Ecuador is off the typical tourist trail, but still presents multiple vacation options. The Pacific coast offers relaxing beaches, while the Amazon allows you to combine ecotourism with active sports, from hiking to whitewater rafting or kayaking in Tena. Lastly, for history buffs, both Quito’s Old Town and Cuenca provide insight into Ecuador’s colonial past.
Overshadowed by higher-profile South American tourist destinations such as Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru. It is a relatively small country, roughly the size of the US state of Colorado. Notwithstanding the latter, Ecuador, with eleven national parks, has varied terrain from its western coast to tropical jungle and majestic mountains/volcanoes, including the well-known Cotopaxi and Tungurahua. As for indoor activities, in addition to museums and architectural sites, for those who like to shop, Ecuador, the home of the “Panama” hat, offers a variety of products to buy, from silver and leather to local handicrafts.
An Andean nation, Ecuador’s capital Quito was one of the original UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At more than 9,000 feet above sea level, Quito has a temperate climate that earned it the name “city of eternal spring”, even though it is only 15 miles south of the equator. The second largest city in the country, it still has a well-preserved old town centered around La Plaza Grande and containing the Palacio del Gobierno and the cathedral. Nearby is another top view – the San Francisco Monastery.
Beyond these traditional tourist spots, the city itself includes great views from the tops of the hills in the residential neighborhoods. Tucked away nearby are many casual neighborhood restaurants.
Ecuador’s Pacific coast is dominated by its largest city and main port, Guayaquil. With its riverside boardwalk, Malecón 2000, featuring multiple restaurants and shops and its contrasting nature and ecological reserves, Guayaquil is more than just the launching pad for points west. In addition to its 21st century offerings, its “La Rotonda” adds historical context by commemorating the meeting of South America’s two most famous liberators, San Martín and Simón Bolívar.
As noted, Guayaquil is also a major jumping-off point for those traveling west, heading primarily to Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, 600 miles out to sea. Named for the large tortoises found there, the islands have a colorful history, having been partially populated by pirates four centuries ago. In contrast, today they are a popular destination for ecotourism. The number of rare species of animals and plants is the main attraction that caused the visit of Charles Darwin at the beginning of the 19th century. Restrictions apply in accordance with conservation efforts, so plan ahead to join one of the small boat tours.
Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador, still bears the mark of the past with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. However, its most notable public building dates from more recent times. The large, multi-domed “New Cathedral” was completed in the 20th century, while the “Old Cathedral” now serves as a museum.
Near Cuenca is the Ecuadorian Amazon that extends through six provinces. Tours frequently start in Baños for visitors in search of pink dolphins, howler monkeys, three-toed sloths and large rodents.
In general, an Ecuador vacation offers something for everyone, from leisurely historical and cultural tours to more adventurous outdoor sports and ecological tours at an affordable price. In addition, the different climatic zones of Ecuador provide an option for those who like the tropics to head to the beaches or the rainforest or for those who want to escape the heat to enjoy the mild climate of Quito. Finally, Ecuador has preserved the distinctive flavor of the Andean region while remaining accessible to international travelers.
