Amazon Jungle, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Amazon Jungle, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Ecuador's portion of the Amazon rainforest contains more species per square kilometer than anywhere else on Earth? This incredible biodiversity hotspot houses over 1,600 bird species, 350 reptile species, and countless plants with medicinal...

Ambato, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Ambato, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Ambato's famous Fiesta de las Flores y las Frutas features parade floats weighing up to 20 metric tons (44,000 lbs) – all meticulously decorated with fresh fruits, flowers, and produce? This stunning celebration is just one of the many reasons why...

Guayaquil, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Guayaquil, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Guayaquil's Malecón 2000 is the first public urban renewal project in Latin America to earn ISO 14001 certification for sustainability? This 2.5-kilometer riverfront promenade transformed what was once a dilapidated area into one of South America's...

Ibarra, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Ibarra, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Ibarra, Ecuador's "White City," was completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1868? Today, this resilient Andean gem sits at 2,225 m (7,300 ft) elevation and dazzles visitors with its pristine colonial architecture, painted in brilliant...

Loja, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Loja, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Loja was the first city in Ecuador to have electricity, with its hydroelectric power system dating back to the 1890s? This pioneering spirit continues today in this vibrant Andean city, known as Ecuador's "Music and Cultural Capital." Nestled in the...

Montanita, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Montanita, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Montañita's coastline is part of a whale migration superhighway? Over 1,000 humpback whales pass through these waters annually between June and September, making it one of South America's premier whale-watching destinations. This small beach town on...

Playas, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Playas, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that General Villamil Playas, commonly known simply as "Playas," is the closest beach to Guayaquil at just 96 km (60 miles) away? This hidden gem along Ecuador's Pacific coast offers travelers a genuine coastal experience without the overwhelming crowds...

Salinas, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Salinas, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Known as the "Little Miami of Ecuador," Salinas boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it Ecuador's sunniest coastal destination. This vibrant beach town on Ecuador's Santa Elena Peninsula offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, attracting both...

Tonsupa, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Tonsupa, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Tonsupa Beach is one of Ecuador's best-kept secrets, with water temperatures averaging a pleasant 24°C (75°F) year-round? This small coastal gem, located just 245 km (152 miles) from Quito, offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on...

Manta, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Manta, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Manta processes over 40% of Ecuador's tuna catch, making it the country's largest fishing port? This vibrant coastal city blends authentic Ecuadorian culture with stunning Pacific beaches, creating a destination that's refreshingly off the typical...

Puerto Ayora, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Puerto Ayora, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Puerto Ayora is home to the world's only swimming iguanas? As the largest town in the Galapagos Islands, this charming coastal hub on Santa Cruz Island serves as the gateway to some of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on the planet. With...

Puerto Lopez, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Puerto Lopez, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Puerto Lopez is one of only five places in the world where you can witness humpback whales breaching just meters from shore while standing on a pristine beach? This small fishing town on Ecuador's central coast has transformed into an ecotourism...

Riobamba, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Riobamba, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Riobamba sits at the foot of Ecuador's highest peak, Chimborazo, which is actually the farthest point from the Earth's center due to our planet's equatorial bulge? This means when you're standing on Chimborazo, you're technically closer to space than...

Tena, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Tena, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Tena, Ecuador is known as the "Cinnamon Capital" of the country? Founded in 1560 by Spanish missionaries, this vibrant gateway to the Amazon rainforest sits at the confluence of the Tena and Pano rivers, creating a unique ecosystem where adventure...

Otaalo, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Otaalo, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

✓ Accommodations✓ Flights✓ Rental CarsNestled in Ecuador's northern Imbabura province, Otavalo is a vibrant indigenous town that offers more than just a glimpse into traditional Andean culture. Surrounded by stunning mountains and the majestic...

Ecuador: Top Festivals to Check Out When Visiting

Ecuador: Top Festivals to Check Out When Visiting

✓ Accommodations✓ Flights✓ Rental Cars✓ Tours & Activities Did you know that Ecuadorians never need much of an excuse for a party, and tourists are often welcome to join in the fun? Across the calendar year, there are many special dates that...

Ecuador: Best Months for a Weather-Savvy Trip

Ecuador: Best Months for a Weather-Savvy Trip

✓ Accommodations✓ Flights✓ Rental Cars✓ Tours & Activities Imagine visiting a destination where you can experience four seasons in a day, with diverse landscapes ranging from volcanic islands to soaring mountains and lush rainforests. Ecuador...

Ecuador: List of the Largest Cities by Population

Ecuador: List of the Largest Cities by Population

✓ Accommodations✓ Flights✓ Rental Cars✓ Tours & Activities 1. Guayaquil – 3,200,000Ecuador's largest city and main Pacific port. 2. Quito – 2,700,000High-altitude capital with colonial old town. 3. Cuenca – 700,000UNESCO-listed city known for...

Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

✓ Accommodations✓ Flights✓ Rental Cars✓ Tours & Activities Did you know Ecuador is home to the closest point on Earth to outer space? Mount Chimborazo's peak holds this cosmic title due to Earth's equatorial bulge, making it farther from the...

Otavalo, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Otavalo, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

✓ Accommodations✓ Flights✓ Rental CarsNestled in the Andes Mountains, Otavalo is a charming town that offers an unforgettable experience. With its cobblestone streets, vibrant market, and rich cultural heritage, it's a destination that will captivate...

Vilcabamba, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Vilcabamba, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Vilcabamba, Ecuador was once believed to have the highest concentration of centenarians (people over 100 years old) in the world? While researchers later debunked this claim, this enchanting valley in southern Ecuador still boasts remarkably healthy...

Cuenca, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Cuenca, Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

✓ Accommodations✓ Flights✓ Rental Cars You're about to explore one of Ecuador's most beautiful city destinations. Known for its charming colonial streets and stunning architecture, this city has earned a special nickname - "the Athens of Ecuador."...