You know those rare places that make you question everything you thought you knew about travel? That’s Ecuador. Everyone comes for the Galapagos (and yeah, it’s mind-blowing), but mainland Ecuador straight-up changed how I think about South America. Where else can you watch the sunrise over the Amazon and catch it setting into the Pacific on the same day?
I’ve pulled together the most beautiful places to visit in Ecuador that made me rethink what’s possible in one country. These 12 spots show exactly why this country leaves visitors speechless, from misty Andean peaks to steamy Amazon rivers.
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#1 tip to save money on your trip to Ecuador
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Ecuadorian adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Quito for just $300 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by eating at local almuerzos (set lunch spots) where a complete meal with soup, main course, juice, and dessert costs $2.50-4. Markets like Mercado Central offer fresh fruit and local dishes at great prices. Local bakeries sell breakfast empanadas for under $1.
- Transport: Use the Trolebus and Ecovia systems in Quito – they cost just 25-35 cents per ride. For intercity travel, public buses are comfortable and affordable, while night buses save on accommodation. Between using public transport and avoiding tourist shuttles, this has saved me hundreds of dollars on each trip.
Ecuador is already quite affordable, especially once you leave the Galapagos Islands. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore this diverse country for even less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Ecuador:
1. Galapagos Islands
- 📍 Location: Pacific Ocean, 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🐢, wildlife photographers 📸, marine explorers 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting giant tortoises, snorkeling with sea lions, hiking volcanic terrain
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to May during the warm season for calm seas and vibrant wildlife 🐠
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel – Eco-friendly stay with direct beach access
The Galapagos Islands feel like another planet in the best way possible. This remote volcanic chain is home to giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and sea lions that often nap on beaches right beside you. Wildlife doesn’t hide here, it shares the space with you.
Each island has its own vibe, from lava-sculpted landscapes to quiet mangrove coves. Santa Cruz makes a great hub for island-hopping, while Isabela offers lava tunnels and wild coastlines. The Charles Darwin Research Station is also worth a visit to learn how conservation is being done on the ground.
Snorkeling and diving are where it all comes together. One moment you’re gliding over coral reefs, the next you’re floating beside a penguin or a reef shark. It’s the kind of place that turns travelers into storytellers and nature lovers for life.
2. Quito
- 📍 Location: Quito, Pichincha Province
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, architecture fans 🧱, scenic city lovers 🌄
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Old Town, riding the TelefériQo, visiting Basilica del Voto Nacional
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September during the dry season for clear skies and city views ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Gangotena – Elegant boutique hotel overlooking Plaza San Francisco
Quito feels like a city shaped by stories. At over 9,000 feet, it’s one of the highest capitals in the world, and that altitude adds to the drama of its setting, surrounded by Andean peaks and lush hills. The cobblestone streets of Old Town are packed with charm, from historic monasteries to open plazas buzzing with street vendors.
Don’t miss the TelefériQo, a sky-high cable car that lifts you straight into the clouds for panoramic views. For something even more unique, visit the Middle of the World monument where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
What sets Quito apart is the mix of old and new. Artisan markets sit beside trendy cafes, and ancient churches share corners with street murals. Whether you’re museum-hopping or people-watching in the plazas, the city keeps surprising you in the best way.
3. Cotopaxi National Park
- 📍 Location: Cotopaxi Province, Andes Mountains
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, volcano chasers 🌋, wildlife spotters 🦅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking to the José Rivas Refuge, spotting wild horses, biking the Limpiopungo trail
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September during the dry season for hiking and clear volcano views 🌄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hacienda El Porvenir – Rustic lodge near the park with horseback riding access
Cotopaxi National Park is wild, quiet, and full of raw energy. The massive Cotopaxi volcano rises like a perfect snow-dusted cone, and you can see it from nearly every trail in the park. At over 19,000 feet, it’s one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world and gives the park its epic backdrop.
Hiking here isn’t just about the climb. Wide plains are filled with wild horses, Andean foxes, and high-altitude birds like the caracara. The Limpiopungo Lagoon makes a great picnic spot and an easy loop trail with scenic reflection views.
Whether you go for the challenge of altitude or just to breathe in the open air, Cotopaxi delivers on that untouched feeling. It’s the kind of place where silence feels expansive and the sky seems closer than anywhere else.
4. Otavalo Market
- 📍 Location: Otavalo, Imbabura Province
- 🏆 Best For: Culture lovers 🎭, local shoppers 🧶, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Browse handmade textiles, hear Andean music live, try hornado pork at the food stalls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June and December during Inti Raymi and Christmas festivities 🎉
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Otavalo – Stylish boutique hotel near the main plaza
Wandering through Otavalo Market is like stepping into a vibrant storybook of Ecuadorian culture. Every Saturday, the town transforms into a sea of color, with stalls brimming with woven ponchos, leather goods, jewelry, and hand-painted crafts. Locals in traditional dress greet you with warm smiles, often sharing the story behind each piece they sell.
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The market isn’t just about shopping, but more on cultural immersion. Musicians play pan flutes and charangos as you weave through rows of textiles and fresh produce. It’s the kind of place where grabbing a $3 lunch turns into a conversation about family recipes passed down for generations.
Otavalo also offers chances to connect beyond the market. You’ll find workshops where you can learn about natural dyes or how to weave on a backstrap loom. It’s an intimate, welcoming space that showcases the roots and rhythm of everyday Andean life.
5. Mindo Cloudforest
- 📍 Location: Mindo, Pichincha Province
- 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🦜, eco-adventurers 🌱, waterfall seekers 💦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Zip-lining through the canopy, hiking to Nambillo Waterfall, visiting a butterfly sanctuary
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to May when the forest is green and waterfalls are flowing 🌧️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Divina Lodge – Rustic eco-lodge with forest views and local charm
Mindo Cloudforest is one of Ecuador’s best escapes for nature and peace. Tucked between mountain slopes, the air here feels cooler and cleaner, filled with the sounds of birds, insects, and the occasional distant waterfall. It’s a prime spot for birdwatching, with over 400 species recorded, including the colorful Andean cock-of-the-rock.
You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy Mindo. Trails range from easy to challenging, and many lead to hidden waterfalls or quiet swimming holes. Thrill-seekers can try zip-lining or tubing down the Mindo River. For something slower-paced, visit a chocolate farm or butterfly sanctuary.
Evenings are calm and quiet. Most lodges offer cozy cabins where you can relax to the sound of rain on the roof. Mindo feels like a soft reset button, perfect if you’re craving fresh air, greenery, and a slower rhythm that lets you reconnect with nature.
6. Baños
- 📍 Location: Baños, Tungurahua Province
- 🏆 Best For: Adventure lovers 🧗, hot spring seekers 💦, nature photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swing at the End of the World, soak in thermal baths, bike the Waterfall Route
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October during the dry season for outdoor adventures ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Samari Spa Resort – Comfortable mountain lodge with thermal pool and gardens
Baños is Ecuador’s adventure capital, set in a lush valley at the base of the Tungurahua volcano. It’s a small town with big energy, where you can start your morning hiking and end it in a hot spring surrounded by misty forest views. The vibe is relaxed, but there’s no shortage of things to do.
Try the famous “Swing at the End of the World” for a serious adrenaline rush and unbeatable views. The Ruta de las Cascadas bike trail is also a highlight, with dozens of waterfalls along the way and plenty of stops for zip-lining or river rafting.
After a full day out, unwind in the thermal baths that gave the town its name. Baños blends thrill and chill in equal measure. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or just fresh mountain air, this place keeps you moving and smiling.
7. Nariz del Diablo
- 📍 Location: Alausí, Chimborazo Province
- 🏆 Best For: Train fans 🚂, history lovers 🏛️, offbeat explorers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Ride the Devil’s Nose train, explore Alausí town, enjoy mountain scenery
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September during the dry season for scenic train rides 🚉
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Noris Hotel Alausí – Simple and charming hotel close to the train station
Nariz del Diablo, or “The Devil’s Nose,” is one of the most dramatic railway stretches in South America. The train zigzags down a steep mountainside using switchbacks, giving you sweeping views of cliffs, canyons, and highland villages that seem frozen in time.
The journey begins in Alausí, a peaceful colonial town that’s worth exploring before or after your train ride. Colorful facades, quiet plazas, and friendly locals give it a welcoming, small-town feel. You’ll also find a few lookout points with panoramic views of the train tracks winding through the valley.
This isn’t just a ride, it’s a piece of Ecuadorian history. Originally built to connect the coast to the Andes, the railway is an engineering marvel and a cultural experience. If you’re into unique travel stories or just want to try something different, this is a must-stop in the highlands.
8. Guayaquil
- 📍 Location: Guayaquil, Guayas Province
- 🏆 Best For: City explorers 🏙️, foodies 🍤, history buffs 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walk the Malecón 2000, visit Las Peñas, ride the La Perla Ferris wheel
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September during the dry season for riverfront walks and festivals 🎉
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel del Parque – Restored 19th-century property set in a riverside park
Guayaquil is often seen as the gateway to the Galapagos, but it’s worth exploring on its own. This coastal city has a colorful, energetic vibe with a mix of modern malls and historic neighborhoods. The Malecón 2000 boardwalk is the best place to start, lined with sculptures, gardens, and views of the Guayas River.
Just above the riverfront is Las Peñas, a hilltop district with rainbow-painted houses and cobbled streets. Climb the 444 steps to the top of Santa Ana Hill for one of the best city views in Ecuador. There are plenty of cafes and galleries tucked into the walk.
Guayaquil is also a great place to try coastal cuisine. Think ceviche, grilled shrimp, and fresh coconut drinks. It’s a city that balances fast-paced growth with pockets of charm and tradition, making it a refreshing stop on any Ecuador itinerary.
9. Cochasquí
- 📍 Location: Pedro Moncayo Canton, Pichincha Province
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏺, archaeology fans 🧭, off-the-beaten-path travelers 🚶
- 📸 Top Experiences: Explore pre-Incan pyramids, hike with views of the Andes, visit the small on-site museum
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September during the dry season for mountain hikes and clearer skies 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hacienda Pinsaquí – Historic hacienda with cozy rooms and garden views near Otavalo
Cochasquí is one of Ecuador’s lesser-known treasures, a peaceful site that feels both ancient and untouched. The pre-Incan pyramids here are made from volcanic stone and grass-covered platforms, quietly blending into the surrounding highlands. You can walk among the mounds without crowds or noise.
The site sits high in the Andes, so you’ll also get wide views of snow-capped volcanoes on a clear day. Small trails run between pyramids, llamas roam freely, and local guides share insights about the Quitu-Cara culture that once thrived here.
It’s easy to combine Cochasquí with a visit to Otavalo or Cayambe, especially if you want to avoid the usual tourist path. This place invites you to slow down and absorb the landscape, making it ideal for travelers who want quiet beauty, ancient history, and open skies in one visit.
10. Tortuga Bay Beach
- 📍 Location: Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
- 🏆 Best For: Beachgoers 🏖️, wildlife watchers 🦎, nature lovers 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Kayak near mangroves, watch marine iguanas, walk the white-sand trail
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to May during the warm season for calm waters and clear skies 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Fiesta – Laid-back hotel close to the beach trail entrance
Tortuga Bay is a peaceful stretch of white sand that feels totally untouched. To get there, you walk a scenic 30-minute path from Puerto Ayora, surrounded by cactus and lava rock. The moment the beach opens up, you’re met with brilliant turquoise water and calm waves perfect for kayaking or relaxing.
The first part of the bay is open for sunbathing and swimming, while the second section, Playa Mansa, is ideal for spotting marine life. Expect to see marine iguanas lounging on the sand and pelicans diving for fish. It’s quiet, clean, and surprisingly undeveloped.
What makes Tortuga Bay special is how natural it feels. There are no shops or loud tours, just the sound of wind, waves, and bird calls. Bring water, sunscreen, and time to unplug. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking for a calm escape in the Galapagos.
- Read next: Top Galapagos Attractions & Activities
11. Yasuní Biosphere Reserve
- 📍 Location: Amazon Rainforest, eastern Ecuador
- 🏆 Best For: Jungle explorers 🌳, wildlife enthusiasts 🐒, conservation travelers 🌎
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting pink dolphins, climbing canopy towers, visiting Kichwa communities
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March during the wet season for wildlife activity and boat access 🌧️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat – Luxury eco-lodge with guided jungle tours
Yasuní is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Located deep in the Amazon, it’s home to hundreds of species of birds, monkeys, and insects, as well as rare mammals like jaguars and river dolphins. A visit here feels like stepping into a living science documentary.
Most visitors arrive by boat and stay in eco-lodges that partner with local Indigenous communities. Guided hikes and canoe trips offer close encounters with wildlife while supporting conservation efforts. It’s not uncommon to hear howler monkeys at dawn or spot colorful toucans above the canopy.
Cultural experiences add another layer. You can meet Kichwa families, learn about medicinal plants, or even taste traditional foods. Yasuní isn’t just about the forest, it’s also about the culture and people who live in harmony with it.
12. Cuenca
- 📍 Location: Cuenca, Azuay Province
- 🏆 Best For: Culture seekers 🎨, architecture fans 🏛️, slow travelers ☕
- 📸 Top Experiences: Stroll through the colonial center, explore the Catedral Nueva, visit artisan markets
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September during the dry season for walking tours and festivals 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mansion Alcazar – Elegant colonial-style hotel in the heart of the historic district
Cuenca is a charming city where every street feels like a postcard. Cobblestone roads wind past flower-filled balconies and grand cathedrals, while plazas buzz with cafes, artists, and live music. The entire historic center is a UNESCO site, and it’s easy to see why.
The mix of Spanish and Indigenous influences is strong here. You’ll find art galleries, Panama hat workshops, and cozy bookstores all within walking distance. The Río Tomebamba runs through town, giving Cuenca a peaceful riverfront lined with leafy trails and bridges.
Cuenca is perfect for travelers who like to slow down. It’s a city that invites you to sit in a plaza with a pastry, chat with locals at the market, or join a walking tour without a rush. The pace is easygoing, the vibe is warm, and the sense of history is everywhere.
