Ecuador is the most

picturesque
Rated Tourist Attractions in
Ecuador
Written by Bryan Dearsley
Sep 9, 2019
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More than making up for its small size with an array of indigenous
cultures, colonial architecture, scenic landscapes, and dense rainforests,
Ecuador is one of the most fascinating nations in South America.
Bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean—and no larger than
most US states—this beautiful country attracts climbers, trekkers,
adventurers, and nature lovers to its lush, ecologically important forests;
wildlife watchers to its famous Galápagos Islands; and sun seekers to its
pristine tropical beaches.

Once a part of both the Inca and later, the Spanish Empires, Ecuador still
displays many influences from both groups, most notably in the rich
culture of its people and the splendid colonial architecture of the capital
city of Quito, much of which has been declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.

To learn more about the top things to do in Ecuador, be sure to read this
list of the best attractions in this lovely country.

1. The Galápagos Islands

Bartolome Island, Galápagos

Since their "discovery" in the 16th century, the Galápagos Islands have
intrigued and inspired visitors from around the globe. Named for the giant
tortoises on the islands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a
unique ecosystem that largely evolved without outside influences
(mainland Ecuador lies some 1,000 kilometers to the east) and offers an
exceptional opportunity for wildlife viewing.

The Galápagos Islands remain one of the most active volcanic regions in
the world, and the formation of the islands is still in progress. Most of the
13 large islands, six smaller islands, and 42 islets that make up the
Galápagos were declared part of the Galápagos National Park in the
1950s, and visiting this fragile ecosystem can only be undertaken as part
of a guided tour to designated visitor sites (there are, however, one or two
areas visitors can go without a guide, including some areas popular with
scuba divers).

The main attraction here are its many bird species, of which 28 are
unique to the islands, including the Galápagos penguin, flightless
cormorant, and waved albatross, and the 13 species of Darwin's famous
finches. Hot Tip: Be sure to book a behind-the-scenes visit to
the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz
Island (tours of this important research facility can be made in advance of
your arrival).

Galapagos
Islands Map

2. Quito: Ecuador's Historic Andean Capital

Quito: Ecuador's Historic Andean Capital

High in the Andes, Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is filled with colonial
architecture and is the largest historic center in South America. Preserved
as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many old churches, beautiful
public squares, and world-class museums, this city of 1.6 million people
has long been a favorite with artisans and is a great place to shop for
local art and crafts, from ceramics and wood carvings to colorful clothing.

The most famous attraction in Quito's historic center is the San

Francisco Church on the Plaza San Francisco. Dating back to the first
half of the 1500s, the church's white-washed twin towers flank each side
of the entrance to this massive complex. It's notable for its splendid
Baroque interior and the Convent Museum of San Francisco with its
religious paintings, sculptures, carvings, porcelain, textiles, and
handcrafted furniture.

Other beautiful churches to visit include La Compania de Jesus Church,

constructed in the early 17th century and listed by UNESCO as one of the
top 100 most important buildings in the world, and Quito's
cathedral, Basílica del Voto Nacional, constructed in the 1560s.
One of the top things to do here is to explore Plaza Grande, a beautiful
square surrounded by important points of interest, including the cathedral,
the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Municipal
Palace, as well as Calle La Ronda, a buzzing street lined with
restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and other entertainment.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Quito

 Read More:
 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Quito

3. Cuenca

Cuenca

The beautiful city of Cuenca—officially known as Santa Ana de los cuatro

ríos de Cuenca and home to some 330,000 souls—is located in southern
Ecuador and is a delightful place to explore on foot. Designated a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city brims with splendid colonial
influences and architectural treasures spanning 400 years and
encompassing both Spanish and Indian elements.

The historic city center is also where many of Cuenca's key attractions lie,
one of the most important being the Old Cathedral of Cuenca (Iglesia
del Sagrario). Built in 1567 from stones taken from nearby Inca buildings,
highlights include its old organ from 1739, its tower clock from 1751, and
the Museum for Religious Art.

Also worth a visit is the massive New Cathedral of Cuenca, built in the

1960s and hard to miss for its three beautiful blue-tiled domes.
The Church of San Sebastian with its mix of Gothic and Neoclassical
elements is also worth seeing.

As you wander Cuenca's pleasant narrow streets, be sure to spend some

time exploring the many squares and parks, including Calderon Park in
the heart of the old town; Plaza San Blas Square, dominated by the
Church of San Blas; and Plaza de San Francisco with its merchants
selling textiles and other goods.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cuenca

4. Cotopaxi and Cajas National Parks

Cotopaxi and Cajas National Parks

Two of Ecuador's most popular national parks, Cotopaxi and Cajas, are
within easy driving distances from the cities of Cuenca and Quito and
make wonderful day trips. Of the two, Cotopaxi National Park (Parque
Nacional Cotopaxi), just 50 kilometers south of Quito, is perhaps the best
known thanks to the massive (and still active, with its last eruption as
recent as 2015) Cotopaxi volcano dominating the area, along with the
smaller Rumiñawi and Sincholagua volcanoes.

About 30 kilometers from Cuenca in Ecuador's stunning highlands, Cajas

National Park (Parque Nacional Cajas) offers a different experience due
to its numerous hills and valleys, making it a perfect place to hike and
bike. It's also a delight for watersports enthusiasts, particularly kayakers
and canoeists, thanks to its more than 270 lagoons and glacier-fed lakes.

Finally, Podocarpus National Park, often referred to as the "Botanical

Garden of America," offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. In the
southeast part of the country, its humid mountain forests are home to
more than 4,000 species of plants and trees (some as tall as 40 meters),
including the famous cinchona, Ecuador's national tree.