Ecuador, a country named after the equator that passes through it, has a lot to offer for all kinds of people. Starting from its 1,000 miles of coastline, you can find beautiful beaches to enjoy. Moving inland, there are the magnificent Andes Mountains and the lush tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin to explore.
Not to mention, the remote Galapagos Islands are also part of Ecuador, known for their incredible wildlife. In addition to natural wonders, Ecuador has bustling cities with luxurious amenities and charming native villages famous for their vibrant markets. To sum it up, here are some of the top places to visit in Ecuador.
10. Mindo
Mindo is a great spot for eco-friendly travelers, giving you a taste of two diverse ecosystems – the tropical Andes and the Chocoan lowlands. You’ll get to explore cloud forests, farmlands, and be surrounded by three major rivers and tons of streams.
As one of Ecuador’s top tourist hotspots, Mindo offers a bunch of outdoor activities. Whether you’re into rafting, bird-watching, mountain biking, horseback riding, or hiking, there’s something for everyone. If you’re more into relaxed vibes, you can also dive into the world of chocolate at El Quetzal del Mindo, where you get the scoop on how cocoa beans turn into that delightful finished product.
9. Riobamba
Riobamba is an interesting city located in the Andean highlands for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s close to Chimborazo, which is the highest mountain in Ecuador and attracts many hikers who start their trek early in the morning to witness the beautiful sunrise.
Secondly, Riobamba serves as the beginning of an incredible train journey to Nariz del Diablo, also known as Devil’s Nose, where passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and cloud forests.
Additionally, Riobamba’s Saturday market is especially appealing as it caters more towards the local population, providing an authentic experience compared to other markets in Ecuador.
8. Salinas
Salinas, located on the western coast of Ecuador, is a beloved destination for surfers and yacht enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. This charming city boasts some wonderful beaches, earning it the nickname “Little Miami Beach” due to the presence of tall condominiums along the shoreline.
One of Salinas’ notable attractions is La Chocolatera, a beach where turtles come to lay their eggs. Visitors must obtain permission to access this beach, despite its name having no connection to chocolate. The optimal time to experience the beauty of Salinas is in December or early January.
However, be aware that it can become overwhelmingly crowded during summer weekends, while the period from April to November may bring cloudy and dull weather.
7. Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a group of 19 islands located 600 miles west of Ecuador on the equator. These islands are isolated from the mainland and have unique wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Some examples of these animals are marine iguanas, giant tortoises, boobies, fur seals, and frigatebirds.
The islands were used as a penal colony in the early 1900s but were declared a national park in 1959. Today, they are a popular tourist destination with Santa Cruz being one of the most visited islands. Santa Cruz is known for its giant tortoises, lava tubes, and the Charles Darwin Research Center.
Other islands like Fernandina, San Cristobol, Isabela, Plaza Sur, Wolf and Darwin Islands, and Baltra also have unique features and wildlife. There are a few towns on the islands, such as Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and Puerto Villamil, that offer amenities like restaurants, bars, and hotels.
To explore the islands, visitors must take a cruise. There are various tour options available, ranging from small yachts to luxury cruise ships, with tours lasting from one day to several days.
6. Guayaquil
Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador, home to around 2.7 million people, and it serves as the country’s commercial hub. It is situated on the banks of the Guayas River, which eventually leads to the Pacific Ocean. The city was established in the year 1538 by Francisco de Orellana, a Spanish conquistador.
Visitors to Guayaquil can explore the Parque Historico Guayaqui, which showcases colonial buildings, beautiful gardens, and native animals. One of the best things about this park is that entry is free of charge.
Another popular attraction in Guayaquil is Las Peñas, an old neighborhood known for its vibrant colors, lighthouse, and stunning views of the city below. To wrap up the day, a stroll along Malecon 2000, a boardwalk along the river, is highly recommended.
5. Cuenca
Cuenca is the capital of Azuay Province and stands out for its numerous old colonial buildings. It resembles Old Quito in terms of architectural style, featuring narrow, cobblestone streets lined with houses that have charming balconies and interior courtyards. Unlike the bustling capital, Cuenca offers a peaceful and pollution-free environment.
The city is quite beloved among retired Americans and is renowned for its vibrant festivals that take place in January and November. Additionally, the Canar plantation, located nearby, is home to the largest Inca ruins in Ecuador.
4. Quilotoa Loop
If you love hiking in remote areas, you will definitely enjoy the Quilotoa loop in Ecuador. This trail will take you through several Andean villages. It usually takes about four days to hike the whole loop, but if you prefer, you can take a bus to save time. However, if you choose this option, you will miss out on some really old trails.
The Quilotoa loop offers breathtaking views of a crater lake that you will find amazing. Additionally, the villages along the way hold vibrant markets during the week. One of the most popular markets is held in Sanquisili on Thursdays.
3. Otavalo
In the Andes, there is a town called Otavalo that hosts a vibrant and significant weekly market. People flock to this market to find unique handmade crafts like beautiful textiles, leather goods, and jewelry. This market has been happening for many centuries, even before the Incas.
It offers a picturesque scene for photographers, with locals donning their traditional outfits and majestic snow-covered mountains forming a stunning backdrop. The main market experience occurs every Saturday, but visitors might also stumble upon handmade crafts in the Plaza de los Ponchos at other times.
2. Quito
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is the highest capital city globally, sitting at an elevation of 2,800 meters above sea level. This bustling city is home to 2.2 million people and is situated in a volcanic region of the Andes. Quito boasts a remarkable historic district, which is one of the largest and most well-preserved in South America.
It was established in 1534 and showcases 20 colonial-era Catholic churches. Despite undergoing extensive restoration, the old town still maintains its authentic working-class and indigenous vibes that have always characterized it. The historic area also houses the Carondolet Palace, where Ecuador’s government is based.
1. Banos
The city of Baños is located near the active volcano Tungurahua. It got its name from the hot springs that are heated by the volcano’s thermal waters. Baños is a very popular tourist destination in Ecuador. Many people visit Baños to start their jungle tours as it is known as the “Gateway to the Amazon”.
One of the main attractions of Baños is the spectacular waterfalls. These waterfalls flow down deep river gorges and are a sight to behold. The most impressive waterfall is Pailon de Diablo, which thunders over a gorge where the Rio Verde and Rio Pastaza meet.
