Ecuador Travel

Mindo butterfly

Mindo butterfly

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Rafting and Kayaking in Ecuador

Ecuador’s rivers provide world-class rafting and kayaking. In fact, Ecuador was the World Rafting Champion in 2005 at Quijos River. Whether novice, or expert, travelers can take full advantage of the formidable system of rivers. Tour operators offer all types of packages, usually exploring Blanco Valley, Napo Valley, Quijos Valley, and Upano Valley.

Ecuador Mountain Climbing

Ecuador has some of the world’s most sublime mountains and volcanoes. There are 28 volcanoes and peaks over 13000 feet, making it a prime destination for serious mountain climbing. With the Andes stretching all the way from north to south, climbers often link several summits in succession. Some of the top ascents in Ecuador are Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Antisana.

Trekking in Ecuador

For those who don’t wish to strap on the crampons and gasp for breath atop an icy volcano, Ecuador also has great trekking routes. Crossing 62 volcanoes and peaks in the Andes to world heritage Amazon jungle and dry tropical forest at the Coast, trekking in Ecuador is best activities in this country. Multi-day excursions combine hiking and camping throughout the manageable mountains of the Andes, to Amazon rainforest and Coast tropical wet and dry forests. Great treks include the Trek of the Condor and the Inca Trail to Ingapirca.

Mountain Biking in Ecuador

Plenty of tour operators provide great mountain biking tours throughout the Ecuadorian Andes. This is a great way to experience the diverse countryside while tackling some exciting terrain. There are more than 2000 kilometers of trails throughout the Andes, Coast and Amazon rainforest. Mountain biking tours set out from major cities like Quito or Cuenca and explore places like Cotopaxi National Park and Cajas National Park.

Ecuador Indigenous Markets

Ecuador’s cities are known for their tremendous markets. These cultural extravaganzas combine indigenous goods like traditional handicrafts and wool clothing with local produce, artwork, and everyday necessities. A few of the many colorful markets are the indigenous markets in Otavalo, the leather markets in Cotocachi, the livestock market at Saquisili.

Birdwatching in Ecuador

Ecuador has an extraordinary wealth of exotic bird species, with more than 1600 different kinds of registered birds and 107 IBA´s around the whole country, meaning with that you can be in the Galapagos Islands, the Pacific Coast, the Andean Cloudforest and Paramos, and obviously the Amazon rainforest and see a huge variety of birds of Ecuador. The question is: how can I see so many species in one trip? And the answer is, you probably cannot, so two or three trips might be necessary to see the diversity of species that exist in this small area, no bigger than the area of Nevada in the United States. Species include the Andean Condor, the Cock of the Rock, the toucan, and countless hummingbird species. Top destinations for birdwatching are Mindo, Choco Patche, Papallacta, San Isidro, the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands.

Ecuador Surf

Ecuador’s Northern Coast and Southern Coast both provide great waves for surfers. You can surf in the northern and southern hemisphere – not many people can tell their friends that! . Whether travelers want a lively youth surf culture, or a peaceful stretch of untouched sand, Ecuador has it all. Destinations range from the party-crazed Montanita, to the chilled out Canoa, to the very mellow Mompiche.

Train Rides

An undeniably unique attraction, Ecuador offers several breathtaking train rides through the heart of the Andean highlands. More about the trip itself than the destination, these feature rustic iron train cars chugging over some of the country’s most exciting mountains. The best rides are the Quito-Cotopaxi-Quito route and the Riobamba-Nariz del Diablo-Riobamba route.

Whale Watching

Ecuador’s Northern Coast is a hotbed for whale watching. The waters off of the coast of Puerto Lopez and Machalilla National Park are mating grounds for hundreds of humpback whales from May to December. This is a must-see in Ecuador, with most whale-watching tours enjoying an almost perfect record of whale sightings during these months.

Canopy Tours

There is nothing like watching the lush Ecuadorian forest fly by in blur of green as you speed through the sky on a canopy tour. These systems of zip lines give travelers the true bird’s eye experience. These can be found all over Ecuador, particularly in Mindo, Santa Rita in the Chillo Valley, and Machay.

Ecuador Amazon Jungle Tours

Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest makes up 40% of the whole country area. Also, 30% of Ecuador’s Amazon rainforests are natural parks or reserves. The entire area is twice as large as the whole of Costa Rica, and the rainforest is well preserved. Tours deep into these dense jungles are a must, often combining rafting on the Napo or Coca river, hiking through the rainforest, wildlife observation, and a visit an indigenous community. Tours leave from Tena, Puyo, and Coca among others.

Ecuador Hot Thermal Springs

Ecuador’s high number of volcanoes provides it with many natural hot springs. These powerfully soothing pools are often found in the valleys between volcanoes. Their waters are rich with vital minerals, possible curing all types of ailments from colds to arthritis. Some popular hot springs can be found in Papallacta, Baños, and Chachimbiro.

Ecuador & Galapagos Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The waters of Ecuador’s Pacific coast and Galapagos Islands have some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling. While the Galapagos Islands are the best known for their diving, mainland towns like Ayampe and Puerto Lopez also have clear waters, coral reef, and a plethora of exotic marine life.

Ecuador Archaeological Ruins

Travelers shouldn’t miss Ecuador’s ruins and archaeological sites. These remnants of the past give great insight into the different cultures that make up Ecuador’s history. These include Valdivia artifacts on the coast, and Cañari and Inca ruins in Ingapirca, Pumapungo, and Todos Santos.

UNESCO Heritage Quito & Cuenca cities exploration

Ecuador’s cities feature charming colonial architecture and important historical buildings. The historical centers of both Cuenca and Quito have been named UNESCO World Heritage sites, with their cobblestone streets and impressive cathedrals and expansive squares.

Ecuador Horseback Riding

Ecuador’s sierra provides ample opportunity for exciting horseback riding. There are plenty of ranches and tour operators offering horseback riding in Ecuador. These trips explore reserves and national parks like the National Reserve Pululahua, Chimborazo National Park, and Podocarpus National Park.

Ecuador Museums

Ecuador’s great museums cannot be skipped. With more than 120 fascinating archaeological museums, Ecuador is a great place for a cultural tour. Detailing the rich history of post colonial, colonial, pre-Columbian, and pre-Inca cultures, these museums capture the story of Ecuador. Top museums include the Museo Banco Central in Quito and the Archaeological Museum in Bahia de Caraquez.

Bungee Jumping

A recently developed major attraction in Ecuador is bungee jumping. Travelers feel the rush of adrenaline as they plunge off a bridge or cliff only to spring back up before hitting the ground. This is typically done in Baños.

Galapagos Cruises

A tour of the Galapagos Islands is a must. This is the most ecologically unique region of the world, with many species like the blue-footed booby. Cruise packages are the recommended way to visit these islands, often offering hiking tours, scuba diving, and wildlife observation.

Chiva Tours

This unique Ecuadorian bus tours feature a colorful, old, open-air bus that takes passengers on a party tour of cities and natural areas of note. These often offer local drink specialties, music, and dancing. These can be found almost everywhere, including Riobamba and Quito.

Nightlife

For those looking to let loose and experience the lively party culture of Ecuador, there are plenty of fantastic bars and clubs. Hot spots include the Mariscal district of Quito, the Samborondon area of Guayaquil is also quite rowdy while smaller towns like Baños and Montanita have thriving nightlife as well.