Despite its stunning beauty and unique history, Ecuador remains curiously under-the-radar, which of course, makes it the perfect destination for adventurous travelers! Described locally as 'four countries in one, it is the ultimate land of contrasts, with volcanic mountain landscapes, deep verdant jungles and cloud forests, Incan ruins, the mighty Amazon, and the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos.
Ecuador is a small country but has so much to offer, and its size means that you can pack a whole lot into a vacation here. It punches above its weight in a big way. From cool stays in vibrant cities to log cabin wilderness adventures on the banks of peaceful lagoons and everything in between, there is something to suit every taste in this delightful little slice of Latin America.
So if you are considering adding Ecuador to your vacation bucket list, take a look below at some of the best things to do and sights to see, and get planning!
However, before diving into the myriad of attractions, it's crucial to prioritize your arrival logistics. The most convenient way to reach Ecuador is typically by air, with airports serving as vital gateways to the country's wonders. Ensuring a smooth arrival, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with essential details about the airport. A comprehensive guide to Quito airport, for instance, can offer valuable insights into facilities, transportation options, and other essential information to streamline your entry into this captivating South American destination. By starting your journey with a well-informed approach to airport logistics, you set the stage for a seamless and enjoyable exploration of all that Ecuador has to offer.
The Quilitoa Loop
The Quilitioa Loop is a genuinely excellent hiking trail, the most stunning in Ecuador, and probably one of the best treks in Latin America. The long, looped course takes you through an array of remote Andean villages, with astonishing views every step of the way, culminating in an ascent to 13,000 feet above sea level to the Quilitoa Lagoon. Perched high in the mountains, this volcanic lake is an incredibly beautiful spot and one of the highlights of Ecuador.
The Galapagos Islands
An educational Galapagos cruise should be on every traveler's bucket list. This is a unique, exquisite, almost fantastical corner of the world, filled with a truly unbelievable variety of one-of-a-kind wildlife, and is stunningly beautiful to boot. For birdwatchers, scuba divers, and animal lovers, it is quite literally a dream come true. You can dive with seals, marine iguanas, and sharks in an ocean where the sun is sometimes blotted out by the number of incredible creatures swimming above you. You can see bird species that exist nowhere else in the world, some of which are endangered, and some (like the blue-footed booby) are just downright remarkable. And you can get up close to one of the oldest living creatures on earth, the giant tortoise.
Quito
Ecuador's buzzy, vibrant capital is often overlooked, used mainly as a transport hub for the more famous sights of the country, but is well worth a visit. It is the second-highest city globally and boasts a beautiful 16th-century colonial center (one of the best-preserved in the Americas). It was also the first city in the world to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you could spend days exploring the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town, the more modern delights of the New Town are also fantastic. For a truly memorable stay in the heart of Quito, consider how you might plan your stay Casa Gangotena, where luxury and history come together for an unforgettable experience. Good food, wonderful craft shops, and some genuinely excellent art galleries, as well as the chance to stand on both sides of the Equator at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo!
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi volcano is known as 'the best climb in Ecuador' and should not be taken lightly. It is stunningly beautiful, for sure, with a picture-perfect vista surrounded by a gorgeous national park full of wildlife. You could have a good time just watching the animal life here, with Andean condors, wild horses, llamas, and even pumas and bears in residence. But the main event is the climb, and it's a doozy! The summit is over 16,000 feet and can take up to 10 hours to reach the refuge where the trail starts. But it is worth it for the glorious views of what feels like the entire country spread out beneath you, as well as the unnerving experience of hearing the volcano rumbling away beneath you!
Mindo Cloud Forest
The small village of Mindo is not a tremendously exciting sport in itself. Still, it stands as the gateway to Ecuador's best and most impressive cloud forest and is, therefore, a must-visit destination. This is the place to spot toucans and hummingbirds, to hike along lush green trails and discover hidden waterfalls, and to soar in a cable car or on a zip-line above the canopy and touch the clouds themselves.
The Devil's Nose
For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, the Devil's Nose train is a must. One of the most impressive and terrifying engineering feats ever undertaken, this route switchbacks its way from Alausí down to Sibambe, with some of the turns so tight that the entire train backs up to get around! If your stomach can take it, spend some time gazing out of the window, and you will be rewarded with astonishing views of wild mountains, heart-in-your-mouth gorges, crystal-clear waterfalls, and the rest of the train, snaking its way around the mountain behind!
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