Experience Ecuador
From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest and the pristine Galápagos Islands, Ecuador offers an extraordinary mix of nature, history, and culture.
Baños de Agua Santa
Baños, nestled in a valley by the Tungurahua Volcano, is a popular Ecuadorian destination known for hot springs, adventure sports, and scenic surroundings. Visitors enjoy international dining, jungle and mountain access, shops, and a relaxed atmosphere. A local specialty is sugar cane toffee, often seen being pulled in shop doorways.
Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park offers stunning views of the almost perfectly symmetrical Cotopaxi Volcano, the tallest peak of the eastern Andes at 5,897 m. Visitors can climb, hike, or trek through the Ecuadorian paramo, exploring past lava flows. Cotopaxi, meaning “shining peak,” is the world’s highest continuously active volcano, with over 50 eruptions since 1738.
Cuicocha
This turquoise crater lake offers scenic trails perfect for a few hours of walking and photography. Legend says the lake is bottomless, and visitors can enjoy boat rides on a small engine, enhancing the experience of its stunning volcanic landscape.
Cuenca
A trip to Cuenca, Ecuador’s southern gem, adds rich culture to any visit. Known as the Athens of Ecuador, its cobbled streets, wrought-iron balconies, patios, and historic churches evoke southern Spain. Famous for Panama hat production, Cuenca offers markets, museums, craft shops, and café life, all in a city praised for its perfect climate.
Aloag
Aloag, thirty minutes south of Quito, offers visits to the traditional Saquisilí market and the chance to see Chagras, Ecuadorian cowboys skilled in horse handling. Surrounded by Andean peaks, Aloag hosts annual July 24th celebrations with rodeo competitions, parades, and roundups, providing a vibrant cultural experience for visitors.
Antisana
Antisana, one of the Andes’ most beautiful mountains, is surrounded by pristine land with native flora and fauna. Visitors often spot condors and other highland birds. The mountain is ideal for climbing, and for the fit and daring, skiing down its slopes is a dream adventure.
Otavalo
Otavalo, two hours north of Quito, is famous for its indigenous market, offering crafts, textiles, and clothing. The Otavalan people maintain their cultural identity, wearing traditional dress daily—men in white trousers, ponchos, and hats, women in embroidered blouses, skirts, beads, and distinctive ponytails tied with woven bands—preserving traditions beyond tourism.
Quito
Quito, where most Ecuador trips begin, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage historic centre and stunning Andean views. The city blends modern skyscrapers with cobbled streets, colonial churches, and quiet courtyards. Stretched 30 km long but only 3–5 km wide, Quito lies between Mount Pichincha and the Machangara River canyon, offering a unique high-altitude metropolis.
Quilotoa
A fantastic lake site, in one of the world’s super volcanoes with an amazingly large crater, it’s emerald color waters of sulfuric origin, where unusual vegetation grows wildly, allows a robust 7-hour hike around the crater with excellent opportunities to photograph the landscape. You can also visit the lake by feet or horse, some kayak rental is available at the lake.
Riobamba
Riobamba, capital of Chimborazo Province at 2,700 m, is an agricultural hub with colonial architecture and lively Saturday markets. Framed by Chimborazo and El Altar volcanoes, it hosts local industries like ceramics, textiles, and food processing. Though less touristy, it’s an ideal base for exploring the region and boarding the thrilling Devil’s Nose train.
Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba, a lush Andean valley with spring-like temperatures, is famed for the longevity of its residents, many living over 100 years. Its secluded location, pristine environment, and high-quality waters create a Shangri-La-like setting, making it a unique and tranquil destination in Ecuador.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main port on the Guayas River, enjoys year-round tropical weather and vibrant attractions. Beyond its renowned gastronomy and nightlife, visitors can explore the historic Las Peñas neighborhood, stroll the scenic Malecón with Ceibo trees, and visit the historical park to experience the city’s culture, architecture, and wildlife.
Machalilla
Machalilla National Park, on Ecuador’s Pacific coast in Manabí, features pristine beaches, Machalilla archaeological sites, and the Aguablanca sulfur lagoon. Isla de la Plata hosts Galapagos bird species, and July–September offers spectacular whale watching as humpback whales give birth, leaping from the water in a striking natural display.
Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest is a paradise of biodiversity. Here, moss carpets ancient trees, orchids bloom in dazzling colors, and waterfalls tumble through hidden valleys. Birdwatchers flock from all over the world to glimpse the resplendent quetzal, the cock-of-the-rock, and over 500 other bird species. Butterflies, glass frogs, and hummingbirds add even more color and wonder to the landscape.