Why Ecuador
Packed into a country smaller than the UK are snow-capped volcanoes, Amazon rainforest, Pacific beaches and the legendary Galápagos. You can stand on the Equator, ride a cloud-forest railway and snorkel with sea lions in the same trip. Here are the highlights worth planning around.
The Galápagos Islands
Ecuador's crown jewel sits 1,000 km offshore. Snorkel with sea lions, marine iguanas and penguins, and walk among giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz. A US$100 national park fee applies on arrival, plus a US$20 transit card. Multi-day cruises or island-hopping from Puerto Ayora both work.
Historic Quito
The capital's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the best-preserved in the Americas. Don't miss the gilded interior of La Compañía de Jesús church and the views from El Panecillo hill. The TelefériQo cable car climbs Pichincha volcano to 4,000 m for panoramic city views.
Mitad del Mundo
Just north of Quito, the Mitad del Mundo monument marks the Equator. The nearby Intiñán museum runs fun (if dubious) experiments balancing eggs and watching water swirl on the line itself.
Cotopaxi National Park
One of the world's highest active volcanoes at 5,897 m, Cotopaxi's perfect cone dominates the Avenue of Volcanoes. Hike to the Refugio at 4,800 m, mountain-bike the slopes, or spot wild horses on the páramo.
Quilotoa Crater Lake
A turquoise lake fills this collapsed volcanic caldera in the central highlands. Hike down to the water in about 45 minutes, then climb back, or trek a section of the multi-day Quilotoa Loop through Andean villages.
Baños de Agua Santa
This adventure-sports hub sits at the edge of the Amazon. Swing on the Casa del Árbol treehouse over a gorge, raft, zipline, or soak in thermal baths fed by Tungurahua volcano. The Ruta de las Cascadas links a string of waterfalls including the thundering Pailón del Diablo.
Cuenca
Ecuador's most beautiful colonial city has cobbled streets, the blue-domed New Cathedral and the Tomebamba riverbank. It's also the real home of the misnamed Panama hat — visit a toquilla-straw workshop.
The Amazon (Yasuní)
From Coca or Tena, jungle lodges put you among monkeys, pink river dolphins, parrot clay licks and Indigenous Kichwa and Huaorani communities. Yasuní National Park is among the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Otavalo Market
The Saturday market in Otavalo is one of the largest Indigenous craft markets in South America — alpaca textiles, weavings and jewellery, set against surrounding volcanoes.
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