Ecuador Sightseeing

Ecuador is one of South America’s best kept secrets for travellers looking to combine history and culture with nature. The Galápagos Islands, easily accessible Amazon rainforest, and volcano-studded mountains mean many of Ecuador’s attractions are natural. But the cultural treasures of its indigenous tribes, Spanish colonial towns and wealth of ethnic craftsmen helps balance things out. Without doubt, visitors are amply rewarded for making the journey to this highlight-packed nation.   

Avenue of Volcanoes
At some point during your journey take the time to leisurely explore this long valley on the road to Cuenca. Nearly half of Ecuador’s population lives in the dozens of Indian and ethnic villages where time seems to have paused. The most remote villages are accessible by foot, allowing some independent trekking, while the larger valley towns are havens for craftsmen, farmers and artists. With nine of Ecuador’s highest mountains flanking either side of the valley, this is where culture and nature meet in sublime perfection. Located south of Quito.

Cuenca
Arguably Ecuador’s quaintest town, Cuenca certainly deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status for its cobbled streets lined with remarkable Spanish colonial-era buildings. Once the second-largest city in the Inca Empire, Cuenca’s rich heritage is punctuated by its excellent museums. But it’s the quintessential Spanish colonial feel that keeps the atmosphere so tranquil and timeless. After wandering the fascinating streets of this elevated town, and lingering in the Parque Calderon which is the heart of the city, grab a taxi to the lofty Mirador de Turi for superb views of the region.

Guayaquil
Ecuador’s commercial heart is the bustling port city of Guayaquil. Although it may lack the charm of Cuenca or Quito’s Old Town, there are several highlights which make the city worth a visit. The Rotonda, which stands opposite the Paseo de las Colonias, is Guayaquil’s most famous historical site and a good place to begin your explorations. The old fortress of La Planchada provides a bit of antiquity, but it’s the wonderfully entertaining Malecón seaside promenade which offers the best glimpse at the modern face of this thriving port city. Take your time and stroll its walkway with the locals.

Ingapirca
Ecuador’s largest archaeological site is an interesting cultural blend of the Inca and their predecessors the Cañari. Used as a religious site for both cultures, Ingapirca contains the only oval-shaped Inca palace in existence as well as excellent examples of that famous Incan masonry. Since it’s the only Inca site remaining in Ecuador it gets a lot of visitors. But if you come early enough to avoid the tour buses you can wander the well-preserved ruins in peace. Phone: +593 7 2215 115.

La Tolita
If you need more archaeological exposure during your visit to Ecuador, check out this fascinating site on a tiny island near San Lorenzo. It is thought to be one of the oldest pre-Columbian settlements in the Americas, which says a lot. Its mysterious inhabitants were skilled gold and silversmiths. A great highlight is exploring the beach littered with millions of pottery shards from thousands of years ago. Located on the North Pacific coast. 

Parque Nacional Cajas (Cajas National Park)
A great balance to the historical charm of Cuenca is this beautiful national park located an hour west of the city. The glacier-carved valleys of Cajas are a refreshing change from the typically volcanic geology of Ecuador. With 232 lakes, a cloud forest, and the original Inca Trail running through the park visitors have plenty of outdoor options. Whether you hike the panoramic Tres Cruces trail or just stroll around the Laguna Quinoa Pato and admire the spotted ducks, this park is well worth visiting for the day.

Quito
At nearly 3,000 metres, Ecuador’s capital is a heady destination mixing Spanish colonial ambiance with the modern face of Ecuadorians. With the volcano Pichincha looming nearby, Quito has an amazing atmosphere requiring more than a couple of days to truly explore. Begin in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Town, where colonial-era plazas, churches, palaces and museums fill the narrow streets. Many of the original structures from the 1500s are remarkably preserved, and be sure to make the gondola ride on El Telefériqo to the hilltop for panoramic views of the mountains and the city.

Cloud Forests of Bellavista and Mindo
Cloud forests are truly amazing environments, and Ecuador is home to several. Among the easiest to access and best developed are the cloud forests of Bellavista and Mindo. Nearly always shrouded in mist, these unique forests are home to a wealth of biodiversity, especially birds. A couple of well-run ecolodges allow you to base yourself here to better absorb the special atmosphere. Located two hours north of Quito.

Be a tourist and have your photo taken straddling the equator. Ecuador gets its name from the fact that the equator passes right through it. There are a number of tourist sites where you can stand with one foot in both hemispheres for a classic souvenir photo. But the one that stands out is Quitsato Mitad del Mundo Monument, which is located along the road from Quito to Otavalo.

Become better acquainted with the world’s highest active volcano at Cotopaxi National Park. At the heart of this stunning alpine park is the perfect conical volcano called Cotopaxi. At 5,897m it’s a towering marvel surrounded by hiking trails, old haciendas and a surprising amount of wildlife. Ecuador’s second-highest peak can be summitted if you have the mountaineering skills. Otherwise, enjoy a guided horseback or mountain bike ride around its base and be awe-inspired by its beauty.

Follow in Darwin’s footsteps with a tour of the Galápagos Islands. Ecuador is your chance to take a boat tour to these remarkable volcanic islands where some of the world’s rarest wildlife runs around virtually fearless of humans. Due to the islands’ isolation, it’s a unique opportunity to understand the concept of natural selection. These tours aren’t cheap but there’s nowhere else on the planet like the Galápagos. Package tours typically depart from Guayaquil and Quito.

Get high in Quito by taking the gondola to the top of Pichincha Volcano. El Telefériqo is one of the capital’s most popular excursions, whisking passengers more than 1,000 metres up the flanks of the volcano in just 8 minutes. At 4,050m the air is pretty thin but the views are staggering. A modern complex at the top features an oxygen bar, food shops and souvenir stalls. Weekends and holidays can be extremely crowded so consider doing this on a quiet weekday. Located in Quito.

Mingle with the Indians at an eco-lodge in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest basin. El Oriente is the name for the eastern flanks of the Andes where mountains fade into rainforest. There are 14 indigenous tribes living traditionally in El Oriente, offering intrepid travellers a rare chance to interact with some of the last unadulterated ethnic groups on earth. A handful of ecolodges try to preserve their culture while providing tours into this pristine corner of the Amazon teeming with wildlife and strange plants.

Test your courage by riding one of the world’s most extreme train routes down a steep mountain called the Devil’s Nose. There was once a railway that ran all the way from Quito to Guayaquil, but earthquakes, volcanic activity and landslides have destroyed all but this last section of track. A series of sharp switchbacks down the sheer face of rock is a real thriller, but rewards the brave with some of the most spectacular views in the country.

Watch for whales off Ecuador’s Pacific coast. Every year between June and October hundreds of humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to the waters off Ecuador to breed. If you are visiting during this period, don’t miss the rare chance to see these majestic creatures up close on a tour out of Salinas, Puerto López or other port towns.