10 Amazing Tourist Places in Ecuador You Must Visit
Explore the best places to visit in Ecuador, from the natural beauty of the Galápagos Islands to the fascinating historical ruins of the Incas, perfect for adventure and cultural exploration.
Ecuador, located along the equator, is a country with extraordinary natural wealth and deep history. Known for its pristine natural beauty, Ecuador has many tourist attractions that offer stunning views, historical sites, and incredible biodiversity.
Whether you are an adventurer, a history buff, or just want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Ecuador offers many destinations that will leave you awestruck. Here are 10 must-visit tourist attractions in Ecuador.
1. Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ecuador, and are often the first choice for travelers looking to enjoy pristine nature.
Located about 1,000 kilometers west of mainland Ecuador, the archipelago consists of 13 large islands, six small islands, and 42 islets that offer unique and rare ecosystems.
The islands are renowned for their wildlife that has been largely untouched by human civilization, and many endemic species are found only here, such as the Galápagos tortoise and various bird species.
The Galápagos is an excellent destination for those who want to witness biodiversity and explore pristine wilderness. The islands also offer the opportunity to dive and explore the amazing underwater life.
2. Isabela Island
Isabela Island is the largest and youngest island in the Galápagos Islands. The island is formed by the combination of six active volcanoes, making it one of the most interesting volcanic places in the world.
About 120 kilometers long, Isabela offers extraordinary natural scenery, from scorched lava fields to lush plateaus.
The island is also home to various rare and endemic species that can only be found in the Galápagos. The biodiversity found here includes unique species of birds, reptiles and mammals. For nature and geology lovers, Isabela Island is a very interesting place to visit.
3. Cuenca
Cuenca is a city located in southern Ecuador and is known for its beautiful colonial architecture. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city center the historic one is filled with buildings showcasing Spanish influences and local culture.
One of the main attractions in Cuenca is the Old Cathedral of Cuenca (Iglesia del Sagrario), built in 1567 from stone taken from nearby Inca buildings.
Apart from that, Cuenca’s New Cathedral with its large blue dome is also one of the city’s icons. Stroll the picturesque cobbled streets, visit the local art market and enjoy the warmth of a city steeped in history.
4. Cotopaxi and Cajas National Park
Ecuador is home to some amazing national parks, and two of the most famous are Cotopaxi National Park and Cajas National Park.
Cotopaxi National Park is located about 50 kilometers south of Quito and is home to Mount Cotopaxi, one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes.
The views of this majestic volcano are simply breathtaking, and visitors can hike, bike, or jeep around the area.
On the other hand, Cajas National Park, located further south, offers greener, hillier scenery with beautiful lakes and challenging hiking trails. Both parks are a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Boardwalk in Guayaquil
As Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil is a major port and the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. However, Guayaquil also offers many interesting places to explore, including the famous boardwalk, Malecón 2000.
This 2.5- kilometer- long boardwalk runs along the Guayas River and offers beautiful views of the city, parks, and attractions.
Malecón 2000 is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll while taking in the river views and vibrant city atmosphere. Along the boardwalk, visitors can find a variety of restaurants, shopping centers, and parks that offer a chance to soak up the atmosphere of Guayaquil.
6. Old Town Quito
Quito’s Old Town is one of the most photogenic areas in Ecuador. With its cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial buildings, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There are many churches, monuments and historic buildings scattered throughout the area, with the largest and most famous churches being the Church of San Francisco and the Cathedral of Quito.
The streets around Calle la Ronda are a delight to explore, with many restaurants and cafes offering local food and entertainment.
If you are in Quito on the weekend, you can enjoy weekly festivals featuring traditional music and dancing.
7. Craft Market in Otavalo
Otavalo, a small town north of Quito, is known for having the largest craft market in Ecuador and one of the largest in South America.
The market offers a variety of beautiful crafts, including Andean textiles and weavings, jewelry made from tagua nuts (the nuts of the Ivory Palm tree), stone and wood carvings, and other handmade items.
If you are interested in Ecuadorian culture, the Otavalo market is a great place to shop and buy souvenirs. You can also interact with the friendly locals and gain deeper insight into Ecuadorian traditions and crafts.
8. Nambillo Falls Sanctuary
Nambillo Falls National Reserve, located in Mindo, is the perfect place for nature lovers who want to enjoy the beauty of tropical forests and stunning waterfalls.
You can take an open-air cable car that takes you through the cloud forest, giving you incredible views of the unique ecosystem.
Once you get off, you can walk to the Nambillo waterfall, located about a 15-minute walk away, and enjoy the natural beauty while swimming in the natural pool. Alternatively, you can continue on to the larger Reina waterfall, which offers equally stunning views.
9.’s Nose (Devil’s Nose)
Nariz del Diablo or “Devil’s Nose” is a famous railway in Ecuador, located near Alausi. The railway is built through a steep cliffside and uses a zigzag technique to climb almost vertically to the top of the mountain.
The journey offers spectacular views of the Andes mountains and is a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. Once you reach the viewing platform, you can enjoy the incredible panoramic views before heading back to Alausi.
10. Inca Ruins of Ingapirca
The Inca Ruins of Ingapirca are the largest historical site of the Inca civilization in Ecuador. Located in a mountainous area, Ingapirca is known for its Temple of the Sun, a highly precise elliptical building, where sunlight can shine through the main door on the solstices.
Although most of the buildings have been destroyed, the ruins are still very interesting to explore and provide insight into the life of the Inca people.
Around the ruins, you can see llamas roaming freely, adding to the authentic feel of this historic site.
Ecuador offers a variety of interesting destinations to explore, from the natural beauty of the Galápagos Islands to the historical wonders of Ingapirca. With its rich culture, nature, and history, Ecuador is the perfect place to explore the world’s unique treasures.
Similarly, Christmas Island offers breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it another must-visit destination for nature lovers. Don’t miss the chance to visit these amazing places on your Ecuador adventure!
