10 Of The Best Tourist Attractions In Ecuador
EcuadorSmall but mighty, Ecuador has a lot to offer. Discover stunning landscapes, sweeping beaches, and of course the Andes,...
Notable Places
Discover Ecuador
Explore Ecuador using the map, or start with our guides to the best places to visit.
Ecuador Quick Guide
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Language: Spanish (some Quechua spoken in Andean regions)
- Emergency Number: 911
- Tipping: 10% service charge is often included; an extra 5–10% is appreciated
- Fun Fact #1: Ecuador is named after the Equator, which runs straight through the country
- Fun Fact #2: You can stand in both hemispheres at once at La Mitad del Mundo monument
- Fun Fact #3: The Galápagos Islands, part of Ecuador, inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution
Where to Stay in Ecuador
In Quito and Cuenca, you’ll find charming colonial guesthouses and boutique hotels. Baños and the Amazon offer eco-lodges with jungle views, while the Galápagos features everything from backpacker hostels to luxury yachts. The Andean Highlands and coastal beach towns have rustic haciendas and laid-back surf lodges for every style and budget.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
How to Get Around Ecuador
Ecuador is compact and easy to explore. Domestic flights are ideal for reaching the Galápagos or the Amazon basin. Intercity buses are cheap and run frequently, although they can be slow and winding through the Andes. Taxis are affordable in cities but make sure to agree on the fare or insist on the meter. In Quito and Guayaquil, rideshare apps like Uber and Cabify are available.
Car rentals offer freedom in the highlands or coastal areas, but roads can be mountainous and signage limited. For the Galápagos, speedboats connect the main islands, and day tours or liveaboards are common. In cities, walking is a pleasant way to explore historic districts, while bike rentals are increasingly available in places like Cuenca and Quito’s parks.
Must-Visit Places in Ecuador
- Quito – Historic capital with colonial architecture, cable cars, and mountain views
- Galápagos Islands – Unique wildlife, volcanic landscapes, snorkeling, and diving
- Baños – Adventure town known for waterfalls, hot springs, and extreme sports
- Cuenca – UNESCO-listed city with cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial charm
- Otavalo – Famous indigenous market and beautiful Andean surroundings
- Mindo Cloud Forest – Birdwatching, ziplining, and chocolate tours in lush nature
- Cotopaxi National Park – Home to an iconic snow-capped volcano and scenic hikes
- Quilotoa Loop – Crater lake trek through remote villages and breathtaking scenery
- Amazon Basin (Tena or Cuyabeno) – Rainforest lodges and rich biodiversity
- Montañita – Lively coastal surf town with nightlife and beach vibes
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Ecuadorian Food to Try
Ecuador’s cuisine changes with elevation, from coastal ceviche to hearty Andean stews:
- Ceviche – Fresh shrimp, fish, or shellfish marinated in citrus, often served with popcorn or plantain chips
- Llapingachos – Cheese-stuffed potato patties, often served with sausage, salad, and peanut sauce
- Seco de Chivo – Goat stew slow-cooked in beer and spices, served with rice and avocado
- Hornado – Whole roasted pork served with corn, hominy, or potato pancakes
- Encebollado – Hearty fish soup with yuca and pickled onions, often eaten for breakfast
- Fritada – Fried pork chunks served with hominy, fried plantains, and pickled onions
- Chontacuro – Amazon delicacy of grilled palm weevil larvae (for the adventurous!)
- Espumilla – Guava or fruit meringue sold from street carts like ice cream
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Ecuador
- Otavalo and Cotacachi: Explore Ecuador’s Andean highlands on a day tour from Quito to Otavalo and Cotacachi. Browse the vibrant indigenous textile market at Otavalo, enjoy local biscochos, visit a weaving workshop in Peguche, then discover Cotacachi’s boutique leather shops and the serene crater lake of Cuicocha framed by snow‑capped volcanoes.
- Isabela Island & Tintorera Islet: Set off from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island and Las Tintoreras Islet. Cruise 2 hours aboard a public speedboat, then explore Tintoreras for snorkeling with whitetip sharks, sea turtles, rays, plus viewing penguins, marine iguanas, blue‑footed boobies. After lunch, visit flamingo‑populated wetlands and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre before returning via ferry.
- San Cristobal: Embark from San Cristóbal on a speedboat around the island with four scenic stops, including Rosa Blanca, BahÃa Sardina, and the iconic Kicker Rock, where you can snorkel with sea lions, turtles, rays, reef and hammerhead sharks, plus spot blue‑footed boobies and dolphins.
- Mindo: Escape Quito for a full‑day guided adventure to Mindo’s renowned cloud forest. Spot hummingbirds and toucans at a birding station, hike to cascading waterfalls, stroll through butterfly and chocolate stations, and if you have a head for heights you can zip‑line through the treetops.
- Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon: If you are staying in Quito take a day of adventure to Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Crater Lake. Enjoy scenic Andean landscapes, gentle hikes at Limpiopungo, a stunning turquoise volcanic lagoon, and descend into the crater.
