Best things to do in Ecuador
21.07.2023 - 07:45
/ roughguides.com
There’s a well-known saying that Ecuador is actually four worlds rolled into one country — despite being roughly the same size as the UK. Discover the rich culture and stunning beauty of Ecuador with our Rough Guide list of the best things to do in Ecuador and get inspiration for planning your trip.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Ecuador & The Galápagos , your essential guide for visiting Ecuador .
Even hardened skinflints won’t be able to resist bagging a few of the fabulous handicrafts and weavings on offer at one of the largest and most colourful artesanía markets on the continent. Every Saturday morning, Otavalo comes to life. Pick-up trucks laden with merchandise and vendors bent double under great blocks of textiles 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. You’ll find stalls on the Plaza de Ponchos every day.
Indian market Otavalo, Imbabura, Ecuador © Ksenia Ragozina/Shutterstock
A mixture of church spires, tiled roofs and skyscrapers glinting in the sunlight against the brooding backdrop of Volcán Pichincha. Quito is the second highest capital in the world and is an enthralling blend of urban and traditional indigenous cultures. Rivalled only by Guayaquil in size and economic clout, Quito is Ecuador’s political and cultural heart.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito's historic centre contains some of the most beautiful Spanish colonial architecture on the continent. The frenetic crowds of indígenas and mestizos that throng its streets give it a tremendous energy.
On this tailor-made trip to Ecuador's Cultural Cities and the Galapagos Islands you will explore the largest three cities of Ecuador, and the small towns and villages in between. Enjoy some outstanding scenery and wildlife, including the giant tortoise of Galapagos and the large iguanas that roam the streets of Guayaquil.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Quito
Basilica Voto Nacional, Downtown in Quito, Ecuador © f11photo/Shutterstock
Ecuador is a big draw for experienced climbers. A popular destination is Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Even novices, if fit and under professional guidance, can have a crack at
With its broad, green base and graceful slopes tapering to the lip of its crater, Cotopaxi is 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.
Ready to immerse yourself in the history of Ecuador? Learn all about the history and culture of Ecuador and travel through the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes on