Popular Tourist Destinations
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Archipelago is
located in the equator, 965 km (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. It
consists of 13 main islands and many small ones, of which only five are
inhabited by humans: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, Floreana and Baltra. Most services such
as hotels, restaurants and shops are found in the main towns, like Puerto Ayora
in Santa Cruz and Puerto Baquerizo. The latter, located in San Cristobal Island
is the Galapagos Province’s capital. The Galapagos
National Park was established on 1936, and declared UNESCO World Heritage Site
on 1978. The interesting aspects about these islands are endless. Its main
attraction is the wildlife and landscape. The oldest islands are a few million
years old, and being so far away from the mainland, many endemic plant and
animal species have evolved. It is said that 36% of the plants (225
species) and 49 % of the birds (28 species) are endemic, meaning they can only
be found there. Additionally, all the land reptile species are endemic; these
include giant tortoises, iguanas and lizards.
Due to its volcanic activity
and origin, amazing landscape has been created: tuff cones, lava tunnels, colored
sand beaches and salt water crater lakes. Activities available
on this exciting destination include scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking and
trekking, surfing, horseback riding and of course, wildlife viewing, especially
bird watching. The Galapagos can be
reached by air from Guayaquil and Quito. There are two airports on the islands,
in Baltra and San Cristobal, and the daily flights from mainland take about two
and a half hours. Galapagos is a year
round destination, though there are two distinct seasons. The cooler and dryer
season goes from June to December. In this season, the waters are quite cold,
the sky is clear and sometimes there are light showers. The warmer and more
humid season goes from December to May, and it is characterized by cloudy skies
and nearly daily rains. Regarding wildlife, most animals can be
seen year round, though some species have definite breeding seasons or active
periods. This is important to consider if you want to see a specific animal or animal
behavior, such as courtship or nesting.
(link to list of islands’ descriptions)
Otavalo
Otavalo is a famous small town located
about one hour and a half north of Quito, at an altitude of 2 580 meters
(8460 feet) above sea level, on the slopes of Imbabura Volcano. The town’s main
attraction is its handicraft and produce market on Saturdays. Here visitors
will find a vast array of textiles and leather, wood and ceramic crafts, not
only from Ecuador, but from Peru and Bolivia as well. The market is open every
day, but Saturday is definitely the best and busiest day. There are other
nearby attractions as well, such as the Peguche Waterfall, easily accessible
from Otavalo.
This site is considered sacred by the locals, and by the end of
June, several festivals (Inti Raymi) start in its purifying waters. The
waterfall gets its waters from San Pablo Lake, another of the area’s points of
interest for its beautiful landscape and wildlife. Pucara de Rey Loma
is a historical site, as it is said that the pre-Columbian cultures resisted
the Inca incursion on this hill. Also, there is an impressive view of Imbabura
Volcano and the Otavalo Valley. Other than museums
and churches, hiking and trekking trips are available to Imbabura, Cusin and
Fuya Fuya Hills. Otavalo is a year
round destination; the weather feels like spring constantly, though the “summer”
months go from July to September. There are several places to stay in Otavalo
and surroundings, as well as restaurants and other services. The market can be
visited as a one day tour from Quito as well.
Quito
The capital city is
the second most populated, and its historic center is so rich, it earned the
title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is located in the Andean north
central part of Ecuador, and its main airport is called Mariscal Sucre International.
A new one located in the outskirts of the city is under construction though,
and it’s estimated it will be ready by 2009. At 2850 meters
(9 350 feet) above sea level, the weather is comfortable year round,
though it can be quite chilly at nights. There are 2 seasons: the dry, warmer
season goes from May to September and the wet, cooler season, from October to
April. The Old City is
where most spots of interest are, such as the Cathedral, the Basilica, museums
and monasteries and the Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza San Francisco, and
Plaza Santo Domingo. In the New City, there are quite a lot of good museums
too, like the Museo Nacional del Banco Central Del Ecuador, Museum of Musical
Instruments, and the Museum of Modern Art. Expect varied and great food in the
New City! In Quito, you can find all the services expected from a cosmopolitan
city. In the outskirts of
Quito, there are several interesting locations that can be visited. The
Teleferiqo takes you in a tram ride up Pichincha Volcano, at 4 200 meters
(13 780 feet) above sea level.
The Middle of the
World Monument, located about 30 minutes north of Quito, was built to mark the
exact spot where the equator is supposedly located. Years after it was built,
it was determined the equator actually passes 240 meters (788 feet) south of
the monument, but it is still a popular tourist site. The Intiñan Solar Museum
was then built on the true location. The Pululahua
Natural Monument, about 25 km (15 miles) north of Quito offers a beautiful
natural environment and a crater that can be walked to.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is a port
city in the Pacific Coast, and it is the most populated city in Ecuador and the
most important economic center.
Temperatures are quite nice year round , and
there are two distinct seasons. From December to April, the weather is hot and
humid, and from May to December, it is dry and cooler. The main airport is
José Joaquín de Olmedo International,
located within 15 minutes from downtown. There are several
pleasurable sights in the city. For example, the Malecón Simón Bolívar or
Malecón 2000, that runs 2,5 km (1,5 miles) along the Guayas River. Along the
way there are restaurants, bars, gardens, museums, stores and viewpoints. Similarly,
the Malecón Del Salado offers entertainment and beautiful gardens. The Cerro Santa Ana
is located close to the Malecon, in the northeast side of the city. Climbing up
the 456 stairs is a rewarding experience, as you’ll get great views of the
city, and along the way, you’ll encounter many colorful cafes and restaurants. Cerro
Santa Ana is located close to Las Peñas, an old and picturesque quarter that’s
also worth the visit. The interesting Historical Park illustrates the natural
and historical Guayaquil in three zones: Wildlife, Urban and Traditions. In the outskirts, there
are several natural spots of interest, such as Churute Mangrove’s Ecological
Reserve, where it’s possible to take canoe rides into the mangroves; great for
wildlife viewing! The Botanical Gardens, located northwest, are recommended as
well.
Cuenca
The colonial city of Cuenca is said
to be the most beautiful city in Ecuador. In fact, it was designated World
Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, for the preservation of the original orthogonal
urban planning and architecture. The city is located in the southern part of
Ecuador, in a valley amidst the Andes. Due to its location, the weather is
quite pleasant year round, with higher temperatures during the dry “summer”, from
May to November. The city is a nice place to visit year round though. Cuenca can be
reached by air from Quito or Guayaquil, in a 45 minute flight. Its main airport
is called Mariscal Lamar. Handcrafting is a
very important activity, and products include Panama Hats, leather, gold and
silver jewelry and pottery.
In the city, there
are many colonial buildings that should not be missed, like the Old and New
Cathedrals, the Abdón Calderón Park and the Banco Central Museum, among others.
There are several
important tourist sites near Cuenca that should be visited. The Ingapirca
Ruins are located about 60 km (37 miles) to the north. This is the most
important archaeological site in Ecuador, and it consists of several stone
structures. The name Ingapirca means “wall of the Inca”. The Cajas National
Park is an important natural reserve that offers amazing landscape, lagoons,
and highland flora and fauna, including condors. The park is located about 30
km (19 miles) west of Cuenca.
Cotopaxi
The name Cotopaxi
refers to a province, a national park and a volcano located in the central part
of Ecuador, in the heart of the Andean mountains. Cotopaxi province is known
for its quaint towns, lakes and rich traditions reflected on its Indian
markets. Latacunga is the province’s capital. The national park is
located 60 km (37 miles) south of Quito, and it can be reached by car or
train. The national park hosts a vast array of animal and plant species, such
as pumas, bears, rabbits, foxes and condors. Also, there is a recreational area
called El Boliche, which houses a large pine forest, lakes and camping sites. The Cotopaxi volcano,
the national park’s biggest highlight, stands 5897 meters (19 350 feet) tall,
and it is the second highest peak in the country, and one of the highest active
volcanoes in the world. Another interesting fact is that it has one of the few
equatorial glaciers in the world. The last major eruption took place in 1904,
though there was some activity in 1942 and 1975. Climbing the volcano
is quite a challenge, and special equipment and guiding are required. There is
a year round housing facility that can accommodate many tourists. The national park has other interesting
locations that are worth visiting, such as the Rumiñahui Volcano, and Santo Domingo
and Limpiopungo Lake; all offer amazing landscapes and photographing
opportunities.
The Laguna Del Quilotoa,
located in the province, is another important natural destination. The blue and
green colored Crater Lake can be reached from the town of Zumbagua, an Indian
settlement. It is possible to hike around the crater, which makes a good five
hour hike. There is a growing number of tourist services around, such as guides
and hostels.
Chimborazo and Riobamba
The Chimborazo
province is located in the central Andes, and it offers many cultural and
natural attractions. The Chimborazo, an inactive volcano, is Ecuador’s highest
peak, with an imposing elevation of 6 268 meters (20 564 feet). It is
said that this is the farthest point from the center of the Earth, and its
summit is totally covered by glaciers. Climbing to the summit is very
challenging, but there are lower parts that can be visited by tourists. The colonial city of
Riobamba is the capital of the province, and of the nearest cities to
Chimborazo. The city is located 200 km (125 miles) south of Quito and at an
altitude of 2 700 meters (8 860 feet), and it is accessible from Ambato,
Guayaquil and Quito (about 5 hours). This is a great base from where to visit
Chimborazo, but its plazas, parks, museums and a Saturday market make this city
an attraction on its own. From here, visitors
can take the famous train ride that goes through the “Devil’s Nose”, a very steep
section in the mountains. The scenic ride from Riobamba to Alausi or Sibambe
takes from four to five hours, and it will take you from the cold highlands to
the warm jungle. Schedules vary, so be sure to check; and buy the ticket the
night before!
Also, located in part in the
Chimborazo province is the Sangay National Park, declared UNESCO World Heritage
Site. This outstanding natural reserve comprises several ecosystems, from
lowland Amazon rainforests to mountain glaciers, as well as two active
volcanoes (Tungurahua and Sangay). The diversity and richness of this reserve
is invaluable.
The famous destination of Baños
is easily accessible from Riobamba as well.
Baños
Baños is a city located in the
province of Tungurahua, next to the Tungurahua Volcano. It is located 180 km (112 miles) south of
Quito (about 3 hours). The name of the city (meaning “baths” in Spanish) is
given by the various hot springs located near the city. But there are many
outdoor activities available as well, such as hiking, climbing, horseback
riding, rafting and mountain biking. There are several famous waterfalls such
as El Manto de la Novia and Pailón Del Diablo, which can be accessed hiking or
biking.If you are looking for adventurous
trekking, the Tungurahua Volcano, Sangay and Llanganates national parks and are
located nearby, and can be accessed from Baños. These national parks form an
important biological corridor for many unique species, and so are of huge
importance to the natural world. Being close to Riobamba, the famous “Devil’s
Nose” train ride is easily reached from Baños too. The city is also considered
as the gateway to the Amazon, as it is easy accessible to Puyo, its closest
city.
This city is located at 1826
meters (5 990 feet) above sea level, and it benefits from nice temperate
weather year round, which makes it a perfect destination to visit any time! It
offers cozy accommodations and a wide variety of dining options and bars.
Isla de la Plata
Isla de la Plata is part of
Machalilla National Park, and it is located 24 km (15 miles) off the coast of
Ecuador, and a two hour boat ride from Puerto López. It is accessible from
Puerto Cayo and Montecristi too. Puerto Lopez is a lively fishermen town notably
used as a base for visiting the national park and for taking whale watching
tours. Machalilla is a coastal national park that
protects the last remnant of dry tropical forest in Ecuador, and hosts an
amazing array of flora and fauna. Its major attraction is certainly the island,
though its pristine beaches, wildlife and archaeological site (Agua Blanca) make
the mainland part of the national park great destination to visit. The area is famous for humpback whale
watching from June to September. Bird watching on the island is also
excellent, as many Galapagos species are found here, such as the blue footed
boobies and albatrosses. The island is a paradise for snorkelers and
divers, as its waters are bursting with marine life, and the mean temperatures
are around the 20° C (68 °F)!
