Humidity, blasts of hot air, heavy traffic... Embark for Guayaquil, the largest city of Ecuador even though Quito is the capital. We're off for a visit of the "Pearl of the Pacific", from its landscaped river promenade (the Malecón 2000) to the cerro Santa Ana, not to mention the city centre!

Guayaquil, pearl of the Pacific

In this article you will find a presentation of Isla de la Plata, nicknamed "the poor-man's Galapagos", which can be reached from Puerto López.

Leaving Puerto López for the little Galapagos

Ecuadorian Amazonia possesses the densest biodiversity in the world. With its 6034 square kilometres, the reserve is an incredible mix of rivers and flooded forests (due to the large quantities of annual rainfall in the Amazon). The result? A part of the Amazon that is unique and which will not leave you unaffected...

Cuyabeno, the jewel of the Amazon in Ecuador

In this article we visit Otavalo, the best market in Ecuador and perhaps the best in the world.

Otavalo and its most wonderful markets

Quito

Otavalo

Amazonia

Riobamba

At 4,794 metres high, Pichincha volcano is still active and looms dangerously over Quito. However you can climb it in about 4 hours.

South America

Ecuador

Pichicha

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

Going up Pichincha is one of my best memories of my trip to Ecuador. It's not particularly difficult, only the altitude slows you up. I'll save you $200 and guide you myself! Follow me and I'll explain to you what happens. The first part of the climb is really easy, it's done by cable car. From the cabin, which goes up to 4.100 metres, the view of Quito is breathtaking. I began to walk. At this altitude it is difficult to breath. But the view over the valley is magical. I was very pleased when I spotted Quito's bull fighting arena. So off I went for a 4 hour long walk. I went slowly because the least increase in speed made me breathless. It was odd - I was above the clouds and practically at the same altitude as Mont Blanc, the highest summit in Europe. All I had to do was follow the path to the top. Be careful, though, because the weather is very changeable, and if the fog becomes too thick you really should be prudent and turn round. Just so you know, when I was coming to the volcano the bus dropped me in an area that was a bit dodgy. Some policemen who were worried about my safety gave me a ride on the back of their pick-up truck. On my way back I met some firemen who drove me to the fire station in their fire engine. We had all the sirens going to celebrate my arrival in town. The Ecuadorian emergency services are very nice!

At 4,794 metres high, Pichincha volcano is still active and looms dangerously over Quito. However you can climb it in about 4 hours.

Pichicha Holidays

Pichicha: How to get there?

Pichicha: See when to go?

Pichicha: For how long?

Pichicha: What to see nearby?

Ecuador: our articles for your holidays