6 Places You Should Visit in Ecuador!
- Igor Fox
- Feb 17
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Ecuador! What a beautiful country! There are so many places to visit in Ecuador! From the frozen-in-time Old City of Quito to the stunning Quilotoa Lake, perched at 3800m above sea level and nestled within the caldera of an active volcano... Banos with all its extreme adventures... the enchanting Galapagos Islands and the lush Amazon Rainforest... and let’s not forget Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world!
So, yes, Ecuador is definitely worth visiting!
In this article, I’ll give you a brief overview of these amazing places. For the full stories, check out the links attached. Feel free to explore them and watch the videos from my trip.
And let’s begin our journey!
1. Galapagos
(check the videos from the trip here)
If you decide to go to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a must-visit! Whether you choose to explore them at the beginning or end of your journey, it doesn't matter. Just make sure to include them on your bucket list!
Imagine watching giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island or swimming with playful seals in the Pacific Ocean. You can visit "Albatross Airport" on Española Island, spot flamingos and penguins, and marvel at crabs scuttling along the shore. The warm, crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches are just waiting for you!
Every island is unique, and even the iguanas differ from one to another. Seals? They’re everywhere, swimming, slipping, and playing! You can take a boat tour for three nights or more, depending on your budget. I opted for three nights plus an extra night on Santa Cruz Island, which was perfect for my wallet.
So, grab your swimwear and welcome to paradise!
(check the videos from the trip here)
The Amazon Jungle is a place you must visit if you love untouched, wild nature. Like the Galapagos, the jungle boasts its own unique flora and fauna. Picture thousand-year-old trees, medicinal plants, lianas you can use as hammocks, and beautiful flowers everywhere!
You can swim in the river, but watch out for piranhas and caimans. Anacondas might be lurking too... But don’t worry! They won’t attack without reason. Just ask your guide before you take a dip!
In the trees, you’ll find monkeys playfully jumping around, sleepy sloths, and a symphony of birds singing to you in the morning. Remember, this is a bit of an extreme adventure! Poisonous snakes, spiders, and scorpions could be hiding nearby, so check your shoes before putting them on!
If you choose the right place to stay, you can visit cacao and banana plantations right in the jungle. You might even get to try some fresh from the trees! And you can prepare local cacao and coffee like they did in the old days.
I stayed at Tucan Lodge in Cuyabeno Reserve, and I highly recommend it. Five stars from me, definitely!
(check the videos from the trip here)
About 180 km (or around a 3-hour drive) from Quito, the capital of Ecuador, lies the stunning Quilotoa Lake. This lake is located in the caldera of an active volcano at an altitude of around 3850m above sea level. The lake itself sits at 3500m, so you’ll need to hike down or take a horse ride offered by locals. The hike down is easy, but the hike back up... well, pack some energy bars because you’ll definitely need them!
And the view? Absolutely breathtaking! Mother Nature at her finest!
4. Baños
(check the videos from the trip here)
If you love nature and crave extreme experiences, Baños de Agua Santa is calling your name! Located about 190 km (around a 3.5-hour ride) from Quito, this city in Ecuador’s Tungurahua province is a gateway to the Amazon Basin. It’s known for its access to trails on the active Tungurahua volcano and its mineral-rich hot springs.
The central Church of Our Lady of Holy Water features beautiful paintings depicting miracles attributed to the Virgin Mary. Don’t miss El Pailón del Diablo and Agoyán, two dramatic waterfalls on the Río Pastaza.
And then there’s the famous Swing at the End of the World! Plus, plenty of other interesting spots like the Hands of PachaMama. The activities here are endless! From bungee jumping and zip-lining through the jungle to riding ATVs in nature, you’ll find something for everyone.
With lots of places to eat and stay, it’s a safe and vibrant destination. Yes, this place is definitely worth visiting!
(check the videos from the trip here)
From the Amazon Rainforest to the Volcano! What a journey! I went from the lush, green jungles to the stark, rocky heights of Cotopaxi, standing at 5897m above sea level. Talk about a contrast!
Located about 80-100 km from Quito (depending on your route), Cotopaxi is a stunning active volcano in Cotopaxi National Park. If you want to experience high altitudes, this is the place to be... literally!
You can drive or take a bus up to 4600m, where there’s a parking lot. From there, you can either enjoy the altitude or hike up. I’ll be honest—it was tough for me to breathe up there. Even as someone who considers themselves fit, I struggled to reach the rest point at 4864m. The lack of oxygen hit me hard, leaving me lightheaded and dizzy.
But the feelings of being at that altitude? Totally worth the hike, even if I didn’t make it all the way to the top! And yes, you can go all the way to 5897m if you’re physically prepared and the weather cooperates!
(check the videos from the trip here)
I’ve saved the Old City of Quito for last, but don’t let that fool you! It shouldn’t be the last on your list! I just happen to love nature more than cities...
Step back in time as you wander through the streets! You’ll feel like you’ve traveled 400 years into the past. The old buildings, cathedrals, and charming streets are simply enchanting. You can buy delicious local coffee and cacao, and try some tasty, budget-friendly local food.
Walking around the city center during the day is safe, thanks to the police presence. But I wouldn’t recommend wandering too far at night.
While you’re in Quito, don’t forget to visit The Secret Garden Hostel, even if just for a tour. It’s a fascinating place! And speaking of Quito, how could I forget the Equator? Latitude 0'00''00'''! Plus, there’s a cool museum there too!
Well, have a wonderful trip, everyone! Take care and all the best!
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