Attractions in Ecuador

Alausí

Alausí is a charming heritage town in the Andes, globally famous as the starting point for the dramatic "Nariz del Diablo" train journey.

Cañar

Cañar is an Andean town renowned for its vibrant indigenous culture and its proximity to Ingapirca, Ecuador's most important Inca ruins.

Chordeleg

Chordeleg is an artisan town near Cuenca, famous for its exquisite silver and gold filigree jewelry, ceramics, and shoemaking.

Atahualpa Olympic Stadium

The traditional sports stadium in the heart of Quito, which witnessed historical triumphs of the Ecuadorian national football team.

Pujilí

Pujilí is a picturesque town in the Cotopaxi province, renowned for its indigenous markets and vibrant Corpus Christi celebrations.

National Unity Bridge

A major bridge complex connecting Guayaquil with the neighboring cities of Durán and Samborondón across the Babahoyo and Daule rivers.

Cross of Ilaló

A monumental iron cross on the extinct Ilaló volcano, illuminated at night and visible from the Tumbaco and Los Chillos valleys.

Guayaquil Historical Park

A theme park that combines historical architecture, the traditional way of life, and the native wildlife of the coastal region.

Quito Cable Car

One of the highest aerial lifts in the world, taking visitors from the city center up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano.

Crystal Palace

A striking iron and glass building in Guayaquil that once served as a market and now hosts art exhibitions.

Temple of the Fatherland

A massive museum and monument on the slopes of Pichincha, where the decisive battle for Ecuador's independence took place.

La Mariscal Artisanal Market

A vibrant market in Quito where local artisans sell colorful textiles, jewelry, and traditional souvenirs.

George Capwell Stadium

Home of the Emelec football club, known for its steep English-style stands and electrifying atmosphere.

The Treehouse

A famous wooden observation deck with a swing dangling over a deep canyon near the Tungurahua volcano.

Independence Monument

A historic column monument in the heart of Plaza Grande in Quito, honoring the first cry of independence.

Sanctuary of the Virgin of El Cisne

A monumental Gothic church in the mountain town of El Cisne, the center of one of Ecuador's largest pilgrimages.

La Perla Ferris Wheel

A massive Ferris wheel on the Malecón 2000 offering spectacular views over the Guayas River and Guayaquil.

The Point Building

An iconic, spiral-shaped skyscraper on the banks of the Guayas River, representing the symbol of modern Guayaquil.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito

The main Catholic church of Quito, located on Plaza Grande, famous for its white facade and colonial art.

Malecón 2000

A famous boardwalk along the Guayas River, showcasing both the modern and historical faces of Guayaquil.

Sucre National Theater

The oldest and most prestigious opera house in Quito, housed in a magnificent neoclassical building.

Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water

A neo-Gothic Catholic basilica in the spa town of Baños, attracting pilgrims from all over South America.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayaquil

A neo-Gothic cathedral facing Iguana Park, characterized by its impressive twin towers.

Mariscal Sucre Airport

The most modern international airport in Ecuador, located on the Tababela plateau outside Quito.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Dew

A spectacular church built directly into the steep cliffs above the small town of Biblián.

Cerro Santa Ana Lighthouse

A picturesque lighthouse at the top of Cerro Santa Ana, reached after climbing 444 steps.

Virgin of El Panecillo

A giant aluminum statue on a hilltop that watches over the entire city of Quito.

Nature

Yahuarcocha

Yahuarcocha is a historically significant lake surrounded by legends of a great battle, now featuring a famous auto racing track.

Quilotoa Crater Lake

Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes, famous for its emerald green water.

Lake San Pablo

Lake San Pablo is Ecuador's largest lake, situated at the foot of the majestic Imbabura Volcano near Otavalo.

Cuicocha Lake

Cuicocha is a stunning crater lake at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano, featuring two small islands in its center.

Illiniza

The Illinizas are twin volcanoes in the Andes; Illiniza Sur is glacier-covered and technical, while Illiniza Norte is a rocky peak.

El Altar

El Altar is an extinct volcano whose collapsed caldera forms nine sharp peaks that enclose a stunning lagoon.

Tungurahua

Tungurahua is a highly active volcano above the town of Baños, known for its frequent ash eruptions and lava flows.

Cerro Plateado

A remote biological reserve in the southern Andes known for its pristine ecosystems and high level of endemism.

Antisana

Antisana is a massive stratovolcano known for its large glacier fields and the rich birdlife on its slopes.

Pichincha

Pichincha is an active stratovolcano that rises directly above the capital city of Quito, consisting of several peaks.

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San Cristóbal Island

San Cristóbal is the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands, home to the provincial capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and rich sea lion colonies.

Mojanda Complex

An inactive stratovolcano system in the northern Andes featuring three beautiful high-altitude crater lakes.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is one of the world's highest active volcanoes and an iconic symbol of Ecuador with its perfect cone shape.

Alcedo Volcano

A remote shield volcano in the center of Isabela Island known for its large population of giant tortoises.

Chiles Volcano

An impressive border volcano shared between Ecuador and Colombia, known for hot springs at its base.

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Fernandina Island

Fernandina is the youngest and most active volcanic island in the Galapagos group, featuring vast lava fields and completely pristine nature.

Chimborazo

Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and the farthest point on Earth from the Earth's center.

Darwin Volcano

An almost perfectly symmetrical shield volcano in the Galapagos named after the famous naturalist.

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Isabela Island

Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos Islands, shaped by six volcanoes, and home to numerous giant tortoises and marine iguanas.

Wolf Volcano

The highest peak of the Galapagos Islands, located directly on the equator line on Isabela Island.

More highlights

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Podocarpus National Park

Podocarpus National Park protects dense cloud forests and highlands in southern Ecuador, named after the only native conifer species.

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Mindo Cloud Forest

The Mindo Cloud Forest in the Andean valleys is a global birdwatching hub, famous for its many hummingbird species and orchids.

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Machalilla National Park

This park protects the unique tropical dry forest on Ecuador's coast, as well as stunning beaches and nearshore marine ecosystems.