Ecuador is still one of those destinations with hidden places without a large accumulation of tourists and one of those sites where you can do absolutely everything: from swimming in the waters of the Pacific to exploring the Amazon rainforest, diving in the Galápagos Islands or experiencing the "magic" of the Middle of the World. Add this country to your next vacation and discover the best places in Ecuador.
Parque de las Iguanas in Guayaquil
Guayaquil is known for the special touch that its colorful houses give to the city. However, here we want to highlight another surprising place that catches the attention of everyone who visits it: Parque de las Iguanas. It's unusual to see how this exotic animal roams freely through one of Guayaquil's most famous parks, where you'll also find the city's Metropolitan Cathedral. We're not exaggerating when we say that in this place there are more than a hundred iguanas, which are completely familiar with humans, and you won't be able to stop taking photos of them from every angle.
How to get to Parque de las Iguanas: the official name of this park is Seminario and it's located just a few blocks from Malecón 2000, so you can easily get there on foot.
Mompiche Beach
It's very common for tourists arriving in Ecuador in search of a beach to visit Montañita, a destination well-known among South American backpackers. However, this country has many kilometers of coastline with lesser-known beaches like Mompiche. This fine sand beach is perfect both for relaxing and enjoying the local cuisine (encocados, arroz marinero, etc.) as well as for water sports or a walk through its wooded area, where you'll find monkeys and other animals.
How to get to Mompiche Beach: Mompiche Beach is located in the province of Esmeraldas, in northwestern Ecuador. From Quito, you'll need to take a bus from Terminal Terrestre Carcelén heading to Esmeraldas (6-7 hours of travel). When you arrive, you'll need to take another form of transport to Mompiche (2-3 hours).
Swing at the End of the World in Baños
The most famous place in Ecuador to take the perfect photo for Instagram. And for good reason, since the landscape surrounding the swing at the end of the world is simply spectacular: the Ecuadorian Andes, enormous and green mountains, endless waterfalls… the best views of your life from a swing!
How to get to the swing in Baños: the first step is to travel to the city of Baños. Once there, you'll just need to take a bus (many buses leave throughout the day) that will take you to the famous swing.
Middle of the World
One of the most famous places in Ecuador is the so-called Middle of the World. It is the exact point through which the equatorial line passes, dividing the northern hemisphere from the southern hemisphere, and where you can perform "magical" experiments. The most famous is the egg test: in a space prepared exclusively for this purpose you can defy gravity by placing an egg vertically that, according to theory, will not fall because we are at the point where we are located. Additionally, you can verify for yourself the Coriolis effect, by which toilet water swirls one way in the northern hemisphere and another way in the southern hemisphere.
How to get to the Middle of the World: this place is located just 28 kilometers north of Quito, so it's very simple to find a bus that will take you there. Additionally, you can take the excursion with our City Tour and Equator Line, with which we'll tour the Ecuadorian capital and visit the Middle of the World.
Galápagos Islands
Without a doubt, a must-see on the list of places in Ecuador are the Galápagos Islands. This archipelago has one of the most incredible varieties of fauna on the entire planet, among which its amazing giant tortoises stand out. Additionally, the Galápagos Islands have stunning beaches, not only with crystal-clear colored waters, but also some with intensely red-colored sand and animals strolling through them with complete tranquility.
How to get to the Galápagos Islands: the Galápagos are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 1400 kilometers from Quito. Therefore, the only way to get there is by plane.
Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon
There are few things in the world that are more thrilling and cause more adrenaline rush than climbing to the summit of an active volcano. Ecuador is one of the countries with the most volcanoes in the world, so this activity is completely feasible. One of them is Cotopaxi, located in a national park in the northern part of the country, just two hours from Quito. Here you can enjoy views of the volcano from below or venture to climb to its summit, at 5897 meters above sea level. Additionally, near this national park is Quilotoa, another volcano that has a beautiful turquoise-colored lagoon inside its crater. From the Quilotoa viewpoint you'll have incredible views of the lagoon and its surroundings.
How to get to Cotopaxi National Park: from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe in Quito, several buses depart heading to Cotopaxi. You should inform the driver that you wish to get off at the National Park. After that, you'll need to walk approximately one hour to reach the entrance. You can also take this excursion with our Cotopaxi National Park tour, which departs from the city of Quito itself and combines hiking sections with bicycle rides.
Otavalo and its surroundings
As is the case in all South American countries, craftsmanship is an activity of great importance in Ecuador. An example of this is the city of Otavalo, north of Quito, where you'll find a plaza known as de los Ponchos, where you can discover beautiful and varied artisanal pieces. Additionally, you can take advantage of your visit to Otavalo to explore the natural sites surrounding it, such as Lake San Pablo or the Peguche waterfalls.
How to get to Otavalo: to reach Otavalo from Quito on your own, you'll need to take a bus from Terminal Terrestre Carcelén. The journey takes approximately two hours. You can also discover this city and its surroundings with our Full Day Otavalo, an excursion that includes transportation and lunch.
Ambato Carnivals
For those who enjoy discovering curious and fun traditions in the countries they visit, we recommend the Ambato carnivals, in central Ecuador. This event, known throughout the country as the Festival of Fruits and Flowers, fills the city with dancing, colorful parades, and incredible giant works of art made with flowers and fruits. Additionally, its origin is quite interesting: this festival began as a way to never forget the earthquake that struck the area on August 5, 1949, as a form of celebrating life.
How to get to Ambato: at Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe in Quito you'll find buses with different schedules that will take you to this city. The journey takes approximately two hours.
If you enjoyed this article and the information you found, give us 5 stars!
If you like to travel, discovering new places and people, you'll be interested in our social media.
Be the first to comment
Your comment opens the conversation