A Complete & Inside Guide on The 4 Regions That Constitute Ecuador. For all souls who want to have the experience of a lifetime when visiting the middle of the world – Latitude: 00° , 00′, 00” – Discover through this Guide places that might be of your interest, along with Detailed Recommendations. It will give you a better understanding of which sites to visit accordingly to your curiosity.
AMAZON
The Ecuadorian Amazon It’s a site like no other in the whole world due to its diversity in its flora and fauna, also for being constituted by more than 13 different groups of indigenous, the inhabitants of this region. It is due to say that in comparison to other regions, the Amazon provides, in my personal opinion, the best adventurer & outdoor activities.
1 of every 10 species of flora and fauna known in the world is found here, making it the most diverse place on the planet per square kilometer.
Top Places to Visit in Amazon
📍TENA
Half an hour from Quito, you can find Tena, home of many ethnic groups, and an authentic place surrounded only by natural attractions. A place that protects + share the History and Traditions of Ethnic Groups like the: Quechua & Huaorani.
FIND THE BEST TOUR WITH: CABAÑAS RIO NAPO
📍 YASUNÍ
The largest protected area in Ecuador constituted by 1 million hectares. It’s considered one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet, qualified as “Refuge of the Pleistocene.”
FIND THE BEST TOUR WITH: TOURRADAR
📍 CUYABENO
The Cuyabeno Fauna Production Reserve is an ideal nature destination to experience. Also, it is one of the most attracted places to visit in Ecuador due to is exuberant vegetation. Once here, make sure to visit Laguna Grande
FIND THE BEST TOUR WITH: WAITA LODGE
COAST
Beaches, palm trees, cliffs, caverns, green forests, and many more exciting things to see when traveling the Coast of Ecuador, the ideal region to visit if you happen to have a beach soul or if you are intrigued by plantations such as banana and cocoa. Your opportunity to have a sunny trip surrounded by picturesque towns and free spirit beaches.
Top Places to Visit in the Coast
📍 GUAYAQUIL
Humidity, traffic, and chaos consistently set this industrial city where everything can happen. Full of energy, Guayaquil offers you all kinds of activities, from entertainment to history. If you are here, dare to see it all, from the most impoverished areas surrounded by shanty houses to the wealthiest areas formed by private neighborhoods.
Embrace it all!
Born and race in this city, I will like to share with you´ll the most amazing sites to visit in Guayaquil:
EL MALECÓN 2000
This iconic touristic site in Guayaquil was once the first image of the city for tourists who were arriving on boats. Nowadays, the Malecón is a public walking pier located in the city center, nearby the Guayas River & encircled by nature, culture, and history. Most of its beauty comes from its narrow historical streets that have been preserved since the 1930s.
| CLICK & FIND IDEAS ON WHAT TO EXPERIENCE WHEN VISITING EL MALECÓN 2000|
PARQUE HISTÓRICO
Build by the central bank of Ecuador in 1997; this 8-hectare park invites you to join in a cultural, educational, and environmental experience. Its purpose is to show the history of Guayaquil; that metaphorically, it’s being showed on its architecture, intending to symbolize certain aspects of the urban and rural life of the citizens.
|A TROPICAL OASIS CAUGHT IN TIME|
Recently, Parque Histórico opened its doors for tourists, inviting them to experience the Hotel del Parque, surrounded by nature this Luxury Hotel startle for making you feel in an enchanted place, full of flora and fauna.
EL PARQUE SEMINARIO
📍 Right in front you can find the Catedral Metropolitana de Guayaquil
A space built in the XIX century as a Star Square nowadays is known as Parque de las Iguanas (Iguana Park). Because of the impressive population iguanas have on this particular area, tourist find this place delightful – a one-lifetime experience where you can be incredibly close to these beautiful weird species –
📍 LA RUTA DEL SPONDYLUS
Originally called La Ruta del Sol. An ideal route for getting to know the provinces that surround the Ecuadorian Coast. A kind of perfect road-trip to learn about the distinctive cultures that exist in this region from south to north, including the province of Loja and the northern part of Peru.
*My Top Spots Destionations in Ruta del Sol*
MONTAÑITA
One of Ecuador’s nightlife capital! A Hippie Happy Freedom Beach with all kinds of vibes. The perfect place for young souls who are eager to party in a multicultural environment.
THE 3 BEST CLUBS
Machalilla National Park
SALANGO
A Fishing Village located on the central Pacific Coast. Blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, sea lions, and many other species celebrate life in this destination, where the beaches are kept clean and well protected.
SALANGO ISLAND
TOURS: TOUR TO ISLA SALANGO
The incredible part of the island is the channel between Salango island and the continent; here, you can have one of the best snorkel experiences in Ecuador.
LOS FRAILES
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ECUADOR BEACHES, LOS FRAILES
It is recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches that Ecuador has. You can only reach it by walk. So Walk calmly and enjoy the sound of the sea & the echo of thousands of birds.
📍 THE 2 MUST SPOTS TO SEE
- Playa Tortuga – Turtle Beach
- Horno de Pan – A local pizza restaurant known for its exquisite taste
PUERTO LOPEZ
The Best Tours Offered: Isla De La Plata Tours
The Perfect Getaway in a Rustic Fishing Town! Wander around Puerto Lopez and enjoy your days with hikes and everything related to the Coastal Wilde-life. Located 40 km boat trip away from Puerto Lopez, you can find my dad’s favorite place to dive. 📍A Must See Site for Wild-life Lovers: Isla de la Plata.
🚩 Take a Boat Trip to Isla de la Plata – The ‘Poor Man’s Galapagos’
Best diving in the continental equator.
Time of the year to dive with Manta Rays: July – September
GALÁPAGOS
Considered one of the world’s foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing.
Volcanic islands in the Pacific ocean surrounded by endemic species (who were of great interest to Charles Darwin’s theory and studies). An absolute breathtaking destination to visit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a place that fully commits to preserving the life of all species. These islands captivate us all by offering responsible activities in which one can fully enjoy mother nature as it truly is.
Top Places to Visit in Galápagos
- Isla San Cristóbal
- MAPRAE – Puerto Ayora
- El Chato Tortoise Reserve
- Tortuga Bay – Puerto Ayora
- Volcán Alcedo – Isla Isabela
- Darwin Lake – Isla Isabela
SIERRA
Nature and cultural diversity make this region the most visited in the country, surrounded by lakes, volcanoes, markets, towns, indigenous- and much more. Sierra invites us all to discover that quiet side of Ecuador. A leisurely trip to plan due to the high range of options that exist on accommodation, cultural festivals, culinary options, and more. All Easily Accessible From Quito, the capital.
Top Places to Visit in Sierra
📍 HISTORICAL CITY CENTER OF CUENCA
Cuenca is mostly known for its historical value; therefore, visiting its churches and museums should be part of the experience.
Walk the narrow streets of Cuenca, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Get to admire its colonial architecture as well as its people. Last, do not miss the incredible opportunity to join the: Free Walking Tour
Top Places To Visit In Cuenca
Mercado 10 de Agosto
A chaotic and free entrance market that offers you fresh fruit, vegetables, all kinds of meat, and juices. The costs are incredibly economical, so take it as an opportunity to try everything from the Ecuadorian Cuisine.
Iglesia Sagrario
Known as the Old Cathedral, build on the 16th century.
Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción
Known as the New Cathedral, the construction started in 1885 and lasted for almost a century.
Pumapungo Museum and Arqueological Park
Art, History, Archeology, Sculpture and Photography. Discover Ecuadorian society explained through time, as well as the Inca occupation.
Panama Hat Museum
Get to see hats in the process of being weaved, shaped, steamed and finally made. Learn also that Panama Hats are not made in Panama but in Cuenca. A fun and interesting activity to enjoy.
The Day Trip You Need To Experience From Cuenca
📍 BAÑOS
It is also known as a ✨Gift for the Earth, The Golden Gate and The Little Piece of Heaven ✨. One of the TOP DESTINATIONS Ecuador has! Located between the Sangay and Llangantes National Parks. Offering a lot of extreme adventurous activities, such as rock climbing, rafting, bridge jumping, kayaking, canyoning, canopy, mountain biking, and more.
THE 10 BEST BAÑOS TOURS: VIATOR
📍 MINDO
The beauty of nature its found here! With 19,000 hectares, and located in a Valley, the Mindo Nambillo Protective Forest gives live to an ecosystem in which about 500 varieties of birds 🦜and 90 species of butterflies live 🦋 . Also, more than 170 species of orchids have been identified 🌺 — a magical place to truly breathe life.
THE 10 BEST MINDO TOURS: VIATOR
📍 Quilotoa
Quilotoa it’s literally a boiler full of water; after a catastrophic eruption about 800 years ago, a reservoir of volcanic ash spread throughout the Northern Andes. Now, the pot has accumulated a depth of 250 m from the crater lake. Because of the dissolved minerals, the lake has a natural beautiful greenish color. It is indeed amazing.
THE 10 BEST QUILOTOA TOURS: VIATOR
Thinking about visiting Ecuador?
Bob
5 Feb 2020Amazing!
Where can I get the best patacones en Guayaquil?
MauchiHK
25 May 2020Mi Tierra 😉
Travel Write For Us
8 May 2020Thanks for the great post!
Emilia MC
30 Jan 2021Great recommendations!!! How’s the best way to move inside the country? Bus , train, private car?
MauchiHK
1 Feb 2021Hi Emilia, thank you for your support. Good question, the answer depends on the area you are circulating in. If you are in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca or other industrialized cities, you can move easily in private buses, which are usually very economical.
If you are in a less industrialized place, let’s say for example a beach town, I would recommend you to be accompanied by someone and rent a car.
episodes
2 Feb 2021Wonderful article! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing. Louise Job Nila