Come and discover the top 7 inspiring places in Ecuador. You will be impressed with the scenic beauty and magic places.
Ecuador, the country of the 4 worlds. Named after its 4 complete regions, where you can do absolutely everything: From climbing mountains in the Andes region to swimming in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, entering the Amazon jungle and diving in the Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador is considered one of the most megadiverse countries in South America. It envelopes a wide array of indigenous cultures, colonial architecture, scenic landscapes and a great variety of flora and fauna.
All these wonders are the reason for the visit of countless tourists who seek to know and experience new places. In this post we present the top 7 inspiring places to visit in Ecuador.
1. COTOPAXI VOLCANO & QUILOTOA LAGOON
The imposing Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and the second highest volcano in Ecuador. Its almost perfect cone that rises up to 5,897 meters, make this volcano unique in the world.
The volcano is located within the Cotopaxi National Park, one of the most important protected areas in the Andean region of Ecuador. The predominant ecosystem in the park is the paramo, with its impressive flora and fauna. In this amazing place you can practice different activities such as: mountain climbing, hiking and mountain biking. Come and dare to know one of the most famous snow capped mountains in Ecuador.
Near this national park is the Quilotoa. Of volcanic origin, this lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful in the world for its turquoise-green waters inside its crater. Its color is due to the volcanic minerals found at the bottom. A true natural wonder of Ecuador!
In this wonderful place you can hike along the edge of the crater, hiking to several remote Andean villages of Ecuador, this tour can last up to four days. Additionally, you can kayak in the lagoon.
2. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
No doubt, the Galapagos Islands are at the top of the most inspiring places to visit in Ecuador. The enchanted islands are home to amazing wildlife and marine life. Imagine yourself swimming with sea lions, sharks, walking on white sands watching marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles and other animals that you can only find here.
You can enjoy visiting the islands by land tours or going on a cruise. Going aboard a luxury yacht is also a great way to explore all the charms the islands have to offer.
3. QUITO: HISTORIC CENTER & HALF OF THE WORLD
The heart of Ecuador’s capital, the Historic Center of Quito. Considered the best preserved and least altered of all Latin America. In 1978 UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
Here you will find a world full of culture and art in its maximum splendor. Its churches, La Basílica del Voto Nacional, La Iglesia de la Compañía, San Francisco, are some of the architectural wonders of the place. Also, you can visit the great variety of museums that will teach you all the history and origins of Quito.
Another iconic place of Quito, La ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Half of the World city). This place takes its name from the Equatorial Line, an imaginary line that divides the planet into northern and southern hemispheres.
Here you can enjoy unique experiences from the center of the planet. Its attractions are La Mitad del Mundo monument, the traditional houses, the cocoa square and the local handicraft stores.
4. SWING AT THE END OF THE WORLD: BAÑOS DE AGUA SANTA
Baños de Agua Santa, located in the province of Tungurahua, is one of the most touristic places in Ecuador. Here you can enjoy the visit to attractions such as El Pailón del Diablo, Manos de Dios, Manto de la Novia waterfall and many more. But one of the most attractive sites for its scenic beauty, is the swing at the end of the world, located in the Casa del Arbol. From here you can admire the spectacular scenery, the epic Tungurahua volcano and the wonderful vegetation of the volcano valley.
Definitely from here you will be able to appreciate one of the best views in your entire life!
5. CUENCA
Cuenca city, known as Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca (Santa Ana of the four rivers of Cuenca) is located in southern Ecuador. This is a really cultural city. In 1999 UNESCO declared it a World Cultural Heritage Site. Cuenca is one of the most charming cities in Ecuador. With its paved streets, ancient cathedrals, colonial parks and the rivers that run through it.
Here you can visit very interesting attractions, churches, museums, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Turi viewpoint, the Cajas National Park and of course the amazing Ingapirca Ruins.
6. YASUNI NATIONAL PARK
Yasuní, the largest protected area in continental Ecuador, is home to extraordinary biodiversity and also protects part of the Waorani nationality territory. This tropical rainforest is a privileged place in relation to other regions of the planet. It has a great rich diversity of birds species, trees, mammals, amphibians and bats.
Yasuní is a place full of surprises and mysteries. The park is home of two communities voluntarily isolated from society. The Tagaeri and Taromenane. To protect these communities and the park’s biodiversity, UNESCO declared the park a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
7. LAGUNA AMARILLA: YELLOW LAGOON AT ALTAR VOLCANO
El Altar is considered one of the most beautiful snow capped mountains in Ecuador. After its last eruption it formed several glaciers and peaks. Within these glaciers have formed magical lagoons, one of the most beautiful and outstanding is called Laguna Amarilla. El Altar is located in the Sangay National Park. This park along with the Galapagos Islands are the only natural sites that UNESCO declared as World Heritage.
The hike to this beautiful snow capped mountain is tough but the scenery is breathtaking. To complete a round trip hike takes about 2 to 3 days.
Ecuador has countless natural and cultural beauties to discover. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit these top 7 inspiring places and fall in love with the country.
Here you can find several tours to know all the beauties of Ecuador, we are waiting for you!