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.
Situated on Santa Cruz Island of the Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands, the tourist town of Puerto Ayora is famous for its striking natural scenery, breathtaking beaches, and unique history. As the biggest town in the archipelago, it is from here that many excellent cruises, diving expeditions and land based tours depart. Tortuga Bay, which rivals any South American beach, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing and also offers the chance to spot sharks, marine iguanas, pelicans, and the occasional flamingo, while the Charles Darwin Research Station is home to giant tortoises. Other-worldly lava tunnels and two idyllic lagoons provide further opportunities to explore. The incredible Maprae Museum uses smartphone technology and augmented reality to tell the stories of ancient pre-Columbian artifacts.
Located in the central part of the Galapagos archipelago, the small, flat island of Baltra (also known as South Seymour island) is the only island that is not part of the Galapagos National Park as it operates as a military base and is home to the local airport. With its extremely arid landscape and its sparse vegetation consisting of little more than prickly pear cacti, salt bushes and palo santo trees, arriving on this remote island can feel like landing on another planet. As the island has been designated as a non-visitor site, travelers who arrive in Baltra will immediately be taken by bus to one of two docks where they will either board a cruise ship or a ferry that will take them to the island of Santa Cruz.
The island of Santa Cruz is home to Puerto Ayora, the largest and most developed town in the Galapagos. While many visitors use this island as merely a springboard for the more remote surrounding islands, those who dig a little deeper will discover that this island has plenty to offer. With numerous visitor sites, easily accessible beaches and remote highlands in the interior, Santa Cruz makes an excellent base for adventurous activities. The most popular attraction is undoubtedly the Charles Darwin Station which offers an impressive turtle breeding area and interesting information about the conservation of the unique biosphere of the Galapagos. Don’t miss the opportunity to swim or snorkel at one of the island’s magnificent beaches where you will find white sand and turquoise waters as well as an abundance of fascinating wildlife including: pelicans, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas.
San Cristóbal is the easternmost island in the Galapagos archipelago as well as the most populated. Famous for its natural attractions, the island also boasts some wonderful shopping and dining opportunities as well as a local airport. Take a break from snorkeling and hiking to enjoy the best Ecuadorian cuisine, or admire some of the exquisite artwork and designs at local galleries and markets. Must-see attractions include the Galapaguera Tortoise Reserve; the Interpretation Center (which provides important background information on the Galapagos); and Puerto Grande, a protected cove on the north-western side of the island boasting a magnificent white sandy beach - ideal for a peaceful walk, swim or photography sesssion.
The scenic Ecuadorian islet of Isla Lobos is set off the northwestern coast of San Christobel Island, just a few kilometres from the fishing town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This tiny flat island serves as a beautiful sanctuary and is an excellent destination to spot an array of protected species and wildlife including the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, marine iguanas, fur seals, tortoises and sea lions. Tourists can look forward to close encounters with several aquatic species such as manta rays, red crabs, schools of fish, and hammerhead sharks while snorkelling. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, snorkel through the underwater wonderland off the shores of the beautiful Playa Ochoa, and discover the botanical and ecological wonders of Lobos.
Also known as ‘Hood Island’, this small, flat island is the southernmost island of the Galapagos group. Dues to its secluded location, Española is home to an impressive number of endemic wildlife. Gardner Bay on the island’s eastern shore is renowned for its magnificent beach where visitors can swim or snorkel among the remarkable marine life including a large, transient colony of sealions. Visitors can follow a trail from Gardner bay towards Punta Suarez on the western tip of the island which considered to be one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the entire archipelago. Here you will find a startling variety of exotic birdlife and reptiles including brightly colored marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard, which are unique to this extraordinary little island.
As previously described
Resting approximately eight miles southeast of Santa Cruz, the relatively small island of Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago with rock formations below the water’s surface dating back almost four million years. The island is best known for its endemic Barrington Land Iguana as well as its towering prickly pear cacti which have been known to reach remarkable heights of up to 20 feet. The magnificent Barrington Bay is the only visitor site on the island. There are two hiking trails that start here. One leads to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff and the other wends through a forest of gigantic opuntia cacti. The beach is popular with sea lions and is an excellent spot from which to snorkel the radiant blue-green waters. You may even spot a Galapagos green turtle gracefully swimming by.
Located just off the east coast of the Galapagos' Santa Cruz Island, South Plaza is an extraordinary world of natural wonder. Uninhabited by humans, the island is home to a plethora of plant and animal life. Carpetweed paints bright scarlet and violet over landscape in the dry season, turning bright green in winter, along with several fascinating colour-changing cacti. This is the only place on earth where Galapagos hybrid iguanas can be seen. Visitors will also spot land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, and an impressive number of several different seabird species. Take the one-hour boat trip from Santa Cruz, and then the guided one kilometre walk up to the ‘Wailing Wall’, where sea lions and birds celebrate life in an explosion of sound and colour. The waters just offshore also offer phenomenal snorkeling opportunities.
Cuenca is a vibrant city set in the Ecuadorian Highlands, and is the capital of the Azuay Province. Ancient history tells of an impressive Incan centre with the finest temples covered in gold sheets and magnificent palaces, but little remains of this glory. The town’s present-day charm is due largely to its impressive colonial architecture, cobbled streets, plazas, and churches – including the blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – and its setting above the grassy banks of the Rio Tomebamba. The town centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is a popular place of inspiration for writers, poets, and artists.
Located in central Ecuador in the Chamba River Valley of the Andes, Riobamba lies at the heart of an extensive scenic road network and is the starting point of the well-known historic train ride down the spectacular Nariz del Diablo or ‘Devil’s Nose’. The city, sometimes referred to as the ‘Sultan of the Andes’, is an important commercial centre for the central highlands and due to its proximity to Chimborazo, the country’s highest peak, is also a favourite base for trekkers and mountain climbers. On Saturdays, visitors can enjoy the large bustling market that brings traders from far and wide to sell a rich assortment of wares.
The small, central-Ecuadorian town of Banos de Agua Santa (‘Baths of Holy Water’) lies in the verdant foothills of the Tungurahua volcano. Adventure lovers can make the most of this idyllic setting by taking a waterfall tour; going paragliding, bridge jumping or white-water rafting. Those looking for views with a hint of danger can try a ride on the ‘Swing at the End of The World’, to sail out over the mountainside and see unobstructed views of the (possibly erupting) volcano. For the less bold, a visit to the mineral-rich hot springs will do nicely, followed by a stroll along the town’s red, blue and yellow pavement and a sampling of the local fare at one of the many welcoming eateries. Several beautiful colourfully-lit cathedrals add a sense of wonder to the town at night.
Established in 1975 as a protected area, Cotopaxi National Park – situated about 50km southeast of the capital Quito – represents the most impressive of what Ecuador has to offer by way of animals and birds, including the majestic Andean condor, as well as magnificent photographic opportunities in the form of spectacular valleys, lakes and a number of volcanoes. Centre stage is occupied by the snow-laden Cotopaxi volcano that rises to 5 890m – a favourite with mountaineers. An excursion might have you spying puma, the rare Andean spectacled bear, Andean fox or orange-headed caracara, which is endemic in the area. The ruins of Incan forts and other ancient stone building remains can be seen surrounding Santo Domingo Lake.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, lies on the slopes of the Andes’ mighty Pichincha volcano in the Guayllabamba river basin. The city’s Old Town is its main attraction - one of the most well preserved in Latin America and the first-ever UNESCO heritage site. Wander among ancient, colourful streets; pop into glorious historic churches; or spend an afternoon browsing the vibrant Mercado (markets) and learning about the unique, traditional Ecuadorian Sierra culture. Other bucket list items in Quito include a visit to the impressive Casa Museo Guayasamín; the Museo de la Presidencia which provides insight into Ecuador’s history; and a climb up the iconic towers of the Basilica. Numerous gorgeous public parks and a thriving and exciting culinary scene complete the package.
