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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.

Puerto Misahualli is a very quiet port south of Tena. It is where the Napo et Misahualli rivers meet, so the doorway to Amazonia.
Vilcabamba is regarded as the new Eldorado of American hippies come to start afresh in a small corner of paradise in the south of Ecuador.
Ideally placed on the Quilotoa Loop, Chugchilan is a village/stopover at 3,200m; the perfect place to rest for hikers exploring the region!
A small town in centre of this country on the edge of South America, tourists love Guamote for its weekly market on Thursdays, but there are lots of other things to do!
The Imbabura volcano is in the north of the country, not far from Otavalo.
Sigchos is an unpretentious little village at an altitude of 3,000 m, on the Quilotoa loop. A place worth considering if you are walking or trekking!
Tigua is a small village located in the mountains at the foot of Cotopaxi, a few kilometres from Latacunga lagoon. It is primarily known for its highly coloured crafts that are sold throughout Ecuador.
At 6,130 metres above sea level, Chimborazo is the highest volcano in Ecuador.
Papallacta is a little village in the Andes located at over 3000 m, or nearly 10,000 ft in altitude and fed by warm water springs.
At 4,794 metres high, Pichincha volcano is still active and looms dangerously over Quito. However you can climb it in about 4 hours.
In Machalilla National Park, the Agua Blanca site is managed by the community of the same name. Guides from the village will take you around the site, which is ideal if you want to meet local people!
Cuenca is the third largest town in the country and it is quieter, as well as smaller, than Quito. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famous panama hats originally came from Cuenca!
Accessible on foot from Otavalo. Peguche is a nice small village which can be proud of its beautiful waterfall in the middle of the forest.
Riobamba lies right at the heart of the mountains amidst a quite wonderful environment, and the views you get of Ecuador's highest mountain, Chimborazo, from here are simply breathtaking.
Lying 12 kilometres from Latacunga , Saquisili is worth visiting primarily for its large weekly market, which is held every Thursday morning.
Latitude 0° 0’ 0’’, where the world is divided! Mitad del Mundo is more like an attraction park than a museum but you can learn some interesting things there.
Between Quito and Otavalo, at the foot of the volcano of the same name, Cayambe is a lively and pleasant small town in which to spend a few hours during your visit to Ecuador.
Zumbahua is an unmissable stop on what's called the 'Quilotoa Circuit' or 'Quilotoa Loop', a series of charming and authentic little mountain villages in the Andes.
Los Frailes is a group of beaches in the Machalilla National Park. The big, white sand beach attracts a fair number of people but is still quite well preserved.
La Nariz del Diablo (the Devil's Nose in English) is the main attraction of the trip onboard the train of the Andes.
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