Places of interest in Ecuador

Beautiful historical cities

If you’re a culture lover, you’ll be in your element in the beautifully restored historic centres of cities such as Quito, Cuenca and Riobamba. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the finest museums and, in the evening, enjoy traditional dishes in the best restaurants. The experience of these colonial towns is complete when you stay in a hotel housed in a colonial building, such as Casa Gangotena. This classic hotel, inspired by the Renaissance, is situated on one of the city’s most beautiful squares. Be sure to enjoy a drink on the roof terrace here. The view over the old town from here is stunning. Would you like to read more travel tips for Quito?

Discover the jungle

The Amazon region is situated in the easternmost part of Ecuador. The rainforest covers around half of the country, is the least densely populated part of Ecuador and boasts enormous biodiversity. The best place to visit the jungle in Ecuador is Yasuni National Park. A particular highlight are the so-called clay walls found here. In the early morning, hundreds of species of parrots gather in search of food. The Amazon in Ecuador is not only worth visiting for its natural beauty; it is also an excellent place to learn more about the people who live there. One of our favourite lodges in the Amazon is the Napo Wildlife Centre, thanks to its commitment to sustainability, its excellent guides and its convenient location.

The Andes, the backbone of Ecuador

If you’re travelling through Ecuador, you’re bound to come across the Andes. After all, they run right through the country. Mind you, this is no hardship, as there is plenty to see and do in this region. Volcanoes, lakes and mountainous landscapes. Charming little mountain villages, colourful markets and locals in traditional dress. To explore the area, you can go mountain biking, rafting, horse riding and hiking. You’ll also find beautiful handicrafts made from various materials, such as wood, leather and pottery, at the colourful markets. Ask us for travel advice on the most beautiful spots in the Andes!

Off the beaten track

As Latin America specialists, we’re always on the lookout for unique spots and special accommodation. We also look for places that are less well-known but definitely worth a visit. Often, these are places that require a slightly longer journey than usual, or perhaps involve some ‘hardships’ such as basic accommodation or long walks. Spending the night in a traditional farmhouse, marvelling at the fluorescent colours of a rare hummingbird, or taking in the view of the Andes from the high slopes of the Chimborazo volcano are moments you’ll cherish as some of your fondest memories. We’d be happy to include one of these, or other off-the-beaten-track elements, in your trip; see, for example, our Active Trip of Ecuador.

Galápagos Islands

Perhaps even more famous than the country to which they belong are the Galápagos Islands. This was not yet the case when Charles Darwin set foot here in 1835. His now world-famous discoveries put the Galápagos on the map for ever. And rightly so, because the islands are home to a wildlife that, in many respects, is unlike anywhere else. Would you expect to see penguins on the equator? Have you ever seen birds with sky-blue feet? Or birds whose wings have evolved away due to a lack of natural predators? Have you ever gone snorkelling with sea lions and sea turtles all around you? The Galápagos are undoubtedly one of the highlights of Ecuador.