Zaruma is a beautiful town located in the El Oro province, south of Ecuador. This is an hour from Machala and four hours south of Cuenca. The downtown of Zaruma has narrow streets that zigzag around historic buildings. Many of Zaruma’s houses open their doors in the evenings as cozy bars and coffee shops, where … Read more
Quilotoa Lake set in its deep volcanic crater is an extraordinary landscape, visitors can hike around the crater’s rim, visit on mules or kayak across the turquoise waters. Quilotoa lake is located in the Illinizas Ecological Reserve. Quilotoa is a salty lagoon from a volcanic origin with 3 kilometers of diameter. To reach Lake Quilotoa, from Quito … Read more
Cotopaxi volcano is the best-known active volcano of Ecuador. Also, one of the most famous in South America. Located in the Cotopaxi province, about 31 mi. (50 km.) South of Quito and 22 mi. (35 km.) Northeast of Latacunga. Cotopaxi is the second-highest volcano in Ecuador, with a height of 19,347 ft. (5,897 m.) above … Read more
Devil’s nose is a four to five hour train ride. This zigzag railroad is one of the scariest and most thrilling ride in the Andes mountains. The track goes over rocky ravines, along raging rivers, through dense cloud forests and around mountains. Rute: Riobamba-Alausí-Sibambe.
Colta Lagoon is a large water body of elongated shape, surrounded by lush vegetation, native bird species, colorful boats, a a playground. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife including ducks, swans, sheep, birds, and fish.
Alausí is a charming town located in the Chimborazo province, Ecuador. Tourists flock to so that they can ride the Devil’s Nose train, about 2 hours down from Riobamba. The descent into the valley to Alausí is spectacular. Alausí train station is another tourist attraction. As well as the Plaza Bolivar, the “13 de Noviembre” … Read more
Cuicocha is a caldera nestled within the crater of the Cotacachi volcano. It has an elevation of 10,649 ft. (3,246 m.) Located in the Imbabura province, in Ecuador. “Laguna Cuicocha” in Spanish is a 2 mi. (3 km.) crater lake. At the center of the lake sits two small islands. The lake is part of … Read more
Tomebamba River runs through the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. The river provides a natural separation between Cuenca’s historic district and the modern area to the south. This river features scenic walking paths along its north bank and several indigenous ruins. It has sidewalks on both sides of the river, with several bridges to cross over. … Read more
Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve protects some of the last remaining tropical dry and rain forests of the Ecuadorian coast. This natural area is a biodiversity hotspot due to the enormous variety of plants and wildlife. It is a place of exotic landscapes, waterfalls and natural lagoons.
Galápagos National Park is Ecuador’s first national park. Also, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Galápagos Islands are a collection of rocky and volcanic lands. It has pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. They are a protected part of the Galápagos National Park. About 97% of the entire area is part of the National Park system. … Read more
Sangay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, located in the Morona Santiago, Chimborazo and Tungurahua provinces, Ecuador. The Sangay National Park includes three volcanoes: Tungurahua (16,457 ft – 5,016 m), Sangay (17,159 ft – 5,230 m), and El Altar (17,451 ft – 5,319 m). Sangay and Tungurahua are active volcanoes. However, El Altar is an … Read more
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve is a calm and isolated volcanic crater. This protected area is inside the Pululahua volcano. It is rich with a great diversity of fauna and flora. “Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua” in Spanish. Located 11 mi (17 km) north of Quito, Ecuador, in the northwestern part of the Pomasqui Valley. The Reserve has an … Read more
Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, also known as Ilinizas National Park, is a protected area located between Cotopaxi and Pichincha provinces. 55km south of Quito and extends through the Quilotoa Loop area. The reserve contains different volcanoes, springs, streams, rivers, a deep canyon, and some very attractive scenery.
Cotopaxi National Park is located in the Cotopaxi Province, around 50 km south of Quito. The Cotopaxi volcano – 19,347 feet (5,897 m) – is the main attraction of this park. Cotopaxi National Park is a popular destination for visitors looking to hike, climb and trek. There is also a museum to visit. Best months to visit are December to April.
Chimborazo Fauna Reserve is located in the provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Bolivar in the Ecuadorian Andes. The reserve is a protected area that guards a wide variety of vegetation and animals. Thus, it is common to see vicuñas, llamas, guanacos, rabbits, deer, wolves, and birds. The main attraction is the Chimborazo volcano — Ecuador’s highest volcano. … Read more
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city, major port, leading commercial center, and capital of the Guayas province. It is famous for being the gateway to the Galapagos Islands and for its nightlife.
Santa Elena is a coastal town, capital of the province of the same name. Santa Elena main attractions are its beaches. One of its main destinations is the “Ruta del Spondylus” previously known as “Route of the Sun” – “Ruta del Sol” in Spanish. – The Spondylus route is a beautiful coastal road that runs … Read more
Puerto López is a small fishing village, located in the center of the Machalilla National Park, in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. Puerto López is located in a wide bay surrounded by green hills. It is also the base to explore the beach of Los Frailes, considered the most beautiful stretch of the coast of … Read more
Portoviejo is the capital of Manabí, Ecuador. Also known as the “City of the Royal Tamarind Trees” — Tamarind is the fruit of beautiful trees found all around the city — Portoviejo has good road connections to Quito and Guayaquil. About the altitude, Portoviejo has an elevation of 174 feet (53 meters) above sea level. Portoviejo … Read more
Machala is the capital of El Oro province, Ecuador. It is located three hours south of Guayaquil, located near the Gulf of Guayaquil. Machala is also known as the “Banana Capital of the World” — “Capital Bananera del Mundo” in Spanish. Machala has the second most important port in Ecuador. From Puerto Bolívar, mainly bananas and shrimp … Read more
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of Galápagos Province, Ecuador. It is located on the southwestern coast of San Cristóbal, the easternmost island in the Archipelago de Colón. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is also the capital of the San Cristóbal Canton. It is worth mentioning that there is an airport on the island of San Cristóbal. About the … Read more
Ibarra is a picturesque and city with cobbled streets, the capital of Imbabura. Located in the middle of the Andean highlands of Ecuador. Also, known as “The White City” because most houses have a colonial whitewashed style. One of Ibarra’s main attractions is “Tren de la Libertad” — a train ride from Ibarra to Salinas, passing for … Read more
Esmeraldas is a coastal city, capital of the Esmeraldas province, located on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Esmeraldas has an international seaport and a small airport. Las Palmas is the closest beach to Esmeraldas, but Atacames and Sua beaches receive most tourists. It is also home to the majority of Afro-Ecuadorians, the base of their … Read more
Babahoyo is the capital of the Los Ríos province, Ecuador. It is bordered by two rivers, the San Pablo River and the Caracol River, which join to form the Babahoyo River. About the altitude, Babahoyo has an elevation of 26 feet (8 meters) above sea level. Some tourist attractions may be reached navigating down the Babahoyo river … Read more
The Galápagos Islands are Ecuador’s main tourist attractions and are a protected nature reserve. Its official name is the “Archipiélago de Colón”. It is a province located about 1000 kilometers west of the Ecuadorian coast. Its capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The Galápagos Islands consists of 13 main islands and 17 islets. These islands are perched on a large … Read more
Santa Elena is a coastal Ecuadorian province. Its capital shares the same name. Santa Elena is located on an Ecuadorian peninsula near the city of Guayaquil. This province has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. At the tip of the peninsula of Santa Elena, there is La Chocolatera. And, sitting atop a … Read more
Manabí is a province in central coastal Ecuador. Its capital is Portoviejo, where there is a local airport. Manabí has the largest Ecuadorian seaport, in Manta. As well as many small fishing villages. Manabí coast is rich with stunning beaches and striking rocky shorelines. In fact, it offers amazing sunsets that you will enjoy. A … Read more
Los Rios province is located in the foothills of the western Andes in central Ecuador. Its capital is Babahoyo. Los Rios economy is largely based on its agriculture: coffee, cacao, bananas, rice, tobacco, etc. Tourist attractions include fishing and native rituals. Climate is tropical; during the day temperature goes up to 88° F (31° C), … Read more
Guayas is a coastal province in Ecuador. Located in the central area of the coast, in a region washed by the Pacific Ocean and the Guayas river basin (hence its name). Guayaquil is its capital — Ecuador’s biggest city, leading commercial center, and a major port. In fact, many tourists visit this city is to … Read more
Esmeraldas is a province located in the northwestern Pacific coast of Ecuador, on the border with Colombia. Its capital shares the same name. Esmeraldas is known for its exotic flora, fauna, and beautiful beaches. It is also called the “green province” – “Provincia Verde” in Spanish – because it has untouched forests, surrounded by green … Read more
El Oro is a province located in the coast of Ecuador. Its capital is Machala. Oro means gold, this province was named for its historically important gold production. El Oro economy activity is based mostly on agriculture exports of bananas, shrimps, coffee, and cocoa. In fact, it is one of the world’s major exporters of … Read more
Tungurahua is an Ecuadorian province. Ambato is its capital. Tungurahua volcano is one of its main attractions. Other attraction is the Devil’s Cauldron. “Pailon del Diablo” in Spanish. Tungurahua main destinations are the town of Baños de Agua Santa and Ambato. In fact, the movie Proof of Life was filmed near Baños. In addition, this … Read more
Santo Domingo de Los Tsáchilas is an Ecuadorian province, part of the Coast region. Its capital is Santo Domingo. One of its main attractions is visiting the Tsáchila communities. People from these communities have a peculiar haircut in the form of a bowl glued down with bright-red achiote dye. Indeed, this is the reason, they are … Read more
Pichincha is one of the most visited provinces of Ecuador. Surrounded by the slopes of the Pichincha volcano (hence its name). Quito is its capital, also the nation’s capital. In fact, one of the peaks of the volcano, known as the Rucu Pichincha, can be reached from Quito. This is by car or using the “Teleferiqo” … Read more
Loja is a province in the south of Ecuador. Its capital, also named Loja, is a beautiful place to visit. Loja is one of the oldest and rich in culture and history provinces of Ecuador. This province is part of the Andean region of the country. It begins at the Andes Mountains and extends west … Read more
Imbabura is an Ecuadorian province with beautiful landscapes. Known as the “province of lakes”. Because it has many lakes and lagoons. Imbabura has temperate valleys, snow-capped volcanoes, and spectacular waterfalls. Ibarra is its capital. The main attractions are the lakes of San Pablo, Yahuarcocha, Mojanda, and Cuicocha. As well as the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and the … Read more
Cotopaxi is a province located about 45 km south of Quito. Its capital is Latacunga. This province owns majestic landscapes with scrubby woodlands in protected valley areas and open grasslands covering the lower slopes of mountains. Cotopaxi province offers many destinations including the Cotopaxi National Park, the Cotopaxi volcano, the Ilinizas volcano, and the Quilotoa … Read more
Chimborazo is a province located in the central Andes of Ecuador. Riobamba is its capital. Its main attractions are the Chimborazo National reserve, the Sangay National Park. As well as the famous Devil’s Nose train ride. It also homes several volcanoes such as the Chimborazo volcano — the highest mountain in Ecuador, the Carihuairazo mountain, and El … Read more
Pacific Coast consists of the low lying western portion of Ecuador. It extends from the Pacific coastline to the foothills of the Andes Mountains that lie to the east. This region has many beautiful beaches and small coastal communities.
Do you know the provinces of Ecuador? Ecuador has 24 provinces. Some countries have states, departments, or districts. Same idea, just the name changes. Each Ecuadorian province has cantons and parishes — parroquias in Spanish. The most popular provinces are Galápagos, Azuay, Guayas, Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Pichincha — home of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Division of Ecuador’s … Read more
