Neighbouring Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a relatively small country that nevertheless offers an enticing array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife species and interesting cities. Dense Amazon rainforest, towering Andean mountain peaks, palm-fringed Pacific Coast beaches and fascinating historical sites are all part and parcel of Ecuador’s prolific charms. The former Inca town of Cuenca is the nation’s third-largest city and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This alluring city, with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and photogenic plazas, boasts a huge variety of museums and art galleries. The vibrant capital city of Quito is also worth a visit. Arguably the most dazzling jewel in Ecuador’s crown is the Galapagos Archipelago in the Pacific, about 1000 kilometres west of the mainland. Their magnificent, pristine landscapes and prolific wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin, have made this cluster of islands a world-famous travel destination.
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.
The village of Mindo lies just two-and-a-half hours east of Quito in northern Ecuador. In addition to being one of the country’s most celebrated areas for bird watching (with more than 400 species to view), geographically unique Mindo has recently been branded the ‘Ruta de Cacao’ and offers supreme rafting, tubing, trekking, canyoning and even chocolate-making experiences (at El Quetzal) in an invigorating cloud forest setting. Hike to pristine waterfalls (via the Ruta de las Cascadas), enjoy gentle woodland trails (Casa Amarillo), visit butterfly farms (Mariposario de Mindo) and orchid gardens (Armonia) in this spectacularly beautiful region, which is also home the activity-rich Nambillo River. Note that although Mindo is home to a range of accommodation options, the ‘secret is out’ as far as its popularity is concerned - and advanced booking is highly recommended.
The town of Otavalo offers a rich experience – in colour, nature and history. Surrounded by the peaks of three massive volcanoes, the town is best known for its Saturday market and the offerings of woven textiles for which the Otavaleño people are world famous. (This weaving tradition goes back to pre-Incan times.) Otavalo is also known for its traditional music, which forms a major part of Inti Raymi, the summer solstice festival. While in the area, visit the Artesania El Gran Condor weaving centre or retreat to the sacred ceremonial Cascades de Peguche, an 18m-high waterfall that plunges out of the thick forest. It is said that bathing naked under the upper waterfall cleanses your soul.
Stretching for 200 kilometres between the Eastern and Western Cordillera mountain chains, Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes” encompasses as many as 14 of the country’s most impressive volcanoes. The road from Quito to Riobamba runs along the valley floor, passing through traditional towns along the way. Cotopaxi, said to be the world’s most beautiful volcano, is situated in Cotopaxi National Park (90 minutes’ drive south from Quito). Only experienced mountaineers should tackle ascending this mighty peak, as reaching the summit requires glacier climbing. Cayambe, with its permanent snow cap, and Chimborazo, Ecuador’s tallest volcanic mountain, are also stand-out features along this spectacular route, while Sangay and Tungurahua are among the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. A number of tours start and end in the country’s vibrant capital city, Quito.
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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.
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Ingapirca is situated approximately 80 kilometres from the Ecuadorian city of Cuenca. One kilometre below this photogenic little hillside town, the largest and most well-preserved archaeological site in Ecuador awaits. Comprised of various architectural units divided into three sections and built using a combination of adobe and blueish-green andesite stones, the complex was constructed during the Inca expansion into Ecuador towards the end of the fifteenth century, on a site that had been occupied by the Cañari people for over five hundred years. The Incas demolished many of the Cañari structures, replacing them with their own elaborate complex, the function of which is thought to have been a place of worship and a fortress. The main structure, known as the Temple of the Sun, is made up of a series of rooms, courtyards, cellars, and bathrooms as well as a vast oval-shaped platform made of incredibly intricately carved stone. There’s also a small museum (with an attached book and craft shop) displaying Cañari and Inca pots, tools, jewellery as well as a skeleton found on site.
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.
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Resting on the west bank of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is the largest and most populous city in Ecuador is also its main port and economic hub. It has also carved a rich identity for itself with a number of urban renewal projects that have transformed it into an extremely appealing destination. While visitors can still enjoy the colonial grandeur of sites like the Guayaquil Metropolitan Cathedral and the historic Las Peñas quarter, the city’s modern offerings include The Malecon, a bustling 2.5km riverfront walkway and the Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo – a must for art lovers. The protected area of Santay Island offers a taste of local village life. Guayaquil is also the departure point for trips to the Galápagos Islands.
