The editorial staff of V!VA Travel Guides and Velvet Escape share their favourite places in Ecuador and suggestions for things to do on a tour around Ecuador.
Ten places in Ecuador to visit
1. The Quilotoa Loop
The Quilotoa Loop (map) is made up mostly of small, Andean villages that surround the famous crater lake Quilotoa. The reason this is a don’t miss in Ecuador is not just because of the lake, which is lovely, but for the unique and rich culture of the high mountain villages. We arrived in the village of Quilotoa after travelling up mountain passes whose valleys are home to wandering shepherds and their flocks. It’s probably one of my favourite bus rides in the whole country. The town survives on the tourism the lake attracts and it’s filled with cozy hostels, little shops, and restaurants.
Our hostel, Hostal El Vaquero, was run by a family that could not have been more generous. It had the feel of a Swiss mountain lodge and when we entered it for the first time we found the entire family roasting cuy on a stove in the middle of the room. They were preparing the guinea pig delicacy for a village wedding. The women encouraged us to take photos and let us help with the roasting. In the evening, what seemed like the whole village, dressed in traditional Andean clothes, gathered in the hostel to eat a small meal before the wedding.
Even though we were only there a short time, we felt welcomed and like we were part of the community. The people make Quilotoa one of my favorite places in Ecuador but the stunning Andean setting doesn’t hurt either. Search for accommodations in Quilotoa and surroundings (Booking.com).
If you’re short on time, you can opt for a day tour to Quilotoa from Quito, which also includes the Cotopaxi National Park (see point #6 below).
2. Canoa
Ecuador’s coast is diverse. Mantañita is the party town. Puerto Lopez is where you go if you want to spot whales or other marine wildlife, and Mompiche is known for its laid-back atmosphere. But when we’ve got a long weekend, we head to Canoa (map), which has the best of all worlds. It’s got a relaxed beach vibe but plenty of bars and nightlife to keep you dancing till dawn. We usually spend our time hanging out under the colourful tents that line the beach, surfing the mellow waves and eating our weight in fresh ceviche.
The food really is the best thing about this small town. In addition to all the fresh seafood you can eat, there is a Bask restaurant that specializes in dishes smothered in garlic – we’ve decided it’s the best restaurant in all of Ecuador.
Canoa’s the kind of town you can plan to go to for a weekend and find yourself still there, hanging out on the beach and drinking with the friendly locals, a month later. Search for accommodations in Canoa (Booking.com).
3. Mindo
Mindo (map) is a small town located deep in the Ecuadorian cloud forest. It’s a great place to spend a few days eating fresh trout, zip-lining trough the canopy, hiking to waterfalls and just getting some fresh air (especially if you’ve been spending any time in Quito).
Mindo is famous for its biodiversity. In fact, one of the best things to do in Ecuador for nature enthusiasts is to to go bird-watching in Mindo. The area is incredibly gorgeous and even the laziest travellers will find themselves unable to remain idle here.
My favourite part of our weekend trip was the frog concert tour at a lodge called Mindo Lago. The tour guide (who is also the owner of the lodge) is passionate about the area’s natural ecology and his enthusiasm is infectious. He led us on a tour around the lake after dark. We saw frog eating spiders, armadillo holes, bugs that have glowing eyes, glowing mold that grows on rotting wood, and, of course, tonnes of frogs.
The tour demonstrates how diverse and incredible the area is. It’s cool to see how much life is sustained in one small ecosystem. Search for accommodations in Mindo (Booking.com).
4. Basílica del Voto Nacional
Whenever friends and family visit me in Quito (map), I take them to the Basilica de Voto Nacional. The cathedral was built to symbolise Ecuador’s devotion to the Roman Catholic Church. It remains in an unfinished state and a rumour lingers among Ecuadorians that the world would end if construction was completed.
For $2 USD you can explore every inch of the church, which is the largest neo-gothic basilica in the Americas. It has characteristics of European architecture and from the outside; the basilica´s façade actually looks similar to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.
However, one of its distinctive decorations is the grotesques, or gargoyles, which do not appear ominous or threatening, but are instead animals that call Ecuador home. The details in the stain-glass and tile designs are incredible. There are two clock towers on either side of the building. If you have the nerve to climb the narrow stairs that lead up to the towers, you will be rewarded with a view of the whole city.
One of the highlights of the church is the wooden-plank bridge, which crosses over the sanctuary. After you cross the bridge, you come to a ladder which leads to more stairs and to another tower with even more spectacular views of the city. For the extra-brave, there is another staircase near the tower that will take you even higher to a view worthy of overcoming any fear of heights.
5. Baños
Baños (map) is situated near the active Tungurahua volcano and is surrounded by dense green forest. The geothermal hot springs are the number-one attraction and the reason why we head here after a long week at work. But we’re not alone, foreigners and locals alike flock here almost every weekend to bathe in one of the mineral pools around town. Spas offering an assortment of treatments can be found on almost every street.
Besides soaking and relaxing, visitors can go on a horseback ride in the hillsides or sign up for rafting or canyoning. Search for accommodations in Baños (Booking.com).
6. Cotopaxi Volcano
The Cotopaxi Province (map) boasts one of the most dazzling landscapes in Ecuador. Every picture makes it seem like you are on the set of a movie. On a clear day, the vast Cotopaxi Volcano, which is the second-highest summit in Ecuador and arguably the highest active volcano in the world, can be seen. Its snow-capped peak contrasts against the blue sky and green landscape.
Our favorite hostels, Cuscungo Cotopaxi Hostel and Secret Garden Cotopaxi offer hiking excursions to the Cotopaxi glacier and up Volcán Pasachoa. It also rents out mountain biking and offers plenty of hammocks for lounging in the peaceful surroundings.
The alternative option for those not interested in scaling the volcano is to do a similar climb on the back of a horse. A pretty lengthy horseback ride will take you up the Ruminahui Mountain where you can get a closer look at the volcano. You can also visit the Cotopaxi Volcano as a day-trip from Quito. Or even better, spend a few days in this majestic region to view the volcanoes and hop on a train trip to the Devil’s Nose!
7. Cuyabeno National Reserve
When it comes to the ecological gems of the Amazon, the Cuyabeno National Reserve (map) is the most popular spot for travelers. A diverse section of jungle, it is home to an incredible amount of flora and fauna. Over 450 species of fish and over 500 species of birds have been recorded here, including the hoatzin, one of the strangest birds of the Amazon forest – it looks kind of like a small, brown-and-white striped turkey, and the harpy eagle, the largest and most powerful bird of prey in the Americas.
There are several lodges and tour operators that offer you the chance to get up close and personal with these creatures, as well as an opportunity to observe the native communities that still make their home here. Plus there’s nothing quite like traveling by canoe, deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, to make you feel like an adventurer. Search for accommodations in Cuyabeno.
8. Cuenca
Cuenca (map) is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site bursting with history and colonial-style architecture, including 52 churches, one for every Sunday of the year. Cuenca was the second largest city in the Incan empire before the Spanish arrived. Before the Incas, the city was inhabited by the Cañari, who arrived around 550 AD.
Drop by one of the many museums and you can see both Incan and Cañari artifacts, as well as the remains of certain Incan and Cañari structures. Cuenca is one of the places in Ecuador that shouldn’t be missed for its colonial charm, easy-going vibe, and its delicious international fare. To get a great overview of Cuenca, join a half-day tour. Search for accommodations in Cuenca.
9. Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands (map) are Ecuador’s biggest draw – attracting scientists and nature-lovers from all over the world. The most famous visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived in 1835 and now has a research station named after him.
The most popular way to explore the islands is by boat, from sailboats to luxury cruise ships. One of the world’s top spots for snorkeling and scuba-diving, the Galápagos also offers many exciting adventures on land, such as hiking, mountain-climbing, horseback riding, and of course, observing wildlife in one Earth’s most undisturbed natural habitats. Although it’s not cheap to get there, Galápagos is one of those once-in-a-lifetime places that is worth all the hype. Search for accommodations in the Galapagos Islands (Booking.com).
Find and compare multi-day Galapagos Islands package tours.
Read about Velvet Escape’s trip to the Galapagos Islands.
10. Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba (map) is another of Ecuador’s natural wonders, home to the sacred mountain of Mandango (the sleeping Inca) and Podocarpus National Forest. People who are drawn to this tranquil village range from those just looking for a relaxing time in the mountains to new-agers hoping to wait out the predicted end of the world in 2012—they believe it is one of the only safe places in the world because of its distance from the North and South Poles. There’s even an alien airport there, although its intended use is unclear.
Vilcabama also offers a wide variety of spa services for reasonable prices, and you get to enjoy spring-like weather all year round. Horseback riding, biking and hiking are the most popular ways to explore the surrounding mountains and forests. You can arrange an afternoon outing, day trip, or spend up to several days exploring with a tour operator. Search for accommodations in Vilcabamba (Booking.com).
And you certainly should not miss QUITO!
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is an absolute gem that should not be missed. Built on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, Quito has one of the best preserved historic city centres in the Americas. Visit the bustling markets, a hat-maker and the ornate churches; stroll around charming cobblestone streets; sit at one of the many plazas and watch the world go by; indulge in the vibrant culinary scene; and get your chocolate fix!
Search for accommodations in Quito (Booking.com).
One more tip from Velvet Escape!
Imagine a futuristic-looking luxury lodge deep in the cloud forests, completely enveloped by nature. That place is called the Mashpi Lodge! Situated on a ridge 900 meters high and overlooking a broad valley, the lodge was designed as a cocoon of luxury in the clouds. The lodge perfectly combines luxury with incredible nature experiences in the cloud forest. Read about my stay at Mashpi Lodge.
About V!VA Travel
V!VA is made up of a small group of expats living in Quito, Ecuador. We’re passionate about travel and about our home country of Ecuador in particular. For more local insights, check out V!VA Travel Guides.
The following members of V!VA Travel Guides contributed to this post: Desiree (Editor), Alison (Editorial Intern) and Cathleen (Editorial Intern). The photos in this post are courtesy of V!VA Travel Guides.
[…] you want to see the rich culture of Ecuador’s high mountain villages for yourself, take velvetescape.com’s advice and take a bus tour around the Quilotoa Loop. As well as giving you an eagle eye view of the […]
Hi Majid,
Thanks for being a fan! 🙂 I’m glad my blog post helped you to plan your trip around Ecuador!
Cheers,
Keith
I’m an velvet fan here. Your blog helped me a lot in planning my trip esp Ecuador. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Looking forward to your future adventures.
Hi Griselda,
I’ve checked and added the names/links to the hostels. Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Keith
Hey Keith, well then do you know what hostel they are referencing in #1 & #6? If not can you get me in contact with who wrote this?
Hi Griselda,
I didn’t stay in any hostels in Ecuador.
Cheers,
Keith
Hey, What Hostel did you stay at?
Hi Faye,
Thank you for the info! Much appreciated! This post was contributed by Viva Travel Guides. However, I’ve edited the post to include the info you provided.
Best regards,
Keith
A couple of things incorrect and at least one missing:
1. One of the main things in Mindo is Birdwatching which was missed totally in your list. A list if things to do in Ecuador and Mindo in particular without birdwatching is not a list at all as Mindo is famous for its birdwatching as well as biodiversity.
2. Banos is not the gateway to the Amazon. There are 3 places to the Amazon. The best and most common spot is Coca followed by Tena/Misahualli. Then there is the northern portion of the amazon where you get into Cuyabeno. Banos is known for its waterfalls and hot pools and it is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador.
Great list! I never heard of Mindo before – should consider visiting it!
I actually made the list of my own of Top Places to See in Ecuador. Check it out! Maybe you’ll find something new for yourself, too! 🙂
http://www.therussianabroad.com/15-places-you-must-visit-in-ecuador/
I agree with Nemo – Papallacta Hot Springs definitely deserves a spot on this list. A stay at one of the historical haciendas is also a ‘must’ in my book.
I know there are top places to visit, but there are also some missing that you won’t regret to visit :
– Intisana Volcano.
– Papallacta Hot Springs
– I know it was placed the Basilica del Voto Nacional, but i think Quito as city in general could offer more, all the churches and of course the Middle of the world.
– There are more places we can talk about.
Hi Esther,
Thank you for the correction. 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
Actually it’s Isla De La Plata which is known as the Poor Man’s Galapagos, not Puerto Lopez itself.
[…] en el país en el que a diferencia de otras regiones, la gente generalmente no trabaja y las guías turísticas pueden desubicarlo al encontrar las plazas llenas de propios y no tantos […]
[…] Ten Places not to miss in Ecuador […]
[…] . . . now I turn it over to you. Here is a link to 10 places to visit in Ecuador. Check it out (it’s brief!) and tell […]
We’ve been to Bolivia and Chile but did not give much thought to Ecuador. We didn’t know why to go other than maybe for a trip to Galapagos but it seemed out of the way. I think we’ll try to include this at another time.
[…] Read about other recommended places to visit in Ecuador. […]
Loved Cotopaxi, Vilcabamba and Quilotoa loop. Great people and excellent hostels everywhere. Can’t recommend Ecuador enough!
Enjoyed Mindo in my last visit. It’s only about a two-hour ride from Quito. It reminded me very much of Puerto Jimenez in Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.
[…] https://velvetescape.com/blog/2010/10/ten-places-you-should-not-miss-in-ecuador/ Velvet Escape ← Family Campsites In France – log cabins, treehouses, and tents Official Launch Date: July 1, 2011 How do I get an article listed on TravelBark? 1. Write great content that will be useful to travelers. 2. Tag it with #travelbark on Twitter and we'll take a look. If it rocks, it should be posted within 24 hours. (Optional: you can also tag it with the destination or topic – e.g. #Mexico or #Rome.) 3. Repeat. There's no limit to how many quality links we'll add for any one site. Once a page is added it's accessible forever in our searchable archives. Note: As we build up our archives over the next few weeks we encourage travel sites and bloggers to send us their best articles from the previous 18 months. Anything from after January 1, 2010 is eligible for being linked to. What types of articles are you looking for? Informative detailed pieces that will be helpful for current travelers and those planning a trip. Look through the posts we've currently linked to and you should see a common theme. And don't worry, if you tag it with #travelbark and we don't accept it – no harm done. Publications […]
We had no expectations before arriving in Ecuador from Peru and were blown away. We loved it all. We never had a chance to make it to the coast, but spent a good amount of time in Baños (4 months). One of our highlights was a monkey refuge in Puyo that you could actually play with 50+ monkeys.
I can’t wait to go back!
[…] in Ecuador that you should not miss. The following is what I contributed as my favorite places and here is where you can find the […]
[…] is appealing. Quilotoa Loop looks to be a popular destination, it’s a crater lake surrounded by little villages. Quito and Cuenca look to be great cities to try Ecuadorian food including the various vegetarian […]
Ecuador seems to be that little country in between Peru and Colombia that people don’t know much about. However, you shed some light on some of the things there. Many people have heard of the Galapagos Islands but I admit I had not heard of most of the other places. I love how most of these places are outdoor attractions rather than city ones!
Thanks for this post–very timely, since my friend is in Ecuador. I MUST put SA on my list this year…
Charu
Wow.. very nice places. The lake almost same as our lake in Bali.
Sounds like a brilliant trip! I hope to make it to Ecuador soon!
Thanks Leigh.
Cheers,
Keith
I was in Ecuador & the Galapagos 2 years ago. We thoroughly every minute. In Quito we stayed at Casa Aliso, a small boutique hotel, not for the backpackers budget, but still reasonably priced and very friendly. One day we rented bikes and rode downhill for hours (thank God it was downhill because we were at altitudes of 11000 feet & had just arrived from sea level) to a spa town near Quito. Then we spent an hour or two in a series of hot springs with mostly local people.
Also spent three days on a tributary of the Napo River (itself a tributary of the Amazon). Everyone should see the jungle once but I thank my lucky stars I wasn’t born there – grasshoppers as big as your hand, beetle looking affairs with eyes like LED’s that the natives use as flashlights, all manner of creepy crawlies…
Also had fun in Otavalo – again riding bikes in rarefied air, checking out the craft market and staying at the fabulous Hotel Pinsaqui.
I have never been to Ecaudor. The Galapagos Islands are what everyone knows Ecuador for, but it is great to have some out of the way alternatives.
[…] in Ecuador that you should not miss. The following is what I contributed as my favorite places and here is where you can find the […]
The whale-watching off Puerto Lopez was also pretty spectacular!
If you’re considering climbing Cotopaxi, you can read about one climber’s recent ascent at http://bit.ly/9ntjkE.
Great list! We are currently in Peru, and although we are visiting Ecuador next we haven’t done much planning yet. This helps to give us some ideas on places to visit.
Great picks! I want to check out all of these places- especially Galapagos!
Thanks Mark! I would love to visit Ecuador one day – it’s very high on my list! Some day soon I hope. 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
There you go again Keith, stirring up the travel bug in all of us! Awesome post my friend…I especially like how Cuenca has a church for “every Sunday of the year”. I hope to make it down to S. America someday…looks like I’m missing out on a lot of great places! Safe Travels!