Sangay is the most active volcano in Ecuador with a peak elevation of 17,017 ft. (5,188 m.) height above the sea level. In fact, it is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Located in the Morona Santiago province — 75 mi. (112 km.) Northeast of Cuenca and 136 mi. (200 km.) South of … Read more
Atillo Lagoons are part of the Sangay National Park and the Ozogoche lake complex. “Lagunas de Atillo” in Spanish. It includes several lagoons such as Negra, Cuyug, and Atillo. Located south of the Chimborazo province. About 40 mi. (79 km.) from Riobamba, on the road Riobamba–Macas. The nearest town is Guamote, about 30 mi. (48 km.) Southeast. … Read more
Penipe is a town located on the slopes of El Altar volcano. This is 92 mi. (149 km.) South of Quito, near Riobamba — in the Chimborazo province, Ecuador. There are some buses from Riobamba to Penipe — approximately 10 mi. (16 km.) driving east. In fact, Penipe’s main attraction is “El Altar” volcano; as well as the Tungurahua volcano. … Read more
Secas Lagoon, “Laguna de Secas” in Spanish, is a lagoon located in the Pichincha province, Ecuador. The closest town is Pintag. Secas lagoon was formed when the Antisana volcano erupted more than 400 years ago, its lava divided into parts the current of the nearest river forming what is now known as the Dry Lagoons … Read more
Mount Carihuairazo is a volcanic caldera, in a beautiful snow-topped mountain. Located inside the Chimborazo Fauna Reserve. Close to the Chimborazo volcano — Ecuador’s highest mountain. The nearest city is Riobamba, about 19 mi. (30 km.) Southwest. This is 93 mi. (150 km) Southwest of Quito. Mount Carihuairazo is an inactive volcano, part of the “Avenue of … Read more
Balbanera is the oldest Catholic church in Ecuador, built by the Spaniards in 1534. The Balbanera church is located in Cajabamba town, 11 mi. (18 km.) from Riobamba near the Colta lake. The church is built with stones, its arched entryway features low pillars, cherubs, and rough religious imagery. Also worth noting are what appear to be … Read more
Loma de Quito church is located on the top of the “Hill of Quito” in Riobamba, Ecuador. Its construction highlights its domes and interior paintings. It serves as a congregation site for thousands of participants in the traditional passes of El Nino, Holy Week, and Holy Tuesday. This beautiful church is one of the most … Read more
Protected Forest of Peguche is one of the most beautiful rainforests in northern Ecuador. This forest has a big area for camping and picnics. As well as a well-maintained trail system with facilities along the way. A short walk from the entrance following the trails leads to the Peguche waterfall. The fall is the protected … Read more
Llanganates National Park is a protected area part of the Tungurahua and Napo in Ecuador. This park has stunning lakes, rivers, mountains, and cloud forests. Llanganates means “beautiful hill”. The Llanganates Mountains Range also part of the park holds the myth of a hidden treasure. Legend has it that in ancient times general Rumiñahui ordered … Read more
Intiñan Solar Museum located right next to the Middle of the World monument – walking distance apart. Located in the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador. This museum features interactive exhibits and outdoor activities. In fact, it is a great place to learn more about the history of Ecuador and its indigenous people. Besides knowing how the … Read more
Visiting the Amazon from Cuenca, Ecuador is a must, nearest Amazon rainforest to Cuenca is the Podocarpus National Park, located in the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe and Loja, this is south-east of Ecuador — it is a four-hour trip by bus or car. Macas is the closest jungle town to Cuenca, Ecuador. This place is a great … Read more
Find the best Beaches near Guayaquil. Closest beaches to Guayaquil are located West of the city, on the Pacific Coast. The nearest beach is called “Playas”, located in the town of General Villamil Playas. In the same Guayas province, going South there are the beaches of Data and Posorja. Although, if you are willing to travel a … Read more
Guayaquil is a coastal city with no volcanoes, but Chimborazo is the closest volcano to Guayaquil. Mount Chimborazo lies some 137 m. (222 km.) west from Guayaquil. Chimborazo is the highest volcano in Ecuador, located near Riobamba, Chimborazo. Other volcanoes are El Altar — caldera, and Tungurahua — an active volcano. If you are willing to travel … Read more
Chimborazo volcano is the closest one to Riobamba. West of Riobamba is El Altar, an inactive volcano, and Tungurahua volcano. Going south there is the Sangay volcano, the least accessible and least studied volcano in Ecuador. If you are willing to travel a little north from Riobamba, there is the Quilotoa caldera and Cotopaxi volcano. … Read more
There are no volcanoes in Cuenca, Ecuador. Sangay volcano is the closest one, it is located in the Morona Santiago province, part of the Sangay National Reserve. The Sangay volcano is the least accessible and least studied volcano in Ecuador. Also, it is the most active volcano in Ecuador. Although Sangay is the nearest mountain to Cuenca, … Read more
The Galápagos Islands are a beautiful place, full of unique natural wonders and endemic species to the place. Large stores or shopping centers are not allowed to preserve the ecosystem of the islands. On the islands, you will find small shops with groceries, food, soft drinks, and some snacks. Although it is common, find galleries … Read more
Mitad del Mundo, “Middle of the world” in English, is a monument located in the parish of San Antonio in the city of Quito, Ecuador. This is approximately 16 mi. (26 km.) north of downtown Quito. It is well known because is located in the equator line or 0-degree latitude. The equator line divides the … Read more
Spanish is the official language in Ecuador. In general, around 93% of the population speaks Spanish. Besides Spanish, the most common languages spoken in Ecuador are Quichua and Shuar. Other less common languages are Achuar-Shiwiar, Cha’palaachi, Colorado, Waorani, and a few others. English is the most spoken foreign language in Ecuador. There are many Ecuadorians … Read more
Limpiopungo Lagoon is a beautiful lake formed by water from the glaciers. It is located very close to the Cotopaxi volcano. Limpiopungo lagoon is like a mirror that reflects the beauty of the surrounding peaks. In fact, the image of the Cotopaxi volcano reflected in the middle of the lagoon. The hike around the lagoon … Read more
Pichincha volcano is the closest one to Quito. The nearest accessible point to the Rucu Pichincha is the top of the Teleférico de Quito, from there you can walk. The city of Quito is surrounded by several volcanoes. South-west of Quito, there is the Antisana Volcano, while to the north-west is the Cayambe volcano. If … Read more
Cerro Blanco Forest is a tropical dry forest reserve in the Guayas province, Ecuador. It is located 20 minutes from the city of Guayaquil. Cerro Blanco supports more than 500 vascular plant species, one of the highlights is seeing the majestic ceibo trees up-close. Besides the ceibo, Cerro Blanco Forest is a birdwatcher’s paradise home … Read more
Riobamba is located in the heart of Ecuador. Closest beaches to Riobamba are located on the Pacific Coast. The nearest beach is known as “Playas”, its full name is General Villamil Playas, located in the Guayas province. Although you will find the most beautiful beaches in the Santa Elena province. If you are planning to … Read more
Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It is an incredible destination to visit, full of history and natural wonders very close to the city, but it has no beaches. The closest beaches to Quito are on the Pacific coast. The nearest beach is Atacames, Esmeraldas. Esmeraldas is a province with beautiful beaches. Although, many locals … Read more
Cuenca, Ecuador is a great town, except for one thing; it’s not on the water. Closest beaches to Cuenca are located on the Pacific Coast. The nearest beach is Jambeli island, located near the coast of Machala, but you will find the best Ecuadorian beaches in Santa Elena. We recommend travel north the Coast, and stop … Read more
Machalilla National Park is one of the largest protected areas located in Manabi, Ecuador. The park has many islands and beautiful beaches to enjoy, from June to September, humpback whales arrive off the coast of the park to mate, especially near Puerto López.
Riobamba train station is located in the center of the city. The most popular trip goes to the Nariz del Diablo (devil’s nose.) The road to get there is spectacular, considered one of Riobamba’s main attractions. The train travels south; it passes through some small towns before arriving at Alausí, where it begins a descent … Read more
San Pedro Cathedral is located in front of the Plaza Mayor (Parque Maldonado) in Riobamba, Ecuador. It is also known as Riobamba Cathedral. Built-in white limestone contains reliefs that are present in the original Spanish expressions, scenes from the Old and New Testaments and religious iconography.
Sucre Park, “Parque Sucre” in Spanish, is a park located in the Plaza de Santo Domingo in Riobamba, Ecuador. The Sucre Park was created to honor a hero of the Ecuadorian fight for independence, Antonio José de Sucre. The fountain in the middle of the park features the Roman god of the sea, Neptune, surrounded by … Read more
Peguche waterfall is one of the main attractions in Otavalo and its surroundings. Located 1.86 mi. (3 km.) North of Otavalo and 14 mi. (23 km.) South of Ibarra. “Cascadas de Pequche” in Spanish. It is a beautiful waterfall of 59 ft. (18 m.) in height and 20 ft. (6 m.) wide. The area around … Read more
In Ecuador, climate and weather vary from region to region and season to season. In general, Ecuador enjoys 12 hours of direct equatorial daylight 365 days a year. Ecuador measures temperature in Celsius. How many seasons does Ecuador have? There are only two seasons in Ecuador dry and rainy. The dry season (winter) runs from June to … Read more
Guayaquil Park, “Parque Guayaquil” in Spanish, is one of the parks of Riobamba, Ecuador. This interesting park has educational aspects, visitors enjoy walking around learning about local flora and fauna. There’s a large banana plantation at the park, as well as a lake and rowboats that can be enjoyed by the public. It is also home … Read more
Yacuri National Park is a protected area. Located southeast of Ecuador, on the border with Peru, between the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe. The park protects moorland, cloud forests, and dry scrub. The reserve has over 46 high-altitude lakes. Visitors usually take excursions to the Black Lagoon, the Yacurí Lagoon, the Ducks’ Lagoon, or … Read more
Kennedy Park, “Parque de la Kennedy” in Spanish, is a popular place located in the middle of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Its real name is “Clemente Yerovi Park” but is known by local people as Kennedy Park because it is located in the Kennedy residential area. This park offers recreational and sports areas, that allows walking, trotting, … Read more
Jungle towns and rainforests are found in the Amazon Basil. Nearest jungle towns to Guayaquil can be found traveling either to the north-east or to the south-east. To the south-east, in Zamora Chinchipe you can visit Yacuri National Park and the Podocarpus National Park, on the way, there is Cuenca, a nice colonial city, worth the visit. … Read more
Antisana Ecological Reserve is a protected area. Located in Napo, Ecuador. About 62 mi (100 km) from Quito. The centerpiece of this nature reserve is the Antisana Volcano. Ecuador’s fourth largest mountain 18,870 feet tall (5,753 m). Antisana Ecological Reserve is home to a world of unique flora and fauna. In fact, birding is one … Read more
Jungle towns and rainforests are found in the Amazon Basil. Nearest jungle town to Riobamba is Puyo, located in the Pastaza province, in the north-east of Ecuador. From there, you can take an excursion to the Pastaza river or visit the Orchids Botanic Park. Before reach Puyo is “Banos de Agua Santa” or just “Banos”, a well-known … Read more
Nearest Amazon rainforest to Quito is the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, located in the Orellana province, in the north-east of Ecuador. Jungle towns and rainforests are found in the Amazon Basil. The town of Puyo, in the province of Pastaza, is a great destination for recreational outdoor activities as rafting and kayaking. Near Puyo, there is … Read more
