also a favorite place for locals as well. There are many places to buy some snacks or an ice cream while you wander the park looking at the animals.

A travel blogger who visited the Iguana Park is Sue from Traveltalesoflife.com .

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Must-see attractions in Ecuador

León Dormido

Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)

About an hour’s boat ride northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is León Dormido (Kicker Rock), so named because of its resemblance to a sleeping lion. León…

El Chato Tortoise Reserve

Isla Santa Cruz (Indefatigable)

South of Santa Rosa is El Chato Tortoise Reserve, where you can observe giant tortoises in the wild. When these virtually catatonic, prehistoric-looking…

Puerto Ayora

The first of its kind in the world, this museum uses augmented reality to showcase a permanent exhibition of 55 pre-Columbian artifacts. The ancient…

Volcán Alcedo

The Galápagos Islands

The summit of this volcano (1097m) is famous for its 7km-wide caldera and steaming fumaroles. Hundreds of giant tortoises can be seen here, especially…

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

Capped by green-and-gold domes, La Compañía de Jesús is Quito’s most ornate church and a standout among the baroque splendors of the Old Town. Free guided…

Museo del Banco Central ‘Pumapungo’

One of Ecuador's most significant museums, Pumapungo houses great modern art downstairs, but the highlight is on the 2nd floor. Here begins a…

For spectacular views over Quito’s mountainous landscape, hop aboard this sky tram, one of the world's highest aerial lifts, that takes passengers on a 2…

Casa Museo Guayasamín

In the former home of the legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of the artist's work…

Capilla del Hombre

One of the most important works of art in South America, Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín’s Capilla del Hombre stands next to the Casa Museo…

Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo

Marking the end of the riverfront is the modern MAAC, a museum of anthropology and archaeology that hosts a superb permanent collection of pre-Colombian…

Cementerio de Tulcán

Northern Highlands

Who would have thought the coolest thing you may see in Ecuador would be a cemetery? A maze of cypress trees – sculpted into bulbous, pre-Columbian totems…

Puerta de la Ciudad

With perhaps more pomp and circumstance than you'll encounter anywhere else in Loja, the City Gate greets you into downtown from the northern corner. It's…

Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo

Central Highlands

Volcán Chimborazo and Volcán Carihuairazo are both within the Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo. It is called a ‘fauna-production reserve’ because…

Laguna Quilotoa

The Quilotoa Loop

About 14km north of Zumbahua, the famous volcanic-crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa is a gasp-inducing sight. A lookout on the precipitous crater rim offers…

This excellent archaeological museum of Orellana region's cultural legacy is a must-visit in Coca. Housing exquisitely restored and diverse artifacts from…

Museo de la Música

This fun museum located in an old school explores the lives of famous musicians who hailed from Loja (most peaking in success during the golden 1890–1940…

Quinta de Juan León Mera

Several famous ambateños (people from Ambato) had quintas that survived the earthquake. They were once considered countryside homes, but today they are…

Palacio de Gobierno

The low white building on the northwestern side of Plaza Grande is the seat of the Ecuadorian presidency. Visitors can enter by joining a free guided tour…

Museo de Arte Religioso

Inside the beautifully restored 18th-century convent, Riobamba’s top museum houses one of the country’s finest collections of 17th- and 18th-century…

Museos Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana

Newly reopened following a full-scale makeover, Museos Casa de la Cultura encompasses three museums in a single bright, modern space. The expansive Museo…

El Sagrario

Standing across the park from the new cathedral, the whitewashed El Sagrario is also known as the 'old cathedral.' Construction began in 1557, the year…

Pailón del Diablo

The Devil's Cauldron is a must-stop. There are two terrific trails from Río Verde that take you here. The first is accessed from below the soccer field,…

Museo Provincial Casa del Portal

This majestic home was built in 1900 and now houses Ambato's best museum. There are tons of interesting historic photos on the 1st floor. Head up to the…

Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción

Also known as the ‘new cathedral,’ construction began on this vast cathedral only in 1885. Its giant domes of sky-blue Czech tile are visible from all…

Charles Darwin Research Station

Just northeast of Puerto Ayora is this iconic national-park site, where over 200 scientists and volunteers are involved with research and conservation…

Puerto Egas

Puerto Egas is one of the most popular sites in the Galápagos – a long, flat, black lava shoreline where eroded shapes form lava pools, caves and inlets…

La Chocolatera

South Coast

The westernmost point of Ecuador has three main attractions:La Fae Beach, with a boarded walkway where you can watch a seal colony;El Morro (or little…

Darwin Lake

A dry landing deposits you at the beginning of a 2km-long trail that brings you past this postcard-perfect saltwater lagoon. It has twice the salinity of…

Cerro Brujo

Possibly one of the nicest beaches in the Galápagos, Cerro Brujo is a huge white expanse found on the west side of the island. The sand here feels like…

Tortuga Bay

In terms of sheer white-sand beauty, this beach is the rival of any in South America. You’ll find it at the end of a 2.5km paved trail southwest of Puerto…

Volcán Wolf

Not only is Isla Isabela the largest Galápagos island, but its imposing skyline of grumbling volcanoes makes it the most striking. Volcán Wolf, at the…

Interpretation Center

This modern and easily digestible center explains the history and significance of the Galápagos better than anywhere else in the country. Exhibits deal…

Rancho Primicias

Next to El Chato is this private ranch, where there are dozens of giant tortoises, and you can wander around at will. The entrance is beyond Santa Rosa,…

Volcán Sierra Negra

Northwest of the tiny settlement of Tomás de Berlanga lies the massive Volcán Sierra Negra (1490m), which last erupted in late 2005. An 8km trail leads…

Parque Nacional Machalilla

Ruta Spondylus

Preserving isolated beaches, coral formations, two offshore islands, tropical dry forest, coastal cloud forest, archaeological sites and 200 sq km of…

Post Office Bay

Most groups spend several perfunctory minutes on the north coast at Post Office Bay, where scraps of wood covered in graffiti surround a a few gone-to…

Podocarpus National Park

Southern Highlands

This national park fills in much of the triangle between Loja, Zamora and Vilcabamba, as well as a huge swath to the southeast. Because altitude ranges so…

Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

The centerpiece of Ecuador's most popular national park is the snowcapped and downright picture-perfect Volcán Cotopaxi. At 5897m, it's Ecuador's second…

El Bosque Petrificado Puyango

A 4km boardwalk loop leads to the petrified forest (take the trail behind the toilet block; another dirt road to the left leads to private land). The dry…

Agua Blanca

A visit to this small indigenous community and its surrounding territory is a chance to escape tar-and-concrete modern Ecuador. You’ll find the turn-off,…

More destinations you need to see

Best things to do in Ecuador

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 23.04.2024

There’s a well-known saying that Ecuador is actually four worlds rolled into one country — despite being roughly the same size as the UK. Discover the rich culture and stunning beauty of Ecuador with our Rough Guide list of the best things to do in Ecuador and get inspiration for planning your trip .

1. Find treasures at Otavalo market

• 2. Explore Quito — Ecuador's political and cultural heart

3. Climbing Cotopaxi Volcano - one of the most exciting things to do in Ecuador

4. see the crater lake: laguna quilotoa, 5. stroll along malecón 2000, 6. see some of the 3500 species of orchids, 7. try fresh and delicious ceviche, 9. visit colonial cuenca — unesco world heritage site, 10. the hauntingly beautiful páramo, 11. take the nariz del diablo train ride, 12. experiencing galápagos islands wildlife - one of the best things to do in ecuador, 13. horseriding in the countryside, 14. see the absorbing museo del banco central, 15. whale watching — one of the best things to do in ecuador.

• 16. Explore Ecuador's contemporary art

18. Ingapirca

19. la compañía, 20. papallacta hot springs, 21. cotopaxi national park, 22. mindo cloud forest.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Ecuador & The Galápagos , your essential guide for visiting Ecuador .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Ecuador, created by local experts

21 days  / from 11900 USD

Ecuador's Best in 3 Weeks

A journey to the heart of Ecuador: discover the Andean highlands, go on a deep dive in the Amazon jungle, explore the colonial cities on the Pacific Coast and end your trip with the incredibly diverse Galapagos Islands. This trip packs all into one, the adventure of a lifetime!

10 days  / from 5919 USD

Unique Lodges of Ecuador

Prepare yourself for the epitome of adventure and prestige with not one but two Unique Lodges in Ecuador into the lush and captivating nearby cloud forest to discover Mashpi Lodge. After that, prepare yourself for the wonders at your doorstep at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.

14 days  / from 6565 USD

Best of Peru & Galapagos Islands

Split your South America trip into two fascinating countries: Peru with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as ocean-facing capital Lima. Afterwards, proceed to the Galapagos Islands. You will stay on 3 different islands and explore many more.

Even hardened skinflints won’t be able to resist bagging a few of the fabulous handicrafts and weavings on offer at one of the largest and most colourful artesanía markets on the continent. Every Saturday morning, Otavalo comes to life. Pick-up trucks laden with merchandise and vendors bent double under great blocks of textiles stream into town from the surrounding countryside.

If you can’t visit on a Saturday, don't worry. Many of most of town’s weaving and artesanía shops stay open throughout the week. You’ll find stalls on the Plaza de Ponchos every day.

Indian market Otavalo, Imbabura, Ecuador © Ksenia Ragozina/Shutterstock

2. Explore Quito — Ecuador's political and cultural heart

A mixture of church spires, tiled roofs and skyscrapers glinting in the sunlight against the brooding backdrop of Volcán Pichincha . Quito is the second highest capital in the world and is an enthralling blend of urban and traditional indigenous cultures. Rivalled only by Guayaquil in size and economic clout, Quito is Ecuador’s political and cultural heart.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito's historic centre contains some of the most beautiful Spanish colonial architecture on the continent. The frenetic crowds of indígenas and mestizos that throng its streets give it a tremendous energy.

On this tailor-made trip to Ecuador's Cultural Cities and the Galapagos Islands you will explore the largest three cities of Ecuador, and the small towns and villages in between. Enjoy some outstanding scenery and wildlife, including the giant tortoise of Galapagos and the large iguanas that roam the streets of Guayaquil.

Where to stay in Quito:

• Best for location: Hotel David
• Best for rooftop views: Friends Hotel & Rooftop

Find more accommodation options to stay in Quito

Basilica Voto Nacional, Downtown in Quito, Ecuador © f11photo/Shutterstock

Ecuador is a big draw for experienced climbers. A popular destination is Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Even novices, if fit and under professional guidance, can have a crack at

With its broad, green base and graceful slopes tapering to the lip of its crater, Cotopaxi is arguably the most photogenic of the country’s thirty or so volcanoes. On a clear day, it makes a dizzying backdrop to the stretch of highway between Quito and Latacunga.

Ready to immerse yourself in the history of Ecuador? Learn all about the history and culture of Ecuador and travel through the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes on this tailor-made trip to History and Culture of Ecuador . Here, markets, farms and museums will help you understand the traditions of Ecuador's indigenous people.

Cotopaxi volcano with some climbers ascending by its sandbanks © Ecuadorpostales/Shutterstock

This glittering green crater lake sits at the heart of the Quilotoa loop , a popular scenic diversion through the beguiling landscapes and villages of the rural central highlands.

It’s possible to walk down to the lake from the crater’s edge following the path that starts just left of the parking area. It’s steep, and not to be undertaken lightly, but the views at the bottom are highly rewarding.

Quilotoa crater lake, Ecuador © Noradoa/Shutterstock

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A triumph of urban renewal, this landmark is a transformation of a dangerous and dilapidated riverside walkway into the cultural and recreational heart of the city. It has been a leading force behind the renaissance of Guayaquil . Strolling the two-kilometre long pedestrianized section that runs alongside by the waterfront, known as the Malecón 2000 is one of the most pleasant things to do in Ecuador.

It connects some of Guayaquil’s best-known monuments. It features a large, paved esplanade filled with trees, botanical gardens, contemporary sculpture and architecture. Also serves access to lovely shopping malls and restaurants. Enclosed by railings and accessed only via guarded entrance gates, it is regularly patrolled by security guards, making it one of the safest places to spend a day in Guayaquil.

Where to stay in Guayaquil:

• Best for B&B: Hello! Las Peñas Siglo XXI B&B
• Best for comfort: Unipark by Oro Verde Hotels

Find more accommodation options to stay in Guayaquil

Malecon-2000 waterfront, Guayaquil, Ecuador © Jess Kraft/Shutterstock

A miracle of biodiversity, Ecuador has more orchid species than any other country on Earth. Wet, green, vibrant and extraordinarily beautiful, cloud forests feel like the prehistoric habitat of dinosaurs. Streaked by silvery waterfalls, the forests are shrouded in heavy mists for at least part of each day.

It’s this dampness that creates such lush conditions, giving rise to an abundance of epiphytes, such as lichens, mosses and ferns, which drape over the trees. Many orchids are epiphytes, preferring moss-covered branches or exposed bark to normal soil. With more than 3500 species, Ecuador is thought to have more orchids than any other country in the world.

Orchid blossom © PAUL ATKINSON/Shutterstock

The bright, zesty flavours and tender textures of ceviche, seafood marinated in lime juice, have made it a national obsession. This is especially so on the coast, where it makes the perfect accompaniment to sun, a cold beer, and a bowl of popcorn. Coastal delicacies, unsurprisingly, centre on seafood.

The Rough Guides to Ecuador and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

The classic ceviche is prepared by marinating raw seafood in lime juice and chilli, and serving it with raw onion.

Ceviche © Shutterstock

Pristine colonial architecture, cobbled streets, illustrious churches and flowering plazas give Cuenca a distinguished air. It earns its well-deserved reputation of being the country’s most enchanting city. A classic example of a planned Renaissance town in the Americas, Cuenca’s centro histórico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city shares many architectural features with Quito’s old town: narrow, cobbled streets, harmonious, balconied houses with interior courtyards. Not to mention an abundance of gleaming white churches and monasteries – all presented without the pollution, noise and overbearing crowds of the capital.

Where to stay in Cuenca:

• Best for colonial style: Del Parque Hotel & Suites
• Best for central location: Hotel La Orquidea

Find more accommodation options to stay in Cuenca

Cathedral Cuenca, Ecuador © Mark Pitt Images/Shutterstock

From around 4700m down to 3100m, the climate of the páramo is less harsh, allowing for a wider range of life. The vegetation of the páramo, covering ten per cent of Ecuador’s total land area, is dominated by dense tussocks of Festuca or Calamgrostis grasses, along with terrestrial bromeliads and ferns.

The páramo is bleak, cold and wet, but hauntingly beautiful. You'll find here high-altitude grassland wildernesses rolling uninterrupted for miles between lonely, mist-shrouded lakes in many of the country’s highland reserves.

If you are going backpacking in Ecuador read our list of tips for backpacking South America .

El Angel ecological reserve, Ecuador © Vaclav Sebek/Shutterstock

Nariz del Diablo is one of the world’s greatest train journeys as it descends the Andes over the “Devil’s Nose” in a sequence of thrilling switchback turns. This journey is one of the most exciting things to do in Ecuador.

The train starts at Alausí, taking around two and a half hours for the return trip. This includes a spell in Sibambe, where you are treated to some staged traditional dancing and a small museum. Sit on the right-hand side of the train for the descent, if you can, and take the less busy 8 am journey.

Train ride at Devils nose - Nariz del Diablo, Ecuador © KalypsoWorldPhotography/Shutterstock

Galapagos Island still gives an unparalleled insight into the mechanics of nature at one of the world’s most treasured wildlife destinations. Today the archipelago’s matchless wildlife, stunning scenery and unique history make it arguably the world’s premier wildlife destination.

The animals that have carved out an existence on the dramatic volcanic landscape have a legendary fearlessness. This results in close-up encounters that are simply not possible anywhere else on Earth. Witnessing first-hand the mating dance of the blue-footed booby and snorkelling with sea lions, turtles, penguins and sharks are just a couple of the unforgettable experiences that await you.

The Galapagos is undoubtedly one of the most tempting destinations in South America. You'll find even more ideas for your holiday in our guide to incredible South American journeys .

Follow in Charles Darwin's footsteps with this compact tailor-made trip to the Galapagos Islands . Spot the giant tortoise, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and sea lions. All in their natural habitat, lounging and feeding as you walk or swim by.

Iguana at Espanola island, Galapagos © Maridav/Shutterstock

Brought by the conquistadors, horses may be late arrivals to Ecuador. However, they are uniquely suited to in-depth exploration of the country’s sweeping highland landscapes. There are many tour operators that offer horseback riding trips through the Andes mountains, along the coast, and through the Amazon rainforest.

These trips can range from a few hours to several days and can be tailored to suit different skill levels. It's important to note that while horseback riding is a popular activity in Ecuador, it can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. It is advisable to choose a reputable tour operator and to wear appropriate safety gear such as helmets.

This tailor-made trip to Pristine rainforest - Ecuador's Amazon starts in Ecuador's capital Quito with nearby Cotopaxi volcano. Afterwards proceed to your adventure in the Amazon - a luxurious Lodge awaits with plenty of excursions from river canoes, bird watching, rainforest hikes and more.

Horseriding is one of the best things to do in Ecuador for exploration of the country's landscapes © Shutterstock

At the eastern end of Calle Larga is the Museo de Pumapungo (formerly the Museo del Banco Central), Cuenca’s most polished and absorbing museum.

Right behind the main museum building is the Pumapungo archaeological park. This is where most of the artefacts displayed in the museum’s archaeological sala were found. It is also where the most important religious buildings of Tomebamba were located, though there’s little to see now.

Ancient Indian figure, Ecuador © MishaShiyanov/Shutterstock

The heart-stopping sight of a 36-tonne humpback breaching and flopping back into the ocean amid towers of spray can be experienced between June and September. This is when they come to the Ecuadorian coast to breed. The best place for whale watching in Ecuador is the Machalilla National Park, located on the Pacific coast.

Visitors can take boat tours from the town of Puerto Lopez to see humpback whales, as well as other marine life such as dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds. Some tour operators also offer the possibility of swimming with the whales, but this is only for experienced swimmers under guide supervision.

Humpback whale in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador© Alberto Loyo/Shutterstock

16. Explore Ecuador's contemporary art

If you are an art lover, exploring local contemporary art should be on your list of things to do in Ecuador. Ecuador’s great modern artists are like the conscience of the nation, influential social commentators whose work, on view at several impressive galleries, shouldn’t be missed.

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is home to several contemporary art galleries, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Popular Art.

Another important centre for contemporary art in Ecuador is Guayaquil, the country's largest city. This is where you can find the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is in the process of being remodelled, and other private galleries like Galería de Arte Contemporáneo GAC.

Concrete sculpture, Metropolitan Park, Quito © Ecuadorpostales/Shutterstock

You will find plenty of things to do in Ecuador in this charming spa town. Nibble on the local speciality, melcocha (a sticky toffee made in shop doorways), or wallow in the thermal baths. Or take a day to go hiking, biking or rafting in the surrounding countryside, At 1820m above sea level, Baños enjoys a mild, almost subtropical climate and a spectacular location, nestled among soaring green hills streaked with waterfalls.

Baños is one of the most visited destinations in the country – despite the unpredictable condition of the Tungurahua volcano towering above the town to the south. Indeed, Tungurahua’s unpredictability is something of a draw in itself, with tourists flocking to high vantage points on cloudless nights to watch it spit lava and igneous rocks into the sky like fireworks.

Where to stay in Baños:

• Best for relaxing stays: Hosteria Llanovientos
• Best for budget: Hostal Princesa Maria

Find more accommodation options to stay in Baños

Andes tourist town thermal baths city Banos de Agua Santa © maphke/Shutterstock

Ecuador’s best-preserved Inca ruins exhibit the fine stonemasonry and trapezoidal doorways that were the hallmarks of the empire’s architecture. It is perched on a hillside overlooking the serene pastoral countryside,

Though not as dramatic or well preserved as the Inca remains in Peru, it is nonetheless an impressive site that certainly deserves a visit, if only to witness the extraordinary mortarless stonework for which the Incas are renowned.

Ingapirca, Ecuador© Maximoangel/Shutterstock

Quito’s centre is packed with magnificent churches, monasteries and convents. However, few can match La Compañía’s outstanding Baroque facade and sumptuous interior. Boasting an extraordinary Baroque facade of carved volcanic stone, the church is piled high with twisted columns, sacred hearts, cherubs, angels and saints.

Go early to see the sun light up the facade. The opulent Neoclassical building to its north was formerly the central bank and, ironically for a country that dropped its currency, houses a nostalgic numismatic museum, including pre-Columbian spondylus shells.

Church la Compania, Quito, Ecuador © Bas van den Heuvel/Shutterstock

About 60km east from Quito, Papallacta is most famous for its steaming hot springs. Here you'll find highly ferrous pools reputed to relieve numerous ailments, from kidney trouble to ganglions. Papallacta’s best hot spring – and perhaps the best in Ecuador – is Las Termas de Papallacta, comprising two beautifully designed, well-managed bathing complexes, both with on-site restaurants and snack bars.

The Balneario has nine thermal pools, ranging in temperature between 36°C and 42°C, and three cold pools built in gentle terracotta curves and natural rock, while the heartstoppingly cold Río Papallacta itself offers a serious cool-off. Don’t miss the three small secluded pools up the hill to the left of the restaurant. The top one is over 40°C and is perfect for supine gazing at the mountain ridges.

Find some accommodation options to stay in Papallacta

Woman floating in swimming pool, hot springs © Shutterstock

Almost opposite the Ilinizas, the snowcapped, perfectly symmetrical cone of Volcán Cotopaxi forms the centrepiece of Ecuador’s most-visited mainland national park, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, which covers 330 square kilometres of the eastern cordillera.

Although the volcano dominates everything around it, and the aim of most visitors is simply to get a close-up view before turning home, a number of other attractions make a visit to the park very rewarding – namely the starkly beautiful páramo, all rolling moorland streaked by wispy clouds and pockets of mist.

If you are interested in exploring South America, check out these 7 itinerary ideas our pick of the best off-the-beaten track destinations .

Cotopaxi volcano, Ecuador © Shutterstock

Set at 1250m on the forested western slopes of Volcán Pichincha, Mindo resembles an Alpine village transplanted to the tropics. You'll find here steep-roofed, chalet-like farmhouses punctuating its lush and beautiful landscape. No longer a secret hideaway for bird-lovers, Mindo is expanding rapidly as a popular weekend escape for quiteños seeking relief from frenetic city life and the chilly climate of the Sierra.

Though the place is not yet bursting at the seams, new lodges and hostels are sprouting. Some ill-advised developments have occurred, and prices are rising. It’s best to avoid weekends and holiday periods if you want a more tranquil, back-to-nature experience.

Where to stay in Mindo:

• Best for cloud forest location: Terrabambu Lodge
• Best for riverside location: Hosteria Saguamby Mindo

Find more accommodation options to stay in Mindo

Rustic looking bridge with a thatch roof crossing a river in a cloud forest near Mindo, Ecuador © Shutterstock

Looking for travel inspiration? Don't miss our guide to the most exotic places to travel in the world .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Ecuador without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

Ready for a trip to Ecuador ? Check out the The Rough Guide to Ecuador & The Galápagos . If you travel further in Ecuador, read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit in Ecuador. For inspiration use the initiaries from our local travel experts . A bit more hands on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

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Top 10 Ecuador Tourist Attractions You Have to See

Traveling is often its own reward, but add in the best of Ecuador tourist attractions, and it gets even better. With no need for flashy attractions to get your attention, Ecuador instead offers the real thing all day, every day. Full of historic town squares, UNESCO heritage sites, mesmerizing nature, and amazing artisan markets, Ecuador vacations have something for everyone . Once you’re in Ecuador what to see will largely depend on your interests and the time you have available to explore. Know your options and add these top 10 Ecuador tourist attractions to your itinerary.

Sea Lions On The Beach

1. Galápagos National Park

One of the more pristine locations in all of South America is the   Galapagos National Park .  Established in 1959, this Park encompasses 3,040 square miles and includes both land and sea in the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador.

The true draw of visitors to this island park is its endemic wildlife. Here you can admire iguanas, gigantic Galápagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and various forms of marine life. One of the most significant famous attractions in Ecuador, The Charles Darwin Research Center, is also found here. Visitors can enjoy its exhibition hall, public library, and native gardens. Galapagos is known as a world-class cruising and wildlife destination.

Malecon Boardwalk

2. Malecon Boardwalk in Guayaquil

In the seaport city of Guayaquil, stroll along the 1.5-mile-long Malecon, a boardwalk promenade that weaves its way along the Guyas River and takes you past gardens, art museums, historical sites, restaurants, and shops.

The city of Guayaquil offers world-class dining and entertainment in addition to historical and cultural finds. Along the Malecon, restaurants offer both a regional and international menu. Food stalls dot the boardwalk, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as you eat. For shopping, expect to find boutiques, designer stores, artisanal markets, and craft shops. You can even make your way to the docks and enjoy a river tour.

Aerial View Of The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception In Cuenca

3. UNESCO Heritage Site Cities-Quito and Cuenca

Spread throughout Ecuador are UNESCO-designated    World Heritage Sites .  Two cities, in particular, Quito and Cuenca, are a must-see. They are both popular tourist attractions for anyone interested in the history or culture of Ecuador.

The capital city of Quito is filled with colonial architecture, museums, and history in its Old Town section. Explore the famous cathedrals, including the La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, with its Baroque architecture and beautiful interior. Another one to visit is the Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco and its adjoining museum.

Tucked into the Andes is the colonial city of Cuenca . Filled with Ecuadorean beauty and a touch of European flair, you can spend days enjoying your explorations here. Visit cathedrals such as the Catedral Nueva, and roam through the Remigio Crespo Toral Museum, named after a famous local poet.

Traditional Ponchos In Different Colors On Display In Otavalo Market

4. Artisan Market at Otavalo

Make your way to the cozy, friendly town of Otavalo, where you will find one of the largest and most famous artisan markets in all of South America. Learn about the various indigenous arts and crafts of Ecuador while enjoying a fun shopping excursion.

Perhaps best known for weavings of clothing and Andean textiles, there are also many other items you’ll undoubtedly be impressed by. One unique item you’ll find is tagua nut jewelry. The tagua nut grows on the Ecuadorian Ivory Palm tree and, once ripened, goes through a drying process before being turned into jewelry and figurines. Other items you can find at the market include stone and wood carvings, locally made rugs and blankets, locally produced spices, and of course the famous Panama hat .

Small Waterfall In Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve Near Mindo Ecuador

5. Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary

Concealed within the cloud forest in Mindo , Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary is a gateway to the extreme beauty found in Ecuador. Make your way to the Nambillo Ecological Reserve and board the open-air cable car. As the car moves through the tropical forests of the Reserve at almost 500 feet above the ground, you’ll get a glimpse of the cloud forest ecosystem.

The cable car brings you to the entrance of the waterfall sanctuary. The closest waterfall, Nambilo, is just a 15-minute walk and offers incredible views and a pool forming at the bottom where you can enjoy a soak. You can stop here and return to the cable car or continue on to the Reina waterfall, one of the best in the sanctuary.

Train Ride In The Ecuadorian Andes To The Devil’s Nose

6. Nariz del Diablo or Devil’s Nose

A favorite choice when it comes to Ecuador attractions is a ride on the Nariz del Diablo, or Devil’s Nose, a restored railway near Alausi in the Andes mountains. You’re in for a thrill on this marvel of engineering feat. Its completion involved strategically laying tracks up the side of a vertical cliff.

A set of switchbacks or zig zags slowly move the train up the near vertical ascent to the viewing platform. From there, you’ll experience incredible panoramic views. When finished, you climb back on the train for the ride back to Alausi.

Panoramic Photo Of Papallacta River

7. Termas de Papallacta

Papallacta is located approximately 1-2 hours east of Quito and holds a surprise you’ll want to experience. Here you’ll find thermal pools formed as a result of nearby volcanoes. The naturally occurring mix of minerals in the water makes for a soothing, healing soak. Whether your muscles are aching from that hike, you’re experiencing jet lag or travel strain, or just enjoy relaxing, a visit to Papallacta is a must .

In addition to the thermal springs, you’ll find a full-scale spa, outdoor mineral pools, wooded pathways, and a hotel. The thermal pools themselves are open from early morning to late at night. The water temperatures range anywhere from super steamy hot to chilling cold.

Clouds Covering The Top Of The Cotopaxi Volcano

8. Cotopaxi Volcano

Cotopaxi is one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes, so it’s no wonder that it’s included in the top ten tourist attractions in Ecuador. The sight of this conical, snow-caped volcano begins on your flight into Quito, and it stays with you throughout your time there.

See it close up by making your way to the Cotopaxi National Park. From there, you can join an extensive Cotopaxi tour or just take the hike up to the base camp for a better view. The base camp is close to the glacier formation and provides spectacular views of the volcano and surrounding highlands. Another option is to enjoy a ride aboard the Tren de los Volcaos, a railway line between Quito and the Cotopaxi base camp.

Ingapirca Inca Ruins

9. Ingapirca Inca Ruins

Explore the largest set of ancient Inca ruins in Ecuador at Ingapirca. Meaning “Inca wall,” the main building of the ruins is the Temple of the Sun. Built with high precision, the stones of the temple allow sunlight to shine through its main top doorway on the different solstices.

While most of the structures are no longer standing, the Temple of the Sun is worth discovering. The only elliptical-shaped Incan temple in South America, its uniqueness will fascinate. Learn about its history as llamas roam freely about the surrounding ruins.

Canoe Boat Cuyabeno Amazonia

10. Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Enjoy tropical scenery along with spectacular wildlife viewing at the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve in Ecuador’s Amazon region . Included within the confines of the reserve are eight ecosystems, including watersheds and rainforests. Expect to see a wide diversity of wildlife and flora here as it is home to numerous species of birds, monkeys, fish, and orchids, among others. You may even catch a glimpse of tapirs, anacondas, or alligators.

With so much to experience here, knowing what not to miss is essential. So, instead of wondering what is there to see in Ecuador, you now know ten of the top tourist attractions to make the most of your travels around Ecuador .

While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

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Home » Travel Guides » Ecuador » 15 Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

15 Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Ranging from the misty jungles and roaring waterfalls of the Amazon in the east to the salt-sprayed Pacific seaboard in the west, Ecuador encompasses everything from wondrous cloud forests to brooding volcanos, Andean peaks and Incan ruins between its borders.

Check out the top 15 spots that every traveler here should be sure to have on their itinerary on our list of the best places to visit in Ecuador :

Cascading down the rugged slopes of Pichincha Volcano, the highest official capital city in the world is perhaps the biggest bucket-list destination in all of Ecuador.

In 1978, the center of the city was designated as one of the first ever UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, hailed for its lived-in pueblo homes and gilded Spanish plazas, painted colonial edifices and enchanting cobbled streets, each trodden by conquistadores and Incan imperialists alike.

On the edges of town, the hillsides of El Panecillo give way to the soaring Andean peaks, mist-clad or snow-topped depending on the time of year.

Meanwhile, Mercado Santa Clara and the various eateries pulse with local chatter and camarones and cuy (that’s guinea pig to you and me!) dishes, and La Carolina Park beats with bikers and football players alike.

Once just a sleepy little fishing town rising from the mangroves and crawling dune vines on the Ecuadorian Pacific, Canoa now boasts a distinct air of confidence and panache.

During the day, tanned locals canoe and kayak over the rollers, while surfers hone their skills on the challenging left-to-righters during the high-season (typically running from December through to spring). When night comes, the town’s clutch of Rasta bars and bamboo cocktail shacks comes alive with Pisco sours and the chatter of travelers, fusing a low-key hedonism with a bona fide South American beach town feel.

3. Montanita

Some two hours along the Pacific Coast from the southern, seaside metropolis of Guayaquil is where travelers will discover the good vibrations of Montanita; a salt-sprayed string of a town that’s made up largely of lean-to bars and bamboo shacks along the beach.

Home to one of the most reliable and accessible surfing spots in the country, this one’s bursting to the brim with board rentals and surf teachers offering their services.

Night time is the domain of Marley and the Wailers, while the sunsets bring out the yogis, who pepper the boulders and cliffs stretching and unwinding in the ocean breeze.

In short, if you’re after a blast of Caribbean living and Cali free love in Ecuador (plus some great surf ops), this is the place to go!

4. Cotopaxi

Brooding and bubbling, mist-clad and snow-tipped, Cotopaxi is the great, hulking monster of the Ecuadorian backcountry.

Although not the highest peak in the country (that honour goes to the colossal massif of Chimborazo), Cotopaxi lurches so high above the horizon that it can even be seen from the central districts of Quito when the mists clear.

Climbers come in their droves to conquer the summit too, strapping on the crampons and wielding ice picks as they attempt to scale what is one of the few permanent ice fields on the Earth’s equatorial circumference.

Just like its Spanish namesake, Cuenca is a real beauty.

Oozing colonial charm and elegance from every one of its neo-classical and baroque pores, the city is spiked with countless church spires and topped with the bulbous, coloured domes of the Catedral Nueva – photogenic in the extreme.

Travelers head in to wander the tight-knit streets and enchanting 16th-century plazas here, gawping at the various churches and the perennial bougainvillea blooms that erupt around the Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion and the like.

And once you’ve checked off all the Spanish history, be sure to head north out of town, to where the crumbling remnants of Ingapirca pepper the hills of Canar Province.

These are the largest known Incan remains in all of Ecuador.

Roaring cataracts cut their way through the ridges of the La Cordillera de los Llanganates on the edge of Banos, while bubbling hot springs issue plumes of steam into the misty jungles that dress the land.

Trekking trails weave and turn all around the highlands that encompass the town, and mountain bikers enjoy kilometer upon kilometer of runs through the rainforests.

Yes sir, Banos – the so-called ‘Gateway to the Amazon’ – is a real jewel (even if it’s ramshackle appearance and ad hoc rows of guesthouses and adventure guide establishments isn’t the prettiest South America has to offer!).

Set high in the Northern Sierra ranges north of Quito, the charming little backwater town of Otavalo has become a real gringo favourite in the last couple of decades.

But its draws aren’t new.

No sir, that buzzing marketplace, complete with its stacks of alpaca wools and colourful Quechua clothes, animist totems and reed-grass voodoo pieces, has been going for centuries, and the people here can trace their roots back to the pre-Incan tribes of the high Andean plateaus.

Then there’s the backcountry, which lurches like a great backbone out of the earth with the peaks of Imbabura Volcano – another of Ecuador’s top climbing spots.

8. Atacames

Atacames is one of the first beach cities on the Ecuadorian Pacific arch.

Pulsing and big, the town is quite different to the rustic bamboo resorts that pepper the shorelines to the south, however.

The beach is wide and just a tad polluted, peppered with fishermen and al fresco discos that thump with Europop and reggae and salsa alike throughout the high season.

But it’s precisely that earthy, hedonistic energy that pulls the crowds to Atacames, and locals love to head in from the Andes to party the night away with Pisco sours, mojitos and fast-food aplenty.

Charming little Guamote is a patchwork of mud-brick homes and breeze-block buildings, smiling indigenous people and sleepy plazas, where the native tongue of Ecuador’s central Andean tribes still rings between the adobe walls and the looming central ranges rise like bulwarks on all sides.

Travelers head here to seek out the legendary Thursday market, when Guamote erupts with curious trinkets, hand-carved totems and multi-coloured frocks, while others come to wax up the walking boots and hit the trails or bridal paths, which weave out of town to the sparkling Lagunas de Atillo and the volcano-topped Sangay National Park.

10. Galapagos Islands

It was in 1835 that one Charles Darwin and his ship, the HMS Beagle, drifted in to these far-flung isles some 906 kilometers west of the Ecuadorian mainland.

What the great scientist found there was to inspire one of the most revolutionary theories of all time.

Yes sir, from blue-footed boobies to red-billed tropicbirds, colossal albatrosses to fur seals and bottlenose dolphins, red bats and flamingos all peppering the volcanic slopes and windswept beaches here, it’s hardly surprising that Galapagos was – and is – famed mainly for its great biodiversity.

Today, travelers come to spy out the arrays of wondrous wildlife, scuba dive in the reefs and explore the otherworldly landscapes of the archipelago’s hinterland.

Okay, so Tena might not have the gilded colonial churches and pretty plazas of its mountaintop compadres to the west, but it does have something that the likes of Quito and Cuenca can only dream of: primeval rainforest.

Yes sir, perched just on the edge of the Amazon basin, this lively little transport town is a hubbub of backpackers and intrepid types, all eager to bathe in the gushing waterfalls that crash through the wilds outside of town, or hit the kayaks and rafts and white water rapids of the legendary Jatunyacu River.

Caving is also big here, with oodles of tunnels and karst caverns hiding beneath the undergrowth around the pretty backwater of Archidona.

12. Vilcabamba

Sandwiched between the beautiful reaches of the Podocarpus National Forest and the mythic Mount Mandango, Vilcabamba was once the royal retreat of Incan VIPs.

Today all are welcome, and travelers flock to the highland town between the ridges of southern Loja to enjoy everything from horseback riding in the wilds to hiking, spa retreats and pleasant year-round temperatures and breezes.

It’s thought that the inhabitants – indelibly lovely people with a graceful, welcoming air about them – live longer than most.

Perhaps it’s the potent herbal remedies they cook up, or maybe it’s the lingering spectres of the pre-Columbian kings and spirits in the hills.

Tucked in a valley of cloud forests and Andean summits, Mindo is pretty much universally liked.

It’s now one of the major stop-offs on the gringo trail through Ecuador, offering backpackers and outdoorsy types a taste of the wild mountain reaches and the tropical jungles that burst up from where the Chocoan plains leave off.

The town itself is an enchantingly haphazard array of bamboo, timber homes and guesthouses, living amidst the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve, which encompasses the streets here in a patchwork of roaring waterfalls and chirping tree canopies, winding walking trails and tubing rivers, white water rapids and rolling highland meadows.

It’s all beautiful stuff!

14. Guayaquil

Guayaquil is the great southern metropolis, Ecuador’s largest city, and a throbbing port town with multicultural influences coming out of its ears.

It can be found straddling the delta of the Guayas River as it spread out to meet the Pacific Ocean; a patchwork of breeze-block barrios and ice-cream-coloured hillside homes that finds its zenith on the bubbling Malecon walkway along the water.

Here, ceviche holes-in-the-wall throw out homemade seafood salads and students straight out of Guayaquil’s many lecture halls sip beers as the sun sets against the sea.

Meanwhile, the Zona Rosa and Penas districts pulse with nightclubs and discos, and there’s always somewhere to sip a cheeky tequila in the early hours!

Villa Real de San Antonio del Cerro de Oro de Zaruma (that’s just Zaruma for short) crowns the hillsides of the Vizcaya just a little inland from Ecuador’s rolling coastal plains.

It’s a fascinating place, awash with ramshackle old miners’ homes and the regal republican mansions of the prospectors and foremen who made it large in the gold mines of the Andes.

Today, travelers can opt to descent into the subterranean depths where the seams were once chiselled away, while others will simply sip coffee in the earthy cafes that line the streets of Zaruma’s downtown, sampling the flavoursome tigrillo plates of plantain and campo cheeses the locals are known for.

15 Best Places to Visit in Ecuador:

• Galapagos Islands

22 Ecuador Landmarks to Visit: Historical, Natural, Artisan, Cultural

Ecuador is a place rich in culture. What do you want to see on your trip to Ecuador? We’ll give you some ideas on what we think you just have to see! Check out these 22 iconic Ecuador landmarks.

This post is a work in progress. Over time, we’ll add more and more landmarks. It’s my goal to make this the best resource for landmarks in Ecuador. If I miss one please let me know in the comment section.

22 Ecuador Landmarks You Need to See

Because Ecuador is a fairly large country, it’s very unlikely that you will ever actually see all the beauty Ecuador has to show. But, we can give you a guide on the high points of the country’s beauty.

Here’s what you should try to see on your trip to Ecuador:

1. Ingapirca Ruins

• Where: Cañar Province
• What: The largest Inca ruins in Ecuador
• Learn more: Guide to Ingapirca: Ecuador’s Largest Inca Ruins

Ingapirca is a site rich in history. It was built by both the Inca and the Cañari people , first the Cañari and later the Inca.

You can see the different styles of architecture between the two peoples which makes for a very interesting exploration. The Inca people had very smooth stones and no mortar, where the Cañari use mortar and their stones are a little rougher.

This is a very beautiful site definitely worth a visit, especially if you enjoy not-so-ancient civilizations.

2. Mitad Del Mundo (Middle of the World)

• Where: Pichincha Province (Quito)
• What: Middle of the World Monument
• Learn more: La Mitad del Mundo

The middle of the world monument marks where French explorers determined the location of the equatorial line in 1736 (after which Ecuador is named). Comically, the explorer’s calculations were off by 250 meters; as is the monument. Even so, it was quite a feat at the time.

Despite the “middle of the world” monument not actually being the middle of the world, this is still a great tourist attraction. The towering monument is beautiful, even if it’s not the most accurate.

Additionally, there is the Itiñan Solar Museum that features many curiosities that have to do both with the equator and the local people. For example, you can experience the Coriolis effect (how water will flow straight down instead of in a swirling vortex) and stand on the actual equator.

3. Santa Cruz Fish Market

• Where: Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
• What: Special fish market

A fish market might not get you super excited, but the local wildlife will! People come and sit here for hours just to watch the sea lions and pelicans beg and fight for the fish scraps. It’s enthralling and very funny.

On top of the hilarious animals, it’s a great place to see the local fish and experience some of the local Santa Cruz culture.

As you can see, the wildlife comes right into the market. In the photo, you can see three sea lions, two pelicans and a gull. There are more animals just out of sight of the camera. The sea lions and birds quickly consume all the fish scraps as the days catch is cleaned.

4. Muro de las Lagrimas (The Wall of Tears)

• Where: Isabela Island (Galapagos)
• What: Wall built by prisoners

The wall of tears was built between 1945 and 1959 by the prisoners of an old penal colony established by the then-president Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra. The wall is an impressive site: 25 m tall and made of lava rock; the stones are beautiful.

The wall is said to sound as if it is crying, possibly earning it its name. However, these “eerie” sounds are likely just the wind whistling through the many cracks and crevices in the stones.

Another theory on the naming of the wall is the saying that this is “ where the strong cry and the weak die” . Prisoners suffered greatly to build the wall, making this reflective name fitting.

There seems to be no real purpose for the wall – it was just something to occupy the prisoners. Even though the wall was never completed, it is a very historic place and worth a visit on your trip to the Galapagos.

5. Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock)

• Where: San Cristobal Island (Galapagos)
• What: A large volcanic cone in the ocean

Kicker Rock is a highly sought-after snorkeling site in the Galapagos. Much like an iceberg, what you see above the water only tells part of the story.

Above the water, kicker rock is 152 meters tall – making it an ideal roost for frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies , and other native birds.

Under the water is the hidden beauty. Time has borne a channel in this volcanic tube creating the perfect hangout for white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos sharks, Galapagos sea turtles, many varieties of fish, and large rays.

Bear in mind that snorkeling here does require some stamina as you don’t really have anywhere to rest. If you are not a strong swimmer be sure to request a life jacket and let your guide know so they can keep an eye on you.

6. La Casa del Arbol (Tree House)

• Where: Baños
• What: A very cool tree house with a swing

La Casa del Arbol is built next to the active Tungurahua volcano. Since climbing the volcano is not allowed, this is a pretty good second choice – sometimes you can even hear the volcano rumble. One of the main attractions here is the very shareable photo opp on the famous swing.

The swings have a kind of seat belt which makes you feel a bit safer as you swing out over the side of the mountain and hang there for a split second before swinging back towards the solid ground.

The tree house has also been reinforced with steel, so you aren’t just trusting in some old tree to keep you from plummeting to your death.

At the Casa del Arbol there is a small restaurant and bathrooms as well as a short zip line (that doesn’t go over any crevices, it’s just a fun little zip!).

7. Plaza de las Flores (Flower Market)

• Where: Cuenca
• What: A beautiful flower market
• Learn more: The Prettiest Spot in Cuenca: The Flower Market

This flower market is one of the nicest spots in Cuenca. There are tons of vendors selling lots of different flowers, the smell is amazing! Something I enjoy about visiting this flower market is getting to see the women in their traditional dress.

Everyone is very friendly and the prices are low. You may have to bargain a little, but if it’s not over the top I just take the price they tell me. To me, the environment and the kindness of the people are more than worth the couple of cents I might lose.

8. Old Town in Quito

• Where: Quito
• What: Historical sector of Ecuador’s capital city.
• Keep reading: Best Things to do in Quito

The old town in Quito is for those aesthetic types that love the romantic nature of history. There is plenty of sightseeing and good restaurants, but other than that there isn’t much to do but explore. Quito’s old town is rich in history and architecture.

Learn more about the largest cities in Ecuador .

9. Artisan Villages (Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and Sigsig)

• Where: Azuay Province (About 1 hour from Cuenca )
• What: Specialized artisan villages
• Learn more about Chordeleg and Gualaceo

These villages feel like something out of a fairy tale. Gualaceo specializes in leather: shoes, purses, you name it! They also have large orchidariums.

Chordeleg is famous for its silver: necklaces, earrings, rings, and ornaments. The silver is very fine, like thread, and is weaved into all sorts of amazing designs. It’s known as filigrana.

These towns are popular for tourists looking for souvenirs. Here are our picks for the best things to buy in Ecuador .

10. Otavalo Market

• Where: Imbabura Province (Otavalo, about 2 hours from Quito)
• What: Artisan market
• Learn more: 11 Things to Know When Visiting Otavalo Market

The Otavalo market is popular with foreigners and locals alike. It features brightly colored textiles, silver, leather, and more!

Otavalo is located about two hours north of Quito and features both craft market (at Plaza de los Ponchos) and livestock market. Both are significant tourist attractions in the city.

11. Cotopaxi Volcano and National Park

• Where: Pichincha Province (around Quito)
• What: Ecuador’s highest active volcano (and the world’s third highest)

Cotopaxi National Park is a gorgeous sight: featuring the 3rd highest volcano in the world, active and snow-capped. For most, we are satisfied looking at the fantastic sight.

But for a few brave individuals, you are able to climb the volcano – with a certified guide. The climb isn’t exceptionally difficult, but you need to go slow to acclimatize and you need special gear.

Learn more about Ecuador’s National Parks, Reserves and Wildlife Refuges

12. Parque de Seminario (Iguana Park)

• Where: Guayaquil
• What: A park where iguanas have taken over
• Learn more about Iguana Park

This park is located in the center of the city and is full of green iguanas.

This is a great way to spend an afternoon, you will be surrounded by iguanas, just lazing around. We’ve heard recent reports that the population of these iguanas have been in decline. Have you been here recently? How many iguanas did you see?

13. Yasuni National Park

• Where: Northeastern Ecuador
• What: Biodiverse national park
• Learn more: Guide to Yasuni National Park

If you love nature, then Yasuni should be at the top of your list. It is considered one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. The park holds a number of world records for plant and animal diversity.

To get to Yasuni, you’ll fly (or take a bus) into the city of Puerto Francisco de Orellana (also known as El Coca). From there, you’ll take a 2.5 hour boat ride on the Napo River.

14. Los Frailes Beach

• Where: Pacific coast, south of Manta
• What: Secluded, pristine mile-long beach
• Learn more: Check our guide to Ecuador beaches , including Los Frailes

Los Frailes Beach is special for a few reasons. It’s inside of Machalilla National Park and it is quite remote. As a result, this beach is one of Ecuador’s most pristine beaches.

It is located in Manabi province. Los Frailes Beach is almost 1 mile (1.5 km) of golden sand.

15. Parque Calderon, Cuenca

• Where: Center of Cuenca
• What: Large plaza with mature trees.
• Learn more: See more about Parque Calderon in this post .

Calderon Park is well maintained with landscaping and clean tiled surfaces. You can find ice cream and other food vendors covering the park. During lunch, the park fills with office workers from the sector.

There are many restaurants, government buildings, a museum and a large church that border the park. It’s a great place to rest while walking the city. And it’s a perfect place to people watch.

16. Cloud Forests

Cloud forests are special places in the Andes mountains. They are home to 550 bird species, including 35 hummingbird species. And you’ll find more than 4,500 orchid species in this humid environment.

Most tourism posts and agencies are focused on the popular cloud forests near Quito. But there are actually 12 cloud forests and reserves from the north (near Colombia) to the southern border with Peru.

17. La Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose Train Ride)

This famous train ride visits Devil’s Nose Mountain. It offers incredible views and breathtaking ascent. The train ride is a series of switchbacks to ascend/descend the 800-meter elevation of Devil’s Nose.

When the train isn’t operating, you can still take a hiking tour to see the area.

The railway was built in 1899 to connect Guayaquil with Quito.

18. Petrified Forest of Puyango

This is the largest petrified forest in South America. The petrified tree trunks are over 100 million years old.

Where is the Puyango petrified forest located? Puyango is in Loja province, on the border with El Oro. Here’s more about visiting this landmark .

19. Baños Hot Springs and Waterfalls

Baños is located north of Cuenca and is home to thermal springs and 70 waterfalls. Baños is known as the  Gateway to the Amazon because it’s the last city before descending into the Amazon River basin.

In Banos, you can take the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route) that travels east to Puyo, 37 miles (60 km) away.

Some waterfalls you can visit include Devil’s Cauldron ( Pailon del Diablo ) and Double Decker, Cascada de la Virgen, and Del Silencio Waterfall.

Here are some things to do in Banos . And here’s what to expect with the weather in Baños .

20. Lake Quilotoa (Laguna Quilotoa)

Lake Quilotoa is a 1.86 mile wide (3-kilometers) caldera in the Andes, at an elevation of 12841 feet (3,913 meters). And it is an impressive 820 feet (250 meters) deep.

It is a popular destination for hikers. And while you can take the long multi-day hike, you can also visit in just one day.

You can kayak (rentals on the beach). Some visitors choose to swim, but be careful because the water is very cold and quite acidic. Make sure to check for signs before entering. And the shore drops off very fast.

Here’s a great guide about visiting Lake Quilotoa .

21. Malecon 2000 in Guayaquil

For a relaxing stroll in open spaces, a visit to Guayaquil’s Malecon 2000 should be on your list.

There are food vendors, attractions, and a small zoo. You’ll see young families and couples relaxing alongside the Guayas River.

22. 444 Steps of Santa Ana in Guayaquil

At the end of the Malecon 2000, you’ll find Santa Ana. Climbing to the top requires 444 steps.

And the views are amazing – you can see the Guayas River, Malecon 2000, and much of the city of Guayaquil.

Where do you want to go in Ecuador? Have you been to any of these places? Let us know in the comments! Have a suggestion to add? Let me know what landmarks I’m missing. This post will be updated in the near future.

Drew Haines is an animal enthusiast and travel writer. She loves to share her passion through her writing.

Drew runs two popular animal sites: EverywhereWild and JustBirding . She lived in Ecuador for 6 years and explored the Galapagos Islands. Currently based in N.S., Canada.

Drew is a contributor to Storyteller Travel .

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Thanks for a great list! Some great spots to add to our bucket list! On an ever growing list, I would add … In Banos: – waterfalls, especially Devil’s Cauldron and Double Decker – thermal baths In Guayaquil: – Malecon 2000 – 444 Steps of Santa Anna – Parque Historico In La Libertad: – the market … not as big as Otavalo, but impressive! In San Vicente: – mud bath and hot springs In Montanita: – just walking the streets with all the vendors! In Puerto Lopez: – whale watching tour and trip to Isla de la Plata Amazon Forest excursion Lake Quilotoa Loop Devil’s Nose Train Ride So many places to see in this wonderful country!

Thanks Rob – these are some great additions. I’ll be updating the post with these and lots more in the next couple of months. Thanks!

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25 Best Things To Do in Ecuador [2024 Local’s Guide]

From the Andes Mountains to the coast, the sprawling Amazon Rainforest, and everything in between, Ecuador has plenty to offer travelers, no matter what you’re looking for. From adventure sports in the mountains to wildlife tours by canoe and, of course, Galapagos cruises, the experiences you could add to your Ecuador itinerary are endless.

As long-time expats in Quito, we had the joy of exploring almost every corner of Ecuador and found that this country has so much more to offer than many visitors could ever imagine. Read on for the best things to do in Ecuador (and those that are overrated!) as we share the most exciting adventures, must-see landscapes, and unforgettable activities in all of Ecuador.

25 Things To Do in Ecuador

1. hike the quilotoa loop.

Located in the remote heights of Ecuador’s Andes Mountains, Quilotoa is an ancient volcano that might look slightly different from other volcanoes you’ve seen. With a massive eruption centuries ago, its cone collapsed inward, leaving an intensely blue-green lake behind.

This is one of the most stunning natural places and most beloved destinations in Ecuador for travelers ; pictures genuinely don’t do it justice.

Quilotoa crater lake is a stunning spot for a day trip from Quito – or even better, an overnight – but it is also the start (or end) of the famous Quilotoa Loop Trek, one of South America’s most famous treks.

This multi-day trek is most commonly accomplished in three or four days and takes trekkers through some of the most gorgeous mountain scenery in the country , with stays at basic hostels and friendly guest houses in small villages along the way. If you’re looking for an unforgettable hike in Ecuador, this should be it!

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Quilotoa + The Quilotoa Loop Trek

2. Shop at the Otavalo Market

The Otavalo Market is the largest artisan market of its kind in South America and a highlight on any trip to Ecuador. While the market is open every day of the week, the entire town seems to be packed with vendors spilling into every street on Saturdays.

You’ll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to incredible textiles, alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, leather goods, and so much more. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the market, shopping, people-watching, and taking it all in.

Located just an hour and a half north of Quito in a stunningly beautiful part of the mountains, Otavalo is a great spot for an easy day trip from Quito. However, it’s even better if you can spend a night exploring this lovely area a bit more.

I probably made about a dozen weekend trips to Otavalo over two years living in Ecuador, and I’ll certainly go back next time we’re in the country!

Within just a few minutes of Otavalo you’ll find the stunning Peguche waterfall and Cuicocha Crater Lake, where visitors can complete a stunning rim hike or take a boat ride through this volcanic crater lake. Visiting makes your trip to Otavalo even better!

Read More: Ultimate Guide to the Otavalo Market

3. Visit El Ángel National Park

Located along Ecuador’s northern border with Colombia, the El Ángel Ecological Reserve is well off the typical tourist path in Ecuador, but this hidden gem is well worth a visit.

Home to a unique species of high-altitude shrubs called frailejones, the mountainous landscape is strewn with these prickly, tall shrubs that look like giant succulents – it’s unforgettable. Visiting the ecological reserve, you’ll see thousands of these stunning plants covering the mountains, hills, and volcanoes.

A hike through the park and near beautiful lakes is the best way to take it all in.

A visit to El Ángel is an excellent and unique overnight from Otavalo, as the small town of El Ángel is just over two hours north of Otavalo. The town is tiny and offers a few basic, inexpensive hotels perfect for budget travelers or backpackers, or stay at the gorgeous Polylepis Lodge , a luxe eco-lodge in the heart of the reserve.

4. Admire the Historic Streets of Cuenca

The small, charming city is Cuenca is often among visitors’ favorite cities in Ecuador, and it’s easy to see why. Cuenca has so much to offer: a beautiful historic center, great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and close distance to nature, like the unmissable El Cajas National Park.

One of the best things to do in Cuenca is to explore the historic center, starting at the massive Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, Cuenca’s stunning cathedral with its iconic blue domes. From the plaza, continue by exploring the charming streets around the cathedral and other historic plazas, churches, and government buildings.

Make sure to stop at the Mercado 9 de Octubre – in addition to selling fresh foods, this market has an entire floor of prepared food vendors, the perfect place to try local Ecuadorian foods like hornado (roast pig), fresh fruit juices and other local favorites.

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

5. Take in the View from Quito’s Basilica

If you visit just one city in Ecuador , make it Quito! Maybe I’m biased (we lived in Quito for more than two years, after all!), but it’s one of South America’s great cities and the best home base from which to explore the rest of the country.

When arriving in Ecuador, start by visiting the Basilica del Voto Nacional and climbing the bell towers and the spire to get your bearings. Prepare for one of the most beautiful city views you’ll ever see!

Quito crawls up the sides of mountains and volcanoes, and you’ll get an incredible view of the city, especially the stunning El Panecillo hilltop with its iconic Virgin of Quito statue.

Climbing the spire – across the Basilica from the bell towers – provides the very best view from the Basilica, as you’ll have the entire church as a backdrop for the city. It requires navigating some extremely steep steps – not for the faint of heart! – but the view is well worth it.

Plan a Trip to Quito

• Ultimate Quito Budget Travel + Backpacking Guide
• 2 Days in Quito Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Quito
• 37 Best Things To Do in Quito

6. Cruise Through the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands, about 600 miles (965 km) off the coast of mainland Ecuador, are a major draw for foreign visitors to Ecuador, with 275,000+ visitors traveling to this remote location every year.

Though a trip to the Galapagos can be expensive, these unique, diverse islands are a bucket list destination well worth the trip! Plus, you can also find free or cheap things to do in the Galapagos as well.

The most popular and convenient way to visit the Galapagos is by ship, as Galapagos cruises will take you around the 19 major islands of the archipelago to all the best destinations, including pristine beaches, fantastic spots for hiking, and unique areas where you’ll see the flora and fauna that set these islands apart.

You’ll save money by sticking to just one island and taking excursions, but nothing compares to how up close and personal you’ll get with these unique paradise islands when taking a Galapagos cruise.

Read More: Best Things To Do in the Galapagos Islands

7. Go Birdwatching in Mindo

Located just two hours northwest of Quito, the small town of Mindo sits in the heart of Ecuador’s cloud forest, a unique, lush habitat that makes for an incredible place to visit. In addition to being an excellent choice for a day trip from Quito, Mindo is world-renowned for being one of the best places for birdwatching in the world, drawing travelers from all over to this special ecosystem.

Travelers can stay at ecolodges around the small town dedicated to birdwatching, or at incredibly affordable in the town of Mindo, making this an affordable trip for any budget. Guides are highly experienced in pointing out endemic bird species, including countless varieties of hummingbirds, toucans, the giant antpitta, and many more.

Don’t worry, Mindo isn’t only for birdwatching. There are plenty of things to do in Mindo , and out of all the places I’ve visited in Ecuador it’s one of my favorites. Hike to the waterfalls that surround the city, go ziplining on Ecuador’s best ziplining course , or just chill in a hammock at Casa de Cecilia by the bubbling river with a fresh cup of local coffee.

Plan a Trip to Mindo

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

8. Get Your Adrenaline Pumping in Baños

There are plenty of places to enjoy and adventure in Ecuador, but the small town of Baños is the undisputed adventure sports capital of the country. Wedged between the Amazon Rainforest and the Andes Mountains, this hotspot is home to countless waterfalls, rivers, and mountains, which makes it the perfect spot for an array of adventurous activities.

In Baños, you’ll find everything from bungee jumping and mountain biking to ziplining and canyoning , a unique activity in which participants repel down a waterfall to the river and swimming hole below. It’s an exhilarating experience, and Baños is the best place for it.

If you’re not into adventure sports, don’t count Baños out. The town gets its name from the natural thermal baths you’ll find around the city, heated by Tungurahua Volcano that towers over the city, meaning there are plenty of spas to enjoy, too. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy if you’re looking for a more relaxing trip.

Plan a Trip to Baños

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

9. Go Whale-Watching

If you’ve ever dreamed of whale-watching, Ecuador is one of the best places for it. This experience is possible from both the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador, meaning you can add it to your itinerary no matter your plans.

The Galapagos Islands are some of Ecuador’s best places for whale watching. Especially if you’re headed out on a cruise during the summer months, you’re likely to see them at some point during the cruise. Dedicated whale-watching excursions from the islands are also available to visitors who are skipping a cruise.

During the summer months, the coastal area near Machalilla National Park is one of the country’s best spots for whale watching. Inexpensive whale-watching tours in Puerto Lopez include trips to the nearby island of Isla de la Plata, known as the poor man’s Galapagos for its abundance of unique animals, many only found in the Galapagos.

You can even sometimes spot whales breeching from the coast in Puerto Lopez, Machalilla National Park, and the stunning Playa de Los Frailes beach (one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ecuador ).

10. Spot Wildlife in the Yasuní National Park

For an entirely different wildlife encounter in Ecuador, head into the Amazon Rainforest for a bucket list trip spotting unique wildlife in one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet.

Well known for its incredible biodiversity and unrivaled wildlife experiences, Yasuní National Park is one of the most sought-after spots in the Ecuadorian Amazon , and is the most isolated corner of the Amazon in the country. Amazon visits can range from multi-day kayaking or canoeing excursions with camping to guided nature walks around lodges, and there are countless options to choose from.

Yasuní is home to some of Ecuador’s most impressive lodges that offer a truly unrivaled travel experience. Sacha Lodge is a true highlight; situated on its own private 5000-acre ecological reserve, it offers unparalleled access to the Amazon with world-class guides and stunning accommodations. Another highlight at Sacha Lodge? The impressive 940-foot walkway over the jungle canopy, with its 360-degree observation tower for a perspective of the Amazon few get to see.

Generally speaking, the deeper into the Amazon you travel, the most expensive the trip , meaning that if you’re traveling on a budget, choose a less-isolated Amazon destination. We love the backpacker’s favorite town of Tena, Ecuador , on the edge of the Amazon, where you can stay in affordable hotels on the edge of the rainforest.

Read More: Ultimate Ecuador Amazon Rainforest Guide

11. Take in the View from the TelefériQo

Quito has so much to offer, but the stunning views from every corner are one of the highlights. One of the city’s best views is undoubtedly from the top of the TelefériQo cable car that whisks travelers halfway up the side of the Pichincha Volcano that towers over the city. It’s one of the best things to do in Quito , hands down.

Riding this cable car will give you stunning views of Quito on the ride itself, but another highlight is getting to the top of the cable car line. More than just looking over the city, you’ll have stunning views of the volcano and nearby mountains and valleys – on clear days, you can even see up to FIVE snow-capped volcanoes from the top!

Make sure that you save the ride on the TelefériQo for the morning of a day in Quito that is expected to be the nicest day of your trip, weather-wise. The appeal of the TelefériQo is, after all, the view, and mornings in Quito tend to be the clearest time of day.

Another essential travel tip: Make SURE that you have a warm jacket when heading up the TelefériQo. Even if it’s boiling hot and sunny in Quito, it will be windy and chilly so far up the mountain.

12. Eat Encebollado and Encocado on the Beach

Ecuador’s coast boasts countless relaxed beach towns perfect for a getaway, each one better than the next. Drawn to the Galapagos, Amazon, and Andes, far too few visitors make it to this unique region of Ecuador, home to the best regional dishes in the country.

While Ecuador’s coastal cuisine is excellent all around – you can’t go wrong with everything from delicious ceviche and grilled fish to fried plantains and seafood rice – some of the best dishes are encebollado and encocado.

There is nothing like finding a little restaurant right on the beach and digging into these dishes.

• Encebollado: This fish soup dish is synonymous with Guayaquil and is a popular hangover cure, but it is delicious any time of day and anywhere along the coast. Eat it top with popcorn and plantain chips.
• Encocado: This delicious dish uses fresh coconut to make a stew, usually with shrimp, fish, or other seafood. You really can’t go wrong with any type of encocado!

Even if you’re not on the coast and you see some Ecuadorian coastal dishes like encebollado or encocado, give them a try – they’re a highlight of Ecuadorian cuisine.

Read More: 10 Best Beaches in Ecuador

13. Climb a Volcano

Though just a tiny country, Ecuador is home to 47 volcanoes spread across the mainland and the Galapagos Islands. No matter where you travel, you’ll never be too far from a volcano in Ecuador. These imposing and often stunning landmarks are beautiful from below but also make for some of the country’s most impressive spots for hiking.

Read More: 15 Most Impressive Volcanoes in South America

Ecuador’s most famous volcano is Cotopaxi, the nearly perfectly conical, glacier-topped giant that towers over the Valle de los Chillos just outside Quito. It is easily the most beautiful volcano in Ecuador and the most popular destination for climbers.

While summiting Cotopaxi is a challenge (though doable for the fit, even without much experience climbing), even the moderately fit can reach the refuge near the glacier line, and everyone can enjoy a day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi to hike, bike, or horseback ride in the shadow of the volcano within the national park.

To prepare and acclimate for a push to the Cotopaxi summit, consider hiking Rucu Pichincha in Quito or Pasochoa or Ilalo, just outside Quito. Sincholagua and Rumañahui are nearby popular climbs as well.

Tungurahua, active as ever and releasing occasional spurts of gas and even lava, is a popular hike outside the adventure sports capital of Ecuador in Baños . Other famous volcanoes include the extinct volcanic crater lakes of Quilotoa near Latacunga and Cuicocha, just outside of Otavalo .

• Ultimate Ecuador Travel Guide (From A Local!)
• Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Ecuador
• One Week Ecuador Itinerary
• 10 Days in Ecuador: Ultimate Ecuador Itinerary

14. Explore Ecuador by Train

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to see Ecuador, consider zipping through mountain passes, past snow-capped volcanoes, and through lush valleys by train. With various routes and options for train travel in Ecuador, this has quickly become one of the most luxurious ways to explore the country.

Visitors can hop on the Tren Crucero in Quito and make the four-day journey to Guayaquil on the coast (or take the journey in the opposite direction), traveling in style through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Don’t worry, you won’t be stuck on the train for hours on end. The route is designed for stops at artisan markets and plantations where you can see Ecuador’s famous roses, stunning mountain vistas, and more, with overnights planned at guesthouses and haciendas along the way.

It’s both an experience and the best way to travel the country in style and comfort.

15. Visit El Cajas National Park

Located just half an hour outside Cuenca, El Cajas National Park is one of Ecuador’s most well-known and famous national parks. With its unique flora and fauna, otherworldly topography, and countless trails for hiking and biking, it makes the perfect day trip from Cuenca.

While visitors are welcome to tour the park independently, the expanses of the park are only explored with transportation, so choosing an inexpensive small group excursion or a personalized private tour is the best option. You’ll see the stunning Laguna Toreadora and surrounding hillsides, plus unique high-altitude flora and fauna ranging from condors and hummingbirds to coatís.

16. Hike to a Hidden Beach

Widely considered mainland Ecuador’s best beach, Playa de Los Frailes is a hidden beach located outside Puerto Lopez, accessible only through the Machalilla National Park. While it may be a bit out of the way, this stunning beach with almost-white sand and whales migrating just offshore is more than worth the effort to visit.

Visitors can enter the park with their own vehicles or by taxi and take a short walk from the parking lot to the main Playa de Los Frailes beach, the longest strip of sand in the park.

However, if you’re looking for more of an adventure, hike to the beach along the “Sendero Largo” path from the park entrance. This path will lead you past additional beach coves that will be nearly empty and past beautiful overlooks of the ocean and beaches. It’s a stunning journey of about 1.5 hours long, worth the effort!

17. Cross Into Peru

Don’t worry, we don’t think that one of the best things to do in Ecuador is leaving the country! However, if you’re looking for a totally unique experience as you explore Ecuador, consider visiting the far south of the country, and crossing over the Ecuadorian border at Huaquillas and visiting the market on the border is certainly memorable.

On both the Ecuadorian and Peruvian side of this fluid border you’ll find market stalls selling everything from delicious street foods to handicrafts, housewares, and everything in between. It’s a fascinating spot to people-watch and explore, even if you don’t want to buy anything. Travel onward to Peru or head back into Ecuador (don’t skip the beach at Jambelí) after your memorable day in this unique market.

While you’re exploring the southern coast of Ecuador, make sure to stop in Machala. Ecuador’s banana-growing region is home to spectacular food like bolones , encebollado , and more , plus the laid-back small-town vibes make this a little-visited but much-loved spot by travelers.

Plan a Trip to Peru

• 25+ Best Things To Do in Peru
• 10 Best Cities in Peru for Travelers
• Best Machu Picchu Tours (For Every Budget)

18. Celebrate Carnival

Ecuadoran Carnival celebrations are truly like no other. While neighboring Brazil might steal the South American spotlight with its over-the-top Rio Carnival celebrations, Ecuador has its own unique ways to celebrate that make this time of year one of the best to visit Ecuador.

While celebrations vary from city to city, you’ll generally find great parades, performances of local dances and music, and plenty of other free or inexpensive events. Plus you’ll find locals playing “carnival games,” which consist of throwing water, colored powders, flour, and foam at everyone around. It’s messy but an absolute riot if you’re a willing participant !

While your trip might not coincide with Carnival celebrations, if you’re still planning your Ecuador itinerary, I recommend considering a visit during this time. Celebrating the local way is one of the best things to do in Ecuador for visitors, truly a memorable experience and an unparalleled way to have a unique cultural experience in Ecuador.

Read More: Ecuador’s Carnival Celebrations: A Local Guide

19. Straddle Hemispheres at Mitad del Mundo

If you’re headed to Ecuador, you must visit the Equator! If you spend any time traveling around Ecuador, especially near Quito, you’ll likely cross the Equator at some point, but stopping off at one of the places that pay tribute to the Equator is a must.

The best place to visit the Equator is at Mitad del Mundo (in English, the middle of the Earth ) , found just a few miles north of Quito. You’ll have your choice of visiting either the Monument to the Equator, or the Intiñan Museum, both of which are unique spots perfect for photo opportunities of straddling two hemispheres.

Here’s a fun fact about the Equator at Mitad del Mundo: the Monument to the Equator is not on the actual Equator! It was built before GPS confirmed its precise location, which indigenous Ecuadorians had accurately calculated centuries earlier.

To visit the TRUE equatorial line, visit the Intiñan Museum – you’ll also get a fun passport stamp to memorialize your visit to Latitude 0.

Easily accessible by public transportation or affordable half-day guided excursion from Quito, this is a must on any Quito itinerary !

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, at home or abroad. 

20. Taste-Test Ecuadorian Coffee (and Chocolate!)

Ecuador’s next-door neighbor Colombia might be more famous for its coffee, but Ecuador is close behind with some of the best coffee you’ll find anywhere in the world. With its unique pockets of forests, including the cloud forest in Mindo, Ecuador also produces 70% of the world’s highest-quality cacao, making chocolate a delicious export.

Wherever you plan to visit in Ecuador, make a point to try these high-quality local treats!

In Quito, some favorite spots to sample these incredible local products include Cafe Travesia for coffee, located in the upscale Gonzalez Suarez neighborhood and locally famous for roasting in-house and for having incredible baristas that know how to prepare a quality cup.

If you’re looking for Ecuador’s best chocolate in Quito, head to the República del Cacao , just a block away from the Plaza Mayor in Old Town Quito . At this storefront, you can taste test to your heart’s content, from classic chocolate bars to specialty bars with additions like chiles, tropical fruits, and even rose petals.

Pacarí on La Ronda in Old Town Quito is another must-visit spot for delicious chocolate.

If you’re looking to get a bit more up close and personal with the process of chocolate production, head to Mindo in the cloud forest just outside of Quito. El Quetzal is a local chocolate factory that makes incredible chocolate and offers regular tours and experiences to try your hand at making chocolate and tasting it!

21. Backpack Through the Amazon Rainforest

While the Amazon can be quite an expensive destination, it doesn’t need to be! Head to the backpacker’s favorite town of Tena on the edge of the Amazon for a rainforest getaway on a budget – without sacrificing the experience.

Tena has dozens of great tour providers offering day trips into the Amazon, including visits to indigenous villages, white water rafting and kayak excursions, and jungle walks. With Tena’s affordable hostels and frequent connections to Quito (and other cities in Ecuador ) by bus, its easy to keep costs down here.

I’ll always be the world’s biggest fan of Hostal Pakay , an affordable accommodation option on the edge of Tena that feels fully immersed in the jungle. Not only are both private and shared rooms affordable and gorgeous, but the hostal organizes incredible jungle walks and tours with local guides for the perfect Amazon rainforest experience.

We LOVED our Hostal Pakay experience and talk about returning constantly.

22. Walk the Malecón 2000

While largest city in Ecuador, Guayaquil , isn’t a tourist hotspot, if you find yourself in Guayaquil, head to Malecón 2000. Cutting through downtown Guayaquil along the Guayas River, this mile-long boardwalk walkway features restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and more.

Monuments, statues, small museums, interactive art exhibits, and more make this spot a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Make sure to spot at the giant Guayaquil sign for photo ops.

A visit to Malecón 2000 isn’t complete without taking the  La Perla observation wheel   for an excellent view over the city. You’ll have an impressive view of the river and the entire boardwalk, as well as the towers of downtown, and the charming hilly Las Penas neighborhood, home to the remnants of historic Guayaquil.

Read More: Guayaquil, Ecuador: Ultimate Travel Guide

23. Learn to Surf at Ecuador’s Dreamiest Beach Town

Located just a short overnight bus ride from Quito, laid-back Canoa is the perfect tiny beach town you’ve always dreamed of finding. Just a few main streets run through Canoa: surrounded by a smattering of local seafood restaurants, surf shops, hostels, and guesthouses , it’s the ultimate chill spot on the coast of Ecuador.

The long stretch of fine sand is perfect for long beach days, and the ocean has just enough waves for beginner surfers to get some great practice without scaring off swimmers. A few great surf schools in town provide affordable lessons, whether you’re a first-timer or a more seasoned surfer.

We LOVED Canoa, by far our favorite beach spot in Ecuador . It’s the perfect laid-back beach town, with just enough to do for travelers that you won’t get bored, yet not overrun by visitors. Take a long weekend or lazy week to completely disconnect in Canoa – it’s just what you need.

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

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

24. Visit Cuicocha Crater Lake

Otavalo might be most famous for having one of the most impressive markets in Latin America , but it also has so much more to offer travelers. Just one of the things you can’t miss near this tiny town is Cuicocha Crater Lake, an incredible lake in the collapsed cone of a volcano!

Visit the nearby visitors center and nature museum, hike around the crater, or take a cruise on the crater lake – all make for an unforgettable visit. Stunning views both from the water and from the crater’s rim await; make sure to hike to the small viewing platform just a hundred yards along the rim from the visitor’s center for the most stunning views of both the valley and the crater lake.

While Cuicocha isn’t as impressive (in my opinion) as the more remote Quilotoa Crater Lake , it’s still absolutely breathtaking , a stunning natural gem that makes Ecuador one of the best countries to visit in South America .

25. Swim in Volcanic Hot Springs

With so many volcanoes in Ecuador , would you be surprised to learn that you can find incredible hot springs all around the country? No matter where you’re traveling in Ecuador, a swim in naturally heated waters can be both a relaxing and invigorating addition to your itinerary.

One of the best places to swim in hot springs is Papallacta, just a short day trip from Quito. Located between the Andes and the Amazon, this warm, tiny town boasts beautiful hot springs – just $9 will get you access to an extensive complex with changing rooms and a variety of different hot springs of different water temperatures, all well-maintained.

If you’re looking to truly unwind and pamper yourself, you can spend a little more ($23 USD) and  enjoy the more exclusive thermal pools and spa services within the  Termas de Papallacta Hotel & Spa .

The tiny adventure-sports paradise of Baños is another hot springs favorite – choose from hot springs that are more public access or even plush hot springs with intimate spas in some of the most beautiful hotels in Baños.

Read More: Baños, Ecuador: Ultimate Travel 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.

Going Awesome Places

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15 of the Best Tourist Attractions in Ecuador

Last Updated January 31, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Attractions & Experiences » 15 of the Best Tourist Attractions in Ecuador

Ecuador is a small country located in South America. Despite its small size, it has a lot of things to offer.

Thanks to its location it displays a great variety of landscapes. You have the coast, which has amazing beaches.  If you are more into mountains you have the Andes and a lot of volcanos. If the jungle is your thing you can go to the Oriente or Amazonian region. And finally you have the Galapagos, islands in the middle of the Pacific ocean with a huge diversity in wildlife.

It is a great place to experience most of what South America has to offer in just one country.  Since it has so much diversity, here come the 15 best tourist attractions in Ecuador !

Read more on South America

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How do you find good deals on hotels?

• I’ve looked far and wide and unless you’re building up Marriott points using the best Canadian credit cards for travel , your best bet is to use Booking and leverage their Genius program to save up to 15% on properties.

Table of Contents

Jump to the top tourist attractions in Ecuador.

In This Article

1. The Galapagos Islands

2. visit the middle of the world, 3. walk through quito’s city center, 4. take a train ride to nariz del diablo or devil’s nose, 5. party in montañita, 6. take a surf lesson, 7. climb the chimborazo, 8. hike the quilotoa loop, 9. go to the el cajas national park, 10. explore the beautiful cuenca, 11. do extreme sports in baños de agua santa, 12. go shopping in the otavalo market, 13. visit the isla de la plata known as the “small galápagos”, 14. go whale watching, 15. cuyabeno wildlife reserve, 15 best tourist attractions in ecuador.

This isn’t an exhaustive list by far but if you’re thinking about planning a trip, these tourist attractions in Ecuador should get you started on your itinerary.

This is one of the main reasons why people visit Ecuador. These group of islands have beautiful wildlife to offer. It is a great place to enjoy the awesome beaches, go snorkelling, and diving and enjoying nature. See the giant Galapagos turtles and the unique iguanas.

In Ecuador, you can find yourself literally in the middle of the world.  In the city of Quito, you can find the Middle of the World Monument .  You’d think this spot is in the middle of the world but the actual spot is 200 meters away and marked on the ground.

This top tourist attraction in Ecuador is where they have demonstrations such as the water test, where you can see how in one hemisphere it flushes down one way but on the other hemisphere, it flushes down the other way.

Quito’s historical center is one of the oldest and best preserved in the Americas. It was the first city to be declared world heritage center in 1978 alongside Krakow, Poland. While walking through the old streets, you will be transported into the past.

It is located between mountains, so it has beautiful viewpoints from where you can take the most amazing pictures of the city and enjoy the view.

La Nariz del Diablo is well known because of the train that takes you there. This train ride is part of the train line that connects the Sierra with the coast.  There’s a section of it that has one of the steepest inclines in the world with a 500m in only 12 km.  It’s a true engineering wonder.

The journey starts in Alausí, a small town located in the mountains, and takes you to the Devil’s Nose and complete it’s route in Simbabe.  Here, you’ll be able to enjoy some typical Ecuadorian food, dances and visit a local museum. When you’re done exploring, hop back on the train and return back to Alausí.

Montañita is a small town located along the Spondylus route. It is a town by the beach that attracts a lot of local and foreign tourist all year long. There’s always something going on there including epic parties. So if you are in for a bit of partying, make sure not to miss it!

It is also a very common destination for people that love to surf. The big waves allow you to practice that sport all the time. Montañita is full of hostels and hotels, so you have sleeping opportunities for all budgets.

It also offers a lot of eating opportunities for all tastes and at all price levels. The bohemian Montañita is definitely a place worth visiting.

With about 640 kilometres of coastline, Ecuador has amazing beaches that allow you to practice Surf. From north to south you can find very good spots to surf.

Whether you’ve surfed before or not, Ecuador is a great place for surfers of all skill levels.  The best part is that surf lessons aren’t expensive.

The Chimborazo is an inactive volcano and the highest peek in Ecuador. It is also the closes point to the sun, edging Mount Everest by 2 km.  This is because of its location along the equatorial bulge, which makes it the farthest point from the Earth’s center.

When you climb up the Chimborazo, you’ll find someone who known to be the last ice-maker.  In the old days, people used to go up the Quilotoa to bring down ice for their towns. Now he is the only one still practicing taking ice from the volcano.

Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera an the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. On the top, you can find this beautiful lagoon with beautiful turquoise coloured water.

There are a ton of sport activities here including hiking, kayaking and you animal watching.

If you are into hiking, you can do a 3-5 day hike to get to Quilotoa. You start in Latacunga and pass through small Andean communities until you reach the Quilotoa lagoon.

When it comes to tourist attractions in Ecuador, El Cajas National Park is not to be missed.  Located just outside Cuenca, it is a beautiful combination of lagoons and hills with tundra vegetation. With its highest point at 4450m above sea-level, this is quite the wonder.

You can hike here or just go by car and stop in the different viewpoints along the way.  You’ll also find quite the assortment of traditional dishes to try in the park.

Word of caution:  Some may be affected by the altitude here so pay special attention.

Cuenca is a beautiful city in the Andes. It is a colonial city so it has a European flair. Cuenca is synonymous for Ecuadorean beauty, history, art, churches, and small streets that will make you fall in love. The city has very friendly people and the weather is usually very favourable.

Baños is the last big city located in the mountains before reaching the Amazons. It is located in the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano .

Here you can do a lot of extreme sport like white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, bungee jumping and much more.

It has also beautiful waterfalls around the city and it is known for its thermal baths. However, the most famous part of Baños is “La Casa del Árbol” which features a giant swing at the end of the world.

Otavalo is known for it’s really nice people and the artisan market. Here you can find all kinds of  crafts from the indigenous people. It it the biggest artisanal market in Ecuador and one of the biggest in South America.

The best day to visit it is on Saturday because the market expands to the streets of the city. Any other day, the market is restricted to the “Plaza de Los Ponchos”.

Very early in the morning, there is also a cattle market worth visiting. For that one you will have to wake up really early but you will see animal trading like in the olden days.

La Isla de la Plata is known as the smaller of the Galapagos because here you can find very similar flora and fauna to its bigger brother.  If you make it here, you’ll be able to see the blue-footed booby and big sea turtles.

It is located about a 1 hour boat ride away from the Ecuadorian coast in Puerto Lopez.

From an activity standpoint, snorkelling is also a must here with it’s incredible aquatic life.

From July to October the humpback whales pass through the Ecuadorian waters. So during these months, you can enjoy a beautiful whale watching tour like the one we did in Richmond BC .

Puerto Lopez is one of the places where a majority of the whales arrive on the Ecuadorian coast which makes it an ideal starting point for a whale watching tours.

Other good places to go whale watching are: Salinas, Parque Nacional Machalilla, La Isla de la Plata, Puerto Cayo, Manta, Bahia de Caráquez, Mompiche and Súa.

This is the second largest national park in Ecuador. It is abound with huge diversity of species.  There are over 550 different species of birds , more than 350 species of fish, 60 different species of orchids, and 10 species of monkeys.  In addition, you’ll find reptiles such as anacondas, alligators, and river turtles.

It is one of the great tourist attractions in Ecuador to enjoy nature, and disconnect from the city and day to day life. Enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunsets in the middle of the jungle, and get to know the indigenous communities that live there.

As you can see, this is only a high level summary of all the wonderful things you can do in Ecuador.  For a small country, the diversity of places to go, things to see, and people to meet is massive.  If you haven’t already, make sure you add Ecuador to your bucket list.

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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Martha Smiley says

March 27, 2018 at 1:02 AM

Every year a lot of travelers visit Ecuador. There have many beautiful places and beaches, which is attracting a huge amount of traveler every year. It’s a helpful travel blog, all the places you talking about in here, it is amazing.I am also a traveler and go many of the places all over the worlds, To read your blog I inspire to give my next trip to Ecuador. I especially love to visit in the beach area. In Ecuador, here have many beaches where I can fishing, surfing, and also kayaking. I am so much excited to go here. Every traveler should know about those tips. Thanks for sharing that one.

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Quito

Written by Alison Abbott and Diana Bocco Updated Mar 22, 2023

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, often takes a backseat to the more well-known Galapagos Islands. Tourists are not always aware that the city offers its own panoply of unique attractions. After all, the entire city of Quito was crowned the very first UNESCO World Heritage site in the world .

With over two dozen historic churches, a wide variety of museums and tourist attractions, and a developing foodie culture paying homage to traditional ingredients, this gateway city is one visitors should not overlook.

Add in a vast array of hotels at all price points and an equatorial climate that keeps the temperature comfortable and uniform year-round, and this South American charmer might just become your new favorite city.

Plan your visit with our list of the top things to do in Quito.

1. El Panecillo

2. ciudad mitad del mundo, 3. la campaña, 4. catch the views from teleferico, 5. the crystal palace, 6. eat empanadas, 7. la forest street art tour, 8. walk down la ronda, 9. stop by plaza grande, 10. basilica del voto nacional, 11. casa del alabado museo, 12. chapel of man, 13. convent and monastery san francisco, 14. spend an afternoon at parque carolina, map of attractions & things to do in quito, quito, ecuador - climate chart.

On the south side of Old Town, perched high on the hill overlooking Quito, is El Panecillo, one of the city's top attractions. This major landmark in Quito is home to the La Virgen de Quito, a luminous madonna statue that was constructed in 1976 entirely of aluminum by Spanish artist, Agustin de la Herran Matorras. The views of Quito and the volcanos are epic if you can catch a glimpse and tour on a clear day.

Be sure to climb the steps up to the base of the statue for the best view. An insider tip is to try and visit first thing in the morning before the clouds roll in.

For a sneak peek into the history of Ecuador and its indigenous people, head to the Cuidad Mitad del Mundo. This national landmark (the equator) has several statues; a small village; and a charming, old-school museum.

Don't be fooled by its size, the museum has exhibits from Highland and Amazonian tribes, which include their history, and a homey collection of musical instruments, clothes, textiles, and more. Combined with the adjacent Middle of the Earth, this is one of the best things to see in Quito.

Make sure to try some of the experiments on offer where there's a new normal for gravity, and you can even balance an egg on top of a nail. Where else can you straddle both sides of the equator?

Be sure to allow some time and stop in the gift shop, which sells goods handcrafted by local artisans. Again, like most of the things to do in Quito, early is better.

The many churches of Quito are within walking distance of one and other, but if you can only visit a single church during your stay in Quito, Compañia de Jesús should be the one. The extraordinary exterior of the building is only surpassed by the jaw-dropping interior. Imagine seven tons of gold leaf. It covers all surfaces in excess that could only belong to a house of worship.

Often called Quito's Sistene Chapel, the breathtaking interior will not disappoint. Centrally located, the structure was begun in 1605 and completed 160 years later. Well known for the decorative and expansive central nave, the Jesuit church is considered the finest example of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America.

Those with acrophobia take note. For breathtaking views and a nail-biting ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat, stop by the Quito Teleferico. This sky tram is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world . The ride is only 10 minutes, but you will marvel at the views over Quito as it climbs up the side of Volcan Pichincha and comes to a rest on top of Cruz Loma.

This is the gateway for more adventures. Visitors can hike, cycle, or enjoy the rides at the amusement park, Vulqano Park , at the base station of Rucu Pichincha. There is also a swing at the top for the ultimate Instagrammable picture.

Surrounded by Guayas river, which winds through Quito, Itchimbia sits high above the Old Town. Head to this serene grassy park in the Guayaquil neighborhood to take a stroll or just take a break from a busy day of sightseeing, all while taking in the panoramic views.

In Itchimbia, you will see one of the landmarks from the past, the Crystal Palace . Designed by engineers Francisco Manrique and Carlos van Ischot and overseen by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame, the structure was brought over from Belgium piece by piece and rebuilt.

Along the riverbank, this impressive structure is abandoned but is still a must-see for tourists solely on its architectural integrity. Once a bustling marketplace, it is now vacant but well loved by photographers and others who want to walk through its vast center hallway. The surrounding plaza is often a hub of activity.

Do you enjoy eating local foods when you travel? If you have never had an empanada, you will be hooked after a visit to Quito. This delectable staple in South America is one of Ecuador's favorite street foods. There are many places you can find empanadas around the city, from restaurants to sidewalk stands.

At the top of our list are empanadas de viento , with a cheese-filled center and dusted with sugar. Another choice is empanadas de verde , made from green plantains, a plentiful staple in South America. After getting your fill, it will be time for some active fun. La Forest Street Art Tour is the perfect way to burn off those tasty calories.

If you want to get a view of the city on foot, from one of the locals, try the free La Forest Street Art Tour. You will spend three hours winding your way through historic houses, learning more about Ecuador's colorful history and even more about its colorful murals and prolific graffiti art scene. On the tour, you will also head to the famous Ocho Y Medio , an independent cinema with one-of-a-kind movies.

No tour of Quito would be complete without some of the delicious coffee and local treats. This activity happily obliges with a stop at one of the local coffee shops to recharge. After this tour, you will have a better understanding of the vibrant culture and warm people who make up Quito's population.

La Ronda is one of the best-preserved streets in colonial Old Town . Colorful and full of activity, the cobbled street is lined with cafés, galleries, and the best of traditional artisans invited by the government to share their craftsmanship with the public. If you come early in the day, the area is still sleepy and a great spot for a quiet cup of coffee. Later, the street hums with movement from both the shopkeepers and tourists.

Don't miss some of the vendors tucked in the back of shops or little alleyways. They represent the best of local Quito and are great spots to find souvenirs and keep traditional crafts alive.

Spending some time in one of Quito's popular crowd-gathering plazas is a must for visitors. Soak up the popular culture and see how the locals meet and greet. Street food vendors and buskers are all part of the activity on offer.

A favorite is Plaza Grande, aka Independence Square , which is bordered by the Presidential Palace , City Hall , a cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace . Choose a bench and enjoy the people watching. Multi generations gather, and the central statue is a favorite spot for photos.

Vendors of all kinds make their way through the paths of cobblestones that radiate from the center. Should you need it, you'll have many a chance to get your shoes shined.

If you enjoy getting an overview of a new city, visit the Basilica for a 360-degree, bird's-eye view from the twin bell towers. The climb to the Neo-Gothic Tower is not for the faint of heart, but no worries, an elevator is also available. If possible, arrange your tour in the early morning or late afternoon for the best photography light.

Keep your eyes peeled for the gargoyles on the exterior. The sculptors have playfully carved indigenous animals of Ecuador into the exterior. Armadillos, tortoises, birds, and dolphins replace traditional goblins and religious figures.

Located just a short distance from the main square of Plaza San Francisco, the collection represents the Pre-columbian world of indigenous American people. Visitors will find the rooms broken down into small, manageable bites of related objects.

Taking the tour brings sightseers through the relationship of communication, rituals, and nature. Illustrating how they are all intertwined, the related objects are decorated with images from the celestial, underworld, and middle earth.

The center courtyard offers an opportunity for a light bite, a bit of rest, and a shaded spot to organize your next round of sightseeing.

It's easy to overlook the story of the indigenous population during travel. There is no better place to learn more than the powerful museum featuring the work of Oswalso Guayasamín . He was an Ecuadorian master painter and sculptor of Quechua and Mestizo heritage who championed the story of the underprivileged.

Located high on a bluff overlooking the city, the museum was completed in 2002, shortly after the artist's death. The Chapel of Man is dedicated to the struggles of the indigenous people both before and after the arrival of the Spanish explorers. The artist's enormous paintings fill the unique space, and the enormity of the subject matter is important for travelers to experience.

The setting is quite somber and dramatic, with plenty of intimate spaces to pause and ponder the ideas the artist presents. Make sure to look for all of the street art on the drive up to the structure.

Iglesia San Francisco is Quito's first church and also the largest religious complex in South America . The entire compound of buildings will transport visitors back to the 16 th century. Close your eyes, and you might even hear the faint sound of monks chanting in a muffled hush.

Inside, along with an appropriate musty scent, the woodcarvings are spectacular. Crowning the altar is the exquisite Winged or Dancing Virgin sculpture by Bernardo de Legarda. The design of her dress and folded hands give a feeling of motion. This particular Virgin can be seen throughout the northern Andes as a popular cult figure.

The adjacent museum has an impressive collection of artwork and décor. In addition, an airy courtyard complete with a ring of swaying palms is a welcome respite from the buzzing streets outside. Make sure to ask your tour guide about the devil's connection to the building-a great inventive folk tale sure to raise the hairs on your neck.

Known as the "Central Park" of Quito, this massive 165-acre urban space is a popular place to visit on weekends for city dwellers looking for some greenery, as well as for those looking for things to do. Rent a paddleboat, explore the bicycle trails, or try the skate park. On weekends, the park comes alive with performances, kite flying, and impromptu soccer games. You'll find plenty of food stalls and even a defunct air force plane that now holds an exhibit.

The Quito Botanical Garden is located within Carolina Park and houses both native and foreign plants, a lagoon, an orchid garden, a beautiful cloud forest, a garden dedicated to medicinal plants (including the native South American plant, Cinchona officinalis, used to cure malaria), and a hydroponic rose collection.

The park is also home to a vivarium and the Quito Exhibition Center, which often hosts exhibitions and fairs. The Museum of Natural Sciences is also part of the park. You'll find exhibits of flora, fauna, and paleontology here. Learn about the biological diversity of animals in Ecuador; see a large collection of insects; and explore the botanical exhibit, which consists of over 200,000 specimens. The museum's main attraction, however, is Tito, an almost complete mastodon skeleton found in Ecuador.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Guide to Ecuador: If Quito is just a gateway to the rest of your trip, be sure to see our guide to the Top Attractions in Ecuador . Learn about other important cities like Cuenca and Guayaquil, as well as the markets, beaches, waterfalls, and other major attractions across the country.

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17 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Quito

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on March 3, 2024

Set high in the rolling foothills of the Andes Mountains, Quito is a sprawling metropolis filled with cultural and historical treasures. Founded by 16th-century Spanish conquistadors on the site of an ancient Incan city, the capital of Ecuador boasts the biggest and best-preserved historic center in the Americas.

Featuring an artful blend of European and indigenous architectural styles, dozens of churches, museums and colonial mansions line cobblestone streets. There are plenty of modern tourist attractions in Quito too, including night clubs, trendy restaurants and boutique shops. Quito’s many parks and plazas provide picturesque settings where you can relax while planning your next excursion.

Prepare yourself for plenty of interesting things to do in Quito and breathtaking scenery in this beautiful city that continues to attract visitors from across the globe.

17. Museo de la Ciudad

The Museo de la Ciudad is located in the oldest building in Quito, the former San Juan de Dios Hospital, near the Centro Historico. The city museum houses an exhibit of impressive collections from the pre-Columbian era to the present day from the local area.

The building that houses the museum was constructed in 1565. Its historical architecture is the first sight visitors see. It’s welcome step for tours of the grand collection within the museum. Intriguing pieces detail cuisine, traditions, legends, and more through the exhibitions to illuminate the workings of the days of the past in Quito.

For visitors to Quito, the Museo de la Ciudad is the perfect opportunity to learn the city’s story through impactful exhibits.

16. Intinan Museum

Next to the Mitad del Mundo Monument, the Intinan Museum is advertised as the exact location of the equator. Visitors to the museum will see a painted red bisected line that marks what the establishment promotes as the “unofficial-official” site of the middle of the world.

The museum’s exhibits are concentrated on Ecuador’s native tribes, including the Waoranis, the Incas, and the Shuar. Visitors to the museum can learn how the Incas determined the center of the Earth.

The interactive exhibits allow guests to experiment with the laws of physics, like balancing an egg on a nail head, and to learn about the local traditional dance and music. At the Intinan Museum, visitors can witness a Coriolis Effect demonstration, tour the Totemic Forest of carved totem poles, and observe a tzantza, a head-shrinking ritual!

15. La Floresta

The trendiest neighborhood in Quito, La Floresta, has continued to gain popularity over the past twenty years for its beguiling charm. The name for the area was pinned from the eye-catching wildflowers and trees that naturally grew in large amounts to decorate the neighborhood.

Neoclassical-style mansions were built in the area in the 20th century by wealthy families and landowners. Over time, writers and artists flocked to the area, resulting in art galleries, newer era-style homes, and mural-painted buildings. This boosted La Floresta’s popularity, gaining attention worldwide.

There is so much to see and experience within the grounds of La Floresta. Hip cafes, upscale art galleries, alluring bakeries, vintage theaters like the Ocho y Medio Theater, and unique shops line the streets welcoming locals and tourists. For excitement and thrill, the dance club, local bars, and jazz clubs make for a step into the vibrant entertainment only found in La Floresta!

14. Quito Zoo

Close to the town of Guayllabamba, the Quito Zoo emphasizes Ecuadorian species with unique non-native species for a fun addition to the attraction. Some species from Ecuador found at the zoo include the Galapagos turtles and the Andean spectacled bear.

The Quito Zoo is a refuge for animals donated or rescued from dangerous living conditions. There is a primary focus on endangered species by the zoo for dedicated conservation efforts to protect local species.

Touring the zoo, visitors can see local and endangered species up close and personal. The interactive exhibits provide educational content to learn more about the dedicated research, conservation, and biodiversity of the species protected within the Quito Zoo.

13. Museo Casa del Alabado

Settled in a 17th-century Spanish-colonial house, the Museo Casa del Alabado is conveniently near the historic San Francisco Plaza. The museum houses ancient artifacts that date back to the estimated time of the development of the wheel in Mesopotamia.

Rather than focusing each collection on an era or culture, the Museo Casa del Alabado does something utterly intriguing. Each artifact is placed next to another based on commonalities within separate civilizations. These are displayed side by side for comparison so visitors can witness the profoundness of culture, tradition, and history throughout time.

The museum is one of the most worthwhile things to do in Quito, whether you are a history buff or not. It is a grand opportunity to peer and ponder over ancient civilizations that once lived in the area before Europeans ever stepped on the land.

12. Parque La Carolina

Nestled in the central business district, the Parque La Carolina is an expansive park often busy with families and friends looking to explore its many attractions. The bike paths, soccer fields, volleyball courts, and paddle boats are in frequent use in the scenic setting of the park.

The Jardin Botanico’s natural appeal strengthens Parque La Carolina’s charm. This section includes gardens and greenhouses like the ethnobotanical garden and the orchid greenhouse—other features of the botanical garden feature wetland, cloud forest, and paramo.

When visiting Parque La Carolina, check out the Vivarium. Visitors can view, and some even touch, amphibians, and reptiles here. The Museo de Ciencias Naturales is not far away, where stuffed animals from the Bengal tiger to the harpy eagle decorate the museum.

11. Plaza Foch

When it comes to nightlife in Quito, Plaza Foch is the place to go. Dozens of bars, nightclubs and eateries fill the blocks immediately surrounding the square. It’s also a great spot to meet the locals. Thursday through Saturday, young people gather here to join in the fun.

Prices are higher in this neighborhood than in other areas in affordable Quito, but the diversity of entertainment available makes it all worth it. From live music to karaoke to dancing, there’s something for every taste. Plaza Foch is where you’ll find some of Quito’s best tapas bars, pizzerias and upscale restaurants too.

10. Basilica del Voto Nacional

The most significant representation of neo-Gothic architecture in the Americas, Ecuador’s largest basilica is a must-see attraction. Built in the style of Notre-Dame in Paris, construction for the concrete cathedral began in 1887. Instead of the traditional gargoyles, however, Ecuadorian animals like monkeys, iguanas, tortoises and pumas adorn the structure’s edifice.

Inside, standout features include the mosaic floor and an altar to the Virgin Mary located in a side chapel. If you’re up for a long climb up stairs and ladders, the top of the main tower offers great views of Quito and the volcanic mountains beyond.

9. Casa Museo Guayasamin

The Casa Museo Guayasamin is situated in the previous home of the iconic painter Oswaldo Guayasamin. It preserves the nearly complete collection of Guayasamin’s works and other artworks the painter had collected. These include fantastic pre-Columbian collections, religious artworks, and pieces created by indigenous artists of the Escuela Quitena.

While touring the museum, visitors will note a theme in the arrangements. These are influenced by fertility figurines, bowls, and Guayasamin’s signature color schemes and geometric designs. Many of Guayasamin’s pieces focused passionately on the suffering of the indigenous poor in Latin America.

At the museum, visitors can pay their respects to the legendary painter at the burial site of Guayasamin. The painter was buried next to his friend, a famous Ecuadorian politician and writer named Jorge Enrique Adoum.

8. Plaza Grande

You could spend an entire day in the Plaza Grande and still not see everything this historic square has to offer. Since the 1600s, royalty, dictators and presidents have governed the country from the buildings surrounding Plaza Grande.

Visitors can tour the presidential palace Carondelet, which has been converted into a museum, and the 16th-century Cathedral of Quito, Ecuador’s oldest Catholic church. The Archbishop’s Palace and Hotel Plaza Grande are open to the public as well. At the center of the plaza stands the Heroes de la Independencia, a moment to those who fought in Ecuador’s war for independence from Spain.

7. La Capilla Del Hombre

Dedicated to the people of Latin America, La Capilla Del Hombre is an art museum designed by famed Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín. Located in Bellavista, the strikingly modern-looking structure sits atop a hill overlooking the city.

Guayasamín used his murals and sculpture to capture the experience of a people fighting political oppression. Completed three years after his death in 1999, the “Chapel of Man” offers the perfect backdrop to his emotionally moving paintings. The adjacent Museo Guayasamín features a more expansive collection of the artist’s work as well as artwork from Ecuador’s pre-Columbian and colonial periods.

6. Calle La Ronda

By far one of the best attractions in Quito, the Calle La Ronda is a historic street that dates back to when the Incas once walked its paths. After the Spanish took over in the 16th century, it transitioned into an Andalusian style to reflect the popular style in Spain in those times.

Calle La Ronda has swiftly become one of Quito’s jewels. Its romantic balconies and lantern-speckled streets create a charming allure that continues to attract visitors. Elegantly quaint cafes and restaurants, dedicated museums, and pristine art galleries decorate the street, perfect for adventuring to dip into the beauty of Quito.

By far one of the best attractions in Quito, the Calle La Ronda is near the Museo de la Ciudad and the historic district for an easy walk to other top things to do in the city.

5. TeleferiQo

The TeleferiQo tramway whisks visitors from the city center to the peak of Cruz Loma on the eastern side of the Guagua Pichincha Volcano. The entrance to the gondola ride is located within the new VulQano amusement park, a tourist destination in its own right.

You’ll want to ensure you’re acclimated to Quito’s high elevation before taking on the aerial tramway. The six-passenger gondola cars rise 1,100 meters (3,620 feet) in just 10 minutes. There’s a café at the top where you can relax and regain your bearings. Bring along some warm clothing so that you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the city in relative comfort.

4. El Panecillo

Quito’s hilly terrain offers scenic views from just about every vantage point, but the panoramic vista you’ll enjoy from El Panecillo makes a trip to the summit a must-do experience. Named after the Spanish bread panecillo, the hill is located in the south-central section of the city, providing expansive views from every side.

While it’s possible to climb to the top of El Panecillo, most visitors prefer taking a taxi. A large statue of the Virgin Mary adorns the summit. Made from 7,000 pieces of aluminum, it’s notable for showing the Virgin with wings. This type of portrayal is popular throughout the northern Andes.

3. Mitad Del Mundo

The Middle of the World, or Mitad Del Mundo, has to be the top attraction near Quito, hour’s trip away next to the Museum de Sitio Intinan.

Attracting attention from all corners of the Earth, the site is said to rest on the equatorial line, hence the founding of the country’s name, “Ecuador.” Visitors to the Mitad Del Mundo can grasp the opportunity to stand, sit, or lie in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at one time. As the equatorial line is not visible, there is a yellow line that marks the spot.

Modern equipment soon discovered that the true Middle of the World is further away. This doesn’t stop people from traveling from all over the globe to visit the iconic monument of the Mitad Del Mundo in Quito!

2. San Francisco Church

One of the first churches built in the Americas, San Francisco de Quito dates back to the 1570s. Over the nearly 150 years of its construction, Renaissance, Mannerist, Mudejar and Baroque architectural styles influenced its design.

A pair of curved steps are at the San Francisco Church’s main entrance. These were initially designed to be part of the construction of the Belvedere of the Vatican, though the plans were changed to fit in the San Francisco Church’s establishment instead.

Named after Saint Francis, the church’s relatively plain edifice is contrasted by the lavish use of gold in its nave, chapels and altar. The main altar features a winged Madonna crafted by Quito artist Bernardo de Legarda in 1734. The adjacent museum provides access to the choir, which features beautifully persevered Moorish decoration from the 16th century.

1. La Compania de Jesus

Demonstrating the wealth of the powerful Jesuit order in 16th-century Ecuador, La Compania de Jesus is the most impressive church in the country’s capital.

Built over 160 years starting in 1605, the structure is best known for its highly decorated interiors. Around half a ton of gold was used to ornament the walls, ceilings and the church’s 11 altars. The walls of gold-touched elements were designed with the intention of the church to attract natives to attend church using the gold.

In the towering nave, gold leaf, gilded plaster, elaborate mosaics and wood carvings cover every surface. At the base of the high altar lies the remains of Quito-born Mariana de Jesús de Paredes, Ecuador’s patron saint.

An important note – Pictures are forbidden when touring La Compania de Jesus’s interior.

Where to Stay in Quito

If it’s your first time, the Centro Historico is the place to be, where tourist attractions, restaurants, and activities are right outside your doorstep. For a trendy and aesthetic-inspired take on the city, La Floresta is ideal with its decorative and stunning architecture. A stay in La Carolina is highly recommended for families as it is centered around a park full of activities and entertainment, such as the botanical garden.

One of the top stays in Quito, Casa El Edén is an affordable four-star boutique hotel in the Centro Historico. The hotel is situated in a restored mansion exuding an undeniable charm of wooden floors, an appealing rooftop terrace, and a scenic courtyard.

A laid-back and accommodating stay, Hotel David is in Alameda Park, only ten minutes from the Centro Historico. The rooms exude a welcoming ambiance and pristine design, perfect for a budget-friendly vacation in Quito. Guests have access to a restaurant with picturesque views.

How to get there

The best transportation method to reach Quito is by air. The Mariscal Sucre International Airport is the city’s airport to fly into for easy transportation access to visit the city. Depending on where you live, you may need to snag an indirect flight to reach Quito.

If you’re coming from other parts of Ecuador, taking a bus to Quito is a great option. Ecuador has a well-developed bus system that is both affordable and reliable. Although not as common as other modes of transportation, taking a train to Quito can be a unique and scenic experience. The railway station is at the south end of the old city.

Approximate travel times

• Otavalo – 2 hours by car
• Baños – 3 hours by car
• Cuenca – 7 hours by car
• Guayaquil – 8 hours by car
• Galapagos Islands – 2 hours by plane

Best Time to Visit Quito

As it lies so close to the equator, Quito sees almost no change in its daily temperature with averages of 20 and 21°C (68 to 70°F) all year-round. Due to its tropical location, high altitude and setting amidst the Andes, fog, drizzle and sunshine can occur at almost any time.

June through September is the driest period though when loads of people visit. While prices are higher and there are more crowds, these months are best for ambling around its historic centre and enjoying some outdoor activities. In addition to its Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi celebrations, August has a month-long schedule of concerts and cultural events to enjoy.

Although each month sees between 17 and 19 days with at least some rainfall, October to January remains a massively popular period to visit. December, so summertime in Ecuador, is its absolute peak season as people have holidays. Aside from Christmas and New Year’s, the capital also celebrates its founding and All Souls’ Day during these months.

While March to May is even rainier, huge crowds head here for both its festive carnival and elaborate Semana Santa processions. Prices rise around these holidays with its hotels, cafes and restaurants all packed.

Map of Things to Do in Quito

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