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 Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve occupies an impressive 1,300-hectare (3,200-acre) expanse of untouched wilderness which harbors both cloudforest and rainforest, This exceptional reserve is part of the globally-important Chocó biodiversity ‘hot spot’. It’s home to pumas, kinkajous, hundreds of amphibian and reptile species, thousands of insect and arachnid species, and, it’s believed, more than 500 species of birds. A highlight of a visit to Mashpi is the two kilometers long, environmentally friendly, aerial tram gliding visitors through and above the rainforest canopy.
As previously described
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.
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.
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.
Set in the south centre of the highlands in Ecuador, Azuay Province boasts phenomenal natural scenery, incredible heritage architecture and rich culture of exquisite craft-making. With locations like the El Cajas National Park, with its dramatic gorges, sky-scraping peaks and stunning glacial lakes, the province presents a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure sports lovers. The UNESCO-listed capital, Cuenca, is an other-worldly historical centre featuring colonial buildings, art museums and the spectacular Inmaculada Concepcion Cathedral. High-quality handicrafts are the pride of the province - this is an excellent place to buy beautiful fine filigree jewellery, woven straw hats, and artistic cast iron, copper and bronze works - crafting techniques and traditions have been passed down through families over hundreds of years.
The largest and post populous city in Ecuador is also its main port and economic hub, but Santiago de Guayaquil has 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 a departure point for trips to the Galápagos Islands.
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.
