13 Reasons To Visit Ecuador
Are you looking for some reasons to visit Ecuador for your next vacation?
I loved Ecuador. We’ve spent more than a month travelling around the country on our 10-month backpacking trip in 2022 and 2023. It’s one of my favourite countries we visited on that trip and it really isn’t hard to see why. There are so many reasons to visit Ecuador.
I’ve come up with 13 of them. I’ll discuss them all, giving you an in-depth explanation of why they’re great reasons. A journey through beautiful Ecuador, told by an adventurous backpacker who loved every single second of the trip.
13 Reasons To Visit Ecuador
Since me and Callie spent quite some time in Ecuador, I’m confident to say we know what we’re talking about. We visited the countries all around Ecuador as well, so I know the reasons Ecuador really stands out. Let’s dive in!
Planning a trip? These are our favourite Travel Resources:
- ✈️ SkyScanner – for all your flight deals
- ⭐️ SafetyWing – great travel insurance
- 🛏️ Booking & Expedia – cheapest hotel deals
1 – The Galapagos Islands
My all-time favourite place in the world. Honestly. I have never seen anything like it – and I probably never will. It’s a little paradise on earth. The wildlife is incredible and the scenery is breathtaking. You can snorkel with sea lions, swim with penguins, and walk amongst giant tortoises. It’s a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. We visited in May, which is a great time of year to go.
Darwin’s evolution theory was inspired by a visit to these islands. There are species found nowhere else on the planet. Yes, there are penguins – but they’re Galapagos penguins. With characteristics not found in any other species of penguin.
The scuba diving is also like visiting a different planet. A little on the expensive side, but totally worth every penny. Amazing reefs, playful sea lions, massive turtles, and that’s not even half of it.
If you’re considering an adventurous vacation and don’t feel like visiting mainland Ecuador (you should, though), the Galapagos should still be on the top of your list. And if you’re adding it to your Ecuador itinerary, keep in mind you should spend at least 5 days here.
2 – The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon covers a big part of Ecuador, allowing you to explore its rich biodiversity. From colourful birds and monkeys swinging from tree to tree, to small critters on the jungle floor.
You can choose how much time you want to spend in the rainforest – from day trips to multi-day excursions. We did a one-day tour from Baños de Agua Santa, which is quite easy to get to from Quito.
Our day trip was actually surprisingly good. It was not expensive, we paid $22 per person. So to be honest, we did not have too high expectations. It ended up being amazing. We visited a tribe that lives in the Amazon, a chocolate farm, an amazing viewpoint, and hiked through the rainforest to a waterfall. It even included wellies and lunch. A great day!
3 – The Equator
You may have guessed (or already knew) that the name Ecuador is based on the fact it lies on the equator. Even better: the experiment that proved the shape of the earth was held on the equator in Ecuador. This fact is why Ecuador is now called Ecuador. Anyways.
At first, I found the idea of being in the southern hemisphere quite exciting. Being below the equator was quite cool, I thought. Being from the Netherlands, which is quite ‘high’ north, the southern hemisphere always feels really far away. Nobody I know had been in the southern hemisphere either.
I didn’t really think of the equator as being a line on Earth. It’s more of an imaginary thing. But in some places, you can stand EXACTLY on it. There are monuments and lines that visualise that imaginary line. So, standing with one foot north and one foot south was obviously something that had to be done. I remember feeling like I was at the centre of the world.
It wasn’t just about standing on this line, but also learning about its significance and how it has played a role in history at the nearby museum.
4 – It Is Cheap To Travel
Mostly. The Galapagos were actually the most expensive part of our trip. But the rest of Ecuador was cheap. Not counting the Galapagos, we spent about $30 per person, per day. Compare that to the other countries, and you’ll realise this is very decent.
We did stay in Airbnb’s, we had takeouts and restaurant dinners and did quite some day trips. So, if you’re a budget traveller: hostels and mostly cooking for yourself will get that down to well under $15 a day. And that is still with doing the activities we did.
5 – Adventure Activities
Baños is the best home base for this. White water rafting, ziplining, jungle treks, you name it. All are available from the cute town that is Baños. And all at good prices.
But adventure activities aren’t just limited to Baños. We also did some incredible day trips from Quito, like venturing up the Cotopaxi volcano.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Ecuador is definitely a good place for you. From swimming with sharks in the Galapagos to white water rafting in Baños, there’s no shortage of adventure activities to get your heart pumping. Plus, with the affordable prices in Ecuador, you can do it all without breaking the bank. All in all some great reasons to visit Ecuador!
6 – The Chocolate
I mentioned chocolate on our jungle trip from Baños. We visited a family-run chocolate farm in the Amazon rainforest. We watched and helped them make chocolate from homegrown cacao beans. It was a delicious experience.
But even outside of the jungle, Ecuador is known for its high-quality chocolate. You can find numerous chocolate shops in Quito and other cities offering a variety of flavours and styles. Don’t miss out on trying some during your trip. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
The chocolate is fair, and some of the best I’ve tried. Most of it is vegan as well since many farms only use cacao and sugar. And well, sometimes coffee or vanilla for flavouring.
❗️We use Water-To-Go bottles on ALL of our travels. Safe drinking water from ANY fresh water source. Taps, rivers, lakes, you name it.
7 – The People
Ecuador felt very welcoming. And the people always had a smile on their faces when I tried talking to them or asking them for directions. Now, that might be because my Spanish is as bad as it gets. And they were just laughing at me. But I like to think they enjoyed the interaction.
When we visited Otovalo market (which I will discuss next) a local lady even helped us bargain. Which to me feels cheeky, but it’s just the way it works in Otovalo. She told us not to accept the first price and gave us numbers for a counteroffer.
The most interesting about this was, she was actually the person we tried to buy something off! She realised we were new to it, and told us, and showed us, exactly how it is done.
8 – Otavalo Market
One of the highlights of our trip to Ecuador was visiting the Otavalo market. Located in the town of (you guessed it) Otavalo, it is one of the largest and oldest indigenous markets in South America.
The market is bustling with activity and colour, with vendors selling everything from traditional handicrafts and textiles to fresh produce and street food. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and immerse yourself in the local culture.
We spent hours wandering through the stalls, admiring the pretty designs. And of course, we couldn’t resist buying a hand-made poncho.
9 – 5 UNESCO world heritage sites
It’s not hard to understand why these sites are listed by UNESCO. They’re all amazing in their own respect. Together they give you even more reasons to visit Ecuador.
City of Quito
The capital city of Ecuador, Quito is a mix of beautiful colonial architecture and modern development. Its historic centre, known as “Old Town”, is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America. Which is why it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador, also boasts a stunning historic centre. With its well-preserved colonial buildings, beautiful churches and cobblestone streets, it’s easy to see why this charming city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
This network of roads, spanning over 30,000 kilometres, was built by the Incas and used for communication, trade and defence. Parts of it can still be seen in Ecuador, including the famous Ingapirca ruins.
The Galapagos Islands
One of the most famous destinations in Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a true natural wonder. These isolated islands are home to diverse and unique wildlife, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. It’s no surprise they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
Sangay National Park
Located in the Andes mountains, Sangay National Park is a protected area known for its stunning landscapes and ecosystem. It’s home to many endangered species and is considered one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
10 – The Volcanoes
Ecuador is also known for its impressive volcanoes, and we were lucky enough to see a few of them during our visit. The most famous of these is Cotopaxi, which stands at over 19,000 feet and is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
It was actually even erupting ash and water vapour as we were going up. A little unsettling but it did give a good view. But, for that reason, we weren’t allowed to go all the way to the top glacier.
Other great volcanoes in Ecuador are Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Sangay. Each one offers a unique experience and stunning views for those who dare to climb them.
11 – The Culture
By the time we got to Ecuador, we had already seen quite a lot of countries. From Mexico all the way down to Colombia. Ecuador was next. And I wouldn’t say it was a culture shock, but it was so obviously different than what we had seen before.
This felt like the true South America. We saw Alpaca’s and Llama’s, and textiles made from their fur. And, it wasn’t just in tourist shops. People were actually wearing it. I hadn’t seen that before.
The people are so welcoming, happy to see you, and will go out of their way to help you out if you need it. Which is definitely a cultural thing!
12 – Beaches & Surfing
Ecuador has some great beaches. Not only on the Galapagos Islands but on the mainland as well. One place that really stands out is the town of Montañita. It’s a small beach town known for its surf breaks and lively party scene.
An amazing place for enjoying the beach vibes and learning to surf from some friendly locals. And apparently, surfing is not as easy as it looks!
Where To Stay In Ecuador
Everybody needs a bed, right? Let’s discuss the best accommodation choices in the most visited areas of Ecuador.
Quito – Chakana Hotel Boutique
This affordable but highly-rated hotel is located in the historic centre of Quito. Walking distance to the tourist attractions and shops.
Check out Chakana Hotel Boutique here!
Banos – Casa Del Balcon
A cute hotel with a great location in the middle of the town. Casa Del Balcon includes breakfast and has bikes available for rent. Great if you want to explore the waterfalls around the town!
Casa Del Balcon can be found through this link!
Cuenca – Pepe’s House Cuenca
A rustic hotel in Cuenca’s historic centre. Close to bars and restaurants. Rooms include breakfast. Great spot if you want to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife.
Book your room in Pepe’s House here!
The Galapagos Islands – Galapagos Verde Azul
Located in the main town of Isla Santa Cruz. Walking distance from all the main attractions and the pier where you can watch baby sharks, turtles, and seals. It’s got a pool, on-site bar and restaurant, and breakfast included.
Admire the islands with Galapagos Verde Azul as you home base!
Getting To Ecuador
If you were living in Ecuador you probably wouldn’t be looking for reasons to visit. So, let’s find out how to get there:
By Plane
The most common way to get to Ecuador is by flying into the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil. These airports have many international flights coming from major cities around the world, making it easy to plan your trip.
From either airport, you can transfer to a flight to the Galapagos.
By Land
For those who prefer land travel, you can also enter Ecuador by crossing the borders from neighbouring countries such as Colombia and Peru. You can take a bus or hire a private car to reach your destination in Ecuador.
We flew into Ecuador from Colombia but left overland to Peru. If you are coming from Peru, the overland trip is very straightforward if entering from Tumbes. I’m not too sure how it works from Colombia to be really honest!
Reasons To Visit Ecuador – FAQs
We’ve discussed so many different reasons to visit Ecuador – but that might not be all the information you’re looking for. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is Ecuador safe?
Yes. But not everywhere. Now, I realise this sounds a bit daunting. But not to worry. If you’re coming over for the Galapagos Islands, there is not a worry in the world. It’s one of the safest places in South America. Ecuador is also generally safe in places like Baños and Cuenca. However, like anywhere else, you should always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night and be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas.
There is also drug-related crime. Which is specifically in some regions, like border regions and harbours. We felt safe at all times but didn’t go out at night in Quito and avoided some areas.
Disclaimer: This post was written before the current gang violence and political instability. Always check your Government’s travel advice before deciding to travel.
Where is Ecuador Located?
Ecuador is located in South America, bordered by Colombia to the north and east and Peru to the east and south. It also includes the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador.
Do I need a visa to visit Ecuador?
Most visitors do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, it is always best to check with your embassy or consulate for the most updated information.
What is the currency used in Ecuador?
The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. It’s recommended to have smaller bills on hand, as it can be difficult to get change for larger bills in smaller towns and villages. Especially when buying stuff on markets and streets, anything bigger than $10 is pushing it. The biggest note they use is $20
What language is spoken in Ecuador?
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, but indigenous languages are also spoken in certain regions. English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist areas, so it’s helpful to have some basic knowledge of Spanish or a translation app on hand.
What makes Ecuador so special?
Ecuador is known for its stunning natural diversity, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the towering Andes mountains and the pristine beaches of the Galapagos Islands. It also has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. The people are warm and welcoming, making it a great destination for travellers seeking an authentic experience. Plus, Ecuador’s small
How long do you need in Ecuador?
While it’s possible to see some of the main highlights in a week or two, we highly recommend spending at least 3-4 weeks in Ecuador to truly experience its diverse landscapes and cultures. This also allows for more time to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.
How long do you need in the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are a must-visit for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. We recommend spending at least 5 days there to fully explore the islands and have multiple opportunities for activities like snorkelling, hiking, and wildlife viewing. For those who want a more in-depth experience, a week or even two can be spent in the Galapagos.
Reasons To Visit Ecuador – Final Thoughts
Ecuador is such a diverse country. You can go from massive volcanoes to the Amazon Rainforest, and from a bustling city like Quito to picturesque beach towns. And then we’re not even considering the most interesting place in the world (according to me): The Galapagos.
No matter what, Ecuador offers a wide range of experiences for every single one of you, and you’ll never be bored there. You can dance salsa in Quito, hike to waterfalls in Baños, explore ancient ruins, and swim with sea lions in the Galapagos. And let’s not forget about the amazing food – from ceviche to empanadas, your taste buds will thank you.
