If you’re thinking of traveling to Ecuador, you might be wondering what you must do. From UNESCO Heritage Site Cities like Quito and Cuenca to Artisan Markets in Otavalo, there are so many things to do in Ecuador. But if you’re unsure about where to start, read on to find out the top 10 attractions you have to see. Here, we will take a look at what you should not miss when you visit Ecuador.
Galápagos National Park
The Galapagos Islands are home to unique bird species. In total, 28 species are unique to the islands, including the Galapagos penguin, waved albatross, and flightless cormorant. Several of the islands’ 13 species of Darwin’s finches are also endemic to the area. While you’re here, take the time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Here, you’ll be able to take guided tours of the research facility.
Most Galapagos tours begin in Santa Cruz. For a more relaxing experience, consider staying in the secluded Finch Bay Eco Hotel, a short ferry ride from Puerto Ayora. Here, you can enjoy activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming while enjoying the spectacular scenery. Wildlife watching is another must-do activity here, as many species are unique to the islands. If possible, arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.
When visiting the Galapagos Islands, you’ll need to arrange for transportation. You’ll need a plane ticket. The main airports are Quito and Guayaquil, which are both capital cities. There are a few international airlines that fly to the islands from the U.S., including American Airlines, Delta, and Continental/Copa. Make sure you bring cash because ATMs can run out of cash. You’ll need it for shopping and dining in the islands. https://madisonsdish.com/
Malecon Boardwalk in Guayaquil
The Malecon Boardwalk in Guayaqul, Ecuador, is an urban renewal project that focuses on the city’s old Simón Bolvar boardwalk. It stretches over 2.5 kilometers along the western shore of the river. Despite the city’s history, many visitors love it. The Malecón 2000 boardwalk is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, so plan a visit to see it for yourself.
The Malecon 2000 is a popular walking path that offers many restaurants, outdoor food courts, and outdoor markets. The boardwalk is lined with international and regional cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. The cost of a 1-hour cruise is $7, and it includes a buffet of unlimited drinks and snacks. You can also opt for a meal along the Malecon or join locals for a stroll in the evening.
The city’s pride is its 2.5-kilometer-long Malecon Boardwalk. It features several shops and restaurants, beautiful gardens, a movie theatre, and historical monuments. Tourists can also stroll through the historic district known as Las Penas. The boardwalk’s laneway is an ideal location for families to get some shopping done. This is an excellent place for a photo shoot!
UNESCO Heritage Site Cities-Quito and Cuenca
Located in the Andes Mountains in southern Ecuador, Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca is a colonial inland city dating back to 1557. Despite the fact that the city is now over four hundred years old, its urban layout is still in the same orthogonal layout it was four hundred years ago. Cuenca is known as one of the most European cities in Ecuador, with many of its historic buildings from the Spanish colonial era. Cuenca’s CBD is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. https://madisonsdish.blogspot.com/2022/03/what-to-serve-at-easter-in-italy.html
The historic center of Quito is worth spending an entire day exploring, and includes the City Museum, housed in an old hospital, the neogothic Basilica del Voto Nacional (National Vote) with gargoyles in local animals. The historic center of Quito is relatively easy to navigate on foot and while we encountered police on every corner, the atmosphere was friendly.
Artisan Market at Otavalo
The Artisan Market at Otavale is the public face of the region’s craft industry. It’s actually not just one market, though. The Otavalo area boasts a string of artisan villages, each noted for a different skill. Visit this market and discover a wealth of local crafts, from ceramics to clothes. You’ll want to bring home a souvenir, too!
If you’re visiting the artisan market in Otavalo during the holiday season, you’ll want to arrive early. You’ll find that Saturday is the best time to visit. The market is much bigger on Saturdays, and you’ll never run out of items to buy. Because of the holiday season, this market is even busier. You’ll be able to buy a great Christmas gift while you’re there.
You’ll also want to spend some time shopping at the Otavalo food market. Not only is it packed with colorful, unique items, but the locals are also incredibly friendly and willing to negotiate. In fact, you may want to visit Otavalo several times, since the food market is worth the time and effort. It’s an incredible cultural experience that will inspire you to travel to this region of Ecuador.
Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary
A short cable car ride will take you to the entrance of the Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary, where you can swim in the pool below or try your hand at cliff-jumping. The falls are a local secret, and you won’t find them on any of the national parks in Ecuador. You can also hike the surrounding countryside to enjoy the stunning views.
This cloud forest is home to hundreds of species of birds, as well as a number of unique animal species, including flamingos, tapirs, sea iguanas, and giant tortoises. It also contains some of the world’s largest colonies of chinchillas, guinea pigs, and anacondas, all of which are considered endangered.
The water falls in the Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary are fifteen meters high (49 feet), and are part of a series of five waterfalls within a ten-minute drive of each other. Hiking around the waterfalls, including several river crossings, can take two hours. The waterfalls themselves are 15 meters (49 feet) tall and form natural pools.
Nariz del Diablo or Devil’s Nose
The train ride up the mountain known as Nariz del Diablo or Devil’s Nose is considered one of the most adventurous train trips in the world. The track was originally built between 1899 and 1908 to connect the capital Quito with the city of Guayaquil. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ecuador. You can also visit the city of Alausi to view the natural beauty of the area.
The train ride through the Nariz del Diablo is not for the faint of heart. The cliff itself is 765 metres high and solid rock. A train route was carved into the mountain in 1902, and many lives were lost in the process. The train rides up and down the mountain with two switchbacks in the track. Afterwards, you can visit a museum and learn more about the history of the area.
The train ride down the Devil’s Nose is only available two or three times a day. The trip is 12 km long and descends 1,000 meters over two hours. The train follows a zigzag path carved into the rock, moving forward and backwards until it reaches the bottom. The train tracks are now part of the Trans-Andean Railway.
Termas de Papallacta
If you’re looking for a natural hot springs experience in Ecuador, consider taking a trip to Termas de Papallacta. This spa town lies in the central highlands of the country and is surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains. Nearby, you’ll find a pristine river, where you can swim in the natural pools. If you’d rather stay a little closer to the rainforest, you can visit the Banos Lagoon.
You may have heard about the Termas de Papallacta, but you’ve never been. You can visit the thermal pools and soak in the warm water of dozens of natural hot springs. While the resort is luxurious, the public pools are open to the public. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can stay at a cheaper hotel that has its own thermal pool.
Getting to Termas de Papallacta: This natural hot springs resort is located a few hours east of Quito. It’s easy to reach the hot springs by bus from Baeza. A turnoff for the resort is about 1.5km from the town. If you arrive by bus, you might need to walk for the last 1.5 km.
Cotopaxi Volcano
For those of you who want to take a challenging but rewarding hiking trip while in Ecuador, the Cotopaxi Volcano should be on your itinerary. This conically shaped volcano stands tall and proud over the vast Andean plains. It is a sentimental icon for many Ecuadorians, and the mountain is easily visible from the city of Quito. In Quechua, Cotopaxi means “neck of the moon.” As recently as 2015, it was giving off harmless smoke, but this has not harmed visitors.
As one of the top 10 Ecuador tourist attractions you must see, the stunning landscape around the Volcano is not to be missed. The park is massive with nearly 205 square miles of hiking trails and a museum. You can also trek out to the refuge, but it’s highly recommended that you acclimate to the high altitude before attempting the climb.