Eight things that define Ecuador, a South American gem

You may know that Ecuador means ‘equator’, as that’s exactly where it sits—but outside of this, what is Ecuador known for, and what else do you already know about this gem? This tiny country on the northwestern coast of South America is often mentioned for its proximity to the Galapagos Islands—but with a swathe of Amazon rainforest, world-class cacao plantations, and five scintillating UNESCO sites, you might find there are more reasons to visit Ecuador than you ever knew.

Read on for eight reasons Ecuador is one of the most intriguing places to visit in South America, and somewhere you should definitely add to your travel list.

What is Ecuador known for? Eight reasons why you should visit

1. The Galapagos Islands, key to Darwin’s ground-breaking discoveries

Ecuador is always mentioned alongside the Galapagos Islands; the iconic natural wildlife reserve where hosts of endemic creatures wander free. Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, the Galapagos penguin, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and hundreds of other unique animals roam these islands; from Santa Cruz to Isabela to Fernandina.

It’s no wonder that wildlife enthusiasts flock here from all over the planet, hoping to catch a glimpse of what Darwin once did as he gathered clues for his theory of evolution. If you have the luxury, using a few extra days to explore Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands makes for a sensational itinerary.

Read more: The Galapagos Islands: wildlife and historic wonder

2. Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity

Despite its tiny size, a magnificent array of flora and fauna exists within Ecuador’s borders, including an astonishing diversity of plant life. There are over 4,000 orchid species (more than anywhere else on Earth), the giant Amazon water lily, and the tallest palm tree in the world, the Andean Wax Palm, to name only a few.

Ecuador is so thriving with plant life that botanists continue to find new plant species every year. The Mindo Valley or the Bella Vista Cloud Forest Reserve should be your priority if you wish to go plant and flower hunting; also, any visit to sections of the Amazon (Yasuní National Park, for instance) will have you open-mouthed with natural wonder.

3. The Amazon Rainforest and Yasuní National Park

Ecuador is the smallest country on the continent to hold a portion of the Amazon’s immense, biodiverse wilderness, yet you’ll still find an astonishing density of creatures great and small. Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to jaguars, capybaras, sloths, howler monkeys, toucans and parrots, towering ceiba trees, kapok trees, lianas, and thousands of plant species that blanket the jungle floor and canopy.

Floating along via dugout canoe with a local guide, you’ll stay in atmospheric eco-lodges deep in the jungle. In some cases, you can meet and go on guided walks with members of the indigenous Amazonian communities, with the chorus of birds, frogs and insects as your soundtrack. It’s an unmissable experience for anyone with an adventurous streak, and a huge reason to add Ecuador to your travel list.

4. Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, Earth’s closest point to outer space

Ecuador is home to two of the Andes’ most dramatic volcanic peaks: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, famous for its near-perfect cone shape and striking symmetry. As it sits on the equatorial bulge, dormant Chimborazo is essentially the closest point to space on Earth.

Both sit within the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’, and the views here are utterly breathtaking. With high-altitude landscapes, glacier-capped peaks, and wildlife like llamas and vicuñas roaming freely, visitors can experience mountain trails and panoramic views they’ll never forget, even without serious hiking experience.

5. Quito, one of the world’s best-preserved colonial capitals

There’s an otherworldly quality to Quito, Ecuador’s capital, which is so often simply whisked through by tourists landing into the airport and diverting elsewhere. With an altitude of 2,850m above sea level, the air here has a fresh clarity that makes it memorable. When combined with the city’s sublime colonial architecture, dynamic craft markets and a fun food scene, a day or two in Quito might well become one of the nicest surprises of your trip to Ecuador.

The city’s historical draws are perhaps what Ecuador is known for best, and you’ll find out exactly why. The colonial center is so well-preserved from its era under Spanish rule, it was one of the first ever cities to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. Don’t miss the stunning La Compañía de Jesús—its intricately-carved interiors and Baroque stonework are famous across the Americas—or La Ronda, one of the city’s oldest, most pristinely preserved streets.

Read more: Seven great things to do in and around Quito

6. The weaving culture and indigenous traditions in Otavalo

Ecuador’s many indigenous communities remain closely tied to land, language, and community life. In the northern highlands, the Kichwa people of Otavalo are one of the most well-known groups, for their craft markets, brightly-embroidered traditional dress, and long-held weaving skills. Many families still work with wool and natural dyes, while passing their skills from generation to generation.

Otavalo is around two hours from Quito, and visitors can spend time observing the locals deftly weaving, learn more about the techniques, and buy some woven handicrafts themselves. Nearby villages in the area offer a slightly quieter view of the authentic indigenous lifestyle of the Otavalo people.

7. The home of world-class cacao and chocolate

Ecuador is the origin country of cacao, where it grows in the coastal lowlands and Amazonian foothills. The Ecuadorian strain of cacao, Arriba Nacional, is particularly flavorful and complex; and there is evidence of its consumption in the Amazon going back over 5,000 years.

As well as perusing a number of craft chocolate shops in Ecuador, you can also tour cacao plantations, to witness the fermentation and even taste this delectable chocolate yourself. In the Amazon region, the town of Tena is considered one of Ecuador’s cacao heartlands, with several community farms you can visit.

8. Iconic food and drink, from ceviche to canelazo

Ecuador is a nation of coasts and highlands, with cuisine as varied as its lands. If you were to ask our local experts what Ecuador is best known for, its culinary heritage and depths of flavor would certainly be high up on the list.

• Ceviche is the star dish, a zingy plate of fresh seafood cured in lime juice, served with a relish of tomato, onion and cilantro. It’s available everywhere from high-end restaurants to street food stalls, and satisfying at any time of day.
• Enjoy hearty dishes like locro de papa in the highlands; this creamy soup is made using locally-grown potatoes and topped with avocado and cheese.
• For a meatier lunch, hornado is juicy, slow-roasted pork usually served at weekend markets. Speaking of, definitely make the most of street food culture in Ecuador—it’s likely where you’ll have some of your tastiest food experiences.
• Finally, try canelazo as a drink. It’s a cocktail of cinnamon-infused aguardiente served hot, and perfectly warming on a cool Andean evening.

Read more: Many worlds in one small country: Ecuador tips from a local expert

Make it happen

If you’ve been convinced to make your next vacation a trip to Ecuador, or would like to find out more about what Ecuador is known for, browse our curated trip ideas or get in touch with our local travel experts today. They’re based on the ground in Ecuador, with all the in-depth local knowledge required to build a sensational itinerary you’ll never forget.