Puembo is a tranquil, pretty farming town located east of Quito, in the district of the same name, set ten minutes from the international airport. It functions as one of the best bases for hiking the magnificent inactive volcanoes in the area, such as Ilalo and Coturco. Ilalo, a striking triangular-shaped peak, is decorated with numerous wonderful hot springs, and there are several excellent spas to enjoy. Coturco is a large landmark volcano that can be seen from miles away, swathed in the beautiful dense pine forest, and offers both challenging hikes and a road to the summit for spectacular views. History and architecture enthusiasts visiting Puembo should make sure to see the Old Chapel, and head to Quito for fascinating heritage buildings and museums. Puembo is also known for its rich traditions and holds a wonderful celebration over Holy Week.
Imbabura, one of the most frequently visited provinces in Ecuador, lies in the Andes, in the northern part of the country. With its numerous enormous lakes, stunning mountains, traditional villages and famous market, the province presents its visitors with a wonderful combination of outdoor adventure and culture. The city of Otavalo and its massive, colourful and buzzing market is a strong drawcard for tourists, as it is possible to buy astonishingly beautiful hand-made crafts and flavoursome local food. Part of the Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve, the breathtaking Cuicocha Lake - a crater lake featuring two lava islands - presents a breathtaking area perfect for hiking, swimming and boat rides. Other highlights include the sacred Peguche Waterfall, the alluring San Pablo Lake (with its numerous water sports opportunities, restaurants and hotels) and the delicious local coffee and ‘fritada’ pork dish.
Sprawling along the equator, roughly 38 kilometres from Quito, the Coca Cayambe Region and Cayambe Coca National Park encompasses a combination of lowland and mountain rainforest regions. The area boasts phenomenally rich biodiversity and is home to the spectacular Cayambe Peak (an attraction with experienced climbers) and a number of lakes, rivers and hot springs in the area (make sure to visit those at Papallacta and Oyacach). It is also a famous bird-watching paradise, with almost 400 species including rare tanagers, the sword-billed hummingbird, and the Andean condor. Animals include the renowned spectacled bears, puma, pudu deer and Andean foxes. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to see a range of magnificent orchids, and fishing enthusiasts will delight in taking some of the many expeditions on offer to explore the well-stocked pocket lakes.
The picturesque Ecuadorian rural town of Angochagua sits in the eastern foothills of the mighty Cerro Imbabura, within the magnificent Protected Zuleta Forest Reserve and surrounded by the Andes Mountain Range. This is a nature lover’s ultimate destination. Nearby, there are thick woodlands, extreme mountains, dormant volcanoes and an abundance of unique flora and fauna. Bathe in freshwater springs that spurt along the canyons, hike along craggy peaks, and watch the majestic endangered Andean Condors in flight. Highlights include the Condor Rehabilitation and Interpretation Center, an impressive 11th-century archaeological site, and the chance to learn more about local culture by meeting the neighbouring Indian communities.
As previously described
The Amazon Jungle is the stuff of legends. Making up roughly 50% of the world’s rainforests and featuring an incredible diversity of flora and fauna – including such rare and exotic creatures as jaguars, puma, sloths, anacondas and capybaras, not to mention an abundance of avian species – it is currently recognised as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The Amazon extends across no less than eight South American nations, but highlights specific to the Ecuadorian Amazon include the Cuyabeno Reserve, where visitors can experience a combination of jungle trails rich with bird and animal life, indigenous settlements where shamanism is still an integral part of the tribal culture, and jungle eco-lodges that give guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the natural environment and its inhabitants.
Set in the middle of Ecuador, between a triangle of nature reserves in the country’s Amazonian region, Napo Province offers its visitors an incredible natural paradise. In Papallacta, relax in famous, wonderful natural hot springs, or go searching for orchids and hummingbirds. In Tena, explore the spectacular Jumandi Caves and swim the pool beneath, go chocolate tasting at the Kallari Chocolate Farm, and work it off with watersports on the Jatunyacu River. Take a shower in magnificent waterfalls in Misahualli, or learn about (and follow the trail behind) the legend of the Treasure of the Llanganates at the Llanganates National Park. At the Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, see some 280 birds species, and look for glimpses of jaguars and brown-toed sloths. Meet locals in the communities of Oyacachi and Paquiestancia, and watch Andean condors fly overhead, in the Cayambe-Coca National Park.
