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.
The artisan town of Cotacachi is located 20 minutes northwest of Otavalo, in Ecuador’s Imbabura Province, and is famous for its excellent leather products and hand-made goods. The town’s main street is renowned for its array of shops providing high-quality shoes, boots, upholstered furniture and other items which sell for affordable prices.
Several of the most famous volcanoes in the country can be seen from here, including Volcan Cotacachi to the west and Imbabura to the east. Cotacachi is known for its cleanliness, tranquility, and gorgeous plazas, and these factors, along with its numerous regular festivals, live music events, food fairs and expos make it a delightful place for discovering the area’s culture. Make sure to visit the spectacularly blue Cuicocha Crater Lake nearby.
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.
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.
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. 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.
As previously described
