Where to go in Ecuador

The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest covers more than 42,000 square miles of terrain in the country’s eastern region and while that may not be near as much compared to Brazil, where it’s wonderfully underdeveloped. Teeming with life, it’s the ideal place to experience the jungle in its pristine, raw state. Home to astounding biodiversity, the area is inhabited by over 300 species of mammals, including jaguars and monkeys, 35o reptile species like iguanas and anacondas, and an estimated 1600 species of birds, including macaws and toucans. Parks and reserves have been established to protect this ecosystem and each has their own unique attractions like Yasuni National Park which is home to over 500 of the Ecuadorian Amazon’s bird species. There are also eco-lodges run by local indigenous communities where visitors can completely immerse themselves in tribal life, including the opportunity to sample traditional foods and join a variety of wildlife and cultural excursions.

Located in the Andean highlands of northern Ecuador, Otavalo is surrounded by volcanoes and world-famous for its indigenous population. The Otavalos are the most economically successful indigenous group in Latin America, known for their traditional dress, handicrafts, and colorful textiles. Most come here to enjoy the Otavalo Market, or markets, as it’s actually made up of multiple markets. They attract many visitors to browse and buy, with locals from nearly every village in the area coming to trade their goods, from fruits and vegetables to farm animals like goats and llamas. You’ll find handmade alpaca sweaters, wool fedoras, hand-embroidered blouses, colorful straw bags, tapestries, and more. At the Museo de Tejidos El Obraje, one can also learn about the weaving process used by artisans in town and the surrounding area.

Cotopaxi National Park is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi, which rises 19,347 feet in feet. Part of the “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” a 200-mile ridge that stretches just south of Quito, it’s the most active, having erupted some 50 times since the mid-1700s. It has a nearly perfect conical shape and while it can be viewed from afar, many come to climb it, an option that’s available year-round, but only to those who are very fit and experienced. Other activities include mountain biking across the paramo, hiking, horseback riding, or even camping on its flanks. You’ll see llamas and wild horses on the high Andean paramo while the flat plains below are dotted with volcanic boulders. From just about every vantage point, when clouds aren’t covering it, spectacular views of the snow-dusted crater can be enjoyed.

Situated 600 miles off mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago that has long been considered one of the world’s top wildlife destinations. Thanks to the lack of predators, animals here thrive, and many have never learned to fear humans. Visitors can walk quietly among sea lions and Galapagos giant tortoises which can live to be 150 years old or more. In the water, one can snorkel alongside marine iguanas and other aquatic life, with some of the other popular species for close encounters including blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins. While many people visit on an island-hopping cruise, for those on a tighter budget, it’s possible to stay in a hotel on the larger, inhabited islands like San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Floreana, or Isabela and make day trips to popular uninhabited islands nearby, with the top spots North Seymour, Santa Fe, Bartolome, and Plaza Island. Please see our full Guide to the Galapagos for more details.