Ecuador: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

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 planet’s center than even Mount Everest. This fascinating fact is just the beginning of Ecuador’s extraordinary offerings – a country where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere, swim with prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, and trek through cloud forests all in the same week.

Getting to Ecuador

Most international travelers arrive at either Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport or Guayaquil’s José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport. Direct flights are available from major cities in the United States, Europe, and throughout South America. For the best deals on international flights to Ecuador, compare options across multiple airlines.

For travelers continuing to the Galapagos Islands, you’ll need to take a domestic flight from either Quito or Guayaquil. These flights typically take 2-3 hours and operate daily, with Guayaquil offering slightly shorter flight times.

Planning Your Journey

Ecuador’s compact size is deceptive – despite being roughly the size of Colorado, its incredible biodiversity and varied landscapes mean you’ll want to plan carefully to make the most of your visit. The country is divided into four distinct regions: the Galapagos Islands, the coastal lowlands, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon rainforest.

For first-time visitors, we recommend spending at least 10-14 days to experience the country’s highlights. A typical itinerary might include 3-4 days in Quito and surrounding areas, 3-4 days in the Galapagos, and 3-4 days exploring either the Amazon or the Avenue of Volcanoes in the highlands.

When to Visit Ecuador

Thanks to its position on the equator, Ecuador enjoys relatively stable temperatures year-round, with variations based more on altitude than season. However, rainfall patterns do change throughout the year.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos has two distinct seasons: the warm, rainy season (January to June) with temperatures around 80-90°F, and the cool, dry season (July to December) with temperatures around 70-75°F. Each season offers different wildlife viewing opportunities.

Getting Around Ecuador

Ecuador’s compact size makes it relatively easy to navigate, with multiple transportation options available depending on your budget and preferences.

Where to Stay in Ecuador

Ecuador offers accommodations for every budget and preference, from luxury eco-lodges in the Amazon to historic boutique hotels in colonial cities.

Top Attractions: Best Things to Do in Ecuador

Ecuador’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage offer countless experiences for travelers. Here are the absolute must-do activities that showcase the best of this remarkable country.

1. Explore the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe unique wildlife up close in their natural habitat. Swim alongside playful sea lions, observe blue-footed boobies performing their mating dance, and watch marine iguanas sneezing salt water after feeding in the ocean.

Whether you choose a cruise or island-hopping tour, plan to spend at least 5 days to fully appreciate the archipelago’s diversity. Each island offers something unique, from the white sand beaches of Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz to the volcanic landscapes of Isabela.

2. Wander Through Quito’s Historic Center

As the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage city, Quito’s well-preserved colonial center is a living museum of Spanish architecture. Spend at least a day exploring its narrow streets, grand plazas, and ornate churches covered in gold leaf.

Don’t miss La Compañía de Jesús church, often considered Ecuador’s most beautiful church with its stunning gold-leaf interior. Climb the towers of the neo-Gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional for panoramic city views, and visit the San Francisco Church and Monastery, one of the largest colonial complexes in South America.

3. Stand on the Equator at Mitad del Mundo

Just 30 minutes north of Quito, visit the Middle of the World monument where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. While the large monument and museum at Ciudad Mitad del Mundo are impressive, don’t miss the nearby Intiñan Museum, which claims to be on the true equatorial line and offers fun interactive experiments demonstrating equatorial phenomena.

4. Hike in the Avenue of Volcanoes

Ecuador’s central highlands feature a spectacular corridor of volcanoes known as the Avenue of Volcanoes. The snow-capped Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, offers hiking opportunities for all skill levels. Adventure seekers can climb to the refuge at 4,800 meters or even attempt to reach the summit with proper acclimatization and guides.

For a less strenuous experience, visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, a stunning emerald-green lake formed in a collapsed volcano caldera. The full-day hike around the rim offers breathtaking views, or you can rent kayaks to paddle on the lake itself.

5. Experience the Amazon Rainforest

Ecuador offers some of the most accessible and biodiverse sections of the Amazon Basin. From the gateway town of Tena, join guided excursions into Yasuni National Park or the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve to spot monkeys, sloths, caimans, and hundreds of bird species.

Stay in an eco-lodge deep in the jungle for the full experience, where expert guides lead daily excursions to spot wildlife, visit indigenous communities, and learn about medicinal plants. Many lodges are only accessible by boat, adding to the adventure.

Cultural Experiences

6. Shop at the Otavalo Market

The indigenous market in Otavalo is one of the largest and most famous in South America. While Saturday is the main market day, you’ll find vendors selling colorful textiles, handcrafted jewelry, and traditional art throughout the week. Practice your bargaining skills, but remember to be respectful of the artisans’ work.

For a more authentic experience, visit the animal market early on Saturday morning or explore the smaller surrounding villages like Peguche, known for its waterfall and weaving workshops.

7. Relax in Historic Cuenca

Ecuador’s third-largest city is widely considered its most beautiful, with well-preserved colonial architecture, flowering plazas, and a relaxed atmosphere. Spend a few days wandering the cobblestone streets, visiting the impressive New Cathedral with its blue domes, and exploring the many museums and art galleries.

Cuenca is also the center of Panama hat production (despite the name, these famous hats originated in Ecuador). Visit a workshop to see how these intricate hats are woven by hand from toquilla straw and perhaps purchase an authentic souvenir directly from the artisans.

8. Soak in Thermal Baths at Baños

The aptly named town of Baños de Agua Santa (Baths of Holy Water) sits at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano and is famous for its thermal springs. After a day of adventure activities like waterfall rappelling, zip-lining, or mountain biking, soak your tired muscles in the mineral-rich waters at one of several thermal complexes around town.

Don’t miss the spectacular “Route of the Waterfalls” that follows the Pastaza River canyon. The highlight is Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), an impressive waterfall that you can approach via a series of hanging bridges and tunnels carved into the rock.

Natural Wonders

9. Explore Cloud Forests in Mindo

Just two hours from Quito, the small town of Mindo offers access to one of the world’s most biodiverse cloud forests. This is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 species recorded in the area, including dozens of hummingbird varieties and the elusive cock-of-the-rock.

Beyond birding, Mindo offers butterfly gardens, orchid displays, chocolate tours, and adventure activities like tubing and canopy zip-lines. The cooler climate makes it a refreshing break from the heat of the lowlands or the chill of the high Andes.

10. Trek the Quilotoa Loop

For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider the multi-day Quilotoa Loop trek through remote Andean villages. The full circuit takes 3-5 days, with accommodations in basic hostels along the way, but you can also do shorter sections as day trips from Latacunga.

The highlight is reaching the rim of the Quilotoa crater and gazing down at the mineral-rich turquoise lake below. The challenging terrain and high altitude (up to 3,900 meters) make this a rewarding adventure for those with good fitness levels.

11. Visit Cajas National Park

Just 30 kilometers from Cuenca, Cajas National Park protects a stunning high-altitude landscape of páramo (alpine tundra), glacial lakes, and unique paper-bark forests. Over 270 lakes and lagoons dot the park, creating a photographer’s paradise.

Well-marked trails range from easy 2-hour walks to challenging full-day hikes. Keep an eye out for the rare Andean condor, spectacled bears, and the tame llamas that help maintain the ecosystem. At 3,000-4,000 meters elevation, be prepared for rapidly changing weather and bring warm, waterproof clothing even on sunny days.

Ecuadorian Cuisine

Ecuador’s diverse geography contributes to its rich culinary traditions, with distinct specialties in each region.

For an authentic experience, visit local markets where you can sample fresh tropical fruits, many of which are native to Ecuador and difficult to find elsewhere. Don’t miss trying fresh juice stands offering exotic blends like naranjilla, tree tomato, or blackberry.

Practical Tips for Traveling in Ecuador

Packing Essentials

Ecuador’s varied climates require thoughtful packing. Consider bringing:

Why Ecuador Should Be Your Next Destination

Ecuador packs an incredible diversity of experiences into a compact, accessible package. Where else can you stand on the equator in the morning, explore a colonial UNESCO World Heritage city by afternoon, and watch the sunset from a cloud forest the same day?

From the otherworldly Galapagos Islands to the majestic Avenue of Volcanoes, from the biodiversity hotspot of the Amazon to the cultural richness of indigenous markets, Ecuador offers experiences that will stay with you long after you return home.

With four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the highest biodiversity on the planet, Ecuador isn’t just a destination – it’s a revelation waiting to rewrite your travel story. The only question is: which of Ecuador’s incredible experiences will you choose first?