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.
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.
