Despite being roughly the same size as the UK. there’s a well-known saying that Ecuador is actually four worlds rolled into one country. That certainly rings true when you read this guide to the best things to do in Ecuador. From volcano hikes and uncovering culture in colonial cities, to enjoying extraordinary wildlife-watching experiences in the Galapgos Islands, it's sure to provide you with plenty of pre-trip inspiration.
Sprawled across a mountain ridge, Quito offers a captivating mix of colonial beauty and indigenous culture.
As the second-highest capital in the world, it’s got altitude — and attitude, as Ecuador’s political and cultural pulse.
Its UNESCO-listed historic center is one of the best-preserved in South America — think Baroque churches, monasteries, ornate plazas, and church spires and terracotta rooftops that catch the sun beneath the shadow of Volcán Pichincha.
Quito's streets simply hum with life — indígenas, mestizos, street vendors, and city workers all moving through a city that easily earns its place as one of the best places to visit in Ecuador.
Keen to uncover Quito? You'lk want to wise up on the best time to visit Quito.
When in Quito, don’t miss the chance to visit the Mitad del Mundo monument and museum complex.
Located 26 km (16 miles) north of the city, it marks what was long believed to be the equatorial line.
Although later GPS measurements showed that the true Equator to lies about 240 meters north, it remains a popular spot, with the nearby Museo Intiñan sitting on the corrected line offering fun experiments, like balancing an egg on a nail to see water drain in different directions.
Climbing the Mitad del Mundo Monument offers panoramic views, and inside the Ethnographic Museum showcases Ecuador’s indigenous cultures.
Downtown Quito, Ecuador © f11photo/Shutterstock
Even hardened skinflints won’t be able to resist bagging a few of the fabulous handicrafts and weavings on offer at Otavalo — one of the largest, most colorful artesanía markets on the continent, and accessed by bus from Quito in around two hours.
Every Saturday morning, Otavalo comes to life as pick-up trucks laden with merchandise and vendors stream into town from the surrounding countryside.
If you can’t visit on a Saturday, don't worry. Many of most of town’s weaving and artesanía shops stay open throughout the week, and you’ll find stalls on the Plaza de Ponchos every day.
Planning your own trip to Ecuador? You'll find stacks of inspiration in our expert-curated Ecuador itineraries, and practical advice in our guide to how to plan a trip to Ecuador.
Visiting Otavalo market is for sure one of the best things to do in Ecuador © Ksenia Ragozina/Shutterstock
Ecuador is a big draw for experienced climbers, with Cotopaxi, located in Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, one of the best places in Ecuador to enjoy high-octane thrills.
That said, though it's one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, even novices (if fit and under professional guidance) can have a crack at tackling it.
With its broad, green base and graceful slopes tapering to the lip of its crater, Cotopaxi is also arguably the most photogenic of the country’s thirty or so volcanoes. On a clear day, it makes a dizzying backdrop to the stretch of highway between Quito and Latacunga.
Planning to hike and climb during your trip? You'll need to wise up on the best time to visit Ecuador to stay safe and maximise the experience.
Cotopaxi volcano © Ecuadorpostales/Shutterstock
This glittering green crater lake sits at the heart of the Quilotoa loop, a popular scenic diversion through the beguiling landscapes and villages of Ecuador's rural central highlands.
It’s possible to walk down to the lake from the crater’s edge following the path that starts just left of the parking area. Steep, and not to be undertaken lightly, the views at the bottom are highly rewarding.
Quilotoa crater lake, Ecuador © Noradoa/Shutterstock
Pristine colonial architecture, cobbled streets, illustrious churches and flowering plazas give Cuenca a distinguished air.
Located in the Southern Sierra, it earns its reputation as the country’s most enchanting city. And, as a result of it being a classic example of a planned Renaissance town in the Americas, Cuenca’s centro histórico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sharing many architectural features with Quito’s old town — narrow, cobbled streets, harmonious, balconied houses with interior courtyards, and an abundance of gleaming white churches — all these joys come without the pollution, noise and crowds of the capital.
Short on time? Discover how to make the most of your time following a 7 days in Ecuador itinerary.
Cathedral Cuenca, Ecuador © Mark Pitt Images/Shutterstock
Descending the Andes in a sequence of thrilling switchback turns, riding the Nariz del Diablo (“Devil’s Nose”) is one of the world’s greatest train journeys, and for sure one of the most exciting things to do in Ecuador.
The train starts at Alausí, with the whole taking trip around two and a half hours, including a spell in Sibambe, where you’re treated to e staged traditional dancing and the chance to visit small museum.
Our tip is to sit on the right-hand side of the train for the descent, and take the less busy 8am journey.
Looking to cover as much ground as possible (by train or otherwise!)? Read up on getting around Ecuador.
Train ride at Devils nose - Nariz del Diablo, Ecuador © KalypsoWorldPhotography/Shutterstock
Hands-down one of the most incredible journeys in South America, taking a trip to the Galapagos Islands is remarkably rewarding for nature lovers and divers.
Indeed, the islands’ matchless wildlife, stunning scenery and unique history make it arguably the world’s premier wildlife destination.
To optimise your chance of seeing the wildlife at the top of your list, you’ll need to figure out the best time to visit the Galapagos islands, and give serious through to how you’ll configure your Galapagos itinerary.
For example, do you want a land-based experience, or does the sound of an immersive cruise float your boat?
In good news if you’re short on time, it’s possible to enjoy a 10 days in Ecuador itinerary that covers the Galapagos.
Whatever you opt for, be assured that a magical world of giant tortoises, unique birds and extraordinary landscapes await.
Iguanas on Espanola island, the Galapagos © Maridav/Shutterstock
Ecuador is one of South America’s top whale-watching destinations, especially along its Pacific coast, where humpback whales migrate annually to breed and give birth in warm waters.
Puerto López (located along the Ruta del Sol) is known as Ecuador’s whale-watching capital, with daily boat tours operating running during the season. This runs from mid-June to early October, with July and August usually offering the most frequent sightings.
Wildlife top of your travel wish list? Read up on Ecuador wildlife.
Humpback whale in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador © Alberto Loyo/Shutterstock
One of Ecuador’s most beautiful and ecologically diverse protected areas, Machalilla National Park is located on the country’s central Pacific coast (close to Puerto López), which makes it easy to combine with whale watching trips.
The park itself combines a diversity of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, encompassing tropical dry forest, beaches, coastal cliffs, and offshore islands.
It’s also rich in flora, fauna, and pre-Columbian archaeology, and invites visitors to hike, snorkel coral reefs, go on guided birdwatching trips, and engage with local culture at the Agua Blanca commune.
Brought by the conquistadors, horses are uniquely suited to in-depth exploration of the country’s sweeping highland landscapes, and many tour operators offer horseback riding trips through the Andes mountains, along the coast, and through the Amazon rainforest.
Ranging from a few hours to several days, trips can be tailored to suit different skill levels pretty much wherever you are in the country.
The charming spa town of Baños offers travelers plenty of reasons to visit, from soaking in the thermal springs that give it its name, through to it being a gateway for hiking, biking and rafting in the surrounding countryside.
At 1820m above sea level, Baños enjoys a mild, almost subtropical climate and a spectacular location, nestled among soaring green hills streaked with waterfalls, with Tungurahua volcano towering above the town to the south.
Banos de Agua Santa © maphke/Shutterstock
Located in the Cañar Province in the southern Andes, about 80 km (50 miles) north of Cuenca, Ingapirca is Ecuador’s most important and best-preserved archaeological sites.
Reflecting a blend of two ancient cultures — Cañari and Inca — it showcases classic Inca stone masonry and astronomical alignment, similar to sites in Peru, but adapted to Ecuador’s terrain.
Alongside exploring the Temple of the Sun (an oval Inca temple with precisely-cut stones aligned with the sun’s path), and visiting the burial grounds and museum, be sure to walk scenic high-altitude trails walks around the ruins for panoramic views of the Andean landscape.
Ingapirca, Ecuador © Maximoangel/Shutterstock
About 60km east from Quito, Papallacta is famed for its steaming hot springs. Here you'll find highly ferrous pools that are reputed to relieve numerous ailments, from kidney trouble to ganglions.
Papallacta’s best hot spring – and perhaps the best in Ecuador – is Las Termas de Papallacta, comprising two beautifully designed, well-managed bathing complexes, both with on-site restaurants and snack bars.
The Balneario has nine thermal pools, ranging in temperature between 36°C and 42°C, and three cold pools built in gentle terracotta curves and natural rock, while the heart-stoppingly cold Río Papallacta itself offers a serious cool-off.
Don’t miss the three small secluded pools up the hill to the left of the restaurant. The top one is over 40°C and is perfect for supine gazing at the mountain ridges.
© Shutterstock
Ecuador is something of a hidden gem for surfing, with its Pacific coastline delivering consistent waves, warm water year-round, and a laid-back surf culture.
That’s especially the case in Montañita — Ecuador’s most famous surf town. A lively, bohemian village on the southern coast, it’s known for its consistent beach and point breaks, making it ideal for beginners and advanced surfers alike.
At the same time, the town itself has a vibrant nightlife, and (unsurprisingly) stacks of surf schools and hostels.
Set at 1250m on the forested western slopes of Volcán Pichincha, Mindo resembles an Alpine village transplanted to the tropics, with steep-roofed, chalet-like farmhouses punctuating its lush landscape.
No longer a secret hideaway for bird-lovers, Mindo is expanding as a popular weekend escape for quiteños seeking relief from frenetic city life and the chilly climate of the Sierra.
Though not yet bursting at the seams, avoid weekends and holiday periods if you want a more tranquil, back-to-nature experience.
Mindo, Ecuador © Shutterstock
Exploring Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest is one of the country’s most unforgettable experiences, and heading to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve to enjoy a river trip is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in its biodiverse lushness.
With its flooded forests and narrow rivers, you stand a very good chance of seeing pink river dolphins, caimans, monkeys, anacondas, toucans and sloths during day-time canoe trips that also often include visit to indigenous communities.
Keep an eye out for toucans in Ecuador's Amazon region © Shutterstock
Saying in the Amazon, another of the best things to do in Ecuador if you’re traveling to Ecuador with kids is to spend a few days (or longer) in Tena in the northern Oriente.
Around 4–5 hours by road from Quito, this gateway town is a great family-friendly base for rafting, hiking and kayaking fun, with stays in jungle lodges adding to the adventurous vibe.
Kids will also love having the chance to go river tubing, visit Amazonian animal rescue centers and take chocolate tours.
Cononaco river, Amazon, Ecuador © Shutterstock
Inspired to visit? While weighing up Ecuador itineraries and planning your vacation, read our Ecuador travel tips, and take time to research the best accommodation in Ecuador to suit your needs, tastes and budget .
Not keen on planning? Contact our local Ecuador travel experts to have them curate your perfect trip.
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 17.04.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Ecuador
