Top 10 Destinations Ecuador

Ecuador is a very diverse country with 4 completely different regions all containing worthwhile places to visit. If you’re thinking about taking an Ecuador vacation, you’re probably wondering what the best places to visit in Ecuador are.

To help you out with this and give you an idea of what to see in Ecuador we put together a list of the top 10 destinations. Ecuador has much more to offer than this top 10, but since you’re most likely limited on time it’s a great place to start and discover some of the best of Ecuador!

1. Quito

Ecuador’s capital Quito is most likely the first place you will visit when you arrive. The city itself is amazing with numerous interesting museums and beautiful parks, located at an altitude of 2,850m. Its historical center is the best preserved of all of South America and at night the lights of the houses on the hills are very charming. 

There’s plenty of nature too. If you’re searching for a scenic lookout, the Teleferico cable car will bring you up to Rucu Pichincha, a mountain with a great view over the city. Once you’re up there you have the opportunity to hike to the summit at 4,697m.

The opportunities are endless in Quito, and that’s why it’s a must on your trip to Ecuador.

2. Mindo

Mindo is a magnificient village located near the entrance of the rainforest at a high altitude and translates to cloud forest (nomen est omen). Only about an hour from Quito by car, this small but charming village is a great getaway from the busy city.

The village is especially known for:

• Bird-spotting
• Chocolate tours
• Butterfly farm
• Zip-lining
• Hikes along waterfalls
• Relaxed atmosphere

You can’t miss this destination on your trip to Ecuador. It’s not too touristy so you’ll experience Ecuador just as the locals do. While you’re there, look out for toucans, hummingbirds and other colorful birds

3. Otavalo

If you’re heading up north on your Ecuador visit, Otavalo in the northern province of Imbabura is a must-see, mainly known for its high number of indigenous inhabitants and the local artisan market. The indigenous Otavalo people are famous for weaving different types of textiles, which are sold at the market. While the market opens the whole week, it definitely shines in all its splendour on  Saturdays.

You’ll find items like:

• Stalls full of jewelry
• Blankets made of alpaca hair
• Handmade purses
• Clothing
• Dreamcatchers
• Leather items
• Spices
• Variety of musical instruments
• Famous ‘’Panama-hats’’ (despite their name they’re originally from Ecuador)

The Otavalo market is perfect for a day trip, although there is much more to see in its surroundings. The beautiful town awaits you with a livestock market, a wonderful church, and the Peguche waterfalls which are all worth a visit. The Parque del Condor, a sanctuary for rescued birds, offers sights of these majestic birds native to Ecuador. You might need to spend a few days appreciating all that Otavalo has to offer.

4. Cotopaxi

The magnificent Cotopaxi volcano is one of the best places to visit in Ecuador. This remarkable volcano with a perfect round snow-capped peak is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and can be seen from Quito with clear weather.

How tall you ask?

With 5,897 m Cotopaxi peak is the second-highest volcano in Ecuador and highly popular among mountaineers. Its relatively easy and non-technical climb makes it a great mountain for beginners with proper preparation and fitness. And even if you don’t thrive to reach the peak, you can hike up until the Jose Rivas refuge which is located at around 4,800m.

The surrounding Cotopaxi national park is an excellent location for:

• Hiking
• Trekking
• Mountain biking
• Wildlife spotting
• Camping

Visiting or climbing Cotopaxi should be on your list if you’re planning a vacation to Ecuador and the Galapagos.

5. Quilotoa

A must-see destination in Ecuador, Quilotoa is an impressive lagoon in the crater of an old volcano. The viewpoint located at 3,800m offers a fascinating view of the Andean mountains and the emerald-green colored lake.

The lake is home to various animals from llamas and alpacas to Andean foxes, deer, rabbits, and moor wolves.

The most popular hikes include:

• • Descent to the lagoon shore
  • Hike around the lake
  • Quilotoa loop: a 4-day trek through various valleys and villages, ending at the lake

6. Baños

Located about three hours south of Quito, Baños is one of Ecuador’s most attractive destinations, thanks to its natural beauty and an incredible variety of activities. The most popular places of interest include the stunning views from the ‘Pailon del Diablo’ waterfall and the famous “swing at the end of the world”.

It’s the perfect destination for thrill seekers and adventurists that are into zip-lining, bungee jumping, rafting, mountain biking, or canyoning. But also, for those who like it more relaxed, there is plenty to do and see. Besides, there’s also a very active nightlife in Baños.

7. La Nariz del diablo

Translated to ‘’the devil’s nose’’, La Nariz del Diablo is a mountain that had to be overcome to build the trans-Andean railroad.

The solution… One of the most complex and unique railroads in the world.
A zigzag railroad was built to climb over 500 m mountain in less than 12 km. The dangerous road includes steep ascents and descents. This impressive construction remains a very special piece of engineering to this day.

8. Cuenca

Cuenca, UNESCO World Heritage and the country’s third biggest city, is a true architectural treasure highly worth a visit.

The city is located at about 2,500m above sea level and considered the most “European” city due to its historic Spanish colonial bulidings, making the city a popular destination for ex-pats and retirees.

But, if you’re looking for amazing natural landscapes near Cuenca, the scenic Cajas national park with its more than 200 glacial lakes is home to numerous lamas and alpacas.

9. Cuyabeno

Cuyabeno, located in the Ecuadorian Amazon, is one of the country’s top attractions and the second-largest protected area/national park.

Being considered the best place to spot wildlife, it’s immense variety of fauna includes:

• 10 species of monkeys
• Anaconda’s
• Cayman spiders
• Sloths
• Pink dolphins
• And much more

The most convenient way to observe Cuyabeno’s fascinating wildlife – it’s almost certain that you’ll see some of these animals – is by booking a tour from a lodge, accessible by motorized canoes.

The wild Amazon jungle is an amazing place to visit, and the golden sunset above the big lake is something you won’t easily forget.

10. The Galapagos Islands

Without a doubt, the most famous and popular destination in Ecuador is the Galapagos Islands.

This remote volcanic archipelago, one of the best wildlife spotting destinations in the world, is located about 1,000 km off the country’s coast . Because of the millions of years of isolation from mainland, its native animals have evolved to adapt to the rough conditions of the islands.

The result?

Enormous biodiversity with animals that cannot be found anywhere else, such as marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and the Galapagos Giant turtle.

The best part…

They don’t fear humans so visitors can experience wildlife up close.

Each island has its characteristics, not one is the same. The black lava stone in combination with crystal-clear waters and green vegetation is a goldmine for stunning pictures and will give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Want more information about The Galapagos Islands? Click here

 If you’re looking to book a trip to Ecuador, we’d love to guide you through your travels. Book a tour of Ecuador with one of the best travel agencies in Ecuador, Gulliver Expeditions.

Book now!