Whether you want to visit the Amazon rainforest or immerse yourself in the city life of Quito, Ecuador is the place to go. Filled with stunning views, cultural hubs, and great food, it’s no surprise that it’s become a world-renowned travel destination.
But with so little time and so much to do, we thought we’d give you a hand in choosing the best things to do in Ecuador. Here are some of our favorite travel spots; places we’re sure you’ll enjoy just as much as our team at TravelPulse did.
Galapagos Islands
Would any Ecuador island be complete without the famous Galapagos islands? Never!
The Galapagos Islands, which are just off the coast of Ecuador, are untouched by the outside world. It’s the place that inspired Darwin and attracted many after him.
Because it’s so untouched by the modern world, stepping onto the island is like going to another world. While there, we saw many adorable and interesting animals and beautiful island views.
Amazon Rainforest
Another iconic Ecuador travel spot is the Amazon rainforest. The rainforest makes up almost half the land mass of Ecuador and is filled with natural sights, indigenous trees, rare wildlife, and local tribes.
We found that the best way to visit was to partner with an established touring company. They’ll help you travel the rainforest in a way that’s safe for you and the local fauna, flora, and inhabitants.
Quito
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and a personal favorite of ours. The city, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site, has world-renowned museums, stunning churches, and old-world architecture you aren’t like to forget.
Besides the views, you can also visit many of the local tourist attritions, local markets, and bright public festivals.
Parque Nacional Yasuní
Parque Nacional Yasuní is the place to be if you’re an animal and culture lover. It’s the largest national park in Ecuador and is home to rare animals like giant armadillos and indigenous tribes like the Tageari.
Like with the Amazon rainforest, we found it best to work with an established touring company that provided eco-friendly trips into this protected area.
Basílica Del Voto Nacional (The Basilica Of The National Vow)
The Basilica of the National Vow is the largest neo-gothic basilica in the Americas and a breathtaking sight to behold. This basilica was inspired by the Notre-dam but features an Ecuadorian flare with local animals instead of traditional french ones.
The church is not complete but you can still visit and marvel at the building. For us, it was one of the best spots to spend a calm afternoon on our Quito trip
Cotopaxi
For hiking enthusiasts or amateur explorers, trekking to the summit of Cotopaxi is a must. The active stratovolcano is located in the Andes Mountains and hiking here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The trip to the top requires some experience but with a licensed tour guide, we have no doubt you’ll make it. If you’re not interested in walking, you can also travel by horse to the volcano summit.
Baños
For us, Baños was the perfect place to go for a relaxing holiday stay. The small city sits at the junction of two mountains and is a very famous tourist destination. Here you can swing over the city, hike in the jungle, and relax away from the city hustle and bustle.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you, take a trip to one of the many local waterfalls and hot springs. Sequestered away in the natural city surroundings, it makes for a picture-perfect experience.
Mindo Cloud Forest
Two hours outside of Quito is the Mindo Cloud Forest, one of the most biodiverse areas on planet earth. Local tours will take you on a beautiful hike through lush forests where you can marvel at the local animals, foilage, and misty mountains.
Begin Your Ecuador Adventure!
Ecuador is a marvel of the natural world. The local fauna and flora are world-renowned and the cultural and historical landscape of the cities are breathtaking. It’s a place we’re sure you’ll enjoy as much as we did.
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