Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Stay connected in Ecuador with Airtel’s international roaming plans, ensuring you can share your adventures from the breathtaking Galapagos Islands to the vibrant streets of Quito while exploring the best places this diverse country has to offer.

Uncover Ecuador’s Tapestry of Cultures and Landscapes

Ecuador packs a punch. Straddling the equator on South America’s west coast, this small country is home to an astounding diversity of landscapes and experiences. Andean peaks, Amazon rainforest, colonial cities, Pacific beaches, volcanic islands inhabited by unique creatures – Ecuador has it all. And the best part? You can explore much of it in a short time.

Ecuador welcomed over 1.4 million international visitors in 2022, a 61% increase from 2021. The tourism sector contributed $1.27 billion to the economy last year. With connectivity and infrastructure constantly improving, Ecuador is poised to be South America’s next big destination.

Whether you dream of hiking in the high Andes, spotting rare wildlife in the Amazon, island-hopping in the Galápagos, or soaking up history in charming colonial towns, Ecuador delivers. Let’s dive into the best places to visit in Ecuador to craft your perfect itinerary.

1. Quito: Ecuador’s Dazzling Colonial Capital

Nestled high in an Andean valley, Quito is Ecuador’s historic and cultural heart. Founded in 1534, Quito’s splendidly preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Latin America’s largest, least-altered colonial centres. Spend your days strolling cobblestone streets lined with grand churches, monasteries, and mansions. Then head to the lively modern districts for top-notch dining, handicraft markets, and panoramic views from the surrounding hills.

Top Sights and Activities:

• Explore Independence Plaza, flanked by the Presidential Palace and Cathedral
• Visit La Compañía, Quito’s most ornate church, gilded in 7 tons of gold leaf
• Take the TelefériQo cable car up Pichincha Volcano for sweeping city views
• Browse colorful textiles at Otavalo Market, South America’s largest

Travel Tips:

• Quito sits at 2,850m elevation, so take it easy on arrival to acclimatize
• The Mariscal district has the best hotels, restaurants, and nightlife
• For safety, stick to well-traveled areas and don’t flash valuables
• Taxis are inexpensive and the safest way to get around at night

2. Cotopaxi National Park: Volcanoes and Adventures

Cotopaxi, Ecuador’s most iconic volcano, rises majestically to 5,897m. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, whether you admire it from afar or get up close on a hike. The surrounding park is a playground for adventure, with opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, and even downhill skiing on volcanic ash.

Top Activities:

• Hike to the José Ribas Refuge at 4,800m for close-up volcano views
• Mountain bike the dirt roads of the park’s highland plateau
• Go trout fishing in Limpiopungo Lake at the base of Rumiñahui Volcano

Travel Tips:

• Acclimatize in Quito first before attempting the hike to the refuge
• Bring warm layers as temperatures can drop drastically at high altitudes
• Cotopaxi can be visited on a long day trip from Quito (50 km south)

3. Baños: Ecuador’s Adventure Capital

Baños is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. Perched on the slopes of Tungurahua Volcano, this lively little town is the gateway to Ecuador’s “Route of the Waterfalls.” The thundering Río Pastaza has carved dozens of dramatic cascades into the lush mountainsides, best explored by hiking, biking, rafting or canyoning. After a day of thrills, soak your muscles in Baños’ steamy thermal springs.

Top Sights and Activities:

• Get soaked at Pailón del Diablo, Ecuador’s most powerful waterfall
• Raft the wild rapids of the upper Río Pastaza
• Hike to the Swing at the End of the World for a heart-stopping canyon view
• Soak in the hot springs of Termas de la Virgen or El Salado

Travel Tips:

• Baños has a mild climate year-round; just pack a rain jacket
• Stroll Ambato Street at night to sample the town’s famous melcocha taffy
• Many waterfalls are on private land; expect small entrance fees

4. Galápagos Islands: Darwin’s Living Laboratory

The Galápagos need little introduction. This remote Pacific archipelago, 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast, is a holy grail for wildlife lovers. Its isolation allowed bizarre creatures to evolve here, from giant tortoises to marine iguanas. Snorkel with playful sea lions, spot blue-footed boobies, and walk among dinosaur-like land iguanas – all with no fear of humans. Visiting the Galápagos is like stepping into a real-life nature documentary.

Top Islands and Activities:

• Bartolomé Island: Hike to the summit for the Galápagos’ most iconic view
• Isabela Island: Snorkel with penguins and sharks at Los Túneles lava tunnels
• Santa Cruz Island: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises
• Española Island: Watch the elaborate mating ritual of waved albatrosses (Apr-Dec)

Travel Tips:

• All visitors must be accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide in the national park
• Island hopping is done by small plane or boat; be prepared for some choppy seas
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard to protect marine life while snorkelling
• Book early; the Galápagos limits visitors to protect its fragile environment

5. Otavalo: Crafts, Culture, and Countryside

Otavalo, two hours north of Quito, is most famous for its massive open-air market. Indigenous Otavaleños have been weaving fine textiles for centuries, and their brightly coloured wares fill Plaza de Ponchos every Saturday. But Otavalo is more than a market day. The surrounding countryside is dotted with sparkling lakes, traditional villages, and artisan workshops where you can see master weavers in action.

Top Sights and Activities:

• Shop for woven blankets, alpaca sweaters, and Panama hats at the Otavalo Market
• Visit Miguel Andrango’s workshop in Agato to learn about traditional weaving
• Take a boat ride on San Pablo Lake, flanked by Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes
• Hike the Peguche Waterfall trail through lush Andean forest

Travel Tips:

• Arrive early on Saturday for the best market selection; many stalls start closing by 4 pm
• Bargaining is expected, but be respectful; this is the artisans’ livelihood
• Bring cash in small bills; many vendors don’t accept cards
• The villages around Otavalo offer gorgeous scenery for hiking and mountain biking

6. Cuenca: Colonial Charm and Craftsmanship

Cuenca is Ecuador’s most beautiful colonial city. Its whitewashed buildings, cobbled lanes, and leafy plazas have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The city is equally renowned for its thriving arts scene, with galleries, museums, and markets showcasing the region’s rich craft traditions. From hand-woven Panama hats to filigree silver jewellery, Cuenca is a shopper’s paradise.

Top Sights and Activities:

• Stroll the flower market at Plaza de las Flores and Parque Calderón
• Visit the Homero Ortega workshop to see Panama hats being made
• Tour the Old and New Cathedrals, Cuenca’s grandest colonial churches
• Browse modern art at Galeria Larrazabal and Prohibido Centro Cultural

Travel Tips:

• Cuenca sits at 2,500m elevation, so take it easy on arrival
• The Panama Hat Museum offers a fascinating look at the famous headwear’s history
• Hop on the Tranvía tram for a quick, scenic tour of the historic centre
• Day trip to Cajas National Park for high-altitude hikes through glacier-carved lakes

Stay connected with Ecuador with Airtel’s International Roaming Plans

Ecuador is a microcosm of South America’s wonders. In the span of a short visit, you can hike Andean peaks, raft Amazon tributaries, explore colonial cities, and spot wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. The places to visit in Ecuador are as varied as they are spectacular.

As you hop from highlight to highlight, stay connected with an international roaming plan from Airtel. With data to spare, you can snap and share photos from atop a volcano, video call loved ones from a Pacific beach, and get turn-by-turn directions to that hidden craft village. After all, the only thing better than discovering Ecuador’s famous places is being able to share them with the world.

So what are you waiting for? Ecuador’s tapestry of cultures and landscapes awaits. All you need to do is go.