Why Ecuador belongs on your list
For a small country, Ecuador packs in an astonishing range: snow-capped volcanoes, Amazon rainforest, Pacific beaches and some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in the Americas. These cities make the perfect base for exploring it all.
Quito
The capital sits at 2,850 m and has one of the largest, best-preserved historic centres in Latin America, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander Plaza Grande, step inside the gilded La Compañía church, and ride the TelefériQo cable car up Pichincha for sweeping Andean views.
Highlight: Visit the Mitad del Mundo monument just north of the city and straddle the equator line.
Cuenca
Elegant, walkable and full of red-tiled roofs, Cuenca is many travellers' favourite. Its centre is also UNESCO-listed, with the blue-domed New Cathedral as its landmark.
Highlight: Tour a Panama hat workshop, the famous straw hats are actually made here.
Guayaquil
Ecuador's largest city and main port is hot, lively and rapidly modernising. Stroll the Malecón 2000 riverfront and climb the 444 steps of colourful Las Peñas, the oldest neighbourhood.
Highlight: Meet the resident iguanas at Parque Seminario in the city centre.
Baños
Nestled between the Andes and the Amazon basin, Baños de Agua Santa is the adventure capital. Think waterfalls, hot springs, rafting and zip-lines.
Highlight: Swing out over the canyon at the Casa del Árbol tree house.
Otavalo
This Andean town hosts one of South America's most famous indigenous markets, overflowing with textiles, weavings and crafts every Saturday.
Highlight: Hike or take a taxi to the crater lake of Laguna de Cuicocha nearby.
Riobamba
A quiet highland city in the shadow of Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak. It's the starting point for the dramatic Devil's Nose train route.
Highlight: Stand at the foot of Chimborazo, the spot on Earth farthest from the planet's centre.
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