{"id":12367,"date":"2022-09-01T11:33:20","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T11:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=12367"},"modified":"2025-05-08T12:55:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T12:55:20","slug":"ecuador-country-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/ecuador-country-guide","title":{"rendered":"Ecuador Country Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

It might be an enigma to many, but Ecuador<\/a> welcomes visitors with a real sense of generosity. One of the smallest countries in South America<\/a>, it still packs a punch when it comes to diverse and fascinating sights, whether it\u2019s encountering 11 centuries of history in the cities and highlands, trekking your way through superlative Andean scenery, or discovering just where the wild things are (say hola to the Amazon<\/a> and Galapagos Islands<\/a>). We could write a book on its many marvels, but our Ecuador country guide is here to whet your appetite, spark inspiration – and get you ready to start planning your very own adventure.<\/p>\n

\"Ecuador<\/a>

The pretty Calle La Ronda, Quito<\/p><\/div>\n

Historic cities<\/h2>\n

At either end of the Ecuadorian Andes, Quito<\/a> and Cuenca<\/a> are the country\u2019s time capsules, where the history of Incan to Spanish rule is evident in everything from the architecture to the traditions. The capital, Quito, is no sprawling city. Instead, it\u2019s flanked by towering volcanoes and the Amazon basin<\/a> and sits at 2,820 metres above sea level – you can just imagine the views. The very first UNESCO-recognised city in the world, Quito\u2019s \u2018Old Town\u2019 will quickly draw your eye with its well-preserved Spanish churches (there are 200 of them), haciendas and plazas, all sitting under the gaze of the winged Virgin Maria atop El Panecillo hill. Quito was originally a pinnacle of the Incan civilization, which you\u2019ll discover at the fascinating City Museum or House of Praise, a trove of pre-Columbian art and archaeological pieces.<\/p>\n

Where the Andes ease into the green fields of Ecuador\u2019s southern sierra, Cuenca is the cobbled centre of it all – and you won\u2019t miss the striking, sky-blue domes of the Cathedral Nuevo. The home of the original panama hat, Cuenca brims with artisans and it would be remiss to skip a stroll through the markets where ceramicists, jewellers and weavers sell their creations. This is Ecuador, a country where no city is without its picturesque surroundings, and Cuenco doesn\u2019t disappoint. Venture into the dramatic, lake-dotted Cajas National Park and try your luck at spotting a puma or spectacled bear, or visit Ingapirca, Ecuador\u2019s only major remaining Incan ruins.<\/p>\n

How do I do it?<\/strong>
\nMany itineraries begin in Quito<\/a>. From here, Ecuador\u2019s<\/a> main international airport is just a 45-minute drive away. Most domestic flights around the country also leave from Quito but it\u2019s a good base for a driving holiday too: Otavalo<\/a>, a common next stop, is only 1 hour and 45 minutes by road, Cotopaxi<\/a> is 1 hour and 15 minutes away, and the Avenue of Volcanoes<\/a> is only two hours south of Quito. Cuenca<\/a> is easily reached from Guayaquil<\/a> (30 minutes) or Quito (2 hours), and both offer daily flights too. Alternatively, a private transfer can be arranged from Guayaquil, which will take around 3.5 hours.<\/p>\n

Where do I start?<\/strong>
\nQuito<\/a> is included on most Ecuadorian itineraries<\/a>, while Cuenca<\/a> is a fantastic addition to a journey through the Andes. Our Ecuador of old trip<\/a> combines both with the highlights of Cotopaxi<\/a> and the Avenue of Volcanoes<\/a>, as well as a taste of the Pacific coast.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Quito<\/figure>
Quito<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Ecuador<\/a>

Cotopaxi Volcano reflected in the lake<\/p><\/div>\n

The Andes<\/h2>\n

Following the Andes northwards, the Avenue of the Volcanoes<\/a> is a 300 kilometre-long valley of high, higher and highest peaks. The ensuing landscape is a hiker\u2019s dream, whether you want a leisurely amble without the need for a guide, or plan to summit Chimborazo, the highest point on Earth (when measured from the centre). The pretty valley is also speckled with lakes, where tranquil kayak trips are the name of the game, and thermal springs, while the volcanoes provide even greater thrills: cycle down the face of Chimborazo or take a train ride along the Devil\u2019s Nose, where you\u2019ll descend nearly 1,000 metres in only 12 kilometres! If all that adrenaline makes you thirsty, visit the \u2018Last Ice Merchant\u2019, where traditional drinks are made from glacier ice, harvested by hand.<\/p>\n

The Avenue of the Volcanoes leads perfectly into the Cotopaxi National Park<\/a>, 32,000 hectares of wild moorland where vicunas and pumas dwell, curious flora grows, and Andean condors soar past the highest active volcano in the world. With a lot of preparation, it\u2019s possible to summit the mighty Cotopaxi, which reaches the sky-brushing height of 5,897-metres above sea level. But, if you\u2019re choosing to admire it from the ground, there\u2019s still plenty of fun to be had: cycle across the landscape then cool off in the glacial pools of a waterfall, or enjoy a soak in nature\u2019s spa (the hot springs), boat across the turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake, or join local chagras on a canter across the hills.<\/p>\n

In the northernmost corner of Ecuador<\/a>, Otavalo<\/a> is a delight for the senses. It\u2019s most famous for hosting one of the largest indigenous markets in South America and, oh boy, does it live up to the hype. Stalls creak under the weight of local handicrafts and you\u2019ll find everything from baskets and ceramics to tapestries and hammocks. Otavalo isn\u2019t devoid of breathtaking scenery either. The Ombabaru Volcano stands grandly in the background, while the picturesque scenery is peppered with tiny villages (learn all about the El Chota\u2019s music and mask-making traditions), volcanic peaks and meadows that are perfect for hiking, biking and riding horseback through the wildflowers.<\/p>\n

How do I do it?<\/strong>
\nShould your journey begin in Quito<\/a>, Otavalo<\/a> is around 1 hour and 45 minutes by car, while Cotopaxi<\/a> is 1 hour and 30 minutes away. Cotopaxi leads through the Avenue of the Volcanoes<\/a> or vice versa, which makes planning a route between these areas via private transfer or on foot very simple.<\/p>\n

Where do I start?<\/strong>
\nA route along the Andes, beginning from either direction, is a classic Ecuadorian trip<\/a>. Check out our Adventure to the north trip<\/a> and add a few days in the Avenue of the Volcanoes<\/a> in the middle. Along the way, you\u2019ll hike, horseback ride and find many an opportunity to gasp at the scenery.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Cotopaxi<\/figure>
Cotopaxi<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Ecuador<\/a>

An aerial tram above the lush Cloud Forest<\/p><\/div>\n

The Amazon & Cloud Forest<\/h2>\n

When it comes to wildest Ecuador<\/a>, this is where it really begins. Covering almost half of the country, the Amazon<\/a> is a fiercely green, steamy wonderland where creatures of every size and species lurk between the leaves and below chocolate-coloured rivers, and real life seems to become a distant memory. It\u2019s one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet with 1,600 species of birdlife, 350 reptiles and 300 mammals – including the smallest monkey in the world, the three-toed sloth and pink river dolphins. A luxury, eco-focused lodge or cruiser will likely be your home for a few days, providing all-knowing guides to lead your explorations into the forest. Kayak along ethereal waterways, keeping your eyes peeled for caimans, giant otters and turtles, catch a show at the clay lick where parrots and parakeets gather to chatter, flirt and dine on the mineral-rich clay, and hike into the forest on day (or night) expeditions.<\/p>\n

Rising at least 1,400 above the Amazon, Ecuador\u2019s Choco-Andean Cloud Forest<\/a> is largely inaccessible to visitors (except for those in the know) and, instead, belongs to the incredible menagerie of wildlife. Rising humid air from the Amazon cools to form swirls of mist, giving the cloud forest its name and fantastical atmosphere, and brave rays of sunshine give life to the incredible flora, including 200 species of orchids. Much of the forest is protected by private reserves with exceptional accommodation and expert staff, ready to share the secrets of the forest as you hike through the greenery, zipline overhead or float down river.<\/p>\n

How do I do it?<\/strong>
\nWhen it comes to the Amazon<\/a>, we recommend flying from Quito<\/a> to the Francisco de Orellana Airport in Coca (35 minutes), where you\u2019ll be picked up by a private car, before hopping in a motorised canoe for the transfer to your lodge. Driving from Quito is the best way to reach the Cloud Forest<\/a>, a journey that varies in distance and difficulty depending on the park or lodge you\u2019re visiting. However, expect it to take two hours or longer.<\/p>\n

Where do I start?<\/strong>
\nEnjoy the best of both wildernesses with our natural gems trip<\/a>, which adds a little time in historic Quito<\/a> in between. Or go for a bit of everything on the Epic Ecuador trip<\/a>, combine the Galapagos<\/a> with the Amazon<\/a> and Otavalo<\/a>, and add a few days in the Cloud Forest<\/a> to round it off.<\/p>\n

\n
\"The<\/figure>
The Cloud Forest<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Ecuador<\/a>Bartolom\u00e9 Island in the beautiful Galapagos archipelago<\/span><\/p>\n

Guayaquil & The Galapagos<\/h2>\n

A mod city on the Pacific coast, Guayaquil<\/a> is a natural stop-off before a life-changing few days in the Galapagos Islands<\/a>. Ecuador\u2019s<\/a> largest city is no beauty spot, but highlights include an evening stroll along the Malecon 2000 promenade and a late dinner of the very popular Creole crab. If you\u2019re in town for longer than a night, visit the historic Santa Ana Chapel for beautiful views, take a chocolate-tasting tour, or make your way down the \u2018Route of the Sun\u2019 and snooze on the golden beaches.<\/p>\n

Most people have heard of the Galapagos archipelago, but to visit is something entirely different, and an utterly magical experience. Sitting 960 kilometres from Ecuador\u2019s coastline, the archipelago is made up of 13 main islands ranging from forested and lush, to intrepid and volcanic. Endemic wildlife has evolved above and below the water and you\u2019ll discover it on a luxury cruise, from some of Galapagos\u2019 finest eco-hotels or both!<\/p>\n

Each island has its own delights, from the swimming iguanas and lava tunnels of Santa Cruz<\/a> to the striking Isabela<\/a>, formed by the collision of multiple volcanoes, and home to five different species of giant tortoise and the Galapagos penguins (the only species found north of the equator). Quite simply, it\u2019s not possible to exaggerate when it comes to the Galapagos Islands: there\u2019s wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, pristine, pearlescent beaches, and all the while, the sense of being somewhere very, very precious.<\/p>\n

How do I do it?<\/strong>
\nFlights to the Galapagos<\/a> leave from Guayaquil<\/a> and land on Baltra, an isle near Isla Santa Cruz<\/a>. The Baltra Airport is also available for inter-island flights. The port on Isla Santa Cruz is the most common start and end point for cruises round the archipelago.<\/p>\n

Where do I start?<\/strong>
\nAs the guide book darling of Ecuador<\/a>, there are multiple ways to explore the Galapagos Islands<\/a>. You can cruise around its waters, island-hop, or spend a few days at a hotel, and we\u2019ve got trips to suit them all. Get to know the archipelago\u2019s two most famous islands on this trip<\/a> or combine the islands with some mainland adventure on our Action-packed Ecuador & the Galapagos trip<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Galapagos<\/figure>
Galapagos<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\n
\n
\"Wizard\"Wizard<\/figure>
Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n
Start the wizard<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From the Amazon to the Galapagos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":12372,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112],"tags":[2139,6140,6082,4845,6089,2549,6077,6263,1344,6095,9008,68,6264,6086,6097,6080,6084,6091,6141],"class_list":["post-12367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-adventure","tag-avenue-of-the-volcanoes","tag-cotopaxi","tag-country-planning-guides","tag-cuenca","tag-culture","tag-ecuador","tag-ecuador-country-guide","tag-family","tag-guayaquil","tag-historical-places","tag-honeymoon","tag-isla-isabela","tag-isla-santa-cruz","tag-otavalo","tag-quito","tag-the-cloud-forest","tag-the-ecuadorian-amazon","tag-the-galapagos-islands"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nEcuador Country Guide - Timbuktu Travel Website<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We could write a 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