What to see in Ecuador: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in Ecuador: 10 must-see destinations, from Galápagos Islands to Quito. Predominantly UNESCO heritage and natural; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
UNESCO Heritage(2)
Visit Quito, the world's highest capital, and explore Plaza Grande on foot, surrounded by Carondelet Palace and the Cathedral. Climb the towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional for views of the old town with Pichincha in the background. Wander cobblestone streets past convents and baroque churches that hold 500 years of history. This historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves one of the best-preserved colonial ensembles in the Americas.
Stroll the cobblestone streets of Cuenca, a city in Azuay province declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and cross the bridges over the Tomebamba River, which divides the old center from the newer neighborhoods. Step inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, recognizable by its blue domes, and wander plazas lined with wooden balconies and colonial houses that preserve the Spanish grid layout. This historic center stands as exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition still alive in its markets and toquilla straw hat workshops.
Natural(2)
Cross the páramo of Cotopaxi National Park to the José Rivas refuge at 4,864 meters, and from there climb to the edge of the glacier on the world's highest active volcano, 5,897 meters tall. Walk along volcanic ash trails, watch for condors and wild horses, and admire its almost perfectly snow-capped cone. On clear days, the view reaches other peaks of the Ecuadorian Andes, revealing the geological force that continues to shape this land of Pichincha.
Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon from Orellana by paddling the Napo River in a canoe, listening to howler monkeys at dawn and watching scarlet macaws cross the canopy. Camp beside blackwater lagoons, hike trails among giant ceiba trees, and learn from Kichwa guides who identify medicinal plants and jaguar tracks. At night, spot caimans from the shore and fall asleep to the sound of crickets and frogs. Here the rains set the calendar, so pack rubber boots, a rain jacket, and insect repellent to move between communities and reserves.
City(2)
Immerse yourself in Baños, a town in Tungurahua where the volcano of the same name, the Pastaza River, and the highland rainforest meet in a single valley. Go rafting on class III and IV rapids, bungee jump from hanging bridges, and cycle the Waterfall Route to the Pailón del Diablo. In the afternoon, relax in the thermal pools next to the basilica of the Virgen de Agua Santa, sample freshly pulled melcocha candy under the arcades downtown, and watch Tungurahua's fumarole from the Bellavista viewpoint.
Watch the iguanas of Seminario Park before strolling along Malecón 2000, the riverside promenade along the Guayas River lined with gardens, museums, and restaurants. Climb the 444 steps of Santa Ana Hill, starting from Las Peñas, the colonial neighborhood of colorful houses and art galleries. At the southern market, try encebollado, a classic Guayaquil dish, then walk the Malecón Simón Bolívar at dusk, when locals fill their terraces facing the river.
Natural Heritage(1)
Visit the Galápagos Islands and walk among giant tortoises grazing freely in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Snorkel with curious sea lions off the volcanic shores while marine iguanas warm themselves on the black lava. Watch the courtship displays of blue-footed boobies and hike trails between craters and petrified lava flows. Each island showcases different species—the same diversity that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution.
Beach(1)
Camp by the sea in Montañita, Ecuador's most famous surf beach, on the Santa Elena peninsula, where consistent waves attract surfers of all levels year-round. Learn with the local surf schools, rent a board, and try the breaks along the seafront promenade. Walk its sandy streets lined with hostels, bars, and craft stalls, watch the sunset from the shore, and stay to enjoy its renowned nightlife facing the Pacific.
Intangible Heritage(1)
Step into Otavalo's Plaza de los Ponchos, the heart of the largest indigenous market in South America, where every Saturday Kichwa weavers lay out ponchos, tapestries, and hats across this Imbabura valley. Bargain directly with the artisan families, walk to the nearby San Pablo lagoon, and learn how the backstrap loom keeps alive a tradition passed down from grandparents to grandchildren.
National Park(1)
Follow the trails of Machalilla, in Manabí, where dry forest meets the sea. Walk to Los Frailes beach, with its pale sand and calm waters, and visit the park's museum to learn about the Manteño culture and other archaeological remains of Ecuador's coast. Hike among forests and cliffs, watch coastal birds, and hop over to Isla de la Plata to see blue-footed boobies. Bring water and sunscreen, and respect the conservation rules of the protected area.
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