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20 Best Things to Do in Ecuador & Incredible Places to Visit

March 20, 2023 By John Widmer 22 Comments

Ecuador may be a relatively small country, but it holds loads of amazing experiences for travelers to enjoy. There are so many awesome things to do in Ecuador to fill weeks or even months of travel! The vast diversity of landscapes lends to so many different places to visit all throughout the country.

The glacier-capped Andes loom over the country.

A lush jungle environment thrives in both the Amazon basin and Ecuador’s cloud forests.

Then toss in the many charming colonial cities dotting the natural landscapes.

And let’s not forget about the incredible underwater world of the Galapagos !

This vast diversity supports the long-held tourism slogan “ All you need is Ecuador .” Each different environment holds so many intriguing things to do in Ecuador. Yet with this abundance of recreation and culture to explore, it can be difficult to narrow down exactly what to do in Ecuador.

We’ve now spent a total of six months traveling across the country to seek the very best places to visit in Ecuador. This article was written from that experience to offer travel ideas and suggestions for those who may be considering a trip to Ecuador.

The best things to do in Ecuador will vary for each person, depending on interests. Some may have a penchant for cultural exploration. Whereas others may be more interested in Ecuador’s nature. Some may favor relaxing at Ecuador’s beaches or luxury spas. Others may prefer climbing a volcano or mountain biking down it!

There’s something for everyone! We wrote this roundup of what to do in Ecuador to highlight the best travel experiences Ecuador has to offer across each of those spectrums. It’s our hope that this list of the best places to visit in Ecuador will provide travel inspiration for a trip to this fascinating country.

20 Best Things to Do in Ecuador

This travel guide focuses on the things to do that make Ecuador special. You’ll also see exactly where to go in Ecuador to find the country’s best attractions.

Here is an interactive map that pinpoints each of the best places to travel in mainland Ecuador mentioned in this guide.

1) Seek Wildlife Encounters in the Galapagos Islands

Lying off Ecuador’s coast, the Galapagos Islands are like nowhere else on earth. This island chain has been untouched for centuries. Visitors will now find it teeming with unique wildlife and endemic species, not found anywhere else on the planet. Nature abounds both above and below the ocean’s surface throughout the Galapagos!

A visit to Galapagos National Park can be like wandering through a living museum. Visitors regularly encounter sea lions and iguanas by simply walking around the port or beaches. But that’s not all. Some common Galapagos wildlife encounters include:

• Gazing upon wild  flamingos ,
• Swimming with  sea lions ,
• Watching wild  penguins frolicking in a bay,
• Stumbling across both marine iguanas & land iguanas ,
• Snorkeling with sharks, including hammerheads ,
• Gliding past dozens of sea   turtles ,
• Visiting wild Galapagos  tortoises ,
• Diving with giant manta rays ,
• Coming face-to-face with  blue-footed boobies ,
• Spotting Galapagos hawks, finches, and frigate birds, among other endemic bird species ,
• and possibly even having a rare encounter with a whale shark !

They’re all here in the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Islands are undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Ecuador for nature. And the famed islands are now more accessible for travelers than ever. Even those who are traveling on a budget can make a Galapagos trip a reality.

Four of the Galapagos Islands boast affordable hotels. So visitors can plan out their own daily adventures around these inhabited islands. Many of the aforementioned wildlife encounters are easily possible to do for free. Yet those who splurge for day tours or cruise packages can reach further-flung locations where more wildlife awaits.

For in-depth information on planning a Galapagos adventure, be sure to read our detailed travel guide to the islands. It reveals

• where to find the Galapagos’s most famous wildlife residents (for free!),
• where to find seafood dinners for less than $5 and hotels for $35,
• how to visit the islands independently,
• how to organize a cheap liveaboard Galapagos cruise, and
• how much a Galapagos trip can cost.

Open in a separate tab to read later: How to Travel the Galapagos on a Budget .

2) Climb a Volcano in Ecuador

There are dozens of volcanos throughout the country. And those who are fit for the challenge should definitely put summiting a volcano on their list of things to do in Ecuador.

Some of Ecuador’s volcanos are fairly accessible for a day hike, while others require technical climbing skills. The following are some of Ecuador’s most notable volcanos to consider a trek up.

Volcán Chimborazo: Summiting Ecuador’s Highest Point

Rising 6,263 meters (nearly 4 miles high), Volcán Chimborazo isn’t just the tallest mountain in Ecuador. This inactive stratovolcano is the furthest point on Earth’s surface from the center of Earth . When measuring the height from the earth’s center, rather than sea level, Chimborazo clocks in even higher than Everest.

This happens because there is something known as the equatorial bulge. The earth is actually a bit wider around its midsection, caused by Earth’s rotation. Because of this, the Chimborazo Volcano is the closest point on planet earth to outer space.

Summiting Chimborazo is a challenging high-altitude ascent requiring technical ice-climbing gear. Adventurers will also need at least two days to complete the overnight summit. The town of Riobamba acts as the staging ground for this climb. It’s here that adventure operators are able to assist and guide climbers.

For a less extreme challenge on Chimborazo, it’s also possible to take a short day hike towards the summit. Whether hiking independently or as part of a tour, visitors can ascend to a small pond at an elevation of 5,100 meters high (16,732 feet). For more info about hiking Volcan Chimborazo, read the Chimborazo section of our Riobamba Travel Guide .

Hiking Volcán Sierra Negra: Most Active Volcano in the Galapagos

Volcanos aren’t only limited to the Andes of Ecuador. The Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island is the most active volcano in the island chain . And this volcano can make for a convenient day hike in the Galapagos! Well, that is, when this volcano is not erupting. Sierra Negra is quite active, having last erupted in the summer of 2018.

Sierra Negra is actually one of the widest active volcanos on earth! The caldera stretches out 9.3 kilometers wide at one point, making it the largest of all Galapagos volcanos. It’s so wide that it’s virtually impossible to photograph the entire volcano.

This 16 km (10-mile) hike up and around a portion of Sierra Negra’s rim is an awe-inspiring thing to do in Ecuador! Trekking across the black volcanic rock feels like walking on another planet. The otherworldly views that hikers are rewarded with from the top make the sweat-inducing trek totally worth it.

Hiking Volcan Sierra Negra can be included as part of multi-day Galapagos tours. Yet those traveling the islands independently can find half-day hiking tours of Sierra Negra in the town of Puerto Villamil. It’s $35 per person, including a guide and transportation to the trailhead.

Trek to the Glaciers of the Cotopaxi Volcano

This glacier-capped Volcán Cotopaxi is one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world ! It’s also the 2nd highest point in Ecuador, with a summit is 5,897 meters high. That’s an elevation of about 3.6 miles in altitude!

To reach the summit of Cotopaxi, it takes a grueling overnight ascent. Sometimes it’s even off-limits due to heightened volcanic activity.

But a day trek to Cotopaxi’s base camp is a more accessible consideration. Hikers can reach an elevation of 4,864 meters, which is around the snowline and where the glaciers begin. Such Cotopaxi day trips can be organized from the town of Latacunga or Quito. For more info on reaching this volcano from Quito, check out the Cotopaxi section of our Quito Travel Guide .

3) Explore Ecuador’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centers: Quito & Cuenca

Ecuador has two historic centers recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their long-standing cultural value. Roaming around the ornate buildings of the centuries-old streets can make visitors feel like they’ve gone back to a different era.  

Explore Quito’s Historic Center

Quito is said to have the best-preserved, least-altered historic center in all of Latin America . It’s this recognition that led Quito to become one of the first cities in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, back in 1978. (Read full UNESCO description: here .)

The historic center of Quito delivers not only cultural significance but also lots of charm. Despite earthquakes and modernization, the baroque buildings in Quito’s Old Town remain largely intact. It’s enchanting to wander through the bustling South American capital amongst the beautiful architecture that’s remained here for nearly a half millennium!

Grand plazas open up to historic churches while quaint cafes line the streets to museums that further detail the history of the city. Quito’s historic center is a fascinating place to wander around and deserves to be firmly placed on any Ecuador itinerary. Read more about Quito’s Old Town in our 20 Best Things to Quito Travel Guide .

Explore the Historic Center of Cuenca

Cuenca’s charming colonial streets exude European flair. Its nickname as the “Athens of Ecuador” is not just a reflection of Cuenca’s architecture, cathedrals, and ruins. It’s also a reference to Cuenca being a long-held hub of culture, art, and artisanry.

It’s this history and traditions that lend to Cuenca’s UNESCO-designated status. Cuenca’s historic center is recognized for its centuries-old colonial architecture. The city planning outlined for Cuenca has been respected and followed for more than 400 years!

Read further about all there is to do in Cuenca’s historic center and beyond within our full travel guide about the 20 Best Things to do in Cuenca .

4) Float through the Amazon Jungle

Eastern Ecuador covers a wide swath of the Amazon Rainforest and holds many tributaries to the Amazon River. It takes some effort to reach this remote jungle environment. Yet those who do so are rewarded with awesome Amazonian experiences.

Within the Ecuadorian Amazon, it’s possible to go fishing for piranhas , spot pink river dolphins , meet with a local shaman , and search for anacondas .

In addition to common reptilian life throughout the jungle, visitors can also find monkeys, tapirs, or even an elusive jaguar. This is all set amongst the lush rainforest setting with its enormous tree canopies. The Ecuadorian Amazon is also home to remote native tribes, which can be very interesting to visit and have cultural exchanges.

It’s possible to explore Ecuador’s Amazon on your own. Yet the Amazon can be best approached as part of a tour and a lodge stay experience.

Two popular areas to explore in the Ecuadorian Amazon are:

• Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
• Yasuni National Park

Reserva de Cuyabeno is one of the best areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon to see wildlife.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve has an assortment of jungle lodges for all budgets. Such tours of Cuyabeno depart from Lago Agrio (or nearby), accessible from Quito by bus or flight. Expect to pay about $100 per day for such tours, inclusive of meals and accommodation. For example, check out the highly-rated 4-Day Lodge Stay at Cuyabeno Tucan Lodge for $380 on Viator .

It can take a few days of busing and boat rides to reach the isolated village of Nuevo Rocafuerte. From there, guides are available to delve further into the National Park.

You can read more about our Amazon journey to Yasuni National Park and beyond here: An Adventure Down the Napo River .

Yet ultimately we suggest a Cuyabeno lodge stay as a much more complete experience in the Amazon. Search availability and compare Ecuadorian Amazon lodge stays .

5) Admire Ecuador’s Best Waterfalls

Given the many rivers flowing from the Andes, there are thousands of gorgeous waterfalls spilling their waters across Ecuador.

In March 2020, it was reported that Ecuador’s highest waterfall, San Rafael, has seemingly vanished after a sinkhole swallowed part of its source waters. The once-notable waterfall in Ecuador is currently closed to tourism.

Thankfully, there are still thousands more raging waterfalls to check out, scattered all throughout Ecuador.

Visit Pailón del Diablo Waterfall: Among Ecuador’s Most Popular and Beautiful

Translated as the Devil’s Cauldron, Pailón del Diablo is likely the most popular waterfall to visit in Ecuador, is now generally accepted as the tallest waterfall in the Ecuadorian Andes, and is arguably the most scenic!

The short trail to the waterfall includes lots of stairs and fun suspension bridges to traverse. This adds to the adventure through a narrow canyon leading to the waterfall’s viewpoint. Yet soon enough, the 80-meter waterfall comes into view, along with the misty spray that regularly soaks visitors.

This waterfall is easily accessed from Baños by bus, taxi, or cycling. And only a $2 entry fee to enter.

Visit Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary

This waterfall sanctuary in the Mindo Cloud Forest holds one of the greatest concentrations of waterfalls in Ecuador. There are at least fifteen different waterfalls found throughout the Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary! The largest waterfall is the 50-meter (164-foot) Cascada Reina (Queen Waterfall).

Continuing onward, hikers will encounter a series of a half-dozen more falls, each within a 10-minute walk of the other. To cool off after all that hiking, wear a bathing suit to soak in the natural pools that form below the falls. Entrance to the Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary is $5, which includes a thrilling ride on a tarabita cableway to access the hiking trails. More information can be found in the Nambillo section of our Mindo Travel Guide .

El Chorro de Girón Waterfall

This 70-meter (230-foot) high waterfall dramatically plummets down from the Andes into a cloud forest environment. Known as Cascada El Chorro or the Giron Waterfall, it takes just a short hike of less than a kilometer to access falls, on trails draped with flora.

This lesser-visited beauty can be accessed from the city of Cuenca. It’s about a 1.5-hour trip and the entrance will set you back $2.

You can find more info in the Giron waterfall  section of our Cuenca Travel Guide

6) Discover Ecuador’s Ancient Inca Ruins  

Ecuador holds many Inca ruins scattered across the country. One such archeological site can be found right within the colonial city of Cuenca. The Pumapungo ruins in Cuenca are believed to be a part of the ancient city of Tomebamba which was first inhabited by the Cañari people before the Incas overtook it for use as a fort. It’s easily accessible in town and is free to enter.

Part of the ancient Inca Trail (a popular pursuit in Peru to Machu Picchu ) also runs through Ecuador. A 40-kilometer section of the UNESCO-listed Camino de Inca (Inca Trail) can be traversed from Alchupallas to Ingapirca. Ancient bridges, crumbling structures, and former Incan towns are passed along the way across this centuries-old trail through the Andes. Experienced trekkers with gear and navigation can give it a go on their own. But Ecuador’s Inca Trail is best approached as a guided trek, like this one .

Ecuador’s Inca Trail ultimately leads to the ruins of Ingapirca, which can also be accessed by roadway. Ingapirca is the best-preserved and largest Inca ruin site in Ecuador . The stone terraces, walkways, and buildings at Ingapirca are punctuated by the impressive Sun Temple. Slits in the temple align perfectly with the sun on solstice days.

Entrance to the Ingapirca is just $2 and the ruin site is located about a 2-hour drive from Cuenca, accessible by public bus or small-group tour . Regardless of how you arrive at Ingapirca, a short guided tour of the ruins is included upon a visit. Afterward, visitors can walk down a portion of an Inca trail and visit the onsite museum.

For more info on getting to these ruins, see the Ingapirca section of our Cuenca Travel Guide .

7) Relax among Ecuador’s Best Beaches

Ecuador has some world-class beaches, along its Pacific coastline and throughout the Galapagos Islands. Sunbathers and surfers can both have fun in the sun across Ecuador’s many picturesque playas .

From natural beaches, to resort beaches, to party beaches and laidback surf towns, there’s a beach for everyone in Ecuador.

Laidback Surf Beaches in Ecuador

Montañita is a fun-loving surfing town full of reggae vibes. It’s a party spot too and a popular stopover on Ecuador’s backpacking trail. Canoa is another chilled-out town along the coast with great surf. It also boasts one of the longest beaches in Ecuador and is scenically backed by looming cliffs.

Resort Beach Living in Ecuador

Salinas is Ecuador’s premier beach resort town. This beachside city often receives comparisons to Miami. It boasts five-star hotels, various tourist attractions, and vibrant clubs. Within easy reach of Guayaquil, Salinas can be a great escape from the city or to warm up after an Andes adventure. It’s also a good place to go whale watching!

Best Natural Beaches

The beaches throughout the Galapagos comprise the best natural beaches in Ecuador. There are many of them, all with a different flair. From Playa Mann on Isla Cristobal to Puerto Villamil Beach on Isla Isabela.

Yet it’s Tortuga Bay that made Tripadvisor’s list of Top 10 Beaches in the World , and deservedly so! This scenic stretch of coastline can be found on Isla Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands. It’s never very crowded. At least not by humans. Sea lions and iguanas usually outnumber people here. There’s can be decent surf here too!

8) Hike to one of Ecuador’s Spectacular Crater Lakes

Ecuador boasts three massively impressive crater lakes! Each one is a visual spectacle, special in its own merits. The Quilotoa Crater, El Altar, and Laguna Cuicocha should each be a consideration to visit, depending on your travel itinerary and the level of fitness involved in reaching these gorgeous natural wonders.

The Quilotoa Crater and Laguna Cuicocha can be accessed, fairly easily, by bus or tour. But trekking around the craters is highly recommended, if possible. Meanwhile, El Altar is more remote and can only be reached by an overnight high-altitude trek.

Hike Ecuador’s Most Popular Trekking Route: Quilotoa Loop

Quilotoa’s gorgeous three-kilometer-wide caldera is a spectacular sight to see. This former volcano collapsed from an eruption, estimated to have occurred about 600 years ago. It now lays filled with water, transformed as a deep crater lake. It’s easily possible to trek down into the Quilotoa crater as a day trip from Quito. To approach Quilotoa Crater this way, read this day trips section in our Quito Travel Guide .

But for a more complete trek around the Quilotoa Crater, consider embarking on the 3-day Quilotoa Loop trek . This 34-kilometer trek is along a well-worn trail that connects farming communities. It’s in these Andean villages where hostels are found, offering comfy places to sleep and homecooked meals to eat. So packs can stay light!

This is Ecuador’s most popular trekking route and one of the most enjoyable multi-day treks we’ve completed in South America.

If interested, be sure to read our detailed instructions:

• Guide to Trekking the Quilotoa Loop: The Cheap & Easy Way .

Climb to the Rim of El Altar for High Andes Adventure

El Altar is a collapsed volcano near Riobamba that now contains a beautiful crater lake known as Laguna Amarilla. The El Altar Crater is also part of Sangay National Park. That’s recognized as Ecuador’s only other natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, right alongside the Galapagos Islands.

The trek to El Altar takes 2-3 days to complete the 35-kilometer roundtrip hike. But beware that it is more challenging than the aforementioned Quilotoa Loop. The trek to El Altar is more remote, more grueling, and often quite muddy. More planning is involved and hikers must pack in all of their food and supplies. Yet the payoff for this extra effort can be extremely rewarding.

For more about the trekking here, check out the El Altar section of our Riobamba Travel Guide .

Trek around this Gorgeous “Guinea Pig” Lake: Laguna Cuicocha

This stunning slice of nature is the result of yet another exploded volcano, occurring over 3,000 years ago. Although the two islands scenically popping out from the middle of the lake were formed during subsequent eruptions. Those islands are thought to resemble the backs of two guinea pigs. Hence the name of this lake, Cuicocha, which means “guinea pig lake” in the indigenous Kichwa language.

This impressive crater lake is impossibly blue on a clear day. Laguna Cuicocha is accessible as a day excursion from Quito that also includes a visit to the Otavalo markets.

Yet those who visit by day trip may only have enough time to gaze out upon the crater lake. If staying in nearby Otavalo or Cotacachi, it’s possible to reach the crater lake by public bus and taxi. That will provide visitors enough time to trek the entire 14-km perimeter of the crater lake and even take a boat ride around the namesake islands.

9) Go Birdwatching in one of the Best Birding Destinations in the World: Mindo

Ecuador holds so many awesome birdwatching opportunities throughout the country.

In the Galapagos, birders can find blue-footed boobies, endemic Galapagos hawks, finches, frigate birds, and more. In the Andes, some travelers are lucky enough to spot an Andean Condor. In the Amazon, toucans and colorful parrots thrive. Yet there’s another destination that is renowned across the world for its vast birding opportunities.

The Mindo Cloud Forest is one of the premier birding destinations on earth!

More than 500 different types of birds have been spotted in Mindo. In fact, Mindo regularly holds the annual world record for the most bird species counted within a 24-hour period. Birders travel to Mindo specifically searching for varieties of toucans, parrots, quetzals, and even umbrellabirds!

Yet one of the most sought-after birds to spot in Mindo is the Andean cock-of-the-rock, also known locally as gallo de la peña . This elusive red bird is known for its early-morning lek. That’s a song-and-dance these male birds perform as a competitive courting ritual to impress the females.

Even for those not into birding, Mindo can be a perfect place for beginners to give it a try. Grab a pair of binoculars and set off on one of the many birding tours that are offered throughout the area. Yet it’s also possible to go hiking through the cloud forest on your own in an attempt to spot some of Mindo’s avian life. And it takes no effort at all to spot the many hummingbirds buzzing around.

For more info about birding in Mindo, be sure to check out our complete Mindo Travel Guide to the Cloud Forest .

10) Mountain Bike Down the Andes Mountains

Ecuador has some awesome downhill bike rides for adventure-seekers who want to fly down the Andes on two wheels!

There are great opportunities to rent bikes in Ecuador or join a cycling day tour through some of the most scenic locations. We think three of Ecuador’s best mountain biking adventures can be found:

• Down the Volcan Chimborazo,
• Down the Waterfall Route from Baños, and
• Down the Cotopaxi Volcano

Mountain Biking Down Chimborazo: Ecuador’s Tallest Mountain

Trekking up Chimborazo can be a fun thing to do in Ecuador. Yet we’d argue that an even bigger thrill is to go mountain biking down this famous volcano.

The 40-km route is almost entirely downhill. Little peddling is required. Along the gravity-driven descent down the single-track, riders pass by a scenic canyon and ancient Inca barracks. Bikers also glide by friendly vicuñas, a relative to llamas and alpacas. It’s an awesome thrill that we recommend as the best of Ecuador’s many downhill mountain biking descents.

Expect to spend about $65 on this all-day adventure from Riobamba. For more info, browse through the Chimborazo section of our Riobamba Travel Guide and check out the video, above.

The Waterfall Route from Baños to Puyo

Setting off from the town of Baños is a scenic yet harrowing downhill road known as the Ruta de las Cascadas , or Waterfall Route. It plummets down the Andes and into the Amazon.

It’s a thrilling ride and passes by numerous canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls as the landscape transitions from mountains to jungle. There are many stops along the way, with viewpoints, waterfalls, ziplines, and other adventure pursuits. The most notable attraction is the Palion del Diablo waterfall, mentioned earlier in this list of things to do in Ecuador.

The Waterfall Route mountain biking trip can be done independently using bikes rented in Baños ($5-$10). Just be careful, as bikes share the road with cars most of the way down this well-trafficked route. The entire way to Puyo is 61 kilometers, resulting in an all-day affair. Yet it’s possible to go as far as desired before flagging down a bus to carry you back to Baños ($1-$2).

Biking Down Volcán Cotopaxi

Many of the day trips to the Cotopaxi Volcano also include what is yet another thrilling descent on a mountain bike. The ride down the side of Cotopaxi is a jaw-rattling plunge down a gravel road. Amidst the Andean scenery, wild horses are often spotted along the way down.

These mountain biking tours down Cotopaxi are often referred to as “hike & bike” since they include a short hike up to the Cotopaxi refugio before plunging down the volcano. They’re priced around $50-$75 and can be arranged from Quito. Details and tour operators can be found in the Cotopaxi section of our Quito Travel Guide .

11) Shop for One-of-a-Kind Artisan Crafts in Ecuador

Those who enjoy shopping for handmade keepsakes and unique crafts will find an abundance of textiles, clothing, jewelry, carvings, painting, and souvenirs at the many markets all throughout Ecuador.

There are some great artisanal markets in each of Ecuador’s three biggest cities. Quito has its popular Mercado Artesanal la Mariscal . Guayaquil has its own Mercado Artesanal  on the southern end of the Malecon 2000. And local handicrafts can be found throughout Cuenca’s Plaza de San Francisco and  Mercado de Artesanias Rotary .

Yet shoppers can dive deeper into Ecuador’s communities to uncover thriving weekly markets and other interesting shopping opportunities. The bustling Thursday market in more rural Saquisilí can be a dazzling cultural experience to witness the local trading taking place. Riobamba’s Saturday market is another fascinating look into the local wares. And anyone looking for leather goods should not pass up the shops in Cotacachi and its Sunday market day (pictured above).

Yet it’s the following three notable shopping opportunities that we find to be the best in Ecuador.

Shop at One of the Largest Markets in South America: Otavalo

Otavalo is home to Ecuador’s most famous local market, which is one of the largest and most renowned markets in all of South America . The Otavalo market tradition goes back hundreds of years, all the way to pre-Incan times!

And Otavalo’s artisan market is still going strong today. It’s best to go on Wednesdays and Saturdays. That’s when the market expands with hundreds of additional stalls sprawling across dozens of blocks of the Andean city.

Otavalo can be visited as an overnight stay or as a day trip from Quito, as it’s located about two hours away from the capital. It’s accessible by bus or day tours that occur during Otavalo’s market days (Wed & Sat). Additional logistical info can be found in the Otavalo section of our Quito Travel Guide .

Shop for a Panama Hat Sombrero de Paja Toquilla: Ecuador’s Famous Hats

Ecuador, not Panama, is the origin and production center of what is well-known around the world as the “Panama Hat.” There’s an explanation behind this confusing name. It’s because these Ecuadorian hats were being exported to Panama while the Panama Canal was being built in the early 1900s. That’s when US President Roosevelt visited the construction site and was photographed wearing the hat in Panama. The name “Panama Hat” has stuck ever since.

But make no mistake, this is purely an Ecuadorian product and they are known locally as sombreros de paja toquilla . The town of Montecristi lays claim to be the birthplace of Panama hats . Today, its streets are lined with shops selling Ecuador’s famous hats. You can make a pilgrimage to the town to buy one at some of the best prices in Ecuador, and the world. A high-quality, tightly woven hat will still cost $100 and upwards, while more affordable options also exist.

Yet it’s Cuenca that has become the largest producer of these hats. Throughout Cuenca, there are Panama Hat factories and museums to tour, with adjacent shops to purchase their wares. The Homero Ortega Museum is one of them, as they claim to be the oldest and most experienced Panama hat producer in Ecuador. For more about Cuenca’s Panama Hat production, take a look at the Panama Hat section of our Cuenca Travel Guide .

Artisan Towns of Azuay Province

About an hour’s drive north of Cuenca lies a trio of towns that are highly regarded for their artisan products. Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and Sigsig each offer intimate shopping experiences. Here, shoppers can hunt down local crafts from right within the charming Andean communities that produce them.

Perhaps most notable is the town of Chordeleg, where dozens of jewelry and craft shops line the town’s pretty streets. Go during the mornings on a weekend, when vendors fill its Plaza Artesanal selling their wares. More about what to do in Chordeleg and its two neighboring villages can be found in the Artisan Towns section of the Cuenca Travel Guide .

12) Swing off the End of the World!

Ecuador has a love affair with large crazy swings that fly high over cliffsides. The swing at Casa del Arbol in Baños is thought to be the original and has become the most popular of Ecuador’s high-flying swings. But other imitators have since popped up in additional places throughout the country that we’d dare say may be even better than the original!

So here are a few of the best swings to check out in Ecuador.

The Original Swing at the End of the World: Casa del Arbol

Photo credit: Our friend Buddy the Traveling Monkey more about Casa del Arbol here.

This famous treehouse near Baños is the swing that started it all. It’s often known as the “swing at the end of the world” and it’s a must-do activity in this adventure hub town in Ecuador.

The Casa del Arbol swing costs $1 and is accessible by bus ($1), shuttle van ($5), or even a 3-hour hike from Baños. Given the swing’s rise to fame, there is often a queue of people waiting to get their Instagram pic.

Swing High over Ecuador’s Capital

This swing recently sprung up on the side of the Pichincha Volcano, looming over Quito. Adventurous souls can now soar high above Ecuador’s capital city on this swing while nervously enjoying views of the metropolis down below.

This awesome swing is accessible by the TeleferiQo cable car ($9.00) from Quito, which is one of the best things to do in Ecuador on its own merits. The 18-minute cable car ride is one of the highest in the world, as it whisks passengers up from the city to an altitude of 4,000 meters (about 2.5 miles high). That’s where this swing above Quito awaits. Read more info in the TeleferiQo section of our Quito Travel Guide .

Swing over the Quilotoa Crater

The Quilotoa Crater boasts a stunning natural setting to swing over. This crazy swing soars out over a crater lake! The Quilotoa Crater swing is reached via a short hike down into the crater and costs $1 for a few minutes of awe-inducing swing action! You can get to this crater swing during a Quilotoa day trip from Quito or while trekking the Quilotoa Loop .

13) Stretch Yourself Across the Equator Line

Did you know the country of “Ecuador” literally translates to “equator?” The equator is a pretty big deal in Ecuador. This line dividing the north and south hemispheres slices right through Ecuador and even the Galapagos Islands too.

A visit to the equator line is a major tourist attraction and point of interest in Ecuador. It’s a fun novelty to hover over both sides of the earth at once. If you’re coming to the country named after the equator, you kinda have to take a trip to the famous line!

There are many different places to cross the equator in Ecuador. The most popular of the bunch is known as Mitad del Mundo , (Middle of the World), easily accessible from Quito. This is where visitors will find the main equator monument and that big yellow equator line to snap an equator selfie on top of.

The neighboring Museo Solar Intiñan is another interesting equatorial attraction. Here, visitors can perform some suspicious experiments along the line.

Does draining water really change directions on each side of the equator? You’ll have to go and judge for yourself. We question the validity of such experiments, even though we clearly had trouble walking a straight line on the equator. It’s claimed that the hemisphere’s forces tug at you.

For more about these equator sites, which ones to visit, whether it’s really worth going to, and how to get to the equator from Quito, all the info is included here in the equator section of our big Travel Guide to Quito .

14) Take a Dip in Ecuador’s Volcanic Thermal Pools

Given the volcanic origins of Ecuador’s Andes, it should come as no surprise that hot springs abound throughout the country’s midsection. After a grueling trek through the Andes or during a particularly chilly day, indulging in a visit to Ecuador’s many thermal pools can feel downright heavenly.

The thermal baths of Papallacta are a popular escape from Quito and boast volcano views among the more than a dozen of pools to soak in there. The town of Baños, Ecuador, is appropriately named as it translates to “bathing” and offers several thermal pools and spas to bathe in. Take a long soak in one of the many pools at the large Las Piscinas de la Virgen  complex.

Yet a personal favorite thermal spa in Ecuador can be found in a different municipality also named Baños. It’s in the Baños of Azuay province, on the outskirts of Cuenca, where you can find Piedra de Agua . Their 90-minute “spa circuit” includes treatments such as steam therapy. Yet perhaps most interesting is the volcanic mud exfoliation treatment, involving two different mud baths!

After the spa circuit, guests can spend as much time as they’d like relaxing in the three warm outdoor mineral pools. And they’ll even deliver drinks to you on a little boat that floats with you in the warm waters! It’s all a great experience and economical too, with access to the thermal pool and spa facilities starting at $15. But go during their weekly promotions to really save. More logistical info for this affordable luxury experience is covered in the spa section of our Cuenca Travel Guide .

15) Go Ziplining through the Cloud Forest

There are several great ziplining runs throughout Ecuador. You can find zip lines in the Andes surrounding Cuenca and others soaring over canyons near Baños. Yet we suggest the best ziplining opportunity in Ecuador is the canopy tours offered through the lush Mindo Cloud Forest.

Mindo may be best known for birding. Yet it is also becoming an awesome hub for adventure pursuits in this unique cloud forest environment. There are some serious ziplining routes in Mindo to soar amongst the toucans.

We’ve been ziplining all around the world, but Mindo’s canopy tours stick out for the length of their runs, the cloud forest environment, and what we’ve found to be the best value zipline tour in the world .

It takes more than an hour to complete all ten zip lines which adds up to a 3,640-meter-long course (nearly 12,000 feet). Yet it only costs $20 USD for the entire length of this awesome canopy tour. Find more about this adventure in the Ziplining section of our Mindo Travel Guide . It’s not only one of Mindo’s best activities. Their ziplining courses are firmly one of the best things to do in Ecuador!

16) Don’t Only Admire Ecuador’s Churches, Experience Them

Ecuador boasts a handful of impressive churches and cathedrals scattered about the country. Even those who may not be fascinated by these religious structures should find appeal in the experiences that can be had throughout Ecuador’s churches.

It’s not only about the artwork, architecture, history, and religious significance. Many of Ecuador’s cathedrals can be climbed for their spectacular surrounding views, among other interesting experiences.

Climb the Basilica del Voto Nacional for Views & Maybe a Cerveza

Quito’s Basilica del Voto Nacional is a prime example of an incredible experience that can be had in an Ecuadorian church. This basilica includes a rickety climb up many stairs , ladders, and even a walkway across the roof of the church. Ultimately you’ll reach the top of a spire that affords awesome views of Quito.

Oh, and you can also drink a beer from high up within one of the basilica’s towers. It’s in a semi-hidden little cafe. You can see exactly where to find it and all the logistical info in the Basilica section of the Quito Guide .

Ascend the Spiral Staircase of Cuenca’s New Cathedral to a Bell Tower with No Bells

Cuenca’s Cathedral de la Inmaculada , AKA the New Cathedral, took nearly a hundred years to complete. Construction finally wrapped up in 1975. The result is now one of the largest churches in South America.

Visitors can climb the bell towers for views of the city and take an up-close look at the Cathedral’s signature blue domes. While atop the cathedral you can also learn about why the bell towers don’t have bells. Learn more in the New Cathedral section of this Guide to Cuenca .

Unlock Ecuador’s Oldest Catholic Church: Iglesia de Balbanera

While this modest church pales in comparison to the grandiosity mentioned above, it’s no less impressive to visit what is recognized as the oldest catholic church in Ecuador. It dates all the way back to 1534 ! Many people make pilgrimages here for the ancient Virgin of Balbanera. The very old relic from Spain is on display near the church’s altar.

Yet what we found to be impressive is the experience of using the original keys to lock the church’s half-millennia-old door! The Balbanera Church is easily visited from the town of Riobamba. Directions can be found in the La Colta section of our full Riobamba Travel Guide .

17) Go Whitewater Rafting from the Mountains to the Jungle

With fast-moving rivers flowing down the Andes mountains, there are excellent whitewater rafting opportunities throughout Ecuador!

Down towards the Amazon basin, the town of Tena is a main base for whitewater rafting activity in Ecuador. The Jatunyacu River , which flows into the Napo River, is a major tributary to the Amazon. And it makes for some fine whitewater rafting. It’s not every day you can have the opportunity to go whitewater rafting in the Amazon basin.

The Jatunyacu River is the most popular whitewater run in the area, with class III+ rapids in a picturesque jungle setting. The rapids are mild enough for beginners, yet still offer some bouncy thrills across swift-moving waves. Trips down the Jatunyacu are priced from $50 – $85 and many reputable operators can be found in Tena.

Moving further up in the Andes, the adventure hub of Baños offers some more whitewater action down the rushing Pastaza River . The dips and spills on class III & IV rapids can really add a jolt of adrenaline to any Ecuador trip! It’s a pretty setting too, given the river flows down amidst towering canyon walls in some sections.

With prices set around $30 for the 5-hour rafting tour from Baños, it’s one of the most economical whitewater rafting trips we’ve encountered anywhere in the world. There’s no shortage of rafting operators around town offering the trip daily within this price range.

Lastly, in Mindo, there is an exhilarating tube-rafting experience unlike we’ve seen anywhere else in the world. The rivers around Mindo are too shallow for true river rafts. Yet the river can be way too intense to float down on an innertube. So rafting is accomplished by roping several tubes together to form a makeshift raft. It’s then used for a thrilling ride through the cloud forest, while a tubing guide navigates the rock-strewn river!

It’s all quite the experience. And this tube rafting in Mindo is yet another adventure bargain. If you can round up a few friends to go together, the price can be as low as $6 per person. That gets you an exciting river run that lasts about a half-hour, depending on how fast the water is flowing. You can read more about this cloud forest tube-rafting in our Mindo Travel Guide .

18) Stroll Guayaquil’s Impressive Malecón

While many of Ecuador’s beaches boast pleasant seaside malecóns (waterfront boardwalks), we’d argue that the riverfront walkway of Guayaquil’s Malecón 2000 reigns supreme. The 2.5-kilometer promenade boasts excellent views of the River Guayas. It meanders past gardens, monuments, museums, restaurants, artisanal markets, shopping malls, and other fun attractions.

Perhaps most notable is the La Perla! Soaring 57 meters high above Guayaquil, La Perla is touted as the largest Ferris wheel in South America . Wander further down the malecón to hop aboard the Barco Morgan. This pirate ship takes passengers up the Guayas River for views of the expansive malecón . For added fun, there’s an unlimited drink option!

Taking just a short jaunt off Malecon 2000 will bring you to one of Guayaquil’s most beloved attractions, the Iguana Park. That’s where you can always find the namesake reptiles roaming freely. Meanwhile, the other end of the malecón stretches towards the colorful and historic Santa Ana neighborhood.

For more on all of these attractions, on and off Malecon 2000, browse through our complete travel guide of the 15 Best Things to Do in Guayaquil .

19) Eat Delicious Local Ecuadorian Cuisine throughout the Country

Ecuador has some interesting local cuisine to try while traveling throughout the country. The food across Ecuador varies regionally. Local specialties can be as diverse as Ecuador’s landscapes. Seafood reigns king along the coast. Meanwhile, warm comfort foods are found in abundance across the Andean highlands.

Yet regardless of location, eating is a thing to do in Ecuador! It should be noted to seek out some of the delicious local specialties throughout the country. So here are just a few notable dishes to look for:

Eat Ecuadorian Ceviche along the Coast

Ceviche is a national dish in Ecuador and this country has a different take on the marinated seafood dish, compared to other Latin American nations. Ecuadorian ceviche tends to be very saucy and soupy. The ceviche here is always served with a spoon in a bowl that is so very full of all the tangy citrus juices the seafood was marinated in.

We’ve eaten ceviche in just about every country that serves it across the Americas. Personally, we find Ecuadorian ceviche to be the best in the world. (Shh… don’t tell Peru we said so.)

Ceviches of fish, shrimp, and octopus are all popular and common along Ecuador’s coast and the Galapagos. But you can also find ceviche inland too. One Ecuadorian ceviche chain that we frequent and recommend is Los Cebiches de la Ruminahui , with more than 50 locations including in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Ambato, Ibarra, Manta, and more.

Be Charmed by Hornado in the Highlands

Hornado is a whole roasted pig and is found in just about every Andean market in Ecuador. It’s a local favorite. The resulting pork is extremely tender, well-seasoned, and salty. A plate comes with some crispy skin along with traditional sides like mote (hominy), llapingachos (thick potato pancakes), and veggies.

Yet the experience of getting hornado at the market is nearly as satisfying as the dish itself. The women selling their hornado are charmingly aggressive to get you to choose their particular stall. These hornado vendors always hold out samples of their best cuts for potential customers to try. This happens all while lapping on the praise, telling passersby how good-looking they are to woo them for a purchase. Markets in Cuenca , Gualaceo , and Riobamba are just a few cities that are particularly known for their hornado.

Adventurous Eaters Can Try Cuy

Yes, it’s a guinea pig.

Guinea pig, known here as cuy , is indeed a local specialty in the southern highlands of Ecuador. A whole-roasted cuy is something for adventurous eaters to try. Look for it around here in Cuenca and in the town of Loja too.

More Local Ecuadorian Cuisine to Try

This all scratches the surface of local specialties to eat while in Ecuador. Yet here are a few more favorites to keep an eye out for during meal times:

• Fritada – A national dish of well-seasoned fried chunks of pork. Look for it in Quito , Otavalo, Gualaceo , and Latacunga , among other highland locations.
• Locro de Papa – A hearty potato soup that’s made complete with cheese and avocado. Find it throughout the highlands, particularly around Quito .
• Churrasco – Ecuadorian steak & eggs. It’s a favorite found throughout the highlands.
• Bolon – Fried ball of plantains and cheese. Eat Ecuador’s most delicious breakfast along the coast or Galapagos. Order with a cafecito .
• Encebollado – Fish stew that is a national dish. It’s found along the coast, is often eaten in the mornings, and helps cure hangovers.
• Cangrejo criollo – Creole crab is a local specialty to Guayaquil that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

20) Take a Scenic Rail Journey through the Andes (Possibly returning in 2024)

Ecuador must have some of the most beautiful rail routes in the world. The country composed six different scenic train journeys to embark on day trips to see the country by rail. To be clear, these train trips are not used for transportation, but rather as day excursions that are a journey unto themselves.

Each of these train day trips would take passengers on a scenic ride to an interesting destination, then return back to the starting point. Stunning vistas along these routes impress passengers, as the trains chug along through the Valley of Volcanos, past farmland, and down into canyons.

Important update 2024: When the world closed to travel in 2020, these touristic trains ceased operating across Ecuador. During the past few years, there’s been much speculation and even announcements about these train routes returning. Ecuadorian officials, such as the Minister of Transportation and Public Works, vouched that the six routes will be operating again in 2023 ( source ).

In September 2023, the Ecuadorian President further renewed his commitment to Ecuador’s railway and toured the station for the famed Devil’s Note route in Alausi ( source ). He reaffirmed these rail routes would open again with mobile ticket sales to come. Yet as of January 2024 , no reopening announcements have been made . Still, it is hopeful that trains will be rolling again soon, perhaps in time for your travels through Ecuador. So stay tuned!

Check out our favorite of Ecuador’s rail routes below, which could resume in 2024.

Ride the Devil’s Nose: The Most Difficult Railway Ever Built

The most famous of Ecuador’s train routes is the Nariz del Diablo , or Devil’s Nose. It has been dubbed the “ most difficult railway ever built !”

This was a critical section of Ecuador’s railway constructed over a hundred years ago to connect the coast with Quito. Yet the engineering challenge faced was to somehow lay tracks up a vertical cliff measuring 765-meter (2,500-foot) high.

Thousands of laborers died during the rail line’s construction. Hence, the pointy mountain taunting building efforts became known as the Devil’s Nose. The engineering feat was finally pulled off by developing a series of switchbacks. The train actually overshoots the tracks, then reverses to zigzag up the side of the mountain cliff.

This was once a rugged rail journey through Ecuador in which passengers were permitted to sit atop the train cars until an unfortunate head-loss incident occurred (yikes!). After that, passengers have been only permitted inside the train.

It’s a fascinating look into Ecuador’s rail history, rolling across this engineering feat. But this scenic trip through the Andes is also an exhilarating ride. Grab a seat on the right side of the train to look out the window, straight down that sheer cliff. When operating, the Devil’s Nose train ride from the town of Alausi cost $33 for the half-day trip.

In government updates regarding Ecuador’s tourist trains, it’s been discussed that the Devil’s Nose route would be given priority to open first. Will Smith visited this famous railway when filming his National Geographic series Welcome to Earth . So it is hopeful this will provide increased interest and added incentive to get this famous railway back up and running again.

Ride the Ice Train around Chimborazo to Meet a Living Legend

The Tren de Hielo I , or the Ice Train, is another fascinating rail journey to embark on in Ecuador. Winding through the Ecuadorian Andes from Riobamba to Urbina, the train’s windows offer sweeping views of Volcán Chimborazo. On a clear day, passengers can gaze upon Ecuador’s highest mountain throughout the ride.

But the highlight of the Tren de Hielo is the stop in Urbina. It’s Ecuador’s highest train station, at 3,609 meters in altitude. The real treasure here isn’t its high elevation. It’s for the rare opportunity to meet Baltazar Ushca.

The 80-year-old (in 2024) man is known as the last ice merchant . For the past 60+ years, he’s been climbing up to the “ice mine” on Chimborazo every week to harvest glacier ice that he then sells to the markets in Riobamba.

Ushca is the last person known in Ecuador to continue practicing this lost trade of ice harvesting. It’s so fascinating that global documentaries have been made about him. So Ushca has now garnered local celebrity status. And he still makes the rigorous trek up the side of Chimborazo.

When operating, the Ice Train was priced at $25 for the day trip, plus lunch at your own expense. For more about this local legend and other stops on the Ice Train route, browse the Ice Train section of our Riobamba Travel Guide .

Ecuador’s Other Scenic Rail Trips

In addition to the Devil’s Nose and the Ice Train, the other four rail excursions set to resume:

• Tren de la Libertad : Journey from Ibarra through many tunnels to reach Salinas. Here, Afro-Ecuadorian culture is explored.
• Tren de Hielo 2 : The bus-like train travels from Ambato to Urbina to meet Baltazar Uscha. There are also stops at farming communities for shopping and lunch.
• Tren de los Volcanos : This train from Quito heads to the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano for a short walk. Many other volcanos are passed during the scenic route.
• Tren de la Dulzura : This train from the outskirts of Guayaquil focuses on the farming of cocoa and sugarcane. After reaching Naranjito, there’s an optional trek in the cloud forest to a waterfall.

Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Reading through this article, you’ve likely noticed a few destinations that have been repeatedly mentioned. Cities such as Quito and Cuenca can make excellent travel hubs to stay in to pursue further adventures. Yet there are many more places to consider traveling, beyond those two cities.

So the following offers advice on an Ecuador itinerary, travel routes, and how much time to spend in each location.

How Much Time to Spend in Ecuador & Where to Travel

If planning a trip to Ecuador, the following can be used as a rough itinerary suggestion for what we’d advise as the minimum time to spend in each location.

• Quito (2-4 days)
• Mindo (1-3 days)
• Amazon (3-5 days)
• Baños (1-3 days)
• Quilotoa Loop trek (3-4 days)
• Riobamba (1-3 days)
• Alausi (Devil’s Nose Train, 1 day)
• Cuenca (2-4 days)
• Guayaquil (1-2 days)
• Beach (Salinas or Montañita, as desired for relaxing)
• Galapagos Islands (1-2 weeks)

Tailor an Ecuador itinerary that best matches your interests and time constraints. Do note that the amount of time suggested for each destination (above) is on the low side. This is so travelers can attempt to maximize a trip to Ecuador. Those who have more time should definitely consider staying in each location for far longer than the above suggestions.

Spend as much time in Ecuador as you possibly can! A two-week trip to Ecuador can be nice. But more time is needed to venture into each of the highlights suggested within this travel guide.

Exactly where to travel in Ecuador depends greatly on the amount of time you have and your personal interests. For example, those who have no interest in adventure activities can easily skip Baños. Not into trekking? Then definitively cut out the Quilotoa Loop entirely and consider a visit to the crater as a day trip from Quito instead.

Short on time? It would be a shame to miss visiting the Ecuadorian Amazon. But making the concession of axing the Amazon from your Ecuador itinerary is perhaps the best way to save on time that can instead be allocated to other locations throughout Ecuador. Logistically, skipping the Amazon might make sense to those short on time and can also extend your travel budget.

Meanwhile, many people regularly skip over Riobamba. It could be rational to follow suit. But those who want to see Ecuador’s highest mountain must keep the oft-overlooked town firmly on their itinerary. Guayaquil is another city that’s regularly passed. But if transiting through Guayaquil anyways, we find it to be well worth spending at least a day, if not two.

Ecuador Travel Itinerary

The map below illustrates a proposed Ecuador itinerary that can be a logical route in attempting to visit many of the best places in mainland Ecuador. You can use this as a rough outline while cutting and adding based on your interests, budget, and time constraints.

Also, add on a trip to the Galapagos, which is easily possible from starting/ending points of Quito or Guayaquil.

How to Travel Around Ecuador

Getting from place to place can be accomplished in a variety of ways depending on preferences and budget. Consider:

• Public buses
• Shuttle buses
• Hop-on-hop-off tour buses
• Guided tours

Bus Travel in Ecuador

Ecuador’s public buses can be a great way to travel around Ecuador for those who are comfortable with independent travel. Buses in Ecuador are frequent, reliable, comfy, and inexpensive. Expect to pay roughly $1 for each hour traveled. Buses in Ecuador are best for backpackers and seasoned budget travelers.

There are some safety concerns to be aware of when using buses to get around Ecuador. The mountain roads are precarious and bus drivers have been known to drive faster than they should. Accidents are rare. But they do indeed occur and can be deadly. We suggest avoiding night buses. And, always, always buckle up!

Also, know there have been reports of petty theft on buses in Ecuador. Travelers should keep valuables secure and close while on public buses. Personally, we’ve taken over 100 different buses throughout Ecuador and have never experienced or seen theft on buses. But it can happen to unsuspecting passengers.

Lastly, know that most public buses do not have restrooms onboard. Plan accordingly.

Each city in Ecuador has a bus station, often called Terminal Terrestre . There, visitors can find up-to-date timetables and purchase bus tickets.

Shuttle buses can be an alternate consideration to buses. These are full-sized vans that ply popular routes in Ecuador, such as between Cuenca and Guayaquil. They cost slightly more than a regular bus. Shuttle buses can sometimes be found at bus stations. Or inquire at a tourism agency within the city you’re traveling from.

Hop-on-hop-off buses can provide a more comfortable and safe bus option for traveling across Ecuador. They’re also significantly more costly compared to public buses. Companies like  Wanderbus have set itineraries with departures on certain days. Passengers can choose to stay at each destination as long as they desire and then hop back on the bus for the next segment. There are different itineraries to choose from.

Ecuador Tours

Guided tours of Ecuador can be a great option for the most convenience. Professional travel guides help navigate the country as they effortlessly whisk travelers to all the best spots. Leave all the planning and logistics to the tour company. Just show up and enjoy Ecuador. Tours of Ecuador can also be the best way to learn about the country, as local guides are usually employed.

Many Ecuador tours also include domestic flights to the Galapagos and even cruises throughout the islands. We’ve found some of the best Ecuador tours and prices through Gadventures’s Ecuador tours . Browse through each of their listings and travel dates to find an Ecuador tour that best fits your interests and travel style.

Flights within Ecuador

Even though Ecuador is a small country, travel times on those winding mountain roads can be notoriously lengthy.

So if covering long distances, it can sometimes make sense to consider a domestic flight within Ecuador. For example, the bus from Quito to Lago Agrio (for Amazon tours) takes more than eight hours. A flight will save precious time by getting to the Amazon in less than an hour.

Flights between Quito and Cuenca or between Quito and Guayaquil can often make sense too. But just know that flying between these major cities bypasses many of the best places to visit in Ecuador that can be visited using land transport.

Of course, going to the Galapagos can only be accomplished by plane. Flights to the Galapagos depart from both Quito and Guayaquil.

There are three main domestic airlines in Ecuador:

• LATAM (formerly LAN)

All three are fairly comparable in terms of quality of service. We suggest choosing whichever airline has the best price and/or schedule for your trip. Yet if prices are similar across the board, we suggest Avianca and LATAM over TAME, based on our experience flying with these airlines. TAME has been known to unexpectedly cancel flights.

Happy Travels in Ecuador!

We hope this Ecuador travel guide has helped to provide trip ideas and travel inspiration. Ecuador is such a fascinating country to explore. Ecuador holds a beautiful culture. The diversity of landscapes is unparalleled. Ecuador’s nature is incredible. The cuisine delivers many interesting dishes to try. Plus, it’s a country that delivers excellent value.

And we hope that we’ve been able to show that there are so many fun things to do in Ecuador!

If this guide has been helpful, please let us know in the comments. Or give us a shout with any questions. And if you’ve traveled to Ecuador and you have your own favorite things to do, share them! 🙂

Above all else, have a great trip to Ecuador. Or as they say here, ¡buen viaje!

Publishing note: this travel guide about the Best Things to Do in Ecuador was originally written in August 2019 and is updated in best attempts to keep the info current. Last updated January 2024.

Related Posts

July 15, 2023 at 2:11 PM

Mindalae – Ethnohistoric & Crafts Museum of Ecuador (Museo Etnohistórico de Artesanías del Ecuador Mindalae) in Quito near Plaza Foch. Address: Reina Victoria N26-166, Quito

Great little museum that is often overlooked.

BTW: Plaza Foch – formerly a great hangout – is still struggling to recover from the pandemic.

May 7, 2023 at 10:02 AM

Thank you so much for your blog. It’s really helpful.

We are planning a trip to Cuyabeno – do you know which of the lodges there are owned by the local indigenous peoples, or do the best job in working with them and supporting them by design (rather than knowing they need to!).

That’s important to us.

Thank you, Matt

March 30, 2023 at 12:02 PM

i looooooove it

January 25, 2023 at 3:18 PM

What about renting an SUV and driving?

February 7, 2023 at 11:46 AM

It’s certainly possible to rent an SUV and drive around the country. Visitors have and do rent cars to travel around Ecuador. But, personally, I wouldn’t recommend it, particularly to first-time visitors to Ecuador. The Andes roads are precarious and can be hazardous. And within cities, a car really isn’t necessary. But to travel throughout the country, if you’re a very confident driver and have a strong preference to be behind the wheel, I suppose a rental car would be a consideration. Personally, when I’m in Ecuador, I feel far more comfortable relying on buses, taxis, and private drivers.

November 30, 2022 at 10:13 PM

Much appreciation for your efforts in all your guides, which are so clear and informative – remarkable!

We had decided to cancel our trip, based on the Canadian government travel advisories, fearing that Ecuador had become too dangerous for us to feel comfortable there. Your guide inspired us so much that we’re going for it. Carpe diem, in our mid-60s!

We’ll be spending Feb and March there in 2023. We promised our daughter we’d be acutely vigilant, and hire guides/take tours whenever possible. I’m trying to think of a question, but you’ve answered all of them!

With sincere gratitude….

December 14, 2022 at 3:48 PM

Hope you have a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoy this amazing country!

October 5, 2022 at 6:07 AM

Hi, such a nice post: enough short but still enough explained! Thanks! Have any idea is these tips still topical in late 2022?

Cheers, Meri

October 13, 2022 at 2:59 PM

Yes, almost everything here still holds true in 2022. One major exception is that the train rides in Ecuador ceased operating in 2020 and have yet to resume. There has been promises by the Ecuadorian government to revive the railways but it seems rather uncertain to happen anytime soon. Hopefully the trains will return because we found those rail journeys to be fantastic experiences. Anyhow, thank you for the comment and the question. It has encouraged me to update this article to ensure it reflects current info for 2022 and beyond.

November 1, 2021 at 4:01 AM

You’ve definitely sold it to me! Ecuador looks amazing. I’m planning a 2 week trip in January. From a weather/season point of view, is that a sensible time to visit? Thank you

October 2, 2021 at 11:23 PM

Thank you for all the effort you put into this guide! Very helpful! I have a family of 5 (3 kids) exploring Central and South America for about 8 months. We need to settle in to an Airbnb for a couple of weeks every once and a while to get work/school done. Is there a town/area you would recommend we do this in Ecuador? We love the outdoors.

October 7, 2021 at 4:10 PM

That’s awesome – greatly admire traveling as a family and introducing the kiddos to the wonderful culture and outdoor splendor of Central & South America! As for where to settle down for a few week in Ecuador, there really are so many great options all throughout the country. I’d say it would depend on whether you want to linger somewhere with creature comforts and many things to do or if you prefer to escape to somewhere remote and quiet to connect with nature and really focus on work/schooling. Considering you’ll likely want good reliable wifi and things to keep the kids entertained, I’d think you’d want to at least be in a mid-sized city. So I’d probably throw my weight towards Cuenca being a great option, as there are lots of Airbnbs there, it’s up in the mountains so plenty of outdoor recreation nearby, and has all the creature comforts you may want for a longer stay since its a sizable city. On that note, Quito may be another consideration, since it’s huge, many Airbnbs, has children’s parks/museums/activities, and great outdoor recreation for day trips outside of the city. (Although big city life may be a turn-off, idk). For smaller towns, perhaps consider Cotacachi (in the North) and Vilcabamba (in the South). Hope that may help!

August 18, 2021 at 12:37 AM

As an Ecuadorian I have to say this was such an amazing, comprehensive and helpful post. I’m really impressed! Thanks 🙏🏾 I’ll share this with anyone traveling to my beautiful country 🥰

August 17, 2020 at 4:30 PM

Hello, we are planning a trip to Ecuador next year and this has been extremely helpful. Specially the content on travelling Galapagos on a budget! =) I have one question regarding seasons. When have you been to Ecuador and Galapagos and how was the weather like? We are planning out trip for June/July and I was wondering if it was a good time to visit, mainly Galapagos. Thank you

August 25, 2020 at 5:08 PM

So glad to hear this has been helpful! As for timing on when to go, June/July can be nice. It tends to be drier and less chance of rain on mainland and throughout the Andes. There are better views of the surrounding volcanos and better hiking conditions. It can be slightly cooler too. The Galapagos is also sunnier and cooler during June/July, both in the water and on land. In June currents bring cold water up from the South, so you’ll likely need a wetsuit for any snorkeling/diving (widely available for rent there). June should prove to be a bit warmer than July, so you may want to consider going to Galapagos on the front end of your trip. Waters can be rougher around then too and waves more likely at the beaches. But that can depend on the day. Hope that helps and you have a great trip!

February 15, 2020 at 8:43 PM

Well explained, well detailed! Very helpful! Congrats!!!

marcos – brasil

February 1, 2020 at 8:51 PM

Great informative site, good job!

January 11, 2020 at 11:43 AM

Hey! Great work! It’s super helpful!

December 27, 2019 at 7:30 PM

Thanks you for writing this well thought out, helpful overview of what to see and do in Ecuador. Much appreciated.

September 11, 2019 at 4:33 PM

Awesome work. I did a lot of reading here and despite the fact that I’ve been to Ecuador once before, I learned a lot. Thanks for putting this together.

September 2, 2019 at 7:12 PM

this is the best quide I have ever seen 😀 we are going in 2 weeks for 3 weeks and are (I guess) very much follow your tips. thanks so much – it just sums up most of my questions.

one request – the itinerary doesnt work, can you re-share it?

September 5, 2019 at 1:29 PM

So glad that this guide has proved helpful! Thank you for alerting us that the itinerary map was not showing up. I just fixed the problem, so it should be there now. Hope you have an excellent trip to Ecuador!

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Going Awesome Places

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15 Of The Best Tourist Attractions In Ecuador

Last Updated August 21, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Attractions & Experiences » 15 Of The Best Tourist Attractions In Ecuador

Ecuador is a small country located in South America. Despite its small size, it has a lot of things to offer.

Thanks to its location it displays a great variety of landscapes. You have the coast, which has amazing beaches.  If you are more into mountains you have the Andes and a lot of volcanos. If the jungle is your thing you can go to the Oriente or Amazonian region. And finally you have the Galapagos, islands in the middle of the Pacific ocean with a huge diversity in wildlife.

It is a great place to experience most of what South America has to offer in just one country.  Since it has so much diversity, here come the 15 best tourist attractions in Ecuador !

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• I’ve looked far and wide and unless you’re building up Marriott points using the best Canadian credit cards for travel , your best bet is to use Booking and leverage their Genius program to save up to 15% on properties.

Table of Contents

Jump to the top tourist attractions in Ecuador.

In This Article

1. The Galapagos Islands

2. visit the middle of the world, 3. walk through quito’s city center, 4. take a train ride to nariz del diablo or devil’s nose, 5. party in montañita, 6. take a surf lesson, 7. climb the chimborazo, 8. hike the quilotoa loop, 9. go to the el cajas national park, 10. explore the beautiful cuenca, 11. do extreme sports in baños de agua santa, 12. go shopping in the otavalo market, 13. visit the isla de la plata known as the “small galápagos”, 14. go whale watching, 15. cuyabeno wildlife reserve, travel resources for your next trip, 15 best tourist attractions in ecuador.

This isn’t an exhaustive list by far but if you’re thinking about planning a trip, these tourist attractions in Ecuador should get you started on your itinerary.

This is one of the main reasons why people visit Ecuador. These group of islands have beautiful wildlife to offer. It is a great place to enjoy the awesome beaches, go snorkelling, and diving and enjoying nature. See the giant Galapagos turtles and the unique iguanas.

In Ecuador, you can find yourself literally in the middle of the world.  In the city of Quito, you can find the Middle of the World Monument .  You’d think this spot is in the middle of the world but the actual spot is 200 meters away and marked on the ground.

This top tourist attraction in Ecuador is where they have demonstrations such as the water test, where you can see how in one hemisphere it flushes down one way but on the other hemisphere, it flushes down the other way.

Quito’s historical center is one of the oldest and best preserved in the Americas. It was the first city to be declared world heritage center in 1978 alongside Krakow, Poland. While walking through the old streets, you will be transported into the past.

It is located between mountains, so it has beautiful viewpoints from where you can take the most amazing pictures of the city and enjoy the view.

La Nariz del Diablo is well known because of the train that takes you there. This train ride is part of the train line that connects the Sierra with the coast.  There’s a section of it that has one of the steepest inclines in the world with a 500m in only 12 km.  It’s a true engineering wonder.

The journey starts in Alausí, a small town located in the mountains, and takes you to the Devil’s Nose and complete it’s route in Simbabe.  Here, you’ll be able to enjoy some typical Ecuadorian food, dances and visit a local museum. When you’re done exploring, hop back on the train and return back to Alausí.

Montañita is a small town located along the Spondylus route. It is a town by the beach that attracts a lot of local and foreign tourist all year long. There’s always something going on there including epic parties. So if you are in for a bit of partying, make sure not to miss it!

It is also a very common destination for people that love to surf. The big waves allow you to practice that sport all the time. Montañita is full of hostels and hotels, so you have sleeping opportunities for all budgets.

It also offers a lot of eating opportunities for all tastes and at all price levels. The bohemian Montañita is definitely a place worth visiting.

With about 640 kilometres of coastline, Ecuador has amazing beaches that allow you to practice Surf. From north to south you can find very good spots to surf.

Whether you’ve surfed before or not, Ecuador is a great place for surfers of all skill levels.  The best part is that surf lessons aren’t expensive.

The Chimborazo is an inactive volcano and the highest peek in Ecuador. It is also the closes point to the sun, edging Mount Everest by 2 km.  This is because of its location along the equatorial bulge, which makes it the farthest point from the Earth’s center.

When you climb up the Chimborazo, you’ll find someone who known to be the last ice-maker.  In the old days, people used to go up the Quilotoa to bring down ice for their towns. Now he is the only one still practicing taking ice from the volcano.

Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera an the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. On the top, you can find this beautiful lagoon with beautiful turquoise coloured water.

There are a ton of sport activities here including hiking, kayaking and you animal watching.

If you are into hiking, you can do a 3-5 day hike to get to Quilotoa. You start in Latacunga and pass through small Andean communities until you reach the Quilotoa lagoon.

When it comes to tourist attractions in Ecuador, El Cajas National Park is not to be missed.  Located just outside Cuenca, it is a beautiful combination of lagoons and hills with tundra vegetation. With its highest point at 4450m above sea-level, this is quite the wonder.

You can hike here or just go by car and stop in the different viewpoints along the way.  You’ll also find quite the assortment of traditional dishes to try in the park.

Word of caution:  Some may be affected by the altitude here so pay special attention.

Cuenca is a beautiful city in the Andes. It is a colonial city so it has a European flair. Cuenca is synonymous for Ecuadorean beauty, history, art, churches, and small streets that will make you fall in love. The city has very friendly people and the weather is usually very favourable.

Baños is the last big city located in the mountains before reaching the Amazons. It is located in the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano .

Here you can do a lot of extreme sport like white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, bungee jumping and much more.

It has also beautiful waterfalls around the city and it is known for its thermal baths. However, the most famous part of Baños is “La Casa del Árbol” which features a giant swing at the end of the world.

Otavalo is known for it’s really nice people and the artisan market. Here you can find all kinds of  crafts from the indigenous people. It it the biggest artisanal market in Ecuador and one of the biggest in South America.

The best day to visit it is on Saturday because the market expands to the streets of the city. Any other day, the market is restricted to the “Plaza de Los Ponchos”.

Very early in the morning, there is also a cattle market worth visiting. For that one you will have to wake up really early but you will see animal trading like in the olden days.

La Isla de la Plata is known as the smaller of the Galapagos because here you can find very similar flora and fauna to its bigger brother.  If you make it here, you’ll be able to see the blue-footed booby and big sea turtles.

It is located about a 1 hour boat ride away from the Ecuadorian coast in Puerto Lopez.

From an activity standpoint, snorkelling is also a must here with it’s incredible aquatic life.

From July to October the humpback whales pass through the Ecuadorian waters. So during these months, you can enjoy a beautiful whale watching tour like the one we did in Richmond BC .

Puerto Lopez is one of the places where a majority of the whales arrive on the Ecuadorian coast which makes it an ideal starting point for a whale watching tours.

Other good places to go whale watching are: Salinas, Parque Nacional Machalilla, La Isla de la Plata, Puerto Cayo, Manta, Bahia de Caráquez, Mompiche and Súa.

This is the second largest national park in Ecuador. It is abound with huge diversity of species.  There are over 550 different species of birds , more than 350 species of fish, 60 different species of orchids, and 10 species of monkeys.  In addition, you’ll find reptiles such as anacondas, alligators, and river turtles.

It is one of the great tourist attractions in Ecuador to enjoy nature, and disconnect from the city and day to day life. Enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunsets in the middle of the jungle, and get to know the indigenous communities that live there.

As you can see, this is only a high level summary of all the wonderful things you can do in Ecuador.  For a small country, the diversity of places to go, things to see, and people to meet is massive.  If you haven’t already, make sure you add Ecuador to your bucket list.

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If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Martha Smiley says

March 27, 2018 at 1:02 AM

Every year a lot of travelers visit Ecuador. There have many beautiful places and beaches, which is attracting a huge amount of traveler every year. It’s a helpful travel blog, all the places you talking about in here, it is amazing.I am also a traveler and go many of the places all over the worlds, To read your blog I inspire to give my next trip to Ecuador. I especially love to visit in the beach area. In Ecuador, here have many beaches where I can fishing, surfing, and also kayaking. I am so much excited to go here. Every traveler should know about those tips. Thanks for sharing that one.

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