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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.
Quito is 3,000 metres above sea level. As well as its historic colonial centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador's capital has other assets and is a definite must see if you are staying in Ecuador.
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.
Ecuadorian Amazonia is called "the East" because it covers a large part of the east of the country. It is home to an enormous biodiversity but nowadays is also prized for its oil...
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.
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!
The country's second largest town, beside the Pacific, Guyaquil doesn't have a great reputation but is nonetheless worth visiting for a day if you are staying in Ecuador.
The view of the crater in the Quilotoa volcano is breathtaking, so don't miss it during your holiday in Ecuador.
Only 1,300 metres above sea level, the little town of Mindo has a tropical micro-climate which has led to a large diversity of plant and animal life (and lots of birds). It's perfect for nature lovers!
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!
Ideally placed on the Quilotoa Loop, Chugchilan is a village/stopover at 3,200m; the perfect place to rest for hikers exploring the region!
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.
Along with Lago Agrio and Tena/Puerto Misahualli, Coca is the main entry point into the Ecuadorian part of the Amazon.
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.
Lying with a volcano on one side and a river on the other, Baños is to a certain extent the place where the Andes and the Amazon meet.
Lying 12 kilometres from Latacunga , Saquisili is worth visiting primarily for its large weekly market, which is held every Thursday morning.
Puerto Lopez is a quiet little fishing village spread out along a pretty bay, where it's easy to meet the local people.
Cuicocha lagoon is part of the Cotacatchi Volcano ecological reserve. In Quecha, "cuycocha" means "guinea pig" (cuy) and "lake" (cocha). Because one of the two islands in the middle of the lake is shaped like a guinea pig.
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.
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.
