Ecuador attractions

Rising sharply off the coast of San Cristóbal island, this rock formation’s distinctive shape was formed when a lava cone split in two, forming a narrow channel in between. Also known as Kicker Rock, the site is a popular day trip for snorkelers and divers to see Galápagos and hammerhead sharks, turtles, rays, sea lions, and colorful reef fish.

For a day of pampering, drive from Quito through the Amazon rainforest to this privately-owned hotel spa and resort. Set on 625 acres (253 hectares) between the Cayambe and Antiisana volcanoes, Termas de Papallacta Spa features several natural thermal baths and nature trails along the banks of the Papallacta, a gentle river that flows across the property.

Quito’s Jesuit Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús), often called La Compañía, is one of the most significant works of Spanish baroque architecture in South America. The incredibly ornate and beautiful church boasts gold leaf ornamentation, gilded ceilings, and religious paintings by artists of the Quito School.

With its rolling lakelands, quinoa woods, and cloud forest set against a jagged skyline of rocky peaks, the El Cajas National Park is a natural playground for adventurous travelers. Notable highlights include the Tres Cruces and Avilahuyco viewpoints, Lake Toreadora, the Taitachungo Lagoon, and Lagartococha.

Nestled in a valley at the foot of a volcano 57 miles (92 kilometers) north of Quito, Otavalo is a highland community of indigenous locals famous for their weaving skills and colorful textiles. The local Otavaleños who sell their wares at the daily market wear traditional clothing and have maintained their culture, way of dress, and identity.

On Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, the Charles Darwin Research Station is a great way to take in some interesting facts about the wildlife of the archipelago in between relaxing on the beach and sipping a piña colada. The station offers information on local conservation, habitats, and other relevant statistics, and is home to a tortoise breeding center.

As the largest island of the Galapagos, Isabela Island is one of the most intriguing tropical destinations in the world. More than a million years old, the island is composed of six volcanoes, all of which but one are active. The unique geology draws visitors looking to see the surface uplifts, as well as the incredible tuff cones created by the volcanoes.

Squint south toward the old town from Quito center and you can’t miss the El Panecillo, a hill that resembles apanecillo (little bread roll) with a statue of the Virgin Mary standing on top. At 9,895 feet (3,016 meters) above sea level, El Panecillo is Quito’s most popular lookout, affording 360-degree views of the city.

One of South America’s most active volcanoes, Sierra Negra on Isabela Island has a vast molten crater, which is the second largest caldera in the world. The huge shield volcano erupts about every 15 years, with the last eruption occurring in 2005. Since then several geological and thermal events have been visible to hikers.

In downtown Quito, just one block south of Santo Domingo Plaza, you’ll find the emblematic street affectionately called Calle La Ronda. This pedestrian drag is lined with shops that provide a peek into the local culture and give visitors a chance to pick up popular Ecuadorian take-homes like Panama hats (which are actually from Ecuador).

At Mindo Butterfly Farm (Mariposas de Mindo)—tucked in the ethereal Ecuadorian cloud forest region—get up close and personal with more than 1,000 species of butterflies at all stages of the life cycle. Even travelers not crazy about butterflies will be charmed by the small koi pond, fluttering hummingbirds, and picturesque surroundings.

Tortuga Bay Beach is home to a range of Galapagos creatures (including its namesake turtle). Visitors will find plentiful wildlife species along its pristine sandy beaches, including marine iguanas and brown pelicans; snorkel, swim, or kayak into its clear waters, and you may spot a white tip or tiger shark. What sets this world-famous site apart is its accessibility.

See the famed Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild at El Chato Tortoise Reserve (Reserva El Chato), one of the few places visitors can watch these creatures roaming in their natural habitat. Then, explore the lava tunnels and nature trails, while looking out for other endemic wildlife, such as short-eared owls, Darwin finches, and more.

Not to be confused with the island of South Seymour, more commonly referred to as Baltra (the location of the main Galapagos airport, as well as a military base), North Seymour is a small island that is flat and uplifted, unlike many of its volcanic neighbors. The most intriguing aspect of North Seymour is the renowned blue-footed boobies that inhabit the island.

Once the seat of the archbishop, these days the Archbishop's Palace (Palacio Arzobispal) in Quito’s Old Town is a bustling food court with restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-food places gathered under scenic arches. Here you can get it all, from burgers and fries to seafood to fine dining, with a romantic view of Independence Plaza.

Telefériqo Quito’s cable car whisks passengers up the Pichincha volcano in glass gondolas. The 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) journey up the mountain offers what are perhaps the best panoramic views of the city and ends at the Cruz Loma plateau, where hiking trails lead to Rucu Pichincha, one of the volcano’s twin peaks.

Situated in the Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve, the Nambilla Waterfalls (Nambilla Cascadas) are a series of waterfalls connected by scenic hiking trails through the surrounding verdant rainforest. Here, look out for several species of bird, before swimming, paddling, or diving into the waterfall pools.

Built in the 16th century by the Spanish colonists, Cathedral of Quito has a history as long as the city itself. The white gleaming landmark is constructed in a mix of neoclassical, Gothic Revival, and Mudejar styles. The interior is showstopping, with fantastically ornate chapels and an art collection including important paintings from Quito School of Art.

Isla Lobos is a small island located off the coast of San Cristóbal, popular for snorkeling and diving. Taking its name from its thriving sea lion population, dozens of these beautiful creatures play in the water and laze along the beach and rugged rocks. Blue-footed boobies, Darwin finches, marine iguanas, brown pelicans, and frigate birds may also be spotted here.

Bartolomé Island, located off the east shore of Sullivan Bay, is a small but beautiful spot most famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, which is arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Galapagos. The staggering rock face is an eroded lava formation that was originally created by an underwater volcano.

Seminario Park (Parque de las Iguanas) is a charming urban oasis in Guayaquil, Ecuador. This park is home to numerous free-roaming iguanas, who wander among the lush green surroundings. You can enjoy the presence of these reptiles while taking in the peaceful ambiance of the park.

Nestled within a dormant volcano, the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve is notable for being one of only two inhabited volcanic calderas in the world. With its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Pululahua offers adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers simply seeking a serene escape an unrivaled experience of natural beauty.

Situated in the Cordillera Central mountain range, snow-capped Cayambe Volcano is the only volcano in the world whose summit is crossed by the Equator. With a summit of 18,996 feet (5,790 meters) above sea level, Cayambe is Ecuador’s third tallest volcano. Experienced mountaineers make the trek up the mountain’s three summits along difficult, technical trails.

If you’re visiting Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands, be sure to add the Canal del Amor, known as the Love Channel, to your must-see list. This natural attraction is a spectacular turquoise channel sandwiched between mountainous rocks. From there, you can explore beautiful La Lobería and Punta Estrada, an ideal location for spotting the area's resident sea iguanas.

In a modern district of Quito, this colorful indoor market is a popular local shopping and eating spot, with stalls packed with tropical fruits (guanábana, gooseberries, dragon fruit, granadilla, and the like), fish and meats, medicinal elixirs, and traditional sweets from Peru. Grab a table for a fresh juice or a meal of roasted pig and cheese-stuffed potato pancakes.

The brainchild of Oswaldo Guayasamín, Ecuador’s most renowned and beloved artist, the Chapel of Man is a museum dedicated to chronicling the history of mankind through the artist’s most powerful works. Inspired by an Inca temple, Guayasamín designed this massive hilltop monument as a tribute to Latin America’s native populations, showing the history of human suffering and violence.

Next door to the Quito Cathedral, behind a masterfully-carved stone façade, is this exquisite Roman Catholic chapel. Built over 130 years, the 17th-century El Sagrario is a cultural and artistic jewel box combining Baroque to Neoclassical styles. Behind the gilded gold leaf door, you’ll find surprising Moorish details in the painted domes and striking Renaissance frescoes and paintings.

Though relatively small, Genovesa Island is one of the most interesting in the Galapagos archipelago. Composed entirely out of a shield volcano, the horseshoe-shaped island is home to such geologic wonders as the Great Darwin Bay, which was formed out of a collapsed volcanic structure, and Lake Arcturus, a saltwater crater lake that lies at the center of the island.

A remnant of a dark moment in Isla Isabela’s history, the 65-foot (20-meter) Wall of Tears was constructed by hundreds of prisoners held captive in a penal colony created by then President José María Velasco Ibarra. From 1945 to 1959, prisoners were forced to cut and haul chunks of volcanic rock to build the wall, which had no practical use.

The unique island of Fernandina is found on the west side of Isabela Island and is one of the least visited islands in the Galapagos. Because of its active volcanic state, the island lacks vegetation, and the scenery is almost surreal. However, Fernandina is home to an impressive colony of marine iguanas, as well as Galapagos penguins and cormorants, all of which attract plenty of visitors.