5 destinations to visit on your first trip to mainland Ecuador /

Have you heard of Ecuador, a small but beautiful country? Ecuador is located in South America, a beautiful country with an area of ​​​​256,370 km2, its capital is the city of Quito, through which it crosses the famous equatorial line and marks the north and south of the world.

Ecuador is also called the land of the 4 worlds. But why has it earned this name? The presence of 4 very different regions along the territory offers its inhabitants and visitors the opportunity to discover the mountain ranges in the Andes, the forests and jungles in the Amazon, the beautiful beaches of the coast and of course the unique charm of the Galapagos. Islands. Below you will discover some of the destinations you should include on your first visit to this amazing country and some of the activities you can do. Are you ready?

Quito – the main gateway and center of everything

Quito, Ecuador’s capital, perched high in the Andes Mountains, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends colonial charm, rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant and historic destination high in the Andes Mountains. Located at an elevation of approximately 2,850 meters (9,350 ft) above sea level.

In addition, Quito’s location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems. Its central location allows you to travel to other regions within hours, the starting point by land and air, including the cloud forests of Mindo, the Cotopaxi National Park, Otavalo, Ibarra and the lush Amazon rainforest.

It is also the point for domestic flights to Cuenca, Loja, Guayaquil, Coca and Manta. All these cities are essential due to their location to connect you to other destinations in the respective regions of the country.

Some activity options

• Explore the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Visit iconic landmarks such as Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square), Quito Cathedral, and the Presidential Palace. Don’t miss the beautiful Compañía de Jesús Church, characterized by its baroque and churrigueresque style. The facade is adorned with an abundance of ornate details, including carved stone figures and Solomonic columns. The interior is equally impressive, with elaborate decoration and an abundance of gold on the main altar.
• Visit the Middle of the World, just outside Quito, where you can stand on the equator and learn about the cultural and scientific importance of this place. You can do the balanced egg experiment, an egg is placed upright on a flat surface and the egg can be balanced without falling over.
• Take a cable car ride to Pichincha Volcano and enjoy panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, you can take a walk, enjoy a meal or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
• Visit galleries and workshops of local artisans, as well as places that showcase the history of the city and country, such as the City Museum, National Museum, Wax Museum, and more.

What activity would you do on your first day in Quito?

Otavalo – a magical city

With its vibrant markets, traditional crafts and breathtaking natural surroundings, the city of Otavalo is a dynamic and culturally rich destination that will captivate visitors. Otavalo offers tourists a distinctive and immersive experience due to its rich indigenous heritage and thriving craft traditions.

The indigenous communities of Otavalo are also culturally enriched, being true artisans and musicians who protect these traditions to this day. The descendants of the protected Kichwa people, the ¨Otavaleños¨, proudly maintain their customs and way of life. Their signature clothing, composed of intricately embroidered textiles and garments, is a reflection of their cultural heritage.

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Some activity options

• Explore the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest indigenous markets in South America. This lively market is known for its colorful textiles, handicrafts, jewelery and traditional clothes.
• Take a short trip to Peguche, a nearby village famous for its beautiful waterfall. Enjoy a walk through lush greenery to reach the waterfall, where you can see its impressive beauty up close. The area is also considered sacred by the indigenous communities and has cultural significance.
• Visit the picturesque Cuicocha Lake, located in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Take a boat trip on the crater lake and admire the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Hiking trails are also available around the lake, with breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife watching.
• Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake San Pablo, close to Otavalo. You can take a boat trip on the lake or just relax on the calm shores. The surrounding area offers beautiful views of the lake, mountains and nearby indigenous communities.

What would you choose first, a visit to the lakes or culture at the market?

Cotopaxi National Park

At a staggering height of 5,897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level, Cotopaxi Volcano is part of Cotopaxi National Park, which was established in 1975 to protect the area’s natural wonders and biodiversity. Is the highest active volcano in the world, giving it an aura of mystery and fascination, Cotopaxi is of great cultural and historical importance to Ecuador. For the inhabitants of the Andean region, the volcano is considered sacred and is shrouded in myths and legends.

The park covers an area of ​​about 33,393 hectares (82,560 acres) and offers a wide variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and paramo (high-altitude grassland) areas.

Some activity options

• Cotopaxi National Park offers numerous trails that allow visitors to explore the breathtaking landscapes. You can start with hikes of varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from short hikes to multi-day treks.
• For experienced climbers and mountaineers, climbing the Cotopaxi volcano is an exciting adventure. Good preparation, acclimatization and the help of experienced guides are essential.
• Experience the Andes highlands on horseback and immerse yourself in the local culture. Guided horseback riding tours offer a unique perspective on the Cotopaxi area, allowing you to explore the scenic beauty while learning about the region’s history and traditions.

Would you like to visit this beautiful National Park?

Guayaquil – pearl of the Pacific Ocean

The largest city in Ecuador and a bustling metropolis is Guayaquil, located on the southwest coast of the country. It is a vibrant and dynamic city that serves as the economic and commercial center of Ecuador and is known for its extensive history, diverse attractions and construction.

Guayaquil is located on the banks of the Guayas River, close to the Gulf of Guayaquil. Guayaquil is known for its delicious gastronomy and delicious coastal dishes such as ceviche, encebollado, seafood rice and more. Guayaquil is home to Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport, another gateway to Ecuador and a departure point for the Galapagos Islands. Temperatures are warm all year round, with an annual average of around 27°C.

Some activity options

• Take a leisurely stroll along the Malecon 2000, the iconic waterfront boulevard. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Guayas River, visit the various monuments and statues, and stop at the shops, restaurants and entertainment along the way.
• Climb the steps of Cerro Santa Ana, a hill in the neighborhood of ¨Las Peñas¨. At the top, you’ll find colorful houses, art galleries, and panoramic views of the city and the Guayas River.
• Visit Parque Seminario (Iguana Park) and spend some time in this unique park where you can observe and interact with the free-roaming iguanas. It’s a great opportunity to take photos and learn more about these fascinating creatures.
• Visit Guayaquil’s Historical Park, which showcases the city’s history and cultural heritage. Explore traditional Ecuadorian architecture, learn about local customs and traditions, and enjoy the park’s recreational areas and gardens.

Which activity would you do first?

Cuence – the hidden gem of South America

Cuenca, the provincial capital of Azuay in southern Ecuador, is located at 2,538 meters above sea level in a beautiful valley surrounded by Andes Mountains. Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in all of South America, with one of the best preserved historic centers in the world, leading to its designation as an Ecuadorian Cultural Heritage on March 29, 1982.

This lovely city with a total area of ​​almost 16,000 hectares is located in the Andes Mountains. The temperature in this city is usually constant between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable and popular destination for everyone.

Some activity options

• Explore the historic center, as it is truly one of the most beautiful old towns in Ecuador, and take a stroll through the narrow cobbled streets and admire the colonial buildings, such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Church of San Blas, and the Church from Santo Domingo. Don’t miss Parque Calderon and the main square. Visit museums and art galleries, such as the Pumapungo Museum, which showcases Ecuador’s history and archeology.
• Discover the Tomebamba River, which flows through the city and offers beautiful riverside trails for walking or cycling. Enjoy the panoramic view and visit the ruins of Puente Roto (an Inca bridge).
• Take a day trip to Cajas National Park, located just outside Cuenca. The park is a beautiful nature reserve known for its lakes, mountains and the unique Andean páramo ecosystem. Ideal for walking, bird watching and camping in this scenic area.
• Visit the Ingapirca Ruins, the largest and most important archaeological site in Ecuador. Once you arrive, you will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating ruins of an Inca fortress, the ceremonial center, the Temple of the Sun, the museum and the interpretive center and enjoy the hiking trails.
• The thermal waters of Baños de Cuenca are known for their medicinal properties and mineral content. These waters are believed to have health benefits such as relieving stress, relaxing muscles and improving circulation.

Which of these activities caught your attention?

Now you know which destinations you should visit on your first visit to Ecuador, and if you already know them, why not visit them again? Let me know in the comments which destination catches your attention the most.

Marcel Perkins is CEO of Latin Trails. Latin Trails is an inbound destination management company specializing in customized travel with a focus on providing unique experiences throughout Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and Peru.

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