Things to do and see in Ecuador?

Ecuador is one of the most beautiful countries in Latin America thanks to its great geographical, cultural and natural diversity. Located in a special area of the continent, between the Pacific and the Amazon and including the Andean highlands, Ecuador offers its visitors a multitude of landscapes and beautiful cities. From Quito, its capital, to the paradise-like Galapagos Islands, as well as wonders such as Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador is one of the best destinations to visit in the American continent.

Continue reading and discover with Passporter some of the best places to visit in Ecuador. In addition, you will discover some practical tips for your trip to Ecuador. It’ll help you to organize your travel itinerary in an easier and more practical way. Enjoy your trip!

What are the best things to do in Ecuador?

1. Quito, what to do in the capital of Ecuador?

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and probably the place where you land when you arrive in the country. Most international flights fly to Quito or Guayaquil. Once here, you will be able to move around the country, either by national flights or by bus. However, before traveling to the next stop on your itinerary, we recommend that you pay a visit to Quito.

Quito is a city full of history and culture. It is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and breathtaking mountain views. Its Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to colonial churches and beautiful old squares. The  Metropolitan Park is one of the largest parks in the city and it offers panoramic views and picnic areas. Other tourist attractions include the Panecillo, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the City Museum and the Cable Car. These are just some of many attractions that Quito has. But this vibrant city has so much more to discover.

2. Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos), a paradise in Ecuador

Santa Cruz Island is the second largest island of the Galapagos Archipelago, after Santa Isabela Island. However, it is the most popular island for tourism and important financially. It is a well-known tourist destination due to its incredible natural beauty and rich biodiversity. There you’ll find an enormous variety of activities in nature, such as snorkeling, bird and other animal watching, hiking.

Among the many things to do on this island of Ecuador, we highlight Las Grietas, an impressive geological phenomenon, a series of natural pools or “cracks”, created in the rock by the erosive action of water over millions of years. It is also an ideal place to swim and enjoy the marine biodiversity of the Galapagos. Another place to appreciate this wonderful experience is in Tortuga Bay. A beach that is home to many endemic species of marine animals, such as black turtles, to which it owes its name, marine iguanas and tropical fish.

Finally, on a trip to Santa Cruz Island, you can’t miss Puerto Ayora. This is the main urban center and the place where most accommodations, restaurants and other services are located.

3. The city of Guayaquil

It is the largest city in Ecuador and its main commercial port, although it is not its capital. Guayaquil is located on the Pacific coast and has a wide variety of tourist and cultural attractions that will make you enjoy your trip to Ecuador. The historic center of the city is one of the most visited places thanks to the unmatched beauty of its historic churches, squares and colonial buildings. Among the places to visit are the Metropolitan Cathedral, the  Morisca Tower, the  Malecon 2000  and the Iguana Park, where you can see iguanas in the wild.

This city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, nightclubs and restaurants. In addition, there you can find museums, which offer information about the history and culture of the city and the country in general.

4. Baños de Agua Santa

Baños de Agua Santa is one of the most beautiful cities that can be seen in Ecuador. And not only for the city itself, but for the incredible place where it is nestled. Located in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano, Baños de Agua Santa is a must-see stop on your Ecuadorian itinerary.

Among its most famous sites you will find the Pailón del Diablo waterfall, an 80-meter waterfall about 15 kilometers from the city. The waterfall is located in a private natural complex where you can walk, hike, enjoy th local nature and even cross a hanging bridge.

Another famous landmark of Baños de Agua Santa is its well-known Tree House, a wooden teepee on a tree at no less than 2660 meters above sea level. The Tree House offers panoramic views of the valley of the Tungurahua volcano, one of the best you can find in Ecuador. In addition, for only 1€ you can climb an impressive swing on the edge of the cliff, a real adventure!

5. Cuenca

Located in southern Ecuador, Cuenca is famous for its well-preserved colonial buildings, including its cathedral, and for the beautiful natural landscapes that surround it. The beauty of the city is so outstanding that in 1999 its historic center was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. However, we sometimes forget it in comparison to Quito or the Galapagos Islands.

Walking around its famous historic center you can see the majestic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in neo-Gothic style and with striking blue domes. Another of its protagonists is the Church of the Sagrario, the Old Cathedral of Cuenca, striking for its Baroque Renaissance style and immaculate white color.

Among its natural treasures we can highlight the Cajas National Park, known for its landscape of lagoons and high mountain moors. The park has trails of different difficulties and offers other interesting activities such as bird watching or horseback riding.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to eat in Ecuador

The cuisine of Ecuador is very diverse and varied, reflecting the country’s rich mix of indigenous, Spanish and African cultures and influences. So, there is a wide variety of typical dishes and beverages that are popular in different regions of Ecuador, each with its own unique food traditions.

For example, on the Pacific coast typical dishes include ceviche, probably Ecuador’s most famous and international dish, encebollado (a fish stew with onions and yucca), and churrascos (steak with rice, french fries and salad).

On the other hand, in the Amazon area we can find the maito (grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves). And in the Andean highlands you’ll find the locro (a thick stew of potatoes and cheese) and in the Galapagos, the

Ecuador also stands out as one of the world’s leading producers of cocoa. It is used to make handmade chocolate and all kinds of desserts.

What should I know before traveling to Ecuador?

• No visa is required to travel to Ecuador from Spain, only a passport
• The official currency of Ecuador is the United States dollar (USD).
• Always carry some cash on you, not all stores accept credit cards.
• Do not display valuables in public and avoid carrying a lot of cash.
• Do not leave the most touristy areas, especially at night.
• Not in all areas of Ecuador the water is drinkable. For example, in the Galapagos Islands you should opt for bottled water.
• Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Wear comfortable shoes for your excursions and nature walks.
• Have mosquito repellent at hand, especially in the more humid areas.
• Respect wildlife. Keep a safe distance from animals and do not disturb them.
• The high season for tourism in Ecuador is the months of June, July, August and December.

How to organize the things to do in Ecuador

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the suggestions from the app to it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we listed in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
• Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travelers what to see in Ecuador.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Ecuador