The 8 most beautiful places to visit in Ecuador

What if we fly to Ecuador? Here are the most beautiful places of this earth with treasures, between culture, nature and adventure.

Ecuador is a land of contrast. Less known to tourists than neighbouring countries such as Peru or Colombia, there are many wonders to explore. Coupled in two by the Andean Cordillera, the country has very different ecosystems to which the inhabitants have to adapt. From the peaceful facade and the Galapagos islands to the Amazon forest, to the peaks of more than 6,000 meters, Ecuador is not failing to impress the traveller. Go to the discovery of this small country of South America with well-established traditions, and let yourself be amazed by its breathtaking landscapes.

1. Quito

The capital is 2800 metres above sea level and is the main gateway to the country. Its central location makes it a good base to visit Ecuador but also to acclimatize at altitude. There are two separate areas where visitors are concentrated.

The historic centre, ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, has concentrated the majority of tourist attractions. The Independence Square is the heart of the city, where the cathedral, the Government Palace and the Archiepiscopal Palace are also located. It is very pleasant to walk in Quito, with its colonial architecture and its brightly coloured buildings. Built in a valley, it gradually nibbles the surrounding hills, which offer many views of the city.

For tourists who are looking for a holiday in Ecuador, the new Quito offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants and night entertainment.

2. Otavalo and its market

The city of Otavalo is the ideal destination to mix with the premises and bring back memories of your Ecuadorian visit. A huge market takes place every day on the Plaza de Ponchos . As its name suggests, here you will find punhos but also all kinds of textiles and local crafts. If the daily market is especially for tourists, the locals converge to Otavalo on Saturday to find themselves. The streets are filled with all kinds of stalls. To the west of the city you will find the food market where you can buy ingredients, but also taste Ecuadorian gastronomy in small improvised restaurants. Why not try it cuy , Ecuadorian specialty par excellence that is a... India pig at the pin! More to the west is an impressive pet market.

If you are looking for what to do in Ecuador until Saturday, many activities are possible in the Otavalo region. You can discover the Cuicocha lago, the Lago San Pablo, the Peguche waterfall and even climb the Fuya Fuya, at more than 4000 meters above sea level.

3. Lagoon of Quilotoa

This hike is known to be one of the most beautiful when visiting Ecuador, while remaining affordable for occasional walkers.

First of all, you will have to go to the village of Quilotoa, located at the top of the volcano of the same name. The lagoon is indeed a crater lake. If you don't want to walk too long, a 20-minute walk accessible mirador offers a breathtaking view from the edge of the crater. The bravest can choose to go down to the lake for a kayak ride. If you are looking to make in Ecuador a trek of medium difficulty, you will have the choice between hikes during the day from Quilotoa or a 3-day loop. You can explore the small Andean villages to discover how the Indians adapted to the environment. However, the Quilotoa lagoon is 3800 metres above sea level. It will be good to acclimatize you a little before you start a walk, passing a few days to Quito for example.

4. Baños

In Spanish, baños means "bath". Built on the slopes of the Tungurahua volcano, the city enjoys the geothermal activity of the region. You can swim in waters at more than 40 degrees and enjoy their thermal virtues in arranged basins. But Baños has many other assets to offer when you come to visit Ecuador. It is located at the gates of a valley that winds up to the borders of the Amazon forest.

You can go on a day trip in the jungle, discover the native communities and embark on a canoe. From Baños, you will follow the waterfalls route to Puyo. There are two possibilities: a bus ride or a mountain bike ride and a shuttle ride. You will discover the region by following the river to admire waterfalls from different sizes to the impressive Pailon del Diablo. On the road, take a trip through the Tyrolean valley. In fact, Baños is also the capital of the extreme sports of Ecuador, and you can practice rafting, jumping to elastic, climbing... What to find your happiness if you look for what to do in Ecuador for a good dose of adrenaline.

5. Cuenca

Cuenca is the third largest city in the country, and its architectural style, so the kindness of its inhabitants make it an ideal place to stay. The colonial buildings give it a European look and the approximately 50 churches are a feast for the eyes. Located 2500 metres away, Cuenca enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. Colourful houses stand along the paved streets of the historic centre.

Many activities are possible if you are looking for what to do in Ecuador. A museum traces the history of pre-Ecuadorian civilizations, with real reduced heads. Behind the museum you will find the ruins of an ancient Inca city. On the heights of the city, Las Cajas' natural park offers exceptional landscapes and houses lamas. Well served by the bus lines, it offers beautiful hiking opportunities during the day. Finally, Cuenca is the original city of Panama, this tressy straw hat. You will be able to bring back an unchanging memory from the city where it was created.

6. Cuyabeno

The Cuyabeno reserve is the best way to discover the Amazon forest if you are going to visit Ecuador. With an area of over 6,000 square kilometres, the reserve provides a good overview of the Amazon ecosystem.

You will have to go to Lago Agrio, then take a canoe to move you. The reserve is in a wet area and hotels are not accessible by the land. We recommend that you book an all-inclusive excursion in a lodge in the heart of the park, to make the most of your stay. Thus, your guide will make you discover plants and animals, especially caimans, monkeys, snakes and insects. You can go to meet reptiles on the river, day and night. Hiking in the jungle is also planned in most of the stays. You will discover the indigenous communities that continue to live in the forest. Women always ask for help in cooking, and the village shaman (teacher) will be happy to examine you. If you are looking for what to do in Ecuador to discover nature, the Cubanyeno experience is a must.

7. The Galapagos Islands

About 1,000 kilometers from the Ecuadorian coast is an isolated archipelago, yet known all over the world. The Galapagos Islands are known to house exceptional wildlife, with endemic species that do not exist anywhere else. The Galapagos Islands have been studied at length by Charles Darwin, who speak in his book “The Origin of Species”. The most remarkable animals are sea lions, giant turtles, blue-legged fools, as well as a wide variety of sea or land iguanas and birds. The Galapagos visit by boat, ideally on several-day cruises, to be able to venture to the farest and wildest islands. But staying in a hotel and going on a day trip is also possible.

In any case, you will be overwhelmed by the incomparable biodiversity of this natural park. It was the first natural site to have been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.

8. Mitad del Mundo

Mitad del Mundo, literally “half of the world”, is the place or materializes the equatorial line. Located a few kilometres from Quito, a monument pays tribute to the first French geodesic mission. The purpose of this expedition was to validate the scientific theories of the time. An exhibition provides explanations of the differences between the two hemispheres. Many playful experiences are used to illustrate scientific principles. The Mitad del Mundo is an interesting activity, easily accessible from Quito if you are looking for what to do in Ecuador.