Ecuador, a tiny nation, in spite of its size, has so many beautiful places and different people and cultures that want to take you on a trip full of fun and exploration of new experiences. Be it historical remains or dense rainforests, crowded streets or freaky adventurous activities, Ecuador has something in store for every type of voyagers. Following is the snapshot of what you can expect:
Cultural Elements
- Cultural Sites: Visit the famous Ingapirca, which is the biggest Inca ruin in Ecuador along with incredible stone works and remnants of ritual grounds.
- Colonial buildings and castles: See Guayaquil’s Fortín de la Planchada, which is one of the fortifications built for the defense of the city along its colonial history.
- Ancient civilization: Get some taste of Cochasquí and see some pre-Columbian pyramids as well as the ruins of other sites which were once used for astrological observation.
Cultural Heritage
- Active Volcanoes national park: Walk through the pristine forests of Yasuní National Park, which is famous for its rich diversity of flora and fauna as well as its native people.
- Falling water: Take pleasure in the view of beautiful San Rafael Waterfall, which is the highest waterfall in Ecuador that is surrounded by unspoiled cloud forest.
- Mountains and Hiking Trails: Successfully hike the high elevation trails of Cotopaxi National Park, which shelters the tallest active volcano in the world amongst other Andean beauty.
- Seashores and Beaches: Come to the calm beaches of Montañita, where it is filled with white and golden sands and many people come for surfing as well as enjoying nightlife.
City Life
- Capital City Sites: Tour the historic district of the capital city where the churches like the Compañía de Jesús, are finely decorated with elaborate Baroque style in Quito, which is both a World Heritage Site.
- Restaurants and Cafe: Indulge in some culture at Museo Municipal in Guayaquil, which boasts on as many as twenty-three exhibits of paintings done by Ecuadorian Masters on the walls of the historical building.
- Architectural Wonders: Revel in the beauty of modernism at Quito’s La Capilla del Hombre which exhibits the best of Oswaldo Guayasamín.
- Cultural Areas And Zones: Go about El Barranco, a peaceful Cuenca’s area full of art studios, coffee shops and narrow stone-paved roads.
Culinary Experiences
- Local Markets: Visit the Otavalo Market, a major indigenous market in South America where you can eat local food, and handmade crafts are sold.
- Street Food Stalls: Enjoy Guayaquil cuisine including ceviche, and empanadas in food stalls located at Malecón 2000, and the all-hustling Guayaquil city.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Head to Zazu in Quito for some delicious Ecuadorian food as they serve great innovative dishes made with local cuisines cooked with international styles.
- Cooking Classes and Food Tours: Join a cooking class for advanced, traditional Ecuadorian cooking in Cuenca by learning how to make fresh ceviche, in addition to making chocolate.
Adventure Activities
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Plunge deep down in the clear blue waters of the Galapagos islands where frolicsome sea lions, a variety of fishes and hammer head sharks can be found.
- Zip-lining and Bungee Jumping: Get a rush of the extreme sports in Baños, by either zip-lining across the canyon or jumping off a high bridge.
- White Water Rafting: Experience the exciting rapids of Pastaza River and the Amazon in this thrilling adventure framed by dense forests and its wildlife.
- Wildlife Safari: Enjoy a wildlife safari inside the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, where monkeys, jaguars, and colorful birds can all be seen in their natural setting.
Yoga-Health Session
- Wellness Centers: Heal your exhausted self at the Termas de Papallacta located at the base of the Andes offers hot spring and a full spa treatment.
- Ayurvedic Rehabilitation: Samai Ocean View Eco-Lodge and Yoga Retreat located In Montanita, Ecuador facing pacific ocean gives solace to oneself.
- Therapuetic Bath: Drench in the hot water pools of Baños with tress in the background and beautifully falling water all around for a stunning view.
- Lodging Outside The City: If you are in Vilcabamba or so called “The Valley of Longevit “ because of its serene locales and lazy vibes ideal for beating the heat.
Integration of Civic Education in Ethnic and Cultural Activities
- Cultural Heritage: Tour the Saraguro indigenous people, where you will be welcomed and embraced with their most unique customs, traditional dresses and beautiful silver ornaments.
- National Holidays and Important Events: Attend the rites in Otavalo associated with the festival Inti Raymi (the worship of the sun) and enjoy ethnic parades, music and dancing during the event.
- Live with A Local Family: Live amongst a Quechua family in the mountains close to water-filled Quilotoa, where you will immerse yourself in daily chores and crafts.
- Educational Approaches Traditional Handicraft: Sharpening skills from local artisans in Cuenca where there are practical classes on pottery, weaving, and making a Panama hat.
Unconventional Tourist Spots
- Hidden waterfalls: Experience the exhilarating jungle hike to a spectacular waterfall, El Pailón del Diablo, which is situated off the beaten path to Baños.
- Remote Beaches: Visit Isla de la Plata whose remote beauty has earned the moniker “The Galapagos of the Poor” where blue-footed birds and humpback whales are sighted.
- Charming Towns: Visit the beautiful Mindo town that lies at the edge of the cloud forest and is home to hummingbirds and cocoa plantations.
- Natural Phenomena: Picturesque Views are abundant at the Quilotoa Crater Lake prominent for its bright jewel toned waters and enchanting views that offer great hiking and photography opportunities.
Activities suitable for children
- Amusement Parks: An ideal tourist family destination is Parque Histórico in Guayaquil, where visitors are kitted out with Ecuador history and its wild animals in archetypal installations.
- Science Museums: Enhance your trip to Quito with a visit to Museo Interactivo de Ciencias which contains interactive exhibits and children theatre for all ages.
- Reserves: Learn about rehabilitation of wild animals at Amazoonico Institute for Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation close by Tena, it is a non-profit organization set up for this purpose.
- Food Tours: Outside activities accompanied by a visit to the educational farm La Danesa located in the town of Gama on the coast are very informative for children about dairy farming and organic agriculture.
Seasonal Highlights
- Cherry Blossoms: Unlike in Japan, the Guayacan trees bloom in Loxa within the months of September and October, filling the air with a bright hue of yellow colors.
- Fall in Love with Fall Colors: Surrounded by the golden color of the ‘páramo’ in the Andean region from June to September, the dry season where photography, and hiking is rather encouraged.
- Affordable Winter Holiday Destinations: Rent a Ski in the mountains of Chimborazo or Cayambe volcanoes during the winter season of December to February and go skiing and snowboarding.
- Summer Beach: During the hottest seasons extending from December to April, and rest in the beach holiday resorts of Salinas or Atacames with great average sunshine and party filled nights.
Conclusion:
Rediscover Ecuador’s great cultural richness, scenic beauty, and exciting activities with a promise that will always have something to offer to everyone. If it is ancient history, stunning places or cultural immersion you seek, then Ecuador will not leave you disappointed. Take a trip that will cast a spell on you and also inspire you. Have a good trip!