The 10 BEST Places to Go in Ecuador
Ecuador may be one of South America’s smallest countries, but it packs an extraordinary punch when it comes to natural wonders and cultural treasures. It’s no surprise that Ecuador is fast appearing on tourist bucket lists as a must-see travel destination.
What makes Ecuador truly special is its incredible biodiversity – you can wake up in a colonial mountain town, trek through the Amazon rainforest by afternoon, and watch the sunset over volcanic islands, all within a matter of days. The country is home to indigenous markets bursting with colorful textiles, Spanish colonial architecture that tells stories of centuries past, and wildlife encounters that will leave you speechless.
What makes me a suitable judge of the best places to visit in this remarkable country? I’ve spent the past 20+ years living in Quito, Ecuador, traveling extensively around the country, and blogging tips & advice about my experiences.
So, join me as we explore the 10 most captivating destinations that showcase Ecuador’s riches. We'll explore what sets the top Ecuadorian destinations apart, so that, by the end, you'll have everything you need to plan your next vacation.
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The 10 BEST Places to Visit in Ecuador
Diving straight in, here is the list of my top 10 Ecuador destinations, in no particular order.
1. The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands surely need no introduction, and are the #1 tourism pull for Ecuador.
Located in the Pacific Ocean, 1000km from Ecuador’s coast, this pristine Marine Reserve & National Park is one of the best destinations on the planet for wildlife and nature.
Why is Galapagos one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· Stunning wildlife, from the iconic giant tortoise to playful sealions, and much more besides.
· The Galapagos animals and birds have no fear of humans, creating a unique, up-close wildlife experience.
· The Galapagos scuba diving action is world-class!
· There are stunning Galapagos beaches & volcanic landscapes to explore.
· The Galapagos has a unique history to tell, including the famous voyage of Charles Darwin, and his discoveries of species evolution.
How to visit the Galapagos Islands?
For budget travelers, check out our DIY a trip to the Galapagos guide.
Choose from a multitude of Galapagos cruise & multiday land tour itinerary options with guided activities and visits included.
For divers, the ultimate experience is aboard a specialist dive cruise to see hammerheads, whale sharks, & much more.
Check out our Galapagos Travel Portal for much more trip planning info.
2. Amazon Rainforest – Yasuni National Park
Recognized by scientists as the most biologically diverse place on the planet, Yasuni National Park & the Amazon Rainforest represent a huge tick to any nature lover’s bucket list.
Ecuador’s Amazon region is easily accessible, with impressive infrastructure and transport links from the towns of Coca, Tena, and Lago Agrio.
Why is the Amazon one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· Discover the pristine nature and lush forest that form the lungs of our planet.
· Fabulous wildlife watching opportunities, from monkeys to sloths, jaguars, caiman alligators, snakes, colorful birds, pink dolphins, & more.
· Discover fascinating tribal culture & traditions at indigenous communities.
· Enjoy cool Activities, from canoe rides to forest trekking, nocturnal excursions, medicinal plants, and community visits.
How to visit Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest?
Ecuador has a long list of excellent Amazon Lodges. My favorites include Napo Wildlife Center, Sacha Lodge, Napo Cultural Center, and Sani Lodge.
For luxury travelers, there are also Ecuador Amazon cruises aboard the Manatee Explorer or Anakonda Ship.
For more information, check out our Yasuni blog post and Amazon Travel Portal.
3. Cloud Forest - Mindo
Ecuador’s Choco Andino is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot for birding. The cloud forest is also home to Ecuadorian mammals, including the Andean bear, Mountain Tapir, possums, puma, and more.
Right at the heart of the Choco is the sleepy town of Mindo, the perfect base to explore the forest, immerse yourself in nature, and find new adventures.
Why is Mindo one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· The cloud forest feels like walking into a fairytale, it’s a very unique vibe.
· There are myriad rivers, waterfalls, and forest paths to explore.
· The wildlife viewing is excellent. From colorful hummingbirds to nocturnal frogs, toucans, and butterflies, it’s a photographer’s dream.
· Mindo also has a long list of adventure activities to enjoy, most famously river tubing, canopy ziplining, and quad biking.
How to visit Ecuador’s Cloudforest?
Buses to Mindo depart several times daily from Quito’s Ofelia Bus Terminal, reaching Mindo after a 2-hour drive. There are local travel agencies dotted all around town to book all of the most popular excursions.
For organized tours, check out the 3day/2night Mindo Highlights itinerary, or visit a local cloud forest lodge like Mashpi or Bellavista.
I also recommend reading our Mindo blog post for more detailed information.
4. Quito City
No trip to Ecuador would be complete without spending time in the capital city, Quito. High up in the Andes at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, this is a city that will literally take your breath away.
While some use Quito as a base to explore the country, I recommend to spare a day or two to hang out in the city itself. There are so many fun activities and interesting places to see!
Why is Quito one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· Quito boasts the best-preserved colonial center in all of Latin America, with various UNESCO sites to its name.
· There are many parks and green spaces to relax in, or join a spontaneous game of football or ecuavolley.
· Quito ticks all of the boxes for history and culture, with prestigious museums & churches to visit.
· Quito’s restaurants serve up diverse cuisine, from local dishes to international menus. There is something for every taste.
· The city is a fun place to hang out, meet the locals, and sample local craft beer, Ecuadorian coffee, and chocolate.
How to visit Quito?
Quito is an easy city to explore using the modern Metro system, local buses, or cheap taxis.
Check out our Best things to do in Quito blog for a long list of ideas to keep a smile on your face.
Private Quito Colonial or Mitad del mundo ½ day tours are another fun & easy way to see the city, with a tour guide and door-to-door service.
5. Cuenca & El Cajas National Park
To the south of Ecuador, Cuenca is a popular Ecuadorian city to explore for a few days. Cuenca is also considered one of the best places to live in Ecuador, with a thriving expat community.
Within the city, stroll the cobbled streets and plazas of the colonial center, and discover why Cuenca is home to the elegant and stylish Panama Hat. Allow time to visit the surrounding area too, including beautiful El Cajas National Park, the Incan ruins at Ingapirca, and picturesque indigenous villages.
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From an Ecuador destination expert todayWhy is Cuenca one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· The entire white-washed central colonial area of the city has deservedly been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
· The city has a laid-back vibe, making Cuenca a fun place to spend time.
· Cuenca’s restaurants are some of the very best in the country to sample traditional and modern Ecuadorian cuisine.
· The pristine lakes and glacial valleys of El Cajas National Park are right on the city’s doorstep and easy to visit.
· Cuenca is also home to the Panama hat and a great spot to pick up high-quality souvenirs.
How to visit Cuenca?
Cuenca has good transport connections by bus and plane to Quito & Guayaquil. The city itself is pleasant to explore on foot, while local agencies offer trips to surrounding attractions.
There are also excellent multiday Cuenca Highlights tours if you prefer to travel with a tour guide.
Check out our Things to do in Cuenca blog post for more information and ideas.
6. Otavalo
The Andean town of Otavalo is world famous for its bustling, colorful handicrafts market and friendly local indigenous people.
Beyond the town itself, the Imbabura countryside is also spectacular, with volcanoes, waterfalls, and pristine lakes to explore.
Why is Otavalo one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· The famous Saturday Otavalo market is not to be missed. This is the top spot in Ecuador for gifts and souvenirs.
· Visit traditional weaving and musical instrument workshops, where locals showcase the history and proud culture of the region.
· Otavalo is the perfect place to mix with friendly indigenous people dressed in traditional clothes. Some communities offer homestay experiences.
· The surrounding landscapes are some of the best in the country. I recommend Peguche waterfall, Mojanda Lakes, Imbabura Volcano, and the fabulous Cuicocha crater lake.
How to visit Otavalo?
There’s a regular bus service from Quito’s Carcelen Terminal to Otavalo town, it’s just a 2 hour ride. In and around town, there are hotel accommodations for all budgets, including historic haciendas like Cusin.
The alternative is to join an Otavalo day tour from Quito, or a multiday Otavalo tour including visits to the best of the surrounding countryside.
For more detailed information, check out our Otavalo blog post
7. Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi is famous for its iconic, snow-capped volcano and the stark beauty of the surrounding Andean paramo grasslands. It’s the perfect adventure playground for climbers, hikers, and bikers.
If the weather’s on your side, this is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Ecuador.
Why is Cotopaxi one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· Cotopaxi is a popular area for adventure enthusiasts. Both day hikes and longer climbing trips are popular activities.
· On a clear day, the sight of Cotopaxi’s perfect volcanic cone can make the most Instagram-friendly shots of your trip.
· There are many historic hacienda accommodations in the Cotopaxi area for a magical and unique stay in the countryside.
· The surrounding Avenue of the Volcanoes region is also worthy of your time, especially the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake.
How to visit Cotopaxi?
It’s rough and rugged terrain, so I highly recommend taking an organized tour to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Day tours run every day of the year, as well as specialist mountain biking trips, and 2-day climbing expeditions up to the summit.
There are also active multiday trips to explore Cotopaxi & the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Check out our Cotopaxi National Park blog post for more information.
8. Ecuador’s Pacific Coast – Puerto Lopez
It would be amiss not to include Ecuador’s Pacific coastline in our list of best places to visit in Ecuador.
For me, the northern coastline of Manabi Province has the most beautiful mainland Ecuadorian beaches. The small fishing town of Puerto Lopez is the perfect base to visit Machalilla National Park and other parts of the coast.
Why is Puerto Lopez one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· You’ll have access to beautiful long stretches of golden sand beaches right along the Ecuador’s Spondylus Route.
· Puerto Lopez is close to Machalilla National Park, tropical dry forest, good wildlife, and archaeological artefacts from past cultures.
· Puerto Lopez is Ecuador’s capital for humpback whale watching. The season runs from May/June to September.
How to visit Puerto Lopez Ecuador?
Buses operate from Quito’s Quitumbe Terminal to Puerto Lopez, but be prepared for a long ride. Otherwise, book a domestic flight to Manta, and take a road trip down the coast to Puerto Lopez.
The alternative is to book an organized tour itinerary to Puerto Lopez with activities included.
9. Baños Town
Baños is a favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists, renowned for its beautiful natural setting, adventure activities, hot springs, spa treatments, and waterfalls.
Why is Banos one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· The slow, relaxed pace of life & friendly vibe of Banos pulls you in.
· The valley of the waterfalls is a must-see, where beautiful, lush green valleys and cliffs meet cascading waterfalls.
· Banos is a popular base for adventure activities, including ziplining, canyoning, rafting, quad bikes, horse riding, and more.
· The Swing at the end of the world is one of the most famous spots in the country for the perfect social media image.
How to visit Banos Ecuador?
Regular buses depart from Quito’s Quitumbe Terminal to Banos Town throughout the day. It’s easy to hook up with a hotel and local activities once there.
The alternative is to join a multiday organized tour to Banos.
For more info and ideas, check out our Banos blog post.
10. Papallacta Hot Springs
Last but not least, Papallacta is the perfect destination to end your trip to Ecuador with some deserved rest & relaxation.
Just 1 hour away from Quito’s international airport, Papallacta is home to the best natural hot springs in the country, as well as a popular spa.
Why is Papallacta one of the best places to visit in Ecuador?
· The luxury hot spring resort is the place to relax and recover from a long Ecuador road trip.
· The natural spring waters contain rejuvenating minerals promising many health benefits.
· Papallacta is surrounded by spectacular Andean Paramo landscapes, with walking routes to explore.
· Two of Ecuador’s most stunning hummingbirds inhabit this area and are quite easy to spot – the Sword-billed hummingbird and Shining sunbeam.
· Papallacta can be combined into a cool 2-day trip together with nearby Antisana Volcano Reserve.
How to visit Papallacta?
To do it by yourself, just hop on a bus headed towards the Amazon via Papallacta Town. Local taxis shuttle people up and back from the bus stop to the hot spring resort.
Otherwise, for easy door-to-door service, reserve a private Papallacta day tour from Quito.
Check out our Papallacta blog post for more detailed information.
Ecuador Trip Planning
Having covered our 10 best places to go in Ecuador, here are some useful Ecuador trip planning resources:
Ecuador Travel Planning Portal
Ecuador Weather – when to visit?
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In conclusion, there are so many best places to visit in Ecuador. The country is small in size, but mega-diverse in attractions.
Ecuador is especially renowned for nature and wildlife, with both the Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands topping the list.
Visitors will also find towering snowcapped volcanoes, beautiful beaches, colonial history, and vibrant, modern cities. Literally something for all tastes and desires.
Ecuador fully deserves its place as one of South America’s top tourist hotspots. So, come check it out for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.
