No. 1 Galapagos Islands – It is the only paradise in the world where animals have no fear of humans. Did you know that there is a fruit on the Galapagos Islands which is similar to an apple? It is called Manchineel, also known as the ‘little apple of death’. It is incredibly poisonous but an absolute treat for the Galapagos tortoises. The Galapagos Islands are famous for its rare and exotic wildlife such as marine iguanas and Darwin finches. Check out our Galapagos Islands tours now!
No. 2 Amazon Lowlands – At the Yasuní Nationalpark, you will find the most number of species per square metres. It is incredibly accessible, being only 30 minutes by plane and 4 hours by car from Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. You are guaranteed a once in a lifetime experience as you wander through acres of dense primaeval forest and discover exotic plants, animals and insects.
No. 3 Volcanoes – Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, stands proudly in the Andes highlands. You do not have to be an expert mountain climber to relish the breathtaking snow-capped mountains and volcanoes. If you are up for a challenge, we recommend Cotopaxi in the south, Antisana in the east and Cayambe in the north. There are daily mountain climbing tours for those who want to conquer the summits of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.
No 4. Bird Watching – For birding enthusiasts, Ecuador is an El Dorado with ⅙ of all bird species in the world found there. Vibrant coloured Colibris can easily be spotted greeting visitors with sweet songs in the gardens of Quito. Bird watching is known to be less of a challenge in the Galapagos Islands since wildlife on the islands have little to no instinct to run away from humans. Nevertheless, the beautiful blue and red-footed boobies, flightless cormorants and many other exotic birds are found on the islands. Our combination tour allows you to have the best of both worlds! Experts from the Jocotoco Foundation will accompany you on your bird tours.
No. 5 The Might of the Equator – The Pre-Inca civilisations already knew about the constellations and the power of the Equator when they built the pyramid. In the north of Quito, there is a monument which commemorates the French mission to locate the exact lines of the Equator. The nearby Intiñan Museum provides visitors with a hands-on experience to understand the power of mother nature. It is a fun and interactive place for both children and adults.
No. 6: The Indigenous people – Be it in the Andes highlands or the Amazon, indigenous communities strive to protect and preserve traditional ways of living. Most of them speak Qui Chua, and a minority speak Shuar. Both are national languages in Ecuador. Allow yourself to dive into their world as you get a first-hand account of the tensions and conflict between economic growth and environmental protection. We offer short tours to visit the Shuar indigenous community.
No. 7 Colonial Cities (UNESCO world heritage site) – Quito and Cuenca are physical witnesses of the Epoch which built Ecuador. The picturesque cities are brimming with flamboyant colonial architectures. No wonder it was one of the first ten places to be listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1978. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful cobblestone alleys, people-watch at the plazas and park and visit the intricately built churches. If you are travelling to Ecuador, it is worth spending a day or two in Quito and Cuenca.
No. 8 Nostalgic Train rides – The Devil’s Nose train ride travel through the perilous ridges of the Andes Highlands. The route connects Quito, the capital city, with Guayaquil, the main port city of Ecuador. The railway was finally built after a series of landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Today, the Devil’s Nose train ride is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of Ecuador’s magnificent landscapes. Train tickets can be purchased on our website.
No.9 Secluded beaches and coastline – Canoa, Cojimies and Mompiche are my favourite places along the Ecuadorian coast. These secluded and peaceful beaches provide you with a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of cities and stressful crowds. Of course, if you are a party animal at heart, Montañita is an excellent surfing paradise with the best beach parties for you. In the summer months, the humpback whales swim close to the coast which is a great chance for divers to take a closer look that these magnificent creatures. Under our customizable tour, The Best of Ecuador, we bring travellers to one of the best hosts, Greg Gilliam, the owner of Canao Beach Hotel (pictured) in Canoa.
No. 10 Vilcabamba, The Valley of Eternal Youth – The legendary Vilcabamba and its neighbouring valleys have attracted people from affluent industrial areas to retire or seek a new life there. It is located in the southern region of Ecuador. Vilcabamba is known for having extremely high numbers of centenarians. This region is somewhat hippy, and if you seek absolute peace, Vilcabamba is the place for you.
