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.
Everything about Quito – from its setting along the slopes of Pichincha volcano to its having the best preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America – makes it a capital city worth visiting. (The ‘old town’ as the center is known was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.) Stroll along its narrow streets and enjoy the buskers, vendors, and locals going about their everyday business. Visit the monasteries of San Francisco and Santa Domingo, the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañia, the Cathedral of Quito or the hill of El Panecillo where you can view the 45m high statue of the Virgin Mary. Mariscal Sucre (Plaza Foch) offers a taste of modern Quito with its trendy bars, restaurants and nightlife.
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 valleys, lakes and a number of volcanoes. Center stage is occupied by the snow-laden Cotopaxi volcano that rises to 5 890m – a favorite 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 ruins can be seen surrounding Santo Domingo Lake. A number of haciendas outside the park offer accommodation.
Winding through the Ecuadorian Andes, from the Panamericana into the Cotopaxi province, the Quilotoa Loop is a circular road offering a variety of stunning hikes and tours for excellent value. The primary destination of the route is its magnificent sparkling Laguna Quilotoa, an awe-inspiring crater lake ringed by volcanic peaks and believed to be bottomless by some. Connecting several friendly rural farming villages, Quilotoa provides a beautiful and adventurous way to get to know the area’s culture. One of the highlights of this is the incredible array of town markets in Zumbahua (Saturdays), Guantualo (Mondays) and Sasquili (Thursdays). The hike is known for its diversity of trails and options, with its different lengths, difficulty levels, and routes. It is also excellent value for money in comparison to many of the other mountain trails in the country.
Located in central Ecuador in the Chamba River Valley of the Andes, Riobamba lies at the heart of an extensive scenic road network. The city, sometimes referred to as the ‘Sultan of the Andes’, is an important commercial center for the central highlands and due to its proximity to Chimborazo, the country’s highest peak, is also a favorite base for trekkers and mountain climbers who wish to explore it and a number of other peaks in the area. On Saturdays, visitors can enjoy the large bustling market that brings traders from far and wide to sell a rich assortment of wares.
Ecuador’s third-largest town is possibly its most beloved. Ancient history tells of an impressive Incan center 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 center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is a popular place for writers, poets and artists.
