Ecuador - The Country of Four Worlds : Travel Guide

Despite its relatively small size compared with local giants Brazil and Argentina, Ecuador is home to an astounding array of wonders that include picturesque colonial towns, Amazonian rain forest, the spectacular peaks of the Andes and of course the fragile but alluring Galapagos Islands. Whether it’s nature, wildlife, culture, anthropology or language, this diverse country is sure to impress.

Ecuador is located in the western corner at the top of the South American continent. Ecuador, the smallest country in South America, is named after the Equator, the imaginary line around the Earth that splits the country in two. Most of the country is in the Southern Hemisphere.

Ecuador is roughly the size of Colorado and is bordered by Colombia and Peru. The high Andes Mountains form the backbone of the country. Cotopaxi in the Andes is the highest active volcano in the world.

Places Of Tourists Attraction In Ecuador

1. Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of volcanic islands belonging to Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) Ecuador. The Galapagos are world renowned for its unique ecosystem which was the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection. Giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and different bird species can all be seen and approached. Strict controls on tourist access are maintained in an effort to protect the natural habitats and all visitors must be accompanied by a national park-certified naturalist tour guide.

2. 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 with many old churches, beautiful public squares, and world-class museums, the city 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. Be sure to explore Plaza Grande, a beautiful square surrounded by 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.

3. Cuenca

Tucked into a mountain valley at 8,000 feet, the largest city in Ecuador's southern highlands also enjoys World Heritage Site status, coupled with an interesting Incan history. Visitors will want to wander through the archaeological site Ingapirca, which includes ruins from Incan and pre-Incan eras.

While in town, visit Cuenca's many interesting churches, such as the Cuenca Cathedral located in the town's central plaza, and the 13th-century Iglesia de San Miguel. The town also houses a surprising number of small museums, including the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Abstract Art and the Museum of Science of Castile-La Mancha. Don't miss one of the town's most jaw-dropping sites: Las Casas Colgadas, or "overhanging houses," a row of 14th-century homes that appear ready to tip over into the Huécar canyon.

4. Cotopaxi 

One of the things that Ecuador is most famous for is tis volcanoes. Cotopaxi is the second-highest mountain peak in the country, and it is also a beautiful snow-covered volcano. It features one of the few glaciers that are located along the equator. It is very near Quito, which makes it a great day trip for visitors who want to explore the volcano up close.

5. San Francisco Church

Located in Quito’s Old Town district, the Iglesia y Monesterio de San Francisco features several masterpieces, including a sculpture of a winged Holy Virgin by Legarda. Construction for the church began in 1550 on land where the palace of the Incan ruler Atahualpa once stood. The church complex is massive, covering nearly two blocks, and includes an adjoining museum. San Francisco Church and the surrounding Old Town area are considered one of the most important cultural centers in Latin America and are one of the main tourist attractions in Ecuador.

6. Nariz del Diablo : The Devil's Nose

A visit to the stunningly beautiful Nariz del Diablo ("the Devil's Nose") should be on everyone's bucket list. Whether you're a train enthusiast or not, this spectacular part of the Andes mountains near the town of Alausí is best seen aboard one of the country's superbly restored railways, part of a network that stretches across the country to some of its most scenic locations. The 12-kilometer return trip to Nariz del Diablo is undoubtedly one of the most popular and includes a fantastic sightseeing trip aboard a train that zigzags through a number of switchbacks as it climbs the near vertical sides of the mountain to the viewing station at its top. You'll have the chance to experience the rich culture of the Andes, including a visit to the Puñuna Condor Museum with its exhibits and displays relating to the area's indigenous people.

7. Cuicocha Lake

Just north of Quito lies what might be Ecuador's most photographed body of water, the dramatic Cuicocha Lake, a 2-mile wide crater lake tucked into the caldera of the Cotacachi Volcano in the equatorial Andes. This stunning lake's bright blue waters will startle tourists with its unexpected beauty. Visitors can reach Cuicocha Lake via bus from the tiny town of Otavalo, then take a taxi from the town of Quiroga. Upon reaching the lake, it's possible to take a boat ride inside the caldera or hike the rim. Hikers beware, though: The terrain can be tricky and the elevation is high at 10,000 feet, which could make breathing a bit difficult.

8. Otavalo Market

Part of the fun of traveling in Ecuador is exploring the handiwork crafted by local artisans, and there’s no better place to see and purchase local arts, crafts and clothing than at the markets in the small town of Otavalo. The city is known the world over for the handiwork of its indigenous people, the Otavalos. Every Saturday, in the city’s Plaza de Ponchos, a broad array of jewelry, wood and stone carvings and woven clothing are offered for sale.

9. The Beaches of Salinas, Bahia and Montanita

While best known for its ecotourism and adventure travel opportunities, Ecuador also boasts a number of beautiful beaches worth visiting, whether for a short break from sightseeing or as a base for a longer sun, sand, and sea vacation. One of the most popular areas, due to its many beach resorts, is the coastal city of Salinas, a little west of Guayaquil and boasting a consistently warm climate year-round. Also popular is the Pacific coastal city of Bahía de Caráquez. On a pretty peninsula jutting out into the ocean, Bahía attracts many tourists with its fine beaches, numerous hotels, and lively entertainment scene. Another popular area, particularly among younger travelers and surfers, is Montañita in the south coastal region of the country (for families, head a little further south to the quieter beaches of the fishing village of Ayangue).

10. Catedral Nueva

The colonial city of Cuenca is the third largest in Ecuador, popular for its year-round temperate climate. The New Cathedral of Cuenca, or “Catedral Nueva,” is the city’s most-recognizable landmark. Construction of the church began in the late 1800s and continued for nearly a century. With a façade crafted from alabaster and marble, the Catedral Nueva is most notable for the its three immense domes, each covered in blue glazed tile imported from Czechoslovakia.

Check Out Some Interesting Facts about Ecuador

1. Ecuador is one of three countries that were created in 1830, after the collapse of Gran Colombia.

2. Ecuador is named for the equator, which runs through the country.

3. Forming a part of the landscape of the country are the Galapagos Islands, situated in the Pacific.

4. Guinea pig is considered to be a delicacy in Ecuador. To me it tastes like rabbit.

5. The colors of the flag is yellow for the diversity in the country, blue for the sky and the sea, and red for the blood of those who fought for independence.

6. Prior to the Incas settlement in Ecuador, Ecuador was inhabited by the Native American peoples

7. Ecuador has many active volcanoes and also, one of the greatest densities of volcanoes in the world.

8. Ecuador’s Independence Day is on August 10th.

9. Ecuador is one of only two countries in South America that do not share a border with Brazil.

10. Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean highlands.

Ecuador is home to a wide variety of scenic and environmental wonders. From the Amazonian rain forest to the tops of the Andes Mountains; and the coastal towns to the Galapagos Islands, there are sights and experiences that are sure to impress. 

Read Also : Bali - The Island of Gods : Travel Guide

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