Places to discover

Best places to visit in Ecuador

Latin America fires the imagination of travellers in search of exoticism and a change of scene. So why choose to explore the smallest of Andean countries instead of another more vast or better known one? Precisely because Ecuador, just like Uruguay, is one of the small countries of this continent in which is concentrated a powerful history, a lovely diversity of landscapes and a jolly population proud to see you stay in their country.

To familiarise you with this favourite destination, the Evaneos Travel community of travellers will know to inform you on the places not to be missed and, what's more, about some other little known gems. An original destination and a tailor-made circuit that will make you come back home with lots of pictures in your head. A big plus, Ecuador extends from the Amazon to the Pacific Ocean passing through the Cordillera of the Andes, so you will have the opportunity to experience both the sea and the mountain.

You might start your stay by a visit of Quito and its colonial architecture town centre, one of the best preserved on the continent. Not far to the north, the colourful village of Otavalo presents itself as the handicrafts capital, mostly made by the Quechuas of the region. If you are looking for invigorating mountain air, go to the beautiful plains around Zumbahua and admire the sublime lake the colour of emeralds in the Quilotoa volcano's crater.

However, a stay in Ecuador would not be complete without a visit to the Galapagos archipelago , at once the stronghold of scientists and travellers, the seat of observation of an exceptional and surprising nature. If observing wild creatures does not scare you, prolong the adventure in Amazonia for example with the exploration of Cuyabeno Reserve and its anacondas. And to rest after all of that, the Pacific coast will be the ideal place to relax, in peace and quiet at Puerto López , or in the more animated seaside resort version of Montañita .

As you will have understood, the country of the Mitad del Mundo is not lagging behind its neighbours and will delight the curious traveller seeking to make discoveries.

Quilotoa

The incredibly beautiful lake of Quilotoa, is just waiting for walkers in the midst of picture postcard scenery in the heart of the Andes. You'll be well rewarded for the effort it takes to get there. The scenery is quite simply magnificent.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi, approach to the roof of the Andes... A white mushroom with a peak that pierces the clouds, is how I describe the view from the plane when leaving Ecuador.

Chilcapamba

Chilcapamba is a Quechua community in the north of Ecuador. Tourists stay with the local inhabitants and the extra income helps in the development of the village.

Calpi

The rural community of Calpi consists of 19 indigenous villages located at the foot of the highest volcano in Ecuador, Chimborazo. Calpi lies halfway between Cuenca and Quito and is definitely worth the trip, especially if you like the idea of supporting local community tourism projects.

Marché de Saquisili

Every Thursday morning Saquisili is very busy because of its weekly market. It's something you really shouldn't miss during a trip to Ecuador!

Insilibi

Insilibi is a small, peaceful village, surrounded by mountains, that is hiding on the Quilotoa trekking loop, at an altitude of 2,900 m. For walkers only!

Cuyabeno

The Cuyabeno Nature Reserve is one of the best national parks in Ecuador for observing animals in their natural environment.

Machalilla National Park

For nature lovers Machalilla National Park is a must when in Ecuador . At once maritime and terrestrial, it gives you the opportunity to discover a fauna (birds, whales...) and an astonishing and varied flora.

Zamora

A city in the south of Ecuador, called the "Land of birds and waterfalls".

Otavalo

4.7

Lying 55 kilometres north of Quito, Otavalo is the tourist capital of Ecuador. It's the place where the most famous, attractive and colourful market in the whole country is held.

Mindo

4.5

As you're heading down towards Mindo, after passing Mitad del Mundo, you begin to detect the kind of warm humidity that suggests you're entering a region with a tropical climate, and the presence of lush vegetation confirms this to be the case.

Marché de Guamote

4.5

Guamote market is every Thursday morning throughout the town centre. People from all over the region, and sometimes from even further away, go to it in order to buy and sell all sorts of things.

Ibarra

4.5

Ibarra is a city with a pleasant climate located at the heart of the Ecuadorian Sierra. Because it lies at an altitude of 2,225 metres, the winters are mild here, and the summers not too hot. This is a city where the living is good, largely thanks to the weather and the local culinary specialities.