Country guides
South & Central America
Things to do in Ecuador
Ecuador is most famous for its ecological wealth, with the country's most notable tourist attraction being the pristine Galapagos island chain. Once the scientific playground of Charles Darwin, this small, ruggedly beautiful archipelago of volcanic islands and striking animals such as the giant tortoise and marine iguana is a must for nature lovers from around the world. Tourism on the archipelago is strictly controlled, however, to preserve the famous eco-system.
Other breathtaking natural wonders in Ecuador include the many volcanoes, particularly Cotopaxi, which is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and home to one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world. The Amazon rainforest attracts many adventurous travellers, with the town of Tena the most common launching point for jungle treks. Nature lovers will also appreciate the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, which lies in the Andean foothills.
Those wanting to experience the scenic Ecuadorian coastline should to head to the southern coast, where numerous picturesque beach resorts can be found. The most popular of these is the pretty town of Montanita.
The capital, Quito, is the transport hub of the country and attracts tourists in its own right, thanks to its colonial architecture, colourful markets and Cotopaxi looming in the background. Cuenca is another very attractive town and a hotspot on Ecuador's tourist circuit.
Plaza de la Independencia
The Plaza de la Independencia is the best place in Quito to sit, enjoy a meal and people-watch, with the City Hall, the cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the Government's Pala…
Plaza de la Independencia
The Plaza de la Independencia is the best place in Quito to sit, enjoy a meal and people-watch, with the City Hall, the cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the Government's Palace all located around the square. The cathedral is the oldest church in South America and is one of the city's most impressive historical and architectural sites. Historians should note that both the Government Palace and the cathedral were scenes of shocking assassinations. In 1875, President Garcia Moreno was murdered by machete, and in 1877 the Bishop of Quito was poisoned during a Good Friday Mass. However, the Plaza Grande is now the happy, atmospheric heart of Quito and should be the first stop for travellers.
Plaza San Francisco
The Iglesia de San Francisco is a peaceful place where visitors won't have to contend with the business and shady benches full of people that characterise Plaza de la Independencia…
Plaza San Francisco
The Iglesia de San Francisco is a peaceful place where visitors won't have to contend with the business and shady benches full of people that characterise Plaza de la Independencia. Inside, visitors will find chapels gilded in gold, splendid altars and many religious artworks produced by the Quito School, which was prominent from the 16th to 18th centuries and blended indigenous traditions with European colonial styles. Its monastery holds some priceless examples of Spanish sculpture and art, and it's one of the biggest religious compounds in South America, with seven courtyards and buildings stretching behind the church. These only become evident once visitors have ventured through the stone doorway of the main entrance. The Iglesia de San Francisco is arguably Quito's greatest tourist attraction and a must-see for travellers in the city.
El Mitad del Mundo
El Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World) is a purpose-built complex of museums and shops that was constructed to mark the equator, the line that gives the country its name. The…
El Mitad del Mundo
El Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World) is a purpose-built complex of museums and shops that was constructed to mark the equator, the line that gives the country its name. The 96-foot (30m) high Equator Monument is the focus of the square, and is topped by a brass sphere representing the world. A painted line stretches out on either side of the monument marking the equator that divides the world, and the complex into northern and southern hemispheres. A set of weighting scales also lie on the square and illustrate the fact that visitors lose a bit of weight at the equator, as they're subject to a lesser force of gravitational attraction than usual.
Otavalo
Ecuador is famous for its colourful, indigenous markets, and the best known of these is the market at Otavalo. It dates back to pre-Incan times, when jungle products were brought u…
Otavalo
Ecuador is famous for its colourful, indigenous markets, and the best known of these is the market at Otavalo. It dates back to pre-Incan times, when jungle products were brought up from the lowlands to be traded for highland goods. Every Saturday, visitors will find a wonderful sprawling mix of rich colour, smells, and the sounds of energetic bargaining, an essential part of trade and an art in itself. Spread over three plazas and the surrounding streets, thousands of local otavalenos in striking traditional dress sit among their wares, doing hard business with tourists and locals alike. The Plaza de los Ponchos is the main area for crafts such as woollen blankets, bright ponchos and jerseys, colourful bags and woven tapestries.
Cotopaxi National Park
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi is Ecuador's most visited National Park, with one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at its centre. At 19,350ft (5,900m) above sea level, Volcan …
Cotopaxi National Park
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi is Ecuador's most visited National Park, with one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at its centre. At 19,350ft (5,900m) above sea level, Volcan Cotopaxi offers excellent hiking and climbing opportunities along with a small museum, a llama herd and camping facilities. There's also a good chance of spotting condors and deer. An overnight mountain hut on the snow line is available for those wishing to climb the volcano. The recommended months for climbing Volcan Cotopaxi are December through April. However, travellers should always pay close attention to any alerts or warnings issued by authorities regarding volcanic activity.
Cuenca
The Spanish founded the charming city of Cuenca in 1557. Despite being Ecuador's third largest city, it's quaint and pretty, and a favourite for photographers, with its cobblestone…
Cuenca
The Spanish founded the charming city of Cuenca in 1557. Despite being Ecuador's third largest city, it's quaint and pretty, and a favourite for photographers, with its cobblestone streets and 16th-Century buildings. It's a good idea to spend a few days relaxing in this special place, where colourful Ecuadorian culture meets old-world colonial style. There are a number of museums and churches to see, as well as bustling plazas and markets that can be visited during a leisurely ramble around town. The nearby fortress of Ingapirca is a popular excursion. Located just outside Cuenca and in a town of the same name, the fortress' ruins are Ecuador's only major Inca site.