Isla Santiago is an island of the Galápagos archipelago, Ecuador. Santiago is also known as San Salvador Island and is located northeast of Santa Cruz Island. Santiago Island has the largest and longest lava flow, which is found in Sullivan Bay, for this reason, the island is uninhabited and does not have much vegetation. Although, … Read more
The currency of Ecuador is the U.S. dollar. Bills Ecuador doesn’t print its own paper currency. Paper money is in denominations of $1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Coins Ecuador produces its own coins. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents (centavos). They match the size and value of their … Read more
Baltra Island — “Isla Baltra” in Spanish — is a small flat island near the center of the Galápagos Islands. But, it is not part of the Galápagos National Park. Although, this island provides habitat for several species of birds. From noddy terns to large brown pelicans and black frigates. As well as it is home … Read more
What is the measurement unit system used in Ecuador? Ecuador uses the metric system. The metric system uses units such as meter, liter, and gram to measure length, liquid volume, and mass. Temperature is measured using the Celsius scale. Conversions Metres X 3.3 = Feet Kilometers X 0.6 = Miles Kilograms X 2.2 = Pounds Metric Ton X 2204 = … Read more
Green Lagoons – “Lagunas Verdes” in Spanish – are located in the Carchi province, Ecuador. This is at the southwest of the Chiles volcano. The green lagoons are three small lakes of volcanic origin; its water is naturally combined with sulfide and other chemicals that spring up from the volcanic floor, giving the lagoons a … Read more
Lady of Peace (Virgin’s Grotto) known locally as “Gruta de la Paz” is a place of prayer built under the rock. The grotto is located in the city of San Gabriel, Carchi, Ecuador. Grotto of Peace receives hundreds of faithful of the Virgin of Peace, who ask for favors and give thanks for the miracles … Read more
Sanctuary Our Lady of the Cloud also known as “San Francisco Church,” in Spanish “Santuario de la Virgen de las Nubes,” or “La Catedral de Azogues”. This sanctuary is located at the top of a hill that oversees the city Azogues, Ecuador. This impressive church is a good example of Ecuadorian architecture. The plaza located nearby … Read more
Mirador de Turi is the perfect observation place to have a panoramic view of Cuenca, Ecuador. El Mirador de Turi is a great place for stunning photos of the city. It also has a swing that attracts visitors for the thrill of swinging on the edge of a mountain. Upon reaching the Turi viewpoint, you … Read more
Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio is a beautiful place located in the town of Biblian, in the province of Cañar, Ecuador. Church has a gothic style, built on the top of a hill with uneven slopes. The Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio was carved into rocks that leave areas of bare rock within … Read more
Tena is a peaceful town, capital of the Napo province, Ecuador. Tena is also known as “Cinnamon Capital” — “Capital de la Canela” in Spanish. “Canela” means “cinnamon” — Tena is located right where the rivers Tena and Napo converge. This town is the launching point for a jungle trek, rafting or kayaking tours. Tena … Read more
Puerto Francisco de Orellana, also known as “Coca.” Coca is the capital of the Orellana province, Ecuador. Puerto Francisco de Orellana is situated at the junction of the Coca, Payamino, and Napo Rivers. Coca’s main attractions are its nature and its biodiversity. From Coca is easy to organize an Amazon jungle excursion or to access … Read more
Genovesa Island is a shield volcano and the most northeastern of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. It has a horseshoe shape, forming the Darwin Bay. Genovesa is also known as “Tower Island” and as “Birds’ Island”. In fact, it is a paradise for birdwatchers with red-footed boobies, head hooligans, mockingbirds, lava gulls, pigeons, and nazca finches … Read more
Rabida Island is an unpopulated island. Most of the coastline is rocky except for a beach on the northeast side. Rabida Island has a peculiar red color, caused by the high contents of iron oxide in its sands. It has a large sea lion colony. It is a great place for swimming and snorkeling, where … Read more
Guaranda is a small city, capital of the Bolívar province. It is located in the northeast of the province, about 137 mi. (220 km.) South of Quito and 93 mi. (150 km.) North of Guayaquil. Guaranda sits amid seven steep hills, that’s why it is also known as “the Rome of Ecuador” or the “City of … Read more
Cuenca is a beautiful historical city, capital of the Azuay province, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is famous for its stunning architecture, tourist attractions, hotels, cafes, galleries, and night activities.
Chiles volcano is a snowcapped volcano located on the border of Ecuador and Colombia. It has about 4760 meters height, climbing this volcano is a challenge for people seeking a thrill on its rocky slopes. Reaching its summit takes approximately six hours. The road up to Chiles volcano takes you through the northern part of … Read more
Ingapirca Inca Ruins are the best-preserved ruins in Ecuador. Ingapirca means “Inka Pirka” in Quechua (Wall of the Inca). This archaeological discovery protects the memory of the Incas that once walked along the roads. They buried their dead in the cemetery and worshiped at the Temple of the Sun, also known as El Castillo (The Castle). … Read more
Chordeleg is a town in the Azuay province of Ecuador. Located approximately 24 mi. (40 km.) from Cuenca. Many local people produce silver, nickel, and brass jewelry. In fact, its handicraft jewelry is one of the attractions that Chordelet has. In the center of the town, there are more than 100 jewelry shops. They offer … Read more
El Angel Ecological Reserve is a unique area in the Carchi province of Ecuador. In the border with Colombia. The closest city is Tulcan. About 3 hours from Quito. This reserve protects the ancient Polylepis forest — It is worth visiting — El Angel Ecological Reserve has an altitude between 10,499 to 13,780 ft. (3,200 to 4,200 m.) The … Read more
Santa Fé Island is a small and one of the oldest islands in Galápagos, Ecuador. Santa Fé Island, also known as Barrington, offers one of the most beautiful and sheltered coves in the Galápagos. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of tiny islets forming an ideal anchorage. Santa Fé Island is home to … Read more
What can you bring with you to Ecuador? Before coming to Ecuador, you should check what items you are allowed to bring with you to Ecuador whether you are a tourist, resident, or Ecuadorian citizen. Below is a list of personal belongings you can bring without paying taxes. These are tax-free items: One new or … Read more
Do you need a visa to travel to Ecuador? Ecuador welcomes people from all over the world who wish to visit for a period of time. Nationals of the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK do not need a visa to travel to Ecuador. How long can a tourist stay in Ecuador? Most people do … Read more
Sumaco volcano is located in the isolated Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, in the Orellana province of Ecuador, west of Quito. Sumaco volcano soars 13,087 feet (3,990 meters) above the jungle. The area near the volcano is heavily forested. Due to its isolated location, Sumaco volcano is a rarely visited site, helping its excellent preservation. The … Read more
Yunguilla Valley is a warm valley. It is full of fruit trees as mangoes, oranges, bananas, avocados, and lemons. Located 14 mi. (22km.) South West of Cuenca, in the province of Azuay, Ecuador. At its highest point, Yunguilla Valley is 1,500 ft. (457 mt.) lower than Cuenca. The place is one and a half hours … Read more
Puyo is the capital of the Pastaza province. Located only 20 mi. (32 km.) from the town of Baños de Agua Santa and 4 1/2 hours bus ride from Quito (an hour by airplane). This small city has three main rivers: Pastaza, Puyo, and Bobonaza. Puyo is the central point to go to Baños, Macas, … Read more
Nueva Loja is a small town in the Amazon of Ecuador. Known as Lago Agrío. Nueva Loja is the capital of Sucumbíos Province. Tourists visit this city due to its proximity to the reserves Cuyabeno and Limoncocha. Lago Agrío is also a place to start a jungle tour. Things to do in this town include … Read more
Azogues is a small city, capital of Cañar. It is situated about 19 mi. (30 km.) north of Cuenca, 40-minute ride. Its full name is “San Francisco de Peleusí de Azogues”. Azogues is a major exporter of Panama hats — you will find them all around the city. Also, known for its proximity to the Ingapirca Ruins. About the altitude, … Read more
Galápagos Islands is a region is located about 1000 km west of the Ecuadorian coast; frequently visited by tourist to enjoy its enchanted islands. The Galapagos Islands are famous for their endemic species, their remarkable marine life, and the studies made by Charles Darwin.
San Rafael waterfall, in the Coca River, is one of the largest waterfalls in the eastern part of Ecuador. This waterfall has a fall of more than 492 ft. (150 m.). Indeed, San Rafael is a spectacular waterfall, worth the visit. The entry to the San Rafael waterfall is in the limit of Napo and Succumbios, … Read more
Podocarpus National Park is located in the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe and Loja in Ecuador. It covers an area of 1460 km2. Podocarpus has some of the greatest plant and animal diversity in the world such as mountain tapirs, spectacled bears, northern pudus, and jaguars. Among Podocarpus National Park’s main attractions are the Podorosa waterfall, Higuerones … Read more
Limoncocha Biological Reserve is located in the Sucumbios province, Ecuador. This is about 229 miles east from Quito. The reserve has an area of 11,399 acres (4,613 hectares). One of its most important natural beauties is the Limoncocha lagoon, although, the main attraction of the Limoncocha Biological Reserve is its wildlife. Some common species found are the … Read more
Cajas National Park is located about 30 km west from Cuenca. Due to the altitude – 3,156 to 4,450 meters above sea level – it is really chilly in the park. It is characterized by páramo flora and fauna plus features over 230 glacial lakes and lagoons.
Cañar is an Ecuadorian province rich in cultural traditions. Its capital is Azogues. Cañar is the ancestral home of the indigenous Cañari people — hence its name — Cañaris have lived in this region of Ecuador for many years. This province also has interesting indigenous markets and lakes. Besides Azogues another popular destination is Biblián, due to La Virgen del Rocío church. Another popular attraction … Read more
Sígsig is a town located in the Azuay province, 90 minutes East from the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. Sigsig sits in a valley surrounded by steep mountains. This town has incredible views. Sigsig is famous for its traditional handicrafts, as well as its handmade toquilla hats (Panama hats). Sigsig’s main attraction is the central plaza … Read more
Pimpilala waterfalls are located in the community of Cando, parish Talag, southwest of the city of Tena. Tena is the capital of the Napo province, in the Amazon Region of Ecuador. Pimpilala waterfalls are a total of 6 waterfalls, but it is noteworthy that only 4 of them are accessible. The waterfalls are located in the … Read more
Papallacta is a small town located in the Napo province, 20 miles west from Quito. Nestled between the Cayambe and the Antisana volcanoes. The town has an elevation of 10,800 ft. (3,300 mt.) Things to do include going to the Papallacta lake and the Termas Papallacta (hot springs). The subterranean activity of the Antisana volcano heats … Read more
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is a protected area located in the Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces. It provides home and habitat for countless of plant, animal, and more than 515 species of birds.
Zamora Chinchipe is an Ecuadorian province. Its capital is Zamora. This province is located at the southeastern end of the Amazon Basin, about 63kms from Loja, or 270kms from Cuenca. Tourists visit Zamora Chinchipe to explore its many waterfalls, but mainly to get in touch with the ecosystem offered by the Podocarpus National Park. In … Read more
Azuay is a province located in the south center of Ecuador, in the highlands. It has protected areas such as El Cajas National Park, and Cuenca (capital), both of them are World Heritage Sites. Azuay is one of the main tourist destinations in Ecuador. Due to its beautiful towns, rich with architectural beauty and historical … Read more
Reventador is one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes. It has an elevation of 11,683 ft. (3,562 m.) above sea level. The caldera is 2.5 mi. (4 km.) wide in diameter. Located 56 mi. (90 km.) west of Quito, on the edge of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. This volcano is densely covered by forests and rises … Read more
