The Galapagos Islands are a must-see on any visit to Ecuador, but this Andean country boasts a diversity of landscapes, people and geographical features.
Dotted with colonial towns, snow-capped mountains and golden-sand beaches, it packs the diversity of the South American region into a compact, travel-friendly 283,562 square kilometres (109,484 square miles).
Ecuador is home to four distinct natural regions – the Amazon Rainforest, the Andean Highlands, the Pacific Coast and the Galapagos Islands – and offers a wealth of places to visit and activities to enjoy.
From the capital city Quito, the second highest in the world, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cuenca, here’s our guide to the best places to explore during your time in Ecuador.
Prepare for your trip to Ecuador with these local tips
Quito’s historic center is filled with churches and museums that preserve colonial art and architecture. © Philip Lee Harvey / Lonely Planet
1. Quito
The perfect place to discover the heart and soul of Ecuador
Colonial art, a mix of Spanish and indigenous cultures, and a beautiful mountain landscape make Quito one of Ecuador’s most fascinating cities.
Vibrant Quito offers an overview of the country’s rich history, and you can learn about Ecuador’s pre-Hispanic people at museums and archaeological sites such as the Alabado Museum and Rumipamba Archaeological Park.
Learn about the War of Independence at the Alberto Mena Caamaño Museum and La Cima de la Libertad, a monument on the slopes of Luc Pichincha (a dormant volcano), which also offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
In Quito’s historic center, visitors will delight in the treasures of La Escuela Quiteña (Quito’s School of Fine Arts), a colonial institution that gave birth to an artistic movement renowned for fusing European styles with indigenous iconography.
Churches and museums such as the Jesuit Convent, San Francisco Convent and Carmen Alto Museum preserve incredible works of art and architecture dating back to colonial times.
Local tip: Hang out with the Quitonians (people of Quito) at the mercado (food market), rooftop, contemporary cuisine restaurants like Mercado Iñakito, Bistro 626, Panecillo Cocina & Mirador and Somos, and discover traditional and modern interpretations of Ecuadorian cuisine, from empanadas (turnover pastries) and motes (sunflower seeds) to llapingachos (fried pancakes with mashed potatoes and cheese) and caldo de patas (beef trotter stew).
Hungry? Here’s our guide to the best food and drinks to try in Ecuador
2. Banos
The perfect place for adventure
Looking for an adventure trip to Ecuador? The small town of Baños in the province of Tungurahua is the answer. Surrounded by mountains and amazing terrain, Baños is a haven for adventure activities such as trekking, cycling, canyoning and rafting.
Hike up to the lookout points or book a bike tour along La Ruta de las Cascadas (Trail of the Waterfalls) for breathtaking views and to see popular natural landmarks such as Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) and Cascada Manto de la Novia.
Meanwhile, rafting on the Rio Pastaza will satisfy even the most daring adventurer.
To round off an activity-packed day, you can unwind in the volcanic hot springs that the town is named after, relax in the spa, or enjoy the popular banos de cajón (sauna boxes).
Another popular activity is visiting the public square to sample traditional candies and delicacies, such as melcocha (sugarcane candy).
Planning tip: For a full local immersion, you can book a customized Spanish-learning experience (guided tours, music lessons, and more) with a language school in the city, such as Raíces Spanish School.
Looking for more adventure in Ecuador? Check out these top experiences in the country
Hiking the slopes of Chimborazo along the Avenue of Volcanoes © alejocock / Getty Images
3. Volcano Road
A great place to explore the Andean highlands
Snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, including the world’s tallest active volcano, and mountain-peak Volcano Alley are sure to make it onto any traveler’s bucket list.
The route down the Andean plateau includes popular tourist sites such as the Cotopaxi volcano and Mount Chimborazo (6,263 metres), the highest mountain in Ecuador and “the closest point to the sun” as Ecuadorians like to call it.
Along the way you’ll also see Cayambe Volcano, the highest point in the world where the equator passes, Mount Lucu Pichincha overlooking Quito, and the turquoise waters of Quilotoa Crater Lake.
4. Oriente
The perfect place to get in touch with nature
Home to lush tropical rainforest and one of the most biodiverse flora and fauna on the planet, the eastern region of Ecuador, better known by locals as the Oriente or Amazon Rainforest, is one of the best places to visit in Ecuador.
Nature lovers will encounter once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to observe rare endemic species in their natural habitat at places like Yasuni National Park, and can enjoy pure tranquility connecting with nature at eco-friendly lodges like Cuyabeno Lodge and Jammu Lodge.
Travellers can also experience the lifestyle of indigenous communities engaged in community-based tourism at sites such as Sinchi Walmi Lodge and Cascadas Yanayak Community Centre, both run by Kichwa women.
For the most authentic wildlife experience, you can choose to visit the Zaballo River, home to the indigenous Cofán people and recognized by Quiet Parks International as the world’s first wilderness quiet park.
Ready to plan? Choose the best time to visit with our seasonal guide
Cuenca is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception © Thomas Janisch / Getty Images
5. Cuenca
The ultimate beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located in the Southern Highlands and considered the third most important city in Ecuador, Cuenca combines tradition and modernity in a beautiful setting surrounded by four rivers.
Cuenca boasts UNESCO-listed colonial architecture, highly regarded artisan traditions and a vibrant culinary and contemporary arts scene, attracting many domestic and international visitors.
In addition to wandering the streets of the historic center, sampling its food and admiring its sights, such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, travelers can also plan day trips to the countryside or nearby destinations.
Cajas National Park and the Ingapirca Ruins, the largest archaeological site in Ecuador, are definitely worth a visit when you arrive in Cuenca.
6. Pacific Coast
The perfect place to enjoy the sea and the sun
The Pacific coast may not be one of Ecuador’s most touted tourist destinations, but it’s home to white sand beaches, beautiful scenery and surfing spots that make it a playground for travelers.
Towns and cities like Salinas and Montañita are popular leisure destinations for tourists, but exploring the multistate Spondylus Route along the coastline reveals a huge variety of landscapes, from beaches to mangrove swamps, and activities like surfing, hang gliding and diving.
If you want to take a break, explore popular beaches like Los Frailes, Playa Rosada and Puerto Lopez. If you visit at the right time (June to September), you might even be able to see humpback whales.
Planning tip: Crime is on the rise in coastal areas, so avoid traveling at night and avoid conflict zones at all costs. If you have the budget, book a full tour with a local company or guide to make the most of this visit.
The Galapagos Islands are known for their diverse wildlife, both on land and in the sea © wildestanimal / Shutterstock
7. Galapagos Islands
The best place to see unparalleled wildlife and natural wonders
Let’s be honest: the Galapagos Islands don’t offer the same fun as some of the Caribbean destinations.
There may not be partying on the beaches or thriving nightclubs, but the UNESCO World Heritage-listed islands are worth their weight in gold.
Nowhere else in the world can you get up close and personal with the wildlife and natural wonders that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
This fragile ecosystem is also home to pelicans, sea lions, giant tortoises and even penguins. To get the most out of your trip to the Galapagos Islands, take the time to learn about the islands’ conservation efforts and be sure to book a cruise or tour with a local operator.
8. Invabra
The perfect place to experience the Andes
Perhaps no other state in the Andes offers tourists more choice than Imbabura. Located 114 km (71 miles) north of Quito, the state’s natural landscapes, indigenous communities and leisure activities attract travelers of all types.
Lakes, waterfalls and lush plains invite adventurous souls to explore Imbabura’s geography and catalogue of outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, craft towns such as Cotacachi, Otavalo and San Antonio de Ibarra showcase the province’s finest artisans, including textiles, leather goods, woodcarvings, jewelry and souvenirs of all kinds.
Meanwhile, farms such as Pinsaki, Kusin and Zuleta offer a glimpse into their colonial history and traditions through guided tours, cooking classes and horse riding.
Local tip: Small shops and craft sellers are usually open seven days a week, but Market Feria (Market Day) takes place on Saturdays, offering tourists greater choice (and probably higher prices).
This article was first published on January 3, 2022 and updated on June 13, 2024.
