Top things to do in Ecuador

Often referred to as a microcosm of South America, Ecuador is a dazzling jewel of a country with an abundance of natural habitats to explore. While many see it simply as a stepping stone en route to the Galapagos Islands, it is well worth spending plenty of time here before you head to the distant archipelago…

The dizzying Andean Mountains march straight down its middle, intersected by the Equator which sweeps through just north of the capital city of Quito. To the east, the terrain takes a plunge into the Amazon basin, while great swathes of ethereal cloud forest adorn the northern slopes – and all this is teeming with a truly extraordinary array of flora and fauna. Head west and you’ll arrive at the wild Pacific Coast, while nearly 1,000km (600 miles) beyond lie the volcanic Galapagos Islands with their characterful cast of creatures.

Exploring this diverse country will likely take you several trips, but to get you started we’ve put together a little taster of our top things to do in Ecuador.

Wander Quito’s colonial streets

Quito is the proud capital city of Ecuador located way up in the soaring Andean highlands at an altitude of 2,850m above sea level. This makes it one of the highest capital cities in the world and it is most travellers’ first stop on their Ecuador vacation.

Rich with history and culture, the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. The historic centre is full of well-preserved colonial architecture making it a delight to meander through as you acclimatise to the altitude. With its maze of steep cobbled streets and alleyways, brightly painted townhouses and grand plazas, you’ll need at least a few days to settle in and experience the atmosphere.

Beyond the city limits the ever-present volcanoes and lonely Andean peaks beckon you to venture on and explore.

Hike the Cotopaxi Volcano peak

Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the most iconic peaks in the Andean mountain range standing tall at 19,347 feet (5,897m). It is the second-highest of the mountains in Ecuador and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Known for its perfectly symmetrical cone shape, it’s one of the most popular places in Ecuador for climbers and hikers. The spellbinding snow-capped peak is surrounded by a national park home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including llamas, wild horses, and condors.

Be aware that the climb to the summit of Cotopaxi is no casual jaunt. It takes 7-10 hours from the starting point refuge to reach its lofty peak. For those not taken with the idea of summiting an active volcano, your local expert in Ecuador will help you plan something more suitable. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the national park, such as more gentle hikes or horseback riding.

Encounter traditional Andean life in Otavalo

After a visit to Otavalo, you may well need to check in an extra suitcase on your journey home. This tiny Andean town is one of the most famous places in Ecuador thanks to hosting one of the continent’s most exuberant markets. The town, as well as the other Andean villages dotted across the High Sierra, are rich in indigenous culture and artisan craft. Stock up on snug alpaca gloves and gorgeous rainbow fabrics as you chat with the local Kichwa people.

Stand to attention on the Equator

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Ecuador is the ‘Mitad del Mundo’, a monument that marks the exact location of the equator. Visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and take holiday snaps for posterity.

Ride the rails on the Devil’s Nose train

This unique railway line stretches from Alausi to Sibambe, taking passengers on a thrilling ride through Ecuador’s mountains. The train negotiates its way up a series of narrow switchbacks to climb the Devil’s Nose Mountain, offering vertiginous views of the surrounding Andean landscape.

The Devil’s Nose train was originally built in the early 1900s as part of the country’s transportation infrastructure, but today it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Ecuador (and for good reason).

Feel the adrenaline in Baños

For those who travel to Ecuador in search of adventure, visiting the town of Baños is a must. The smoking Tungurahua Volcano presides over a landscape of lush forests and sparkling waterfalls. Visitors can hike, bike, bungee jump, zipline and raft amidst glorious scenery. Once you’ve worked those muscles, unwind in one of the thermal hot springs that the city is named after.

Experience life in the Amazon

Ecuador’s vast swathe of Amazon rainforest is known simply as El Oriente, meaning The East. This vivid green wilderness covers nearly half of Ecuador’s land mass and is home to an astounding array of wildlife. There are also 14 indigenous communities living within the bounds of the forest.

Visitors can venture into this sea of green to stay at one of a handful of eco-lodges or within one of the indigenous communities. These outposts are often reached via canoe along rainforest waterways teeming with life.

Step into the otherworldly cloud forest

Shrouded in mist and home to a kaleidoscope of species, the magical realm of the cloud forest is an unmissable Ecuador destination. Especially so if you are even the slightest bit interested in wildlife.

The biodiversity in this corner of South America is unprecedented. In fact, this diminutive country is one of the most biodiverse in the world. One of the most interesting facts about Ecuador is that it is home to around 25,000 plant species, which equates to 10% of the world’s total. The country is also home to over 1,600 different types of birds. To put that into perspective, this is about twice as many as all of Europe.

Many of this colourful menagerie can be seen darting between the trees in the natural reserves of Ecuador’s northern cloud forests, especially around the popular village of Mindo. As you can imagine, experiencing the dawn chorus here is non-negotiable.

Come face to face with the wildlife of the Galapagos

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Ecuador is actually to be found in the middle of the Pacific Ocean 1,000km off of the mainland. The volcanic archipelago of the Galapagos Islands has been attracting attention ever since it featured in Darwin’s book ‘On the Origin of Species’.

On this string of bizarre volcanic isles visitors can encounter a whole host of unique creatures. The endemic species are largely unafraid of humans, so it’s possible to see them from very close quarters.

Make it happen

To craft a unique adventure of your own, get in touch with our local experts and find your own top things to do in Ecuador.