Hello everyone and welcome to our blog! ♥
I’m Jahaira from Ecuador and part of the Gulliver Expeditions team in Quito. And I’m Martina, from Salzburg, Austria. I came to Ecuador in mid-November and am delighted to be doing a 6-month internship at Gulliver Expeditions. Together, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best of our beautiful Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Not sure where to head for your next holiday? Still wondering about your next travel destination?
Here’s 7 reasons that might help you make up your mind.
1. In Ecuador, you can explore four worlds in one trip
Ecuador is located among mountains, valleys, and an impressive diversity of nature. Crossed by the equator, it brings together four worlds in one country: the coast (2,200 km of coastline with beautiful beaches, vibrant coastal cities, and fishing villages), the Andes mountains (surrounded by mountains and volcanoes such as Chimborazo, 6,263 meters above sea level, and the imposing capital of Quito), the Amazon (with the rainforest and the Napo River, one of the longest in the country) and the Galapagos Islands (with their endemic biodiversity and paradisiacal beaches).
Each of these regions has its own landscapes, animals, and cultures, which together make for aa overwhelmingly attractive country. We’ll tell you all about it in the following paragraphs!
2. Ecuador is the ideal destination for nature lovers
Are you fascinated by birds? One of the best places for bird watching is the cloud forests of Mindo, northwest of Quito. There you can spot more than 600 species of birds registered in Ecuador. Apart from that you’ll have the chance to discover orchid and butterfly gardens, as well as countless nocturnal frogs.
Ecuador’s diverse habitats are home to a wide variety of animals and plants. In the rivers and forest trails of the rainforest, you can hear the cries of the hairy howler monkey and track wild animals such as capybaras, toucans and freshwater dolphins. Some of the jungle lodges even have viewing platforms overlooking the lush forest.
With a little luck, you can spot majestic whales and lively dolphins off the coast. The Galapagos Islands are home to a variety of rare land and aquatic creatures, such as slippery marine iguanas, wide-eyed sea lions, enormous tortoises, and blue-footed boobies. Whatever your itinerary in Ecuador, the possibilities for admiring the flora and fauna are endless.
3. Ecuador is a paradise for adventure sports and hiking
Have you always dreamed of an intrepid bike ride between snow-capped volcanoes? The peaks and foothills of the Andes, such as Cotopaxi and the Chimborazo, provide the perfect backdrop for mountain biking, horseback riding, and climbing. But beware, reaching the summit of several volcanoes requires special equipment such as crampons and a professional guide. Experienced mountaineers will enjoy spectacular views as they tackle the climb to the summit.
Have you heard of the Quilotoa circuit or the Inca Trail? They are some of the best options for hiking in Ecuador. In Quilotoa, you will walk among indigenous villages and sky-blue lagoons. And the Inca Trail will take you to Ingapirca, the best-preserved pre-Columbian archaeological site in the country.
Are you more attracted to rafting and canoeing in the white waters of the Amazon? For rafting and kayaking adventures, you’ll find the ideal place on the rivers near Tena, dotted with canyons and waterfalls.
4. Ecuador is home of a variety of indigenous cultures
Ecuador’s culture is a mosaic of indigenous influences that is reflected in its ethnic diversity and fascinating traditions. With more than three million indigenous people, it offers many ways to interact with the country’s native culture. During your trip through Ecuador, you can learn about the communities of Otavalo and Cayambe, the most recognized and closest to the capital.
In the Amazonian town of Puyo, you can discover places of interest to the Shuar and Kichwa peoples, such as the Tayos Cave. Saraguro and the surrounding villages south of Cuenca await you with local crafts and impressive colonial buildings.
5. Ecuador is a paradise for those who love craft markets
If you want to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of local crafts, Ecuador offers countless authentic and lively markets. The best known is probably the huge market in Otavalo, a bustling Andean town of indigenous origin, where you can find everything from sweaters, scarves, hats, and ponchos to jewelry, toys, paintings, carvings, and musical instruments. And what would a market be without street food and local specialties to sample?
Those who feel overwhelmed by the enormous variety in Otavalo will find a quieter alternative in Guamote. And those who don’t have time to visit a highland village can also buy high-quality products at the La Mariscal craft market in Quito.
6. Let yourself be enchanted by Quito and Ecuador’s colonial treasures
Some of Ecuador’s architectural gems date back to the 16th century, including magnificent squares surrounded by ornate cathedrals, churches, and convents. Strolling through the cobbled streets of Quito’s charming colonial center or Cuenca’s historic district (both recognized by UNESCO), you will discover some of them. Quito is the oldest capital city in South America with a population of around 2.7 million, and, together with Guayaquil, the most populated city of Ecuador. Another picturesque colonial-style city is Loja, with houses adorned with multi-colored facades, an incomparable cuisine, and lively musical traditions.
7. The way to the heart is through the stomach – Ecuadorian cuisine
As varied as the country itself, Ecuadorian cuisine is reason enough to organize a trip to Ecuador. Each region has its own specialties, including seafood ceviche, the flagship dish of the coast, humitas (corn dough with cheese, wrapped in corn husks), llapingachos (potato tortillas stuffed with cheese), and chicha (a fermented drink made from corn or yuca). Meat lovers can try seco de chivo (a delicious goat stew) or the famous cuy (roast guinea pig). Well, are you hungry now?
Well, these were just seven of the numerous reasons why it’s worth visiting our beautiful Ecuador. Are you ready for an unforgettable trip?
In our next posts, among other topics, we will tell you about a personal adventure on the imposing Cotopaxi volcano, give you tips for a fabulous trip to the Galapagos Islands, and recommend the best tours for families. Don’t miss it!
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