Yasuni National Park
Yasuni National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It homes many species of mammals including pink river dolphins. As well as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Archives: Ecuador
El Altar volcano – Crater lake
El Altar is an extinct volcano on Sangay National Park. 170 km south of Quito, near Riobamba. It has nine peaks surrounding a beautiful glacial crater lake. Surrounding the crater, there are green valleys full of waterfalls and multi-coloured glacial lagoons.
Guano
Guano is a nice town surrounded by picturesque landscapes. It is famous for its handmade leather products. Located in the Chimborazo province, 20 minutes from Riobamba. Main attractions are the Chimborazo and “El Altar” volcanoes.
Geographical Regions of Ecuador
Ecuador has four geographical regions with beautiful natural landscapes: Andes Mountains (Sierra) in the center. Amazon Basin (Oriente) in the east. Galápagos Islands (Insular) off the coast. Pacific Coast (Costa) in the west. Geography of Ecuador Ecuador is located on the western side of South America, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and bordering Colombia in the north … Read more
Zamora
Zamora is a beautiful and peaceful town. It is the capital of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador. This town is located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, known for its gold-mining, bird-watching, and beautiful waterfalls. Zamora is also called either the “Mining Capital of Ecuador” or the “City of Birds and Waterfalls.” About the altitude, Zamora has … Read more
Macas
Macas is a small town, capital of Morona Santiago, Ecuador. It is known as the “Emerald of the East” due to its location east of the Andes mountains. Macas lies in the Upano Valley overlooking the Upano River. About the altitude, Macas has an elevation of 3,445 feet (1,050 meters) above sea level. Macas is a … Read more
Sucumbios province
Sucumbíos is an Ecuadorian province. Its capital is Nueva Loja; also known as Lago Agrio. This province is famous for its biodiversity. It is home of hundreds of bird species, as well as many animals that live in the Amazon rainforest. Sucumbíos’ main attractions are the Cuyabeno Reserve, the Limoncocha National Biological Reserve, the Reventador … Read more
Pastaza province
Pastaza is a province located in the Oriente of Ecuador. Its capital is Puyo. Its territory is mostly covered by the Amazon rainforest. Pastaza is home to several indigenous communities as Achuar, Andoa, Shuar, Kichwa, Shiwiar, Waorani, and Zapara. Pastaza economy is based on tourism. Climate is always cloudy with persistent rain. Its tropical and … Read more
Orellana province
Orellana is a province of Ecuador. Its capital is Puerto Francisco de Orellana known as “Coca”. This province is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, flora, and fauna. Its land is rich in oil, being the oil industry one of the pillars on the Ecuadorian economy. Tourists visit the Orellana province mainly to start a jungle exploration … Read more
Napo province
Napo is a province located in the Ecuadorian Oriente, five hours bus ride from Quito. Its capital is Tena. Napo’s main attractions are the Napo Wildlife Center, Papallacta Springs; on the road Quito-Tena; famous for hot springs and hiking; and the indigenous communities where visitors can learn about their culture and traditions. Napo is characterized … Read more
Bolívar province
Bolivar province is located in the highlands of Ecuador. Its capital is Guaranda. Bolivar’s main economic activities include the production of corn, wheat, barley, potatoes, lentils, beans, peas, coffee, cane; and fruits such as banana, mandarins, and oranges. Climate is varied; chilly in the paramo, and warm in the subtropical zones. Outstanding fauna is typical … Read more
Prepare your trip to Ecuador
How to prepare for a trip to Ecuador? Here’s a list of travel tips you should do or bring before your trip. Get your documents in order. Check out passport or visa requirements. Look up the monetary conversion before you go. Always have local cash. Make sure your credit card will work in the country you’re … Read more
Morona Santiago province
Morona Santiago is a province in Ecuador. Macas is its capital. The province was established on February 24, 1954. Morona Santiago is located in the Amazonic region, southeastern Ecuador, on the border with Peru. This province offers jungle trekking, trips to indigenous communities, and sports like kayaking and rafting. Morona Santiago’s main attractions are Sangay Nacional … Read more
Carchi province
Carchi is a province located in the Andean highlands of Ecuador. This province is situated north of the country on the border with Colombia. Carchi’s main attractions are the Topiary Garden Cemetery, El Angel Ecological Reserve, and Lady of Peace (Virgin’s Grotto) known as “Gruta de la Paz” in Spanish. Carchi offers beautiful handicrafts. Tourists … Read more
Quito
Quito is Ecuador’s capital. This beautiful city is nestled in a valley at the base of the Pichincha Volcano. Quito boasts one of the largest historical districts in Latin America. It has colonial architecture. In fact, Quito’s old town is quite breathtaking.
Andean Highlands (Sierra Region)
The Andean Highlands is a region in the central part of Ecuador. It extends from north to south. This region is the Ecuador’s most visited area. Home to the Andes Mountains, this regions is known by locals as Sierra. Ecuador’s Andes consist of two mountain ranges: Central and Western; separated by a narrow central valley.
Amazon Basin (Oriente Region)
Oriente region, also known as the Amazon, is located in the eastern Ecuador. The Oriente region occupies a massive area covering almost half the country. It extends from the eastern slopes of the Andes into the Amazon basin.
Santo Domingo de los Colorados
Santo Domingo de Los Colorados or just Santo Domingo; is one of the newest cities in Ecuador. It is the capital of the Santo Domingo de Los Tsáchilas province; situated about 133 km from Quito. This city was labeled as “Los Colorados” due to members of the Tsáchilas community have the custom of painting their … Read more
Baños de Agua Santa
Baños de Agua Santa or “Baños” is a beautiful town located in the Tungurahua province, Ecuador. Baños means “springs” and Agua Santa means “holy water.” This town possesses natural beauty, surrounded by lush vegetation, waterfalls, rapid rivers, and thermal springs. Hence its name, holy hot springs. The closest cities are Ambato and Riobamba. The movie Proof … Read more
Ambato
Ambato is a nice city, the capital of the Tungurahua province. It is the major hub for travelers heading from Quito to Riobamba o Guayaquil. Ambato’s full name is “San Juan de Ambato”. Known as the “City of Flowers and Fruits” – “Ciudad de las Flores y las Frutas” in Spanish, due to the great variety of fruits … Read more
Riobamba
Riobamba is a charming Andean city, located in the heart of the Ecuador. It is known as “La Sultana de los Andes”, because it sits atop a large plain with snow-capped peaks in the background as the Chimborazo volcano — Ecuador’s highest mountain.
Loja
Loja is a colonial city, the capital of the province also called Loja. This city is located in the southern part of Ecuador. The center of the city has small cobbled streets, churches, and places with beautiful porches and patios. Its town squares are full of statues, and other remnants of its colonial past. This beautiful … Read more
Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve
Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve contains 752,235 acres (304418 hectares) of land. It extends from Imbabura – in the Ecuadorian Andes mountains to the western edge of the rainforest in the Esmeraldas. The reserve is only 87 miles (140 km) from Quito. Inside, there are three volcanoes: Yanahurco, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha. But, top attraction is the Cuicocha Lagoon. … Read more
Latacunga
Latacunga is a nice city, the capital of the Cotopaxi province. Situated on a plateau — piece of land much higher than the surrounding flat areas. Located about 55 mi. (89 km.) south of Quito, near the Cotopaxi volcano. This city has an International Airport, also name “Cotopaxi”. Latacunga’s most important festivities are the Provincialization of … Read more
Gualaceo
Gualaceo town is located in the Azuay province, close to Cuenca. This town retains its colonial architectural elements, has a beautiful historic district that is filled with markets, parks, squares, riverbanks and even an ancient aqueduct.
Treehouse – Casa del arbol
Treehouse or “Casa del Arbol” is a must to do in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador. The treehouse is built on the edge of one of the mountains next to the Tungurahua Volcano. It has a swing that takes you out over the edge of the mountain for some amazing views. In this place, you can … Read more
Devil’s Cauldron waterfall – Pailon del diablo
Devil’s Cauldron o “Pailon del Diablo” in Spanish, is a spectacular waterfall; about 262 ft. (80 m.) high, formed from the Rio Verde (green river). The Devil’s Cauldron is located on the road Baños-Puyo. This waterfall is a must-do stop if visiting Baños, 11 mi. (18km.) distance. This waterfall is part of the Route of … Read more
Chimborazo volcano
Chimborazo volcano is the highest peak of Ecuador. It is 20,564 feet (6,268 meters) height. The mountain is capped with eternal snow. Chimborazo volcano is the farthest point from the center of the earth.
Puerto Cayo
Puerto Cayo is a fishing village located south of Manabí, Ecuador. Its beach is about 3 mi (5 km). Puerto Cayo is the closest port to the Machalilla National Park. Most of its inhabitants are engaged in fishing, others are engaged in the manufacture of fabrics and crafts. In front of the beach of Puerto … Read more
General Villamil Playas
General Villamil Playas is known simply as “Playas” is the closest beach to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Only 60 mi (96 km) away — an hour’s drive by car. General Villamil Playas receives many local visitors, especially during the winter. General Villamil Playas has many seafood restaurants with delicious seafood as the main ingredient in many dishes … Read more
Bucay
Bucay is a small town located in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. This is around a 90-minute drive east of Guayaquil. Bucay is a place full of nature. It has a cloud forest and many waterfalls. A traditional drink of the place is the delicious juice of cane, made at the moment. In fact, some tourists … Read more
Guayaquil Historical Park
Guayaquil Historical Park is a place where visitors can learn about the traditions and legends of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city, major port, and leading commercial center. The park is made up of three parts: the Wildlife Zone that shows examples of local fauna and flora, the Traditions Zone with examples of construction … Read more
Las Peñas neighborhood
Las Peñas neighborhood is a colorful colonial place located next to the Guayas River in Guayaquil. Located at the end of the Malecón 2000, in the Santa Ana Hill. It is the tradition of visitors to climb the stairs of Las Peñas to the top of the hill, where there is a beautiful viewpoint that … Read more
Ballenita
Ballenita is a coastal city located in the province of Santa Elena, Ecuador. This peaceful beach is only 5 minutes from La Libertad, 20 from Salinas and 40 from Montañita. Ballenita is visited mainly by local tourists. Most of them travel with their families during the weekend or on vacation. Ballenita has a viewpoint from … Read more
Ayangue
Ayangue is a small beach town in Ecuador. Ayangue beach is calm, water is warm with no currents, making it safe and kid-friendly. Along the beach, there are fishermen’s canoes and hut restaurants with typical coast region food, such as patacones (twice-fried green plantain chips) with fried fish. Ayange is close to the “El Pelado … Read more
Playa Rosada
Playa Rosada or pink beach is a coastal town located in Santa Elena province, Ecuador. Playa Rosada is a tranquil, secluded, pink-sand gem. This beach keeps its virgin nature and it is normally not crowded unless you go in high season, this is from January to April. Due to its natural habitat, there are no … Read more
Punta Carnero
Punta Carnero is a beach on an island located in the province of Santa Elena, 10 minutes by car from Salinas, Ecuador. It is one of the best places to see the sunset in all of Ecuador. In fact, the perfect place to sit and just watch the sun go down. Punta Carnero, which means … Read more
Mar Bravo
Mar Bravo is a beach located in the province of Santa Elena, Ecuador. A few minutes from Salinas, another coastal city. Mar Bravo is inside the are of the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE – “Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana” in Spanish.) As its name implies, it is a beach with a rough sea, in fact, “Mar Bravo” … Read more
Piñas
Piñas is a small village located in El Oro province, Ecuador. The town is built in steps going up the side of a mountain. The streets of Piñas are connected by crisscrossing flights of brightly painted stairs. Piñas is also known for its mild climate, usually, there is some fog, making it a great place … Read more
El Guabo
El Guabo is a small town located in the province of El Oro, Ecuador. The main economic activity of Guabo is the production of bananas. In fact, Ecuador is one of the largest exporters of bananas worldwide. El Guabo covers a large percentage of this demand. Among the tourist attractions is the Banana Tour, visit … Read more
