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.

Machachi

Machachi is a little town to the south of Quito and lies along the road leading to the Cotopaxi Volcano.

Alausí

Alausi is a small town perched at an altitude of 2,600 metres and located around 120 kilometres from Riobamba. The mountains all around the town create a perfect setting and offer a wonderful environment for hiking.

Marché de Guamote

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.

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.

Ibarra

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.

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!

Guamote

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!

Cayambe

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.

Zumbagua

66 km from Latacunga and half-way on the road to Quilotoa, Zumbahua is lost in the Ecuadorian countryside in the heart of stunning scenery.

Misahuallí

Misahualli is a quiet port in Amazonia which is crossed the by Napo river. It has communities living in secondary jungle, out of the "selva".

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!

Isla de La Plata

The Isla de la Plata is nicknamed "Galapagos for the poor" because it has the same sort of vegetation as the famous archipelago. There are also some animals, depending on the season. Its ideal for those who love animal watching!

Pichicha

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

Aguas Blancas

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!

Cuyabeno

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

Punta Los Frailes

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.

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.

Parc national cajas

El Cajas national park is 35 km from Cuenca on the road to Guyaquil and has lots of beautiful hikes which nature lovers will adore.

Vilcabamba

Vilcabamba is in a haven of greenery, 48 km from Loja. Life is easy there and its inhabitants are reluctant to leave this world. Vilcabamba has a reputation for creating centenarians.