Written February 8th 2015
Ecuador is a truly amazing country and packs a serious punch for such a small place. It has everything. I used 89 of my allowed 90 days here and definitely hope to go back again and again and again. It’s cheap, full of friendly people, truly incredible landscapes, and a vast array of incredible animals. From the well known tourist stops, to off the beaten path gems this list has it all. Go to as many of these places as you possibly can, I promise you won’t regret it.
10. Bike or Bus the Ruta De Cascadas outside of Banos
Banos is a touristy little paradise adored by many westerners. For me it was overfull of gringo’s but did still maintain a nice overall feeling. But what makes Banos special isn’t the town, it’s the nature and adventure sports activities all around it. The best of these is the waterfall route home to a handful of impressive Cascades. If you like to bike rent a mountain bike in town for this enjoyable route, if not, take the public bus like me. Service is regular and cheap and the waterfalls are amazing. You can zip line over Agoyan Falls, take a cable car to see Mantel de Novia, and go explore the fantasy land balconies and hanging bridges built around Pailon del Diablo, my personal favourite. Don’t leave Banos without checking the waterfalls out, and if you’re looking for a haven from the over touristed centre stay at the lovely Hostel El Recreo on the outskirts of town, an easy walk from all the restaurants and gringos you could ask for.
Want to see more? Click here and here.
9. Dress up and dance on the streets of Quito for New Years
Men dress up as women for new years, some dance on the streets for money from passing cars. I made 13 dollars and a free night in my hostel. They also burn effigies New Years Eve in Quito is a fantastic time, though If you’re in Quito at other times there’s still plenty of incredible things to do. Climb up the towers of the huge Basilica for an impressive view of this sprawling pastel coloured capital, eat lunch at the central market place, party all night in La Mariscal, or get overwhelmed by too much gold in Iglesia la Compania. Quito is an amazing city because once you spend a few days, it feels more like a collection of small towns than the sprawling metropolis it is. It’s a great place to learn Spanish too! (Including my fantastic teacher Martha who works through Minka Hostel) That brings me to hostels, Quito has lots of good ones but if you can stay at Minka, you won’t regret it. I spent almost a month in Quito, and I always had something to do and wonderful people to do it with. Enjoy this small feel of this big place, and if you can, hang around for new years, it’s a strange and unique way to bring in a new year.
Need more information? Click Here, and Here.
8. Go hiking in El Cajas National Park outside Cuenca
El Cajas National park is up high in the rocky and rugged Andes Mountains, some 4000 meters above sea level. It’s an easy hour long bus ride from Cuenca and is home to countless hiking trails which will lead you through mountains, tiny lakes, countless waterfalls, and truly stunning Polylepis groves. You can hike for a half day, all day, or several days, camping in the park or staying in one of a few lodges. The landscapes are dramatic and varied and by the time your done walking you’ll have earned your evening meal. Check out Taj Mahal in Cuenca’s historical centre for a meal of surprisingly decent Indian food.
Want to know more? Click here.
7. Check out Cuicocha crater lake and Peguche Falls in Otavalo
Otavalo is famous for it’s sprawling but very touristy Saturday market, but if that’s all you do when you’re there you’re missing out. Cuicocha lake is less than an hour away and provides an amazing day of hiking as you climb up a mountain and hike around this stunning sapphire blue lake. After a long hike you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the lake. Don’t feel like a serious hike? Head to Peguche falls maybe 45 minute walk from town. Marvel at this falls which the locals see as a very spiritual location, and if you want a little adventure climb right into the sizeable falls, enjoying the cascading water crashing down on you. The street food market at night in the central market place, or Taco Bello Restaurant, will provide a perfect ending to your day there.
Want more pictures and information on Otavalo? Click here and here.
6. Visit Isla De Plata otherwise known as Poor man’s Galapagos
Accessed from Puerto Lopez by boat Isla De Plata is not the same as the Galapagos Islands, but for those who don’t have the time or money for the real thing, it’s a pretty good substitute. Taking a day trip easily arranged in Puerto Lopez for between 20-40 dollars includes your 80 minute boat ride, lunch, and basic snorkelling gear (no flippers). On the rocky and desolate looking Island you have a chance to see all three species of Ecuadorian boobies, Frigate birds, snakes, lizards, and sometimes even sea lions. You’ll also probably catch sight of some sea turtles from the boat and get to snorkel with a huge assortment of tropical fish. Oh and don’t forget more stunning Cliffside views of the pacific.
Need more? Click here.
5. Hike to some of the nicest beaches in the world at Los Frailes
Los Frailes is one hell of a beautiful beach found in Machalilla National park, just north of Puerto Lopez. To make things better, it’s not the only one there in the park. Instead of walking along a dusty road for half an hour to get to the beach, take the right trail just after the entrance booth and hike for about two hours passing by three incredible and unique other beaches and drinking in stunning vista’s from the impressive cliffs which separate the soft crescent strips of sand. End the day on Los Frailes itself enjoying a swim and an ice cream. This place is world class in terms of beaches, just be sure you don’t forget your sunscreen, there’s almost no shade to be found along the walk.
Want more details? Click here.
4. Experience Real Ecuadorian culture in Guamote
Guamote is a tiny town in Ecuador’s second poorest region just south of Riobamba. It’s a tiny little town with a single guesthouse, and there’s not much to see there, beyond friendly people. Except on Thursdays when the town population multiplies for the markets, indigenous people flooding the city streets with there wares and turning this sleepy little town into a sprawling marketplace. There’s fascinating animal markets, as well as the traditional food and goods markets. Best of all you’ll be one of only a few gringos in town and the people, while welcoming, aren’t overly interested in selling to the Gringo. This is the perfect place for a glimpse of true Ecuadorian Life in all it’s colourful beauty. To top it off Guamote is home an amazing guesthouse and charity operation at Inti Sisa!
Interested in Guamote? Click here for more info.
3. Lose yourself in the Amazon Rainforest in Cuyabeno National Park
This is another price tag, (240-280USD for 4 days 3 nights) though much more moderate than the Galapagos, and most definitely worth the money. The jungle is dense, wild and full of life. The tourism here is very well organized and surprisingly comfortable for the jungle. Just like the Galapagos though, it’s the animals that make this un-missable. I saw 7 species of Monkeys, countless toucans, macaws, and parrots, snakes, caimans, and even a Pink river dolphin. Looking for a lodge? While I’m sure they’re all decent options, I loved Guacamayo lodge and it’s private bird watching tower on the grounds. The guides, the food, the itinerary’s were all fantastic. You can book through almost any tourist agency in Quito, I went with Latin Adventures in San Blas Plaza.
Want to see more? Click here, and here.
2. Check out San Rafael and Magica Falls en route to the Amazon
This advice will move down the list come February 2016 when a hydro electric project is scheduled to be finished, largely destroying San Rafael Falls, Ecuador’s biggest and most impressive cascades. Nestled at the eastern edge of the Andes mountains amidst jungle like forest these falls are a simple 45 minute walk from the main road to Lago Agrio from Quito. Despite this and the free entry (unlike what it says in lonely planet) The falls are almost always empty, leaving you alone to appreciate the magisterial cascades. If you’re lucky like me you’ll even interact with some monkeys. Magica falls is slightly smaller and about 20 minutes back towards Quito. It to is empty and beautiful and here you can actually get into the water. Perhaps the best pairing of waterfalls so close by that I’ve ever experienced.
Want to see more and get the logistics on how to visit? Click here and here.
1. The Galapagos Islands
Any list of the best things to do in Ecuador that doesn’t start here is lying. Granted Galapagos is far from a budget destination, and a lot of people end up skipping it. Still in 18 months of travelling it’s the most impressive place I’ve been. You have two options here the first is to pay up and do a cruise, the second is to stay on one of three inhabited islands and do some day trips. The cruise is worth it beyond a shadow of a doubt, but if you can’t afford it day trips are an excellent second choice option. Either way the incredible animals and fascinating volcanic islands make this place un-missable. Where else could you walk through flocks of fascinating birds just feet away, swim with sharks, sea lions, rays and turtles all around you, and spend each night crossing the ocean under stunning stars. Don’t make excuses, if there’ s any possible way for you to go to the Galapagos, just go. I promise you won’t regret it. If you absolutely can’t make it, go back and check out number 6 on this list more closely.
To see more details of my Galapagos adventures click here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here , here and here.
Need more to do? This tiny country delivers. Here’s some more great things to do in Ecuador.
Check out Mindo and it’s famous waterfall sanctuary. Read about it here.
Head to the Ingapirca outside of Cuenca, Ecuador’s most famous Incan Site. Read about it here.
Visit yet another waterfalls El Chorro de Giron just an hour from Cuenca. Check it out here.
Visit Gran Cascada de Rio Pita an hour from Quito. Find out how here.
Check out another tiny tourist town great for trekking called Vilcabamba though it’s overrun with Gringos. Blog coming soon.
But above all just go to this amazing country, so tiny yet so vast and varied. You could spend a year travelling and still find new and amazing things to do. I can’t imagine anyone regretting coming to Ecuador be it for a quick vacation, or a longer trip, or even to live and work there. This country has stolen my heart much like Colombia did and I know at some point I’ll be back. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you there!
