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Ecuador
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Postcard-pretty town centers, waves splashing white-sand beaches, Kichwa villages, Amazonian rainforest and the breathtaking Andes: a dazzling array of wonders is squeezed into compact Ecuador.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
About an hour’s boat ride northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is León Dormido (Kicker Rock), so named because of its resemblance to a sleeping lion. León…
Isla Santa Cruz (Indefatigable)
South of Santa Rosa is El Chato Tortoise Reserve, where you can observe giant tortoises in the wild. When these virtually catatonic, prehistoric-looking…
Puerto Ayora
The first of its kind in the world, this museum uses augmented reality to showcase a permanent exhibition of 55 pre-Columbian artifacts. The ancient…
The Galápagos Islands
The summit of this volcano (1097m) is famous for its 7km-wide caldera and steaming fumaroles. Hundreds of giant tortoises can be seen here, especially…
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
Quito
Capped by green-and-gold domes, La Compañía de Jesús is Quito’s most ornate church and a standout among the baroque splendors of the Old Town. Free guided…
Museo del Banco Central ‘Pumapungo’
Cuenca
One of Ecuador's most significant museums, Pumapungo houses great modern art downstairs, but the highlight is on the 2nd floor. Here begins a…
Quito
For spectacular views over Quito’s mountainous landscape, hop aboard this sky tram, one of the world's highest aerial lifts, that takes passengers on a 2…
Quito
In the former home of the legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of the artist's work…
Top picks from our travel experts
The 10 best things to do in Ecuador
Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo
Central Highlands
Volcán Chimborazo and Volcán Carihuairazo are both within the Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo. It is called a ‘fauna-production reserve’ because…
Ruta Spondylus
Preserving isolated beaches, coral formations, two offshore islands, tropical dry forest, coastal cloud forest, archaeological sites and 200 sq km of…
The Oriente
Yasuní is Ecuador’s biggest mainland park at 9820 sq km, boasting all manner of terrain from marshes to rivers to tropical rainforest. A Unesco Biosphere…
The Quilotoa Loop
About 14km north of Zumbahua, the famous volcanic-crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa is a gasp-inducing sight. A lookout on the precipitous crater rim offers…
Central Highlands
The centerpiece of Ecuador's most popular national park is the snowcapped and downright picture-perfect Volcán Cotopaxi. At 5897m, it's Ecuador's second…
Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco
Quito
Construction of the convent, the city’s largest colonial structure, began only a few weeks after the Spanish establishment of Quito in 1534, but wasn't…
Quito
On the northeast side of Plaza Grande, this former archbishop’s palace is now a colonnaded row of small shops and restaurants, located between Avenidas…
The Oriente
Founded, built and run by a group of Kichwa women, this community center introduces visitors to their culture through activities such as jungle walks,…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
Ecuador offers some of the most incredible travel experiences on earth. From the Amazon and the Andes to the Galápagos, here are the top things to do.
Read articleThings to Know
These insider tips on health, safety and etiquette will help you make the most out of your trip to Ecuador.
Read articleTransportation
Start planning your trip now with our expert advice on how to travel around Ecuador safely and efficiently.
Read articleVisa Requirements
Don't miss out on the magnificent attractions Ecuador has to offer because of a little paperwork. Here's everything you need to know about visas.
Read articleMoney and Costs
It may be more expensive than its South American neighbors but that doesn't mean you can't visit Ecuador on a budget. Here's what you need to know.
Read articleTraveling with Kids
From exploring Unesco World Heritage sites to discovering endemic wildlife, here’s our list of things to do with kids in Ecuador.
Read articleBest Road Trips
From the Pacific Coast to the Avenue of Volcanoes, these are the top scenic drives in Ecuador.
Read articlePlan with a local
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Articles
Latest stories from Ecuador
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Activities
Copy My Trip: Exploring Ecuador and the Galápagos with ElsewhereJun 17, 2024 • 5 min read
- Budget TravelEverything you need to know about visiting Ecuador on a budget
May 1, 2024 • 7 min read
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