Ecuador has a lot to offer. Though the country is small it is extremely biodiverse and tourist friendly. Ecuador alone is reason enough not to miss this party.
For our friends and family visiting from outside the country, we recommend you plan your trip to include a proper vacation time, and insist that you visit some of the wonderful and amazing sights.
We've put together some basic region information below. Visit the Ecuador Tourism website http://ecuador.travel for more info.
Cuenca
OUR HOME: Cuenca is the city that flashes charm everywhere you look at; it is definitely a city made for exploring on foot, where every corner offers something to discover. The streets emanate art, bohemian, religion, history and tradition, but it also combines modernity and conveniences to visit; besides, it is a great place to live.
Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador, after Quito, the capital, and Guayaquil, the main port. Due to its architecture and other virtues, it has been called the cultural capital of the country. Here, events like the Orchid International Film Festival and the Art Biennial take place, in addition to the cultural expressions and traditions present in the everyday life of its people.
The so-called "city of the four rivers" is crossed by the Tomebamba, Yanunca, Machángara and Tarqui. The city sits on an inter Andean valley at 2,535m (8,316 feet) above sea level and its population is around 500,000 inhabitants.
The amazing Cajas National Park is just 30 minutes outside Cuenca, and there are other interesting outdoor experiences and adventures to be seen in the surrounding countryside. You can also end (or start!) your day right at the hot-springs 10 minutes from the city center by taxi.
Andean Highlands
Heritage cities, an avenue of volcanoes, indigenous communities, colorful outdoor markets, and a historic train that crosses the Andes await.
Ranging in elevation between 1,500 meters (4,921 ft.) to 6,310 meters (20,702 ft.) at the Summit of Chimborazo, the highest snow-capped volcano in the country, the Ecuadorian Andes include some of the country´s most emblematic icons. Vast mosaic-like potato, corn and bean fields, volcanic lagoons and lakes, a cloud forest teaming with hundreds of orchid and bird species, Inca ruins, and natural hot springs adorn the Andean landscape and make for spectacular vistas one can enjoy from the comfort of vehicle, atop a horse or mountain bike, or hanging from a zip line.
What to do
- Cruise Train ride across the Andes
- Quito & Cuenca - Historical city tours
- Baños de Ambato - Waterfalls, rafting, downhill cycling, canyoning, paragliding and other adventure tourism.
- Otavalo indigenous market
- The Volcano Road: Quilotoa crater lake, Tungurahua active volcano, Cotopaxi & Chimborazo mountain climbing
- Mindo cloud forest
- Papallacta - rustic luxurious hot springs (near Quito)
The Amazon
Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, which makes up 40% of the Country’s territory, is the most accessible in South America and home to 10% of the world’s known species.
This lush green region, just east of the Andean mountain range, is one of the most spectacular reservoirs of biodiversity on the planet. Crossed by winding rivers, impressive rapids and towering waterfalls, the Amazon rainforest is densely inhabited by unique species of fauna and flora, making it a perfect place to reconnect with nature.
Many jungle lodges offer the chance to enjoy the tropical rainforest in complete comfort, witness an incredible array of wildlife, learn the importance of the flora’s many medicinal purposes and experience local indigenous cultures and their ancient traditions.
The Beach
Over 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of endless beaches and tropical climate welcome visitors looking for outdoor fun year round.
The Ecuadorian Coast is characterized for its ever changing landscape, from miles of coconut fringed beaches, gigantic cliffs towering over multicolored coves, to green mangrove forests and dry tropical woodlands. Bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and blessed with a warm tropical climate throughout the year this area is popular with nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, in particular surfers, and beachgoers alike.
Whale Watching, Puerto López, Manabí
August is the best time of year to see the humpbacks!
July through October is Humpback Whale season, when visitors to the Coastal Region can go on whale watching tours along the coast or a guided visit to “Isla de la Plata” with whale watching opportunities along the way. Isla de la Plata is also known as the mini Galapagos because many of the same species inhabit the island located just 37 km (23 miles) from the coast.
Further inland lie picturesque towns popular for their local gastronomy and craftsmanship, the bustling city of Guayaquil, historical sites, and miles of cacao, banana, palm and rice plantations.
The Galapagos Islands
The Enchanted Islands, one of the most renowned destinations in the world offer a one of a kind nature experience.
Picture yourself walking amongst giant turtles, sea lions and exotic birds or swimming alongside whale sharks and giant manta rays who have no fear of man and are just as curious about you as you are about them. This unique opportunity is only possible in the Galapagos Islands.
Located 1.000 kilometers (600 miles) off the Ecuadorian Pacific Coast, the islands are a living museum and showcase of evolution. Declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, the Galapagos have also been recognized as the first destination to visit before you die by the readers of USA TODAY.