In the equatorial zone of the Andes, the Republic of Ecuador is located, famous primarily for its unique natural resources. National parks, mountain lakes, waterfalls, volcanoes and, of course, the amazing Galapagos Islands - this is not a complete list of natural sites in Ecuador, which are definitely worth visiting in this country.
Fans of urban tourism will love the organic combination of the ancient heritage of the Incas with the cultural traditions of the Spanish conquerors. Many examples of colonial architecture have survived in the cities of Ecuador. And beach lovers should opt for such resorts as Montagnita, Salinas, Los Frailes and the beach of the Atacames canton.
Several Indian tribes live on the territory of the country, for visiting which you can order special excursion tours. The Republic of Ecuador is considered one of the safest countries in South America, but, as elsewhere, tourists should beware of pickpocketing and fraud.
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What to see in Ecuador?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands were officially discovered in 1535, and in 1832 they became part of Ecuador. Today, the group of these islands is considered a national park, home to giant turtles, sea iguanas, Galapagos sea lions and other unique animals and birds. For its beauty, the Galapagos waters are prized by divers from all over the world.
Quito city
One of the most beautiful cities in South America is the capital of Ecuador, Quito. The old part of the city successfully combines Dutch, Spanish and even Native American architecture. Quito is home to many museums, four large park areas, and an observatory. The cable car Teleferico will take everyone to the Pichincha volcano.
Volcano Cotopaxi
One of the highest active volcanoes on the planet is located about 50 km from the capital of Ecuador. For the first time, they managed to climb the top of Cotopaxi in 1872. Today, at the foot of the volcano, you can camp, ride horses or mountain bikes. And in order to safely climb to the top, it is best to use the services of a guide.
The city of Tena
The capital of the province of Napo, a very popular city used by tourists as a springboard for jungle travel. Near the town, you can go kayaking and rafting, and spend the night in an authentic Indian hut at the Orchid Paradise Inn, located 6 km from Tena.
El Cajas National Park
In the mountains of Ecuador, there is a unique area that has been considered a national park since 1996. About 270 of the most beautiful lakes of El Cajas, which are rich in trout, are of glacial origin. Due to the incredible beauty of its landscapes, this park is highly valued by tourists.
City of Montagnita
A real find for surfers is the city of Montagnita, located on the Santa Elena Peninsula. The conditions here are very favorable for windsurfing, scuba diving and bodyboarding. Once the city of Montagnita was popular with adherents of the "hippie" movement, so today you can hear reggae music performed by street musicians.
Historic Center of Cuenca
In the southwest of the country is the third largest city in Ecuador - Cuenca. As shown by archaeological research, the first settlements on the site of modern Cuenca date back to 500 AD. The area, delineated by the streets of Gran Colombia, General Torres and Ermano Miguel, is the main tourist attraction in Cuenca.
Basilica del Voto Nacional
In the historic center of Quito, there is an unusually beautiful Basilica del Voto Nacional. This Roman Catholic cathedral is made in the Gothic style, but instead of the traditional chimeras of Del Voto Nacional, there are figures of pelicans, turtles, monkeys and other representatives of the fauna of Ecuador. The highest tower of the basilica offers a beautiful view of the city.
Chimborazo volcano
For the first time, the highest point in Ecuador was conquered in 1880. And today the Chimborazo volcano is one of the most visited mountains, climbing which usually takes 13-16 hours. The ascent starts at the Karepa hut, then a stop is foreseen at the Vampera hut, and the final point of the route is the Veintemille peak.
Middle of the World (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo)
The 30-meter monument marking the place where the equator passes is located 26 km from Quito. It was erected in the 19th century to commemorate the first Geodetic Mission of the French Academy of Sciences. Despite the proven inaccuracy in measurements and the actual passage of the equator a little further north, CiudadMitad del Mundo is very popular among tourists in Ecuador.
Church of San Francisco in Quito
The Roman Catholic complex of St. Francis was built in the capital of the country, Quito, in the 16th century. The complex consists of a main church, a refectory, a wine cellar, a garden and even a prison. The rich interior decoration makes the distinctive church of San Francisco extremely popular with visitors to Ecuador.
Church of La Compania in Quito
One of the most richly decorated churches in Quito, a significant Spanish Baroque monument and a popular tourist destination, all is La Compagna, the first stone of which was laid in 1605. Church construction was completed in the second half of the 17th century. Since then, the church has undergone various restorations more than once, the last of which was completed in 2005.
Sangay National Park
South of Quito is the Sangay National Park, which covers an area of over 5000 km². There are two active (Tungurahua and Sangay) and one extinct (Altar) volcanoes, mountain rivers and lakes, waterfalls and thermal springs. Tourists can climb the mountains on foot or by bicycle, and special trails are prepared for horseback riding.
El Panecillo Hill
In the central part of Quito is the El Panecillo hill, on top of which is the famous statue of the Virgin Mary. The hill is one of the most visited places in Quito, as the 41-meter Virgin Mary is visible from almost any part of the city. Built in the 1970s, Madonna is depicted as a winged angel who stands on the globe and crushes a snake with her feet. There is an observation deck at the top of the statue, which tourists love to visit.
Cathedral of Nueva, Cuenca
The famous Catholic church, known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Cathedral of Nueva, is one of the symbols of the city of Cuenca. The building began to be built at the end of the 19th century and was completed almost a hundred years later. This working neo-Romanesque church is crowned with huge blue and white domes, for the construction of which Czechoslovak tiles were specially delivered to Cuenca.
Palace Karondelet
The building of the residence of the government and president of Ecuador, located on Independence Square in Quito, was built in the 16th century. After Ecuador gained independence, Carondelet got its current name and was used as a presidential palace. Since 2007, the residence has been available to all comers.
Pylon del Diablo Falls (Devil's Cauldron)
One of the most beautiful and impressive places in Ecuador is the Pylon del Diablo waterfall. To get to the Devil's Cauldron, as this place is also called, tourists have to overcome a rather narrow tunnel.But the difficulties of this path are more than offset by the beautiful view of a huge rumbling wall of water splashes, which is literally at arm's length from the observation deck of the waterfall.
Ingapirka
The archaeological complex, located near Cuenca, is one of the most significant monuments of the ancient Inca civilization. Ingapirca was once a small fortified city that suffered greatly from the Spanish conquests. The restoration of the ancient ruins began only in the middle of the 20th century, and since then the monument has been open to all comers.
Quilotoa Crater
About 800 years ago, the crater of the extinct volcano Quilotoa was filled with water, forming an unusually beautiful lake. There are several hot springs here, and for a small fee, locals can go canoeing on the lake. The village of the same name, located nearby, is ready to shelter in its hotels everyone who wants to stay longer in this beautiful place.
Otavalo Market
Between the volcanic peaks of Imambura, Mohanda and Cotachachi lies the small town of Otavalo, famous for its market for authentic Indian products. Traditionally, the Otovals were engaged in agriculture, but the growth of tourism has led to a reorientation of production, and now the locals are busy making popular textiles and handicrafts.
