Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Ecuador is a country that has a unique landscape with a large portion of its territory being made up of the Andean highlands and jungles. It also features a vast, wildlife-rich island chain called the Galápagos Islands. If you are planning a trip to this country, there are several things that you should consider before making a decision on where to go.

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is one of the largest cities in Ecuador. It is a major port and is located on the Pacific coast. Although the city has undergone considerable regeneration, it has retained much of its old-world charm.

Guayaquil is also the gateway to the Galapagos Islands. In addition, it is the center of commercial activity in the region. The city is known for its seafood and rich cuisine.

One of the best things to do in Guayaquil is to visit the Teatro del Mundo. This theatre is an attraction that draws international stars. Located in the heart of the city, it has an ambiance that is both modern and traditional.

Another fun thing to do is to go on a Pirate Cruise. Guests can enjoy an hour long cruise, which includes drinks and snacks.

Otavalo

Otavalo is a small city in northern Ecuador. It is surrounded by mountains and several waterfalls. The city is famous for its handicrafts and market. In fact, Otavalo is considered one of the most important indigenous markets in the world.

If you’re looking for a day trip from Quito, consider Otavalo. You’ll find plenty of beautiful scenery, but it’s also a good place to learn more about indigenous culture.

For a full view of the town, take a walking tour. The tours are free and include a few cultural highlights. They’ll take you around different neighborhoods, and you’ll learn about the town’s history and how it came to be.

A must-see is the Imbabura factory, which is now a museum. The factory was once an industrial hub, but now it is restored to its historical status. Here, you can learn about the local economy, as well as about the process of making Ecuadorian clothing.

Quito

Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, is a vibrant metropolis that boasts a blend of European and indigenous architectural styles. From the soaring TeleferiQo to the bustling markets, Quito offers a multitude of attractions and activities.

In addition to its beautiful scenery, Quito has an extensive history. Visitors can enjoy the city’s colonial center, which was founded in the 16th century. The Old Town is the largest and most well-preserved in the Americas.

Visitors can see the world’s largest winged Virgin Mary statue, La Virgen de Quito. This landmark is located high in the city, and offers breathtaking views of the city.

The city also features a variety of parks. One of the most popular is Parque Carolina, which resembles New York’s Central Park. Within the park, visitors can explore a man-made river, sports, and playgrounds.

Amazon rainforest

The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest is a fantastic place to visit. It’s one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. With over a thousand species of trees, 600 bird species, and a large variety of mammals, you’ll have plenty to see.

In addition to the vast diversity of wildlife, the Amazon is home to an abundance of activities. Some of the more popular activities include kayaking and trekking through the jungle. However, the Amazon’s biggest draw is the number of different animal species that can be spotted there.

There are many different things to see and do in the Ecuadorian Amazon, from toucans to the pygmy marmoset. This small, furry monkey can be found in the rainforest’s canopy.

The largest of the Amazon’s monkeys is the spider monkey. These little guys are often found living in a group or family around a tree.

Galapagos Islands

When you travel to the Galapagos Islands, you will be awed by the incredible diversity of animals. The islands are also home to some of the best scuba diving in the world. Visiting the Galapagos Islands is an experience of a lifetime. However, the islands are quite expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the cost of your trip.

One way to save money is to charter your own boat. You can also look into a live-aboard tour. Most tours include transportation and a naturalist guide. This can be a great choice if you have a large group.

A live-aboard trip can be as short as four days, or as long as 11 nights. The length of time you spend on the boat depends on your budget.