Jambelí is an island surrounded by mangroves. It is located South of Ecuador. Jambelí is the closest beach to Machala. To reach Jambelí, visitors take a boat from Puerto Bolívar (international port). The trip last half an hour and cost around $5. Many local people from Jambelí offer their houses for rental. The island also … Read more
The Petrified Forest Puyango has the largest collection of petrified wood in the world. Trees are about 100 million years old. There are two ancient roads: The Araucarios and the Petrinos. It also many fossilized creatures such as ammonites, sea turtles, sea shells, snails, and fish.
Cotacachi is a small artisan town. Located in the Imbabura province, Ecuador. Cotacachi has amazing hot springs, lush forests, nature reserves, and snowy summits. Cotacachi’s main production is leather goods. In the center of the town, there are dozens of shops with good quality leather products such as jackets, pants, belts, wallets, shoes, bags and … Read more
Quilotoa is an inactive volcano. It features an awe-inspiring volcanic crater lake. Surrounded by massive sheer cliffs and filled with deep blue and turquoise water. Quilotoa sits in the center of the Quilotoa Loop, about 1,000 ft. (300 meters) down in the middle of a crater ringed with sharp knife edge mountain peaks. The crater … Read more
Quilotoa Loop is a circuit of 124 mi (200 km) that crosses the carpet of patchwork farms that cover the mountainous landscape of peaks, canyons, and valleys of the area. Quilotoa Loop is home to many indigenous peoples, who make their living farming on the land. This adventure is a self-guided multi-day hike in the mountains … Read more
Mojanda lakes are three turquoise lagoons nestled in the Andes Highlands. They are amongst once-active volcanoes. Located in the Imbabura province, near Otavalo. “Lagunas de Mojanda” in Spanish. It has an altitude of 13,983 ft. (4,263 m) The complex has three lakes Caricocha, Huarmicocha, and Yanacocha. Connected by the surrounded by mountains of Fuya-Fuya and … Read more
San Pablo a lake formed by the water discharged by the waterfall Peguche. Located right at the foot of Imbabura volcano. 2.5 mi. (4 km.) west of Otavalo, Ecuador. During the Yamor festival, communities gather to celebrate an open water swimming event. Around the San Pablo lake, there are indigenous villages, rushes, and green fields. Recreational activities include hiking, … Read more
Salcedo is a small town located in the heart of Cotopaxi, Ecuador. It is famous for its delicious and creamy fruit ice-cream known as “helados de Salcedo”. Ice-cream is a traditional dessert in this region and can only be found locally. Every Sunday, Salcedo hosts a local market that offers traditional products like ponchos, hats, … Read more
Pujilí is an indigenous town located in the Ecuadorian province of Cotopaxi, about 20 minutes from Latacunga. This small town is not a tourist destination but is famous for its market. The pujilí market takes place on Sundays. People from surrounding villages gather at the Pujilí market to sell a variety of products, traditional clothing, … Read more
Zumbahua is an indigenous town located in Cotopaxi, approximately 59 mi (95 km) from Quito, Ecuador. It is known due to its proximity to the Quilotoa Lagoon, only 9 mi (14 km) north of Zumbahua. Geographically, the town closest to Zumbahua is Pujilí. To get to Zumbahua you must go up a road full of … Read more
Portete Island or “Isla Portete” is a small island located south of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. It is less than 3.7 mi (6 km) long north to south and 1.2 mi (2 km) wide at the widest point. Portete Island is a very quiet place with beautiful coconut palm trees, ideal for walking along the beach and … Read more
Same beach is the north coast’s most popular beach in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Same beach is not really a city or even a village but sector with a string of white hotels and apartments on a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) beach located 5 miles (8 km) south of the coastal town of Súa. The beach Same is … Read more
Súa beach is a fishing village surrounded by hills and cliffs, located 21.7 mi (35 km) from Esmeraldas city and 3.7 mi (6 km) south of Atacames, Ecuador. Súa beach has very calm waters, ideal for a family with children. It also has a distinctive rock called “suicide rock” – “Peñón del Suicida” in Spanish. This … Read more
Tulcan Municipal Cemetery is a place full of beautiful sculptures with archways and angular geometric shapes that can be found in the best topiary collections around the world. This topiary garden features animals, angels, and Incan symbols. At night, the Tulcan Municipal Cemetery central road is full of colorful bright lights. Address: Cotopaxi avenue and … Read more
Churute Mangroves Ecological Reserve near Guayaquil. It is the largest protected area of Mangrove Forest in Ecuador. It contains approximately 50,000 hectares of mangroves and dry tropical forests. Manglares Churute is a gem in the Guayas province. Visitors may see many local birds as well as howler monkeys. To get there from Guayaquil, take the road Guayaquil-Machala. The … Read more
The Old Cathedral of Cuenca, or “El Sagrario” church, was built in 1557. It is located in the heart of Cuenca, Ecuador. In the downtown area, across the plaza from the new cathedral. The Old Cathedral of Cuenca was the main place of worship during the Spanish colonization, over the years, the Old Cathedral became … Read more
Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca is a great place to learn about the history of Ecuador from pre-colonial to the present day. In the back of the museum, there is a nice garden as well as some ancient indigenous ruins. The entrance to the Pumapungo museum is free. It is a great way to spend a … Read more
Tulcán is the capital of the Carchi province. This city is situated north of Ecuador, near the border with Colombia. It lies 3000 meters above sea level. Tulcán main attractions are the Topiary Garden Cemetery and El Angel Ecological Reserve. About the altitude, Tulcán has an elevation of 9,780 feet (2,980 meters) above sea level. Another … Read more
Tungurahua is an active volcano with an elevation of 16,475 ft. (5,023 m.) above sea level. It is an impressive symmetric volcano, but its summit is usually under clouds. Located in the Tungurahua province of Ecuador. It is part of the Sangay National Park. Also, considered one of South America’s most active volcanoes. No doubt why Tungurahua … Read more
Salinas is a coastal city located in the province of Santa Elena. Salinas is the main beach resort on the south coast of Ecuador. Salinas has a stretch of immaculate beach, also has popular beaches such as San Lorenzo and Chipipe. It also has a beautiful promenade known as Malecón. Along the Malecón, you can … Read more
Olón is a peaceful and quiet coastal town located in Santa Elena, Ecuador. Olón has clean and tranquil beaches, great for couples or families with children. It also has a short boardwalk (Malecón) lined up with restaurants and kiosks. Olón is a perfect place for activities such as sport fishing, water skiing, water sports, soccer, … Read more
La Libertad is a clean and organized coastal town located in Santa Elena, Ecuador. It is considered the largest commercial center in the Santa Elena peninsula. La Libertad has a nice church and a traditional boardwalk (Malecón) with benches, plants and lovely views. The beach along the Malecón is very narrow, and mostly submerged at … Read more
The Pichincha volcano is an active stratovolcano located next to the city of Quito, capital of Ecuador. The three highest peaks of the Pichincha volcano, known as “Los Pichinchas” are Guagua, Rucu, and Padre Encantado. From its peaks, you have a spectacular view of the city in addition to the peaks of Cayambe, Antisana, Tungurahua, … Read more
Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve is located two hours north of Quito, Ecuador. Its main feature is the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest. Mindo-Nambillo biodiversity allows more than 350 bird species to live in this area. Certainly, Mindo Cloud Forest is the perfect place for bird watching. For instance, visitors can see hummingbirds, cock-of-the-rocks, barbet toucans, golden-headed quetzals, and … Read more
The Illinizas are a pair of volcanic mountains, their peaks are covered with glaciers. Located 55 km (34 mi) south of Quito, Ecuador. The Illinizas used to be a complete volcano with a single crater, but eventually, they split into two. Iliniza Sur is the sixth-highest volcano in Ecuador. It is located at a height … Read more
Montañita is a coastal town located in Santa Elena. It is considered one of the best beaches in Ecuador. This town has a bohemian touch. Montañita is usually crowded, with fun all around. It has lots of handcrafting shops, small rustic bars, restaurants with delicious food, and street vendors walking on the beach. Montañita is … Read more
Manta is a coastal city located in the province of Manabí. Known as the “Tuna Capital of the World.” Manta has the largest seaport in Ecuador. It is a stopping point for international cruise ships. It also has a local airport “Eloy Alfaro” with connections from Quito or Guayaquil. Manta has beautiful beaches accessible from the … Read more
The beach of Los Frailes is part of the protected area of the Machalilla National Park. It is located 6 mi (10 km) north of Puerto López, in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. The beach of Los Frailes has clear blue waters and very calm, creating a feeling of peace and relaxation. Los Frailes is … Read more
Isla de la Plata (“Silver Island”) is an island full of natural wildlife, located 25 mi (40 km) offshore. Isla de la Plata is part of Machalilla National Park and part of the Manabi Province, Ecuador. This natural reserve is home to many animals some of which migrate from Galapagos Islands, it includes blue-footed boodies, albatrosses, frigate birds, … Read more
Canoa is a beach town located in Manabí, north of Bahia Caraquez. Canoa has a long coastline surrounded by vegetation and big waves, which make it the perfect destination for surfers around the world. The town is small and not as developed as Atacames or Montañita, but it is a beautiful place indeed. Around its … Read more
Bahía de Caráquez is a charming beach city located on a peninsula in Manabí, Ecuador. Known simply as “Bahía”. Bahía de Caráquez has long with sandy beaches that run miles between the town and the fishing village of San Jacinto. On the northern side of the peninsula, there is a bridge connecting Bahía to other … Read more
Vilcabamba is a peaceful town, surrounded by mountains, located 28 mi (45 km) from the city of Loja, Ecuador. It offers stunning panoramic views. Vilcabamba is a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Most people gather in the center of town, around the main square. The climate of Vilcabamba is subtropical. The rainy season … Read more
Otavalo is an indigenous city, surrounded by volcanoes. Located 68 mi. (110 km.) from the north of Quito, Ecuador — about a two-hour bus drive. — Otavalo is known as the “Intercultural Capital Ecuador” due to its diversity. Its main attraction is the Peguche waterfall, located inside the Protected Forest of Peguche. Other local attraction is the … Read more
Imbabura is an inactive volcano with a peak elevation of 14,952 ft. (4,557 m.) height above the sea level. It has two main summits. One of the 100 m. higher than the other. The Imbabura volcano is located near the Lago San Pablo outside of Otavalo town, in the Imbabura province of Ecuador. This is … Read more
San Cristobal island is located in the east side of the Galápagos archipelago. San Cristóbal Island lies approximately 600 miles (965 km) west of mainland Ecuador. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, capital of the province of Galapagos. Located southwest of San Cristobal.
Española Island or Hood Island is one of the oldest islands of the Galápagos islands. It is located in the southernmost part of the archipelago. Española is famous for its natural beauty and its endemic diversity. Indeed, a relaxing place, beaches with white sand, sea lions lying on the beach, and animals such as marine … Read more
Tonsupa is a small beach town located in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. This beach is one of the closest to Quito (245 mi – 394 km). Tonsupa offers basic amenities, like sunshades, deck chairs, and nearby restrooms in restaurants and hotels. Playa Tonsupa is a little quieter and less congested than Atacames. At night, you can stroll … Read more
Mompiche is a small fishing village in the south of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Mompiche has amazing beaches of fine sand and big waves, surrounded by lush tropical forest. Surfing is a popular attraction throughout the year. The town of Mompiche is charming with only a few main streets. The high season is regularly congested with many … Read more
Atacames is a beach town located in the Esmeraldas province, Ecuador. Atacames is an exciting destination, full of friendly people that enjoy partying, especially at night. The beach area has a boardwalk, tons of bars, and restaurants right on the sand in the form of huts. There are many clubs to go out dancing and … Read more
Huaquillas is a city in the province of El Oro. Huaquillas is located on the border of Ecuador and Peru, near the coast. The town is quite small, visitors can walk through most places. The square in the center of the city is small but nice. The main economic activity of Huaquillas is the sale … Read more
