PLACES TO VISIT IN ECUADOR

WHAT TO SEE IN ECUADOR

Discover Ecuador’s remarkable nature, history, culture, art, and cuisine surrounded by the epic volcanoes of the Andes Mountains, the gorgeous beaches of the Pacific Coast, the lush rainforests of the Andean Chocó, the remarkable tributaries of the Amazon, and the unbelievable species of the Galapagos Islands.

Ecuador is a magical country in South America. Though relatively small, it is culturally and biologically diverse, offering unparalleled treasures everywhere you go. Enjoy each region to its fullest; from its climate to its culture and everything in between. Each place has a story, and you’ll love getting to know these iconic destinations.

Ecuador Places

Top 5 Places to Visit in Ecuador

Based on the feedback from our experts, guides, and guests, the following are our Best Places to Visit in Ecuador (in addition to the Galapagos), so make sure at least one of the following is included in your itinerary! 

WHAT ARE ECUADOR’S TOP VISITOR SITES?

QUITO

Quito has an impressive Historic Quarter that was among the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Old Town, you can visit and learn about the Presidential Palace and the value of Ecuador’s Colonial-era art and architecture, which is on full display in the many churches, museums, and picturesque streets like La Ronda.

TOURS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

THE ANDEAN CHOCÓ

The Andean Chocó is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. The Chocó is a “biodiversity hotspot” and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Because of the altitude, climate, and vegetation, the area is host to several fascinating and delicate ecosystems that are teeming with life, much of which is endemic to the region. The lush verdant forests are a focus of many research and conservation efforts.

TOURS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

CUENCA

Cuenca has it all! History and archaeology, music and dance, language and lore, literature and gastronomy, architecture and arts-and-crafts, a bustling street life and a booming culinary scene. Culture courses through this southern Andean gem of a city that has long been hailed as the “Athens of Ecuador”, where the Panama hat was first created. Its Historical Center was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1999. So, explore!

You can pick and choose from our itinerary ideas, but tours can be combined to your liking. Ask about our list of full-day tours in the city and its surroundings.

TOURS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

OTAVALO

Imbabura province is known mainly for the town of Otavalo, home to Ecuador’s most famous crafts market. Thousands of locals and tourists converge on the plaza in the center of the town to shop for some of the most beautiful textiles, handicrafts, leather goods, and jewelry! But Imbabura’s allure goes beyond Otavalo: it boasts historic haciendas nestled in the majestic Andes, artisans’ workshops showcasing centuries-old crafts, and if you choose to venture further up north to the province of Carchi, you can observe the breathtaking natural beauty of the El Angel Ecological Reserve with its unique paramo ecosystems. Not all those who wander are lost; some just fell in love with the Northern Andes and chose to stay here for as long as possible!

GUAYAQUIL

Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” this vibrant and engaging port city proudly embraces its rich cultural heritage and contemporary life. Roam through its colorful Las Peñas neighborhood, where cobblestone streets tell tales of the past and enjoy first-class exquisite cuisine. Discover some of its lush, enchanting rural haciendas nearby, the perfect plan to unwind and escape into the luxuriant countryside. Guayaquil invites you to embark on a memorable journey for all the senses.  

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano located in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. At 19,347 feet (5,897 meters), it is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The volcano has a unique conical shape and is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the Cotopaxi National Park.

TOURS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN
Cotopaxi National Park

galapagos islands

The Enchanted Isles are home to wildlife you won’t see anywhere else. They and their surrounding waters comprise two protected areas: the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The Park certifies naturalist guides to lead small expedition groups on excursions throughout the archipelago. 

MORE ECUADOR TOP
VISITOR SITES?

Baños de Agua Santa

The foothills of the Tungurahua are where you’ll find the mystic town of Baños de Agua Santa, a very popular tourist destination. It is a favorite spot for adventure-seekers, with plenty of bungee jumping, ziplining, and river rafting opportunities. Baños gets its name from the relaxing natural hot springs that feature in this location. It is also host to a number of impressive waterfalls, among them the incredibly powerful and popular Pailón del Diablo.
Baños De Agua Santa

Cotopaxi Volcano

In the Sierra region of Ecuador, the Cordillera de Los Andes (Andes Mountain Range) boasts many snow-capped volcanoes. At 19,347 feet (5,897 meters) above sea level, Cotopaxi, about a 90-minute drive from Quito, is the tallest active volcano in the world.
Cotopaxi Volcano

Chimborazo Volcano

A few hours south, near the city of Riobamba is where you’ll find the inactive Chimborazo, which, at 20,561 feet (6,267 meters) above sea level, is the tallest mountain measured from the Earth’s center.
Chimborazo Volcano

Los Frailes and Machalilla National Park

Los Frailes Beach is perhaps the most beautiful beach in Ecuador. It is part of the Machalilla National Park. This nature reserve is one of a handful located along the Ecuadorian coast. The crystal clear, turquoise waters of Los Frailes Beach complement the different colors of sand, from white to black. Red rock cliffs and seaside vegetation abound.
Los Frailes And Machalilla National Park

TAKE A BREAK IN ECUADOR

The world is so agitated with the immediacy and thousands of occupations, forgetting to enjoy nature, the peace it gives you, the ability to explore and feel biodiversity, and the moment of learning to live from an unforgettable experience. 

ANDEAN RHYTHMS TOUR EXPLORE THE MUSIC AND CRAFTS OF THE OTAVALO REGION

ANDEAN RAINFOREST RETREAT EXPERIENCE MASHPI

QUITO PANORAMA TOUR: THE CITY IN A FULL DAY TOUR

FULL DAY COTOPAXI NATURE IMMERSION TOUR

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Cotopaxi Ecuador