last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Ecuador
Location Map of Ecuador
Ecuador
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Ecuador has 5 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Inca Trails of the Andes (2014)
Also known as Qhapaq Ñan. These are the remains of the roads (23,000 km) built by the Incas over several centuries to consolidate their economic and political power across the Andean region. They span six countries.
Also known as Qhapaq Ñan. These are the remains of the roads (23,000 km) built by the Incas over several centuries to consolidate their economic and political power across the Andean region. They span six countries.
Historic Centre of Cuenca (1999)
Founded in the 16th century and later embellished in the 18th, the old town of Cuenca is a remarkable example of Spanish colonial architecture. This is what earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Founded in the 16th century and later embellished in the 18th, the old town of Cuenca is a remarkable example of Spanish colonial architecture. This is what earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Galapagos Islands (1978)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Galapagos archipelago is a unique destination for its marine and terrestrial wildlife. Located nearly a thousand kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, this separate world bears no resemblance to the rest of the country—especially in terms of tourism and the budget required to explore it...
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Galapagos archipelago is a unique destination for its marine and terrestrial wildlife. Located nearly a thousand kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, this separate world bears no resemblance to the rest of the country—especially in terms of tourism and the budget required to explore it...
Sangay National Park (1983)
A UNESCO-listed Andean park with volcanoes (including Sangay) and stunning landscapes, it's a prime hiking destination.
A UNESCO-listed Andean park with volcanoes (including Sangay) and stunning landscapes, it's a prime hiking destination.
Quito (1978)
Ecuador’s capital boasts stunning colonial architecture, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s one of the most beautiful capitals in Latin America.
Ecuador’s capital boasts stunning colonial architecture, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s one of the most beautiful capitals in Latin America.
The Pacific Coast
Guayaquil
Ecuador’s largest city has some interesting buildings and a waterfront, along with several parks.
Ecuador’s largest city has some interesting buildings and a waterfront, along with several parks.
Montañita
This small village on the Santa Elena peninsula is a surfing hotspot still untouched by developers.
This small village on the Santa Elena peninsula is a surfing hotspot still untouched by developers.
Puerto López
This fishing port typically serves as a base for exploring Machalilla National Park, Isla de la Plata (birdwatching, diving), and nearby beaches and archaeological sites. Whale watching is also possible from June to September.
This fishing port typically serves as a base for exploring Machalilla National Park, Isla de la Plata (birdwatching, diving), and nearby beaches and archaeological sites. Whale watching is also possible from June to September.
Salinas
On the Pacific coast, not far from Guayaquil, Salinas is popular for its beaches and surfing.
On the Pacific coast, not far from Guayaquil, Salinas is popular for its beaches and surfing.
Santo Domingo de los Colorados
This northern city is the "capital" of the Tsa'chila people, whose culture and traditions remain very much alive.
This northern city is the "capital" of the Tsa'chila people, whose culture and traditions remain very much alive.
Natural Heritage
Machalilla National Park
This coastal park northwest of Guayaquil offers beautiful landscapes, beaches, and various archaeological sites. Hiking is available.
This coastal park northwest of Guayaquil offers beautiful landscapes, beaches, and various archaeological sites. Hiking is available.
The Andes
Baños
This pleasant small town south of Cuenca is a major hub for outdoor activities. You can hike, mountain bike, raft, or even rappel down waterfalls, among other things.
This pleasant small town south of Cuenca is a major hub for outdoor activities. You can hike, mountain bike, raft, or even rappel down waterfalls, among other things.
Cuenca
Perched at 2,500 m above sea level, this stunning city boasts beautiful colonial architecture and a UNESCO-listed centre. It is also the country's third-largest urban area.
Perched at 2,500 m above sea level, this stunning city boasts beautiful colonial architecture and a UNESCO-listed centre. It is also the country's third-largest urban area.
Ibarra
A high-altitude colonial city with a rich heritage, located between Otavalo and the Colombian border.
A high-altitude colonial city with a rich heritage, located between Otavalo and the Colombian border.
Latacunga
The town typically serves as a base for exploring the Cotopaxi volcano, Quilotoa Lagoon, and other nearby hiking spots.
The town typically serves as a base for exploring the Cotopaxi volcano, Quilotoa Lagoon, and other nearby hiking spots.
Mindo
This small town northwest of Quito is, with its protected forest, a true paradise for birdwatching and trekking enthusiasts.
This small town northwest of Quito is, with its protected forest, a true paradise for birdwatching and trekking enthusiasts.
Devil's Nose
This famous steam tourist train travels the Riobamba - Alausi route through stunning landscapes.
This famous steam tourist train travels the Riobamba - Alausi route through stunning landscapes.
Otavalo
The town north of Quito is renowned for its Indigenous market. The surrounding area also offers beautiful landscapes (volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls) and many small Indigenous villages to discover.
The town north of Quito is renowned for its Indigenous market. The surrounding area also offers beautiful landscapes (volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls) and many small Indigenous villages to discover.
Quito
Ecuador’s capital boasts stunning colonial architecture, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s one of the most beautiful capitals in Latin America.
Ecuador’s capital boasts stunning colonial architecture, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s one of the most beautiful capitals in Latin America.
Riobamba
Nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by volcanoes, perfect for hiking, the city is also the starting point for the famous Nariz del Diablo tourist train.
Nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by volcanoes, perfect for hiking, the city is also the starting point for the famous Nariz del Diablo tourist train.
Vilcabamba
A peaceful small town nestled in its beautiful valley and the starting point for various excursions in the surrounding area, first and foremost Podocarpus Park.
A peaceful small town nestled in its beautiful valley and the starting point for various excursions in the surrounding area, first and foremost Podocarpus Park.
Natural Heritage
Avenue of Volcanoes
This is the name by which the magnificent region stretching from Quito to Riobamba is known. It is home to numerous volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Sangay, and others.
This is the name by which the magnificent region stretching from Quito to Riobamba is known. It is home to numerous volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Sangay, and others.
Chimborazo
This volcano is the country's highest peak. You can climb it—or simply hike it—through stunning high-altitude landscapes.
This volcano is the country's highest peak. You can climb it—or simply hike it—through stunning high-altitude landscapes.
Laguna Cuicocha
You can hike around this volcanic lake, located about fifteen kilometres northwest of Otavalo.
You can hike around this volcanic lake, located about fifteen kilometres northwest of Otavalo.
Quilotoa Lagoon
A stunning volcanic lake at the summit of its namesake volcano. Hiking is possible here.
A stunning volcanic lake at the summit of its namesake volcano. Hiking is possible here.
Cotopaxi National Park
With its active volcano of the same name, this park is a must-visit for trekking and nature lovers.
With its active volcano of the same name, this park is a must-visit for trekking and nature lovers.
Sangay National Park
A UNESCO-listed Andean park with volcanoes (including Sangay) and stunning landscapes, it's a prime hiking destination.
A UNESCO-listed Andean park with volcanoes (including Sangay) and stunning landscapes, it's a prime hiking destination.
Cayambe Coca Reserve
This reserve, not far from Quito, offers beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities.
This reserve, not far from Quito, offers beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve
A beautiful park with waterfalls and rivers where you can hike or climb the Cotacachi volcano.
A beautiful park with waterfalls and rivers where you can hike or climb the Cotacachi volcano.
Pululahua Reserve
North of Quito, you can hike, cycle, or horseback ride in this beautiful nature reserve.
North of Quito, you can hike, cycle, or horseback ride in this beautiful nature reserve.
The Amazon
Archidona
This large colonial town north of Tena is also a major center of Kichwa culture. There are several caves in the surrounding area.
This large colonial town north of Tena is also a major center of Kichwa culture. There are several caves in the surrounding area.
El Coca
Also known as Puerto Francisco de Orellana, this river port allows you to embark on the rivers and even reach the mouth of the Amazon on Brazil’s Atlantic coast.
Also known as Puerto Francisco de Orellana, this river port allows you to embark on the rivers and even reach the mouth of the Amazon on Brazil’s Atlantic coast.
Lago Agrio
Also known as Nueva Loja, this is the main "city" in northern Ecuadorian Amazonia, close to Colombia.
Also known as Nueva Loja, this is the main "city" in northern Ecuadorian Amazonia, close to Colombia.
Misahualli
A small town in the northern Amazon, near Tena, from where you can organize walking or canoe trips into the jungle.
A small town in the northern Amazon, near Tena, from where you can organize walking or canoe trips into the jungle.
Puyo
You can set out from this small town south of Tena to explore the surrounding forest and rivers and meet local communities. You can also go rafting in the area.
You can set out from this small town south of Tena to explore the surrounding forest and rivers and meet local communities. You can also go rafting in the area.
Tena
The capital of the Napo province is an excellent base for exploring the rainforest and its inhabitants, as well as for organizing rafting trips in the surrounding area.
The capital of the Napo province is an excellent base for exploring the rainforest and its inhabitants, as well as for organizing rafting trips in the surrounding area.
Natural Heritage
Amazon Rainforest
The planet's largest forest, spanning nine countries, boasts rich and diverse wildlife and plant life that can be explored (alongside local communities) through treks or boat trips on the Amazon and other rivers.
The planet's largest forest, spanning nine countries, boasts rich and diverse wildlife and plant life that can be explored (alongside local communities) through treks or boat trips on the Amazon and other rivers.
Yasuni National Park
A beautiful Amazonian park in Napo Province, though threatened by deforestation and oil extraction.
A beautiful Amazonian park in Napo Province, though threatened by deforestation and oil extraction.
Cuyabeno Reserve
A stunning network of rivers, lagoons, mangroves, and forests to explore by boat or on foot. The reserve is home to numerous birds, monkeys, and caimans, among other wildlife.
A stunning network of rivers, lagoons, mangroves, and forests to explore by boat or on foot. The reserve is home to numerous birds, monkeys, and caimans, among other wildlife.
The Galapagos
A UNESCO-listed archipelago, the Galapagos Islands offer visitors a unique experience with their marine and terrestrial wildlife. Main islands:
Bartolome
It's a small but well-visited island where you can see penguins and tortoises among other wildlife, set in a striking, barren landscape. You can also swim and go diving here.
It's a small but well-visited island where you can see penguins and tortoises among other wildlife, set in a striking, barren landscape. You can also swim and go diving here.
Española
A fairly remote spot in the archipelago, but it offers incredibly rich wildlife, especially for birdwatching. Diving is also popular here.
A fairly remote spot in the archipelago, but it offers incredibly rich wildlife, especially for birdwatching. Diving is also popular here.
Fernandina
The westernmost island in the archipelago. Iguanas among lava fields and colonies of penguins, sea lions, and seals.
The westernmost island in the archipelago. Iguanas among lava fields and colonies of penguins, sea lions, and seals.
Floreana
Home to just a hundred or so people, the island (also called Santa Maria) offers some great diving and wildlife-watching opportunities on one of its beaches.
Home to just a hundred or so people, the island (also called Santa Maria) offers some great diving and wildlife-watching opportunities on one of its beaches.
Genovesa
This partly forested island in the northeast of the Galapagos archipelago is home to many bird species.
This partly forested island in the northeast of the Galapagos archipelago is home to many bird species.
Isabela
It is the largest island, with Puerto Villamil as its main town. It is home to half a dozen volcanoes. You can take several excursions on Isabela without needing to join a boat tour.
It is the largest island, with Puerto Villamil as its main town. It is home to half a dozen volcanoes. You can take several excursions on Isabela without needing to join a boat tour.
San Cristobal
This is the easternmost island, home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the "capital" of the Galapagos. Part of the island can be explored independently, and diving is possible here.
This is the easternmost island, home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the "capital" of the Galapagos. Part of the island can be explored independently, and diving is possible here.
San Salvador
This land—also called Santiago—is home to a wide variety of wildlife (birds, seals, tortoises, etc.).
This land—also called Santiago—is home to a wide variety of wildlife (birds, seals, tortoises, etc.).
Santa Cruz
This is the most populated island, with Puerto Ayora as its tourist hub and the main base for organizing excursions. Diving and hiking are popular here, offering opportunities to discover the local wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
This is the most populated island, with Puerto Ayora as its tourist hub and the main base for organizing excursions. Diving and hiking are popular here, offering opportunities to discover the local wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
Santa Fé
Cactus forests, cliffs, birds, iguanas, and sea lions on this small island between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal.
Cactus forests, cliffs, birds, iguanas, and sea lions on this small island between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal.
Must-see & highly recommended
Amazon Rainforest
★★★★ The planet's largest forest, spanning nine countries, boasts rich and diverse wildlife and plant life that can be explored (alongside local…
Avenue of Volcanoes
★★★★ This is the name by which the magnificent region stretching from Quito to Riobamba is known. It is home to numerous volcanoes, including…
Galapagos
★★★★ A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Galapagos archipelago is a unique destination for its marine and terrestrial wildlife. Located nearly a…
Recommended
Bartolome
★★★ It's a small but well-visited island where you can see penguins and tortoises among other wildlife, set in a striking, barren landscape…
Historic Centre of Cuenca
★★★ Founded in the 16th century and later embellished in the 18th, the old town of Cuenca is a remarkable example of Spanish colonial…
Inca Trails of the Andes
★★★ Also known as Qhapaq Ñan. These are the remains of the roads (23,000 km) built by the Incas over several centuries to consolidate their…
Chimborazo
★★★ This volcano is the country's highest peak. You can climb it—or simply hike it—through stunning high-altitude landscapes.
Cuenca
★★★ Perched at 2,500 m above sea level, this stunning city boasts beautiful colonial architecture and a UNESCO-listed centre. It is also the…
Devil's Nose
★★★ This famous steam tourist train travels the Riobamba - Alausi route through stunning landscapes.
Cotopaxi National Park
★★★ With its active volcano of the same name, this park is a must-visit for trekking and nature lovers.
Yasuni National Park
★★★ A beautiful Amazonian park in Napo Province, though threatened by deforestation and oil extraction.
Sangay National Park
★★★ A UNESCO-listed Andean park with volcanoes (including Sangay) and stunning landscapes, it's a prime hiking destination.
Quito
★★★ Ecuador’s capital boasts stunning colonial architecture, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s one of the…
Cuyabeno Reserve
★★★ A stunning network of rivers, lagoons, mangroves, and forests to explore by boat or on foot. The reserve is home to numerous birds…
Worth a look / Other
Baños
★★ This pleasant small town south of Cuenca is a major hub for outdoor activities. You can hike, mountain bike, raft, or even rappel down…
Canoa
★★ This large fishing village north of Manta is known for its beaches and surfing.
Española
★★ A fairly remote spot in the archipelago, but it offers incredibly rich wildlife, especially for birdwatching. Diving is also popular here.
Fernandina
★★ The westernmost island in the archipelago. Iguanas among lava fields and colonies of penguins, sea lions, and seals.
Isabela
★★ It is the largest island, with Puerto Villamil as its main town. It is home to half a dozen volcanoes. You can take several excursions on…
Laguna Cuicocha
★★ You can hike around this volcanic lake, located about fifteen kilometres northwest of Otavalo.
Quilotoa Lagoon
★★ A stunning volcanic lake at the summit of its namesake volcano. Hiking is possible here.
Mindo
★★ This small town northwest of Quito is, with its protected forest, a true paradise for birdwatching and trekking enthusiasts.
Montañita
★★ This small village on the Santa Elena peninsula is a surfing hotspot still untouched by developers.
Muisne
★★ A small island/location on Ecuador's northern coast with beautiful beaches.
Otavalo
★★ The town north of Quito is renowned for its Indigenous market. The surrounding area also offers beautiful landscapes (volcanoes, lakes…
Machalilla National Park
★★ This coastal park northwest of Guayaquil offers beautiful landscapes, beaches, and various archaeological sites. Hiking is available.
Podocarpus National Park
★★ It’s a lovely park not far from Vilcabamba where you can go trekking.
Cayambe Coca Reserve
★★ This reserve, not far from Quito, offers beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve
★★ A beautiful park with waterfalls and rivers where you can hike or climb the Cotacachi volcano.
Riobamba
★★ Nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by volcanoes, perfect for hiking, the city is also the starting point for the famous Nariz del…
San Cristobal (Galapagos)
★★ This is the easternmost island, home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the "capital" of the Galapagos. Part of the island can be explored…
Santa Cruz (Galapagos)
★★ This is the most populated island, with Puerto Ayora as its tourist hub and the main base for organizing excursions. Diving and hiking are…
Santa Fé (Galapagos)
★★ Cactus forests, cliffs, birds, iguanas, and sea lions on this small island between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal.
Vilcabamba
★★ A peaceful small town nestled in its beautiful valley and the starting point for various excursions in the surrounding area, first and…
Archidona
★ This large colonial town north of Tena is also a major center of Kichwa culture. There are several caves in the surrounding area.
Atacames
★ Ecuador’s main beach resort on the Pacific coast.
Bahia de Caraquez
★ One of the major seaside resorts between Manta and Atacames.
Baltra
★ This is where the main airport of the Galapagos is located.
El Coca
★ Also known as Puerto Francisco de Orellana, this river port allows you to embark on the rivers and even reach the mouth of the Amazon on…
Esmeraldas
★ This northern port city has become a popular destination for its beaches.
Floreana
★ Home to just a hundred or so people, the island (also called Santa Maria) offers some great diving and wildlife-watching opportunities on…
Genovesa
★ This partly forested island in the northeast of the Galapagos archipelago is home to many bird species.
Guayaquil
★ Ecuador’s largest city has some interesting buildings and a waterfront, along with several parks.
Ibarra
★ A high-altitude colonial city with a rich heritage, located between Otavalo and the Colombian border.
Ingapirca
★ This is the most important (and one of the few) pre-Columbian sites in all of Ecuador.
Lago Agrio
★ Also known as Nueva Loja, this is the main "city" in northern Ecuadorian Amazonia, close to Colombia.
Latacunga
★ The town typically serves as a base for exploring the Cotopaxi volcano, Quilotoa Lagoon, and other nearby hiking spots.
Loja
★ In the south of the country, Loja has several beautiful monuments and religious buildings.
Manta
★ This port city is becoming an important tourist destination thanks to its beaches.
Misahualli
★ A small town in the northern Amazon, near Tena, from where you can organize walking or canoe trips into the jungle.
Playas
★ This is a popular seaside resort near Guayaquil.
Puerto López
★ This fishing port typically serves as a base for exploring Machalilla National Park, Isla de la Plata (birdwatching, diving), and nearby…
Puyo
★ You can set out from this small town south of Tena to explore the surrounding forest and rivers and meet local communities. You can also go…
Pululahua Reserve
★ North of Quito, you can hike, cycle, or horseback ride in this beautiful nature reserve.
Salinas
★ On the Pacific coast, not far from Guayaquil, Salinas is popular for its beaches and surfing.
San Salvador (Galápagos)
★ This land—also called Santiago—is home to a wide variety of wildlife (birds, seals, tortoises, etc.).
Santo Domingo de los Colorados
★ This northern city is the "capital" of the Tsa'chila people, whose culture and traditions remain very much alive.
Saquisilí
★ A small town south of Quito known for its Indigenous market.
Tena
★ The capital of the Napo province is an excellent base for exploring the rainforest and its inhabitants, as well as for organizing rafting…
Wolf
★ A tiny mountainous island home to numerous birds, iguanas, seals, sharks, and whales.