Tourist Attractions in Ecuador

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Ecuador

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Ecuador

In the equatorial zone of the Andes lies the Republic of Ecuador, famous, first of all, for its unique natural riches. National parks, mountain lakes, waterfalls, volcanoes and, of course, the amazing Galapagos Islands are not a complete list of natural sites in Ecuador, which are definitely worth visiting in this country.

Connoisseurs of urban tourism will love the organic combination of the ancient Inca heritage with the cultural traditions of the Spanish conquerors. Many examples of colonial architecture have been preserved in the cities of Ecuador. And lovers of beach holidays should choose such resorts as Montañita, Salinas, Los Frailes and the beach of Atacames canton.

On the territory of the country there are several Indian tribes, for visiting which you can order special excursion tours. The Republic of Ecuador is considered one of the safest countries in South America, but, as everywhere else, tourists should be wary of pickpocketing and fraud.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Ecuador

Galápagos Islands

 4.6/5

425 reviews

The Galapagos Islands were officially discovered in 1535 and became part of Ecuador in 1832. Today, the group of these islands is considered a national park, home to giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions and other unique animals and birds. For its beauty, the waters of the Galapagos are appreciated by divers from all over the world.

Quito

 0/5

One of the most beautiful cities in South America is Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The old part of the city successfully combines Dutch, Spanish and even Indian architecture. Quito is home to many museums, four large park areas, and an observatory. The Teleferico cable car will take you to the Pichincha volcano.

Cotopaxi

 4.7/5

1153 reviews

One of the highest active volcanoes on the planet is located at a distance of about 50 kilometres from the capital of Ecuador. It was first climbed to the top of Cotopaxi in 1872. Today you can camp at the foot of the volcano, ride horses or mountain bikes. To get to the top safely, it is best to use the services of a guide.

Tena

 0/5

The capital of Napo province, it is a very popular town used by tourists as a springboard to start their jungle journeys. Kayaking and whitewater rafting activities are available just outside the city, and you can spend the night in an authentic Amerindian hut at the Orchid Paradise inn, located 6 kilometres from Tena.

Parque Nacional Cajas

 4.8/5

4004 reviews

In the mountains of Ecuador there is a unique area that has been considered a national park since 1996. About 270 beautiful lakes of El Cajas, which are home to many trout, are of glacial origin. Due to the incredible beauty of its landscapes, this park is highly appreciated by tourists.

Open time

Middle of the World City

 4.7/5

28484 reviews

The town of Montagnita, located on the Santa Elena Peninsula, is a real find for surfers. It offers very favourable conditions for windsurfing, scuba diving and bodyboarding. Montañita was once popular with the hippie movement, and today you can still hear reggae music played by street musicians.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Centro histórico de Cuenca

 0/5

Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city, is located in the south-west of the country. Archaeological research has shown that the first settlements on the site of modern Cuenca date back to 500 AD. The area delineated by Gran Colombia, General Torres and Yermano Miguel streets is the main tourist attraction in Cuenca.

Basílica del Voto Nacional

 4.8/5

15526 reviews

In the historic centre of Quito is the extraordinarily beautiful Basilica of Del Voto Nacional. This Roman Catholic cathedral is in the Gothic style, but instead of the traditional chimeras, Del Voto Nacional is decorated with figures of pelicans, turtles, monkeys and other representatives of Ecuadorian fauna. The highest tower of the basilica offers a beautiful view of the city.

Open time

Chimborazo

 4.8/5

1804 reviews

Ecuador’s highest point was first conquered in 1880. Today, Chimborazo Volcano is one of the most visited mountains, which usually takes 13-16 hours to climb. The ascent starts at the Carepa hut, then stops at the Wampera hut, and the final point of the route is the summit of Veintemillet.

Middle of the World City

 4.7/5

28484 reviews

The 30-metre monument marking the location of the equator is located 26 kilometres from Quito. It was erected in the 19th century to commemorate the first Geodetic Mission of the French Academy of Sciences. Despite the proven inaccuracy in measurements and the actual passage of the equator slightly northwards, CiudadMitad del Mundo is very popular with Ecuadorian tourists.

Open time

San Francisco Catholic Church

 4.8/5

3412 reviews

The Roman Catholic complex of St Francis was built in the capital city of Quito in the 16th century. The complex consists of the main church, refectory, wine cellar, garden and even a prison. The rich interior decoration makes the original church of San Francisco unusually popular among visitors to Ecuador.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Church of the Society of Jesus

 4.8/5

2719 reviews

One of Quito’s most ornate churches, a significant Spanish Baroque monument and a popular tourist attraction, La Compañía is a church whose foundation stone was laid in 1605. The church was completed in the second half of the XVII century. Since then, the church has undergone various restorations, the last of which was completed in 2005.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 12:30 – 4:00 PM

Sangay National Park

 4.7/5

1513 reviews

To the south of Quito is the Sangay National Park, which covers an area of more than 5,000 km². There are two active (Tungurahua and Sangay) and one extinct (Altar) volcanoes, mountain rivers and lakes, waterfalls and thermal springs. Tourists can climb the mountains on foot or by bicycle, and special trails have been prepared for horseback riding.

Open time

El Panecillo

 4.6/5

1100 reviews

In the central part of Quito is El Panecillo Hill, on top of which is the famous statue of the Virgin Mary. The hill is one of the most visited places in Quito, as the 41 metre high Virgin Mary is visible from almost any part of the city. Built in the 1970s, the Madonna is depicted as a winged angel standing on a globe and crushing a snake with her feet. There is a viewing platform on top of the statue that tourists love to visit.

Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción

 4.8/5

3166 reviews

The famous Catholic Church, known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Nueva Cathedral, is one of the symbols of the city of Cuenca. The building was begun at the end of the nineteenth century and finished almost a hundred years later. This active Neo-Romanesque church is crowned with huge blue-and-white domes, for the construction of which Czechoslovakian tiles were specially shipped to Cuenca.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Carondelet Palace

 4.6/5

716 reviews

The seat of government and the President of Ecuador, located in Quito’s Independence Square, dates back to the 16th century. After the independence of Ecuador, Carondelet was given its present name and used as the presidential palace. Since 2007, the residence has been open to the public.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:11 AM – 11:00 PM

CASCADA EL PAILÓN del Diablo

 4.8/5

7944 reviews

One of the most beautiful and impressive places in Ecuador is the Pailon del Diablo waterfall. To get to the Devil’s Cauldron, as this place is called, tourists have to overcome a rather narrow tunnel. But the difficulties of this way are more than compensated by the beautiful view of a huge rumbling wall of water spray, which is literally at arm’s length from the viewing platform of the waterfall.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Ingapirca

 0/5

The archaeological complex near Cuenca is one of the most significant monuments of the ancient Inca civilisation. Ingapirca was once a small fortified city that suffered greatly from the Spanish conquests. Restoration of the ancient ruins began only in the middle of the XX century, and since then the monument is open to all visitors.

Quilotoa Lake

 4.8/5

1952 reviews

About 800 years ago, the crater of the extinct volcano Kilotoa was filled with water, forming an unusually beautiful lake. There are several hot springs here, and for a small fee locals can take tourists on canoe rides around the lake. The nearby village of the same name is ready to accommodate all those who wish to stay longer in this beautiful place.

Plaza de Ponchos

 4.5/5

6555 reviews

Nestled between the volcanic peaks of Imambura, Mohanda and Cotachachi is the small town of Otavalo, famous for its authentic Indian handicrafts market. Traditionally, the Otowalis were farmers, but increased tourism has led to a shift in production, and now the locals are busy making popular textiles and handicrafts.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM