Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Ecuador is a Spanish-speaking country in northwestern South America. The motto of Ecuador is “God, homeland, and freedom”. Its capital city is Quito while the largest city in Ecuador is Guayaquil.

The total area of Ecuador is 283,560a km2. In 2015 the population was calculated to be 16,144,000. Which is 65th in the rank of most people living in a country.

It is bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is a very attractive country for tourists. Tourists have plenty of tourist points in Ecuador.

Top 12 Places to Visit in Ecuador

1. Compania de Jesus

We have Compañía de Jesús, Quito, at the top of Ecuador’s list of places to visit. We have a church, Ecuador people’s history, and architectural views.

It was completed in 1765, and the material used in this church was of Volcanic gray stone. It is Quito’s most ornate church.

Visitors from all over the world have given feedback that this is the most beautiful place in Ecuador.

2. Cotopaxi

This place is famous for volcanoes, climbing mountains, glaciers, and hiking. This place is located in the Latacunga canton of Cotopaxi Province.

It is the second-highest Summit in Ecuador, reaching a height of 5,897 m (19,347 ft). It is one of the world’s highest volcanoes.

The first person to climb Cotopaxi was Alexander von Humboldt in 1802, but he only reached the height of 4500m.

He couldn’t reach the height of Summit then, but later, Wilhelm Reiss was able to reach the height of Summit.

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3. El Panecillo

On the top of Panecillo, a statue of Madonna was assembled. It was made of 7000 pieces of aluminum.

The statue was engineered and erected by Anibal Lopez of Quito. The street that leads up to El Panecillo is called Melchor Aymerich.

4. Cotopaxi National Park

This place is famous for Volcanoes, hiking, parks, camping, and horseback riding. We had plenty of fun here. There are lots of refreshments here.

This could be your choice once you decide about places to visit in Ecuador. Cotopaxi is among the most active volcanoes in the world.

5. Cajas National Park

It is located about 30 km west of Cuenca, the capital of the province of Azuay. It was given the name of the park in 1996. Its name originated from cassa, meaning “gateway to the snowy mountains.”

This place was also declared the best place for birds to live. Two hundred seventy lakes and lagoons can be found in the paramo of Cajas.

6. Charles Darwin Research Station

This is a biological research center in which the Charles Darwin Foundation operates. Here, scientists from Ecuador and all over the world work together.

This Station was completed in 1959. Researchers do environmental research at this Station. That is why this is their main aim to follow.

The Station has a team of over a hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students, and support staff worldwide.

7. Tortuga Bay

This is a very famous place for a newly married couple for a honeymoon. This place is on Santa Cruz Island, about a 20-minute walk from the main water taxi dock in Puerto Ayora.

Some places are forbidden for swimmers, while some spots include a separate cove where you can swim. White tip reef sharks and tiger sharks can be seen here.

Different fishes and birds, such as the brown pelican and the gigantic galápagos tortoise, are also seen here. The Name Island of Tortoise is given to this place because of the giant tortoises found there.

8. Galapagos National Park

This is Ecuador’s first national Park. It was established in 1959 and covers an area of 7995.4 km².

There is a separate cove where visitors can swim where it is common to view white tip reef sharks swimming in groups, small fish, birds, and sometimes the gigantic galápagos tortoise.

9. Podocarpus National Park

Park was created in 1982 in the province of Zamora Chinchipe and Loja. Park is famous for Parks, forests, protected areas, spectacled bears, and frogs.

Park has two main points of entry, which are the Cajanuma Sector and the Bombuscaro Sector. The temperature remains cold here.

Most of the time it is raining in this area. So if you have a mind, visit this place, then hold some covers and some necessary medications.

10. Rabida Island

This place is famous for Sea lions, pelicans, and beaches. Another name of this park is Jervis Island, which is due to John Jervis. In Ecuador, it is named Isla Rábida.

Wildlife has been reported here, such as pelicans, white-cheeked pintails, boobies, and nine finch species. The location of this park is the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.

Birds such as Brown pelicans on red sand will be found here. The rich wildlife attracts tourists from around the world to this place.

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11. Quito

Quito is a city in a valley surrounded by big volcanoes. It’s a cool place with old Spanish-style buildings.

Take a cable car up a big hill called Pichincha to see everything. But be careful; the air is thinner up there, so spend a day or two getting used to it before you go up.

12. Cuenca

In southern Ecuador, you will find the lovely city of Cuenca. It’s officially called Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca. About 660,000 people live here, and it’s a great place to explore on foot. 

This city is special because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it’s recognized for its history and beauty. Cuenca’s downtown area is where you will find many cool things to see. 

The Old Cathedral of Cuenca (Iglesia del Sagrario) is one of the most important. It was built in 1567 using stones from nearby Inca buildings.

You can check out its old organ from 1739, a big clock from 1751, and a Museum for Religious Art. It’s worth a visit!

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