Ecuador Things to Do

  Idolatery?
by Assenczo
 
  • Idolatery?
      Idolatery?
    by Assenczo
  • Do not mess with us!
      Do not mess with us!
    by Assenczo
  •   Things to Do
    by malianrob
  •   Things to Do
    by malianrob
  •   Things to Do
    by MalenaN
 

Most Viewed Things to Do in Ecuador

151.

Colonial Quito   Quito

Colonial Quito, Quito

 169 Reviews  Construction of La Merced started in 1701 and the church was inaugurated in 1747. There had been an earlier church at the same site, but it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1660. Beside La Merced... 

 See All 420 Things to Do in Quito

152.

Diving and Snorkeling   Galápagos Islands

Diving and Snorkeling, Galápagos Islands

 47 Reviews  The snorkeling along the edge of the lava flow at Sullivan Bay was excellent and we stayed in the water for 1.5 hours. We visited several great snorkeling locations during the cruise with M/S... 

 See All 318 Things to Do in Galápagos Islands

153.

Museums   Quito

Museums, Quito

 44 Reviews  Museo Nacional del Banco Central is situated in a large round building in the south end of Mariscal, in Parque Arbolito. It is a great museum displaying many masterpieces of Ecuadorian pre-Colombian... 

 See All 420 Things to Do in Quito

154.

Charles Darwin Research Center   Galápagos Islands

Charles Darwin Research Center, Galápagos Islands

 16 Reviews  Also known as Solitary George, Lonesome George is the last turtle of his sub-species (Geochelone elephantopus abingdoni). His turtle buddies were all killed by either whalers in the 19th century (who... 

 See All 318 Things to Do in Galápagos Islands

155.

Mitad del Mundo   Quito

Mitad del Mundo, Quito

 26 Reviews  Take a short trip out of downtown Quito to mitad del mundo ... the Equator! We took a blue line public bus for $0.80 each way and it was a harrowing 1 hour journey with crazy drivers, but we survived... 

 See All 420 Things to Do in Quito

156.

El Panecillo   Quito

El Panecillo, Quito

 25 Reviews  El Panecillo, which means the Little Bread Loaf, is a small round hill south of Centro Histórico. On top of El Panecillo there is a big statue of La Virgen de Quito. The statue has got wings like an... 

 See All 420 Things to Do in Quito

157.

Local Markets   Quito

Local Markets, Quito

 9 Reviews  On weekends, El Ejido becomes the sight of a large outdoor market featuring handicrafts typical of Ecuador. Everything here is the typical sort of tourist souvenir that you might expect from the... 

 See All 420 Things to Do in Quito

Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

The magic hands of Karina! - Vilcabamba

by elsadran

Karina is a very nice person with a very positive energy and magic hands. I am a massage fanatic so believe me when I say her massage is excellent. It's comparingly very cheap, too. Her place is in the building of the Information Center, just around the corner from the Central Square, on Bolivar street. She offers back massage, foot massage, facial treatment, hair treatment, reiki and whole body exfoliation waxing. One hour body massage costs 10$. Facial treatment 5$. Open 10.00-18.00.

Tip Photo
Podocarpus National Park - Vilcabamba

by elsadran

Podocarpus National Park includes cloud forests, high altitude grasslands, numerous beautiful lakes and rivers and hundreds of waterfalls. There is a concentration of animals most of which are endemic. Multicoloured butterflies, many species of birds, deer, armadillos, rabbits, squirrels, Andean foxes, Andean bears, tapirs...Sighting animals is not so simple, though, as animals are shy. It is named after the predominant tree, Podocarpus, which is under protection. It is a conifer tree that grows from 1 meter to 25 meters tall or more. In case you are the independent type, stay in Cabanas Rio Yambala (www.vilcabamba.cwc.net) and follow the trails up to Refuge “Las Palmas” . Another hiking trail is southeast of Vilcabamba. Follow the road to High Yamburara, pass the bridge of Yambala river and you 'll find an entrance to the park. After a hike of 13kms you can reach the Community Refuge...

Tip Photo
Vilcabamba - “The Valley of Longevity"

by elsadran

Vilcabamba is a serene, agricultural village set among picturesque green mountains with a great biodiversity. Its fame as “The Valley of Longevity" comes from the fact that many locals claimed to be more than a hundred years old. When scientists made more elaborated studies they found out they were not so old as they claimed to be. Nevertheless the place deserves the name because most 70 or 80 year old are extremely fit for their age. Locals attribute this to the fact that they drink the highly oxygenated natural water, to the pleasant warm climate throughout the year, to the low in fats and high in fibers food and to the farming activities.The main action takes place around the Central Park , where most eateries and cafes are. Its name, Vilcabamba, comes from old Quichua and means “the valley of the Wilco”. Wilco is a local tree, the crust of which is used in the local tanneries. There...

Tip Photo
Puerto Lopez

by elsadran

Puerto Lopez is a small fishing town north of Montañita and La Libertad, 5km south of Salango and south of Jipijapa. Any bus running along the coastal road can take you there. It is peaceful and set in a nice environment. The people are friendly and helpful. But it is not really beautiful with awful dirt roads. There are several good restaurants on the beach road serving excellent fresh fish!However it is a good base for the several activities available on the region. There is Isla de la Plata, a small version of Galapagos, as they say. There is Agua Blanca, the place where the pre-Inca Mañtenos lived. There is Park Machalilla with a couple of interesting villages and opportunities for hiking and camping. There is whale watching from June to September. And last but not least, the wonderful walk in the coastal part of the Park with beach Los Frailes, the best beach of the country. Its...

Tip Photo
Machalilla National Park - beach Los Frailes

by elsadran

This is the only park in the Ecuadorian coast. It was created in 1979 to protect the tropical forest from further destruction of intense logging. It had already been reduced to only one percent of the original size. Los Frailes beach is in the park and it is supposedly the best beach in Ecuador. The morphology of the park is such that offers a very pleasant walk in the lush cloud forest of the park and great views on the beaches and the surrounding panorama. Entering the park there is a dirt track that splits in about 500 meters. The left track leads you to the beach in about 30 minutes. The right track loops along the coast leading you to three more beaches and to a look out point before reaching the beautiful Los Frailes. It is The path is signed with the names of each beach you meet on the way. “La Playita. “ comes first with views to the next village Machalilla, “La Tortuguita” later...

Tip Photo
Galapagos

by elsadran

New volcanic ground is continually being created under the islands which have been expanding for thousands of years. So in a way it can be said that the Earth is being born from underneath... The Galapagos support unique species of wildlife because they are isolated, 900kms away from the coast, are away from tropical storms, and have a cool temperature of 24 C between July and November, and 28C from December until June.. The name comes from the giant tortoises that are true relics of the past. The barren outlandish islands are a living proof of natural history. They helped Charles Darwin develop his theory of natural evolution, which was extremely radical in his times. Now the islands and the surrounding sea is part of the National Reserve declared as such in 1959 to protect them from overfishing and introduction of destructive non endemic species.You can explore them independently,...

Tip Photo
Cotopaxi National Park

by HasTowelWillTravel

This beautiful, high-altitude park, located about 90 minutes southeast of Quito, is a wonderful place to explore and visit. The whole park is above the tree line, a kind of alpine meadow called paramo. There, mostly scrub plants and birds reign. There are beautiful areas to hike through the scrub lands, and even a beautiful alpine lake (Laguna de Limiopunga). The highlight for most people is the ascent up Cotopaxi, the resident volcano. The peak is over 5800m high, which is daunting to most people just come from the sea level. While not requiring a large amount of technical climbing, cold-weather and mountaineering gear is necessary, and a guide to cover the crevasses that lie there. Most people instead hike up to the refuge, a cabin at 4800m where the summit-ers stay overnight before making the way to the top. This hike, starting at 4500m, is steep and all through volcanic sand. The...

Tip Photo
Agua Blanca

by elsadran

10km north of Puerto Lopez is the archaeological site of Agua Blanca. This was a civic and ceremonial center of the pre-Inca Manteños' culture who lived in the region from 500BC to 1540AD. The Manteños were great fishtrading people and are also famous for their black ceramics . There are almost no ruins but a guide will take you for a nice walk through the forest to a view point explaining some basic things. Later you can have a meal in the only restaurant where you should have ordered before the walk. And finally there is a small but well kept museum where you can have a look at the ceramics. If you come by bus you are dropped off at Buena Vista on the main road and then have to walk for 5km to Agua Blanca. A motorbike or a taxi is another option that will take you as far as the entrance where you will pay 5$ that includes the guide.4 more photos of Agua Blanca

Tip Photo
Baños

by elsadran

A pleasant peaceful little town where resting is the first thing coming to mind. However Baños has a lot to offer. Hikes in the verdant mountains, horse riding, go-cart riding, the “avenue of volcanoes” and the “avenue of waterfalls”, canoeing or water rafting in the river rapids, jungle hikes, good food, and last but not least great massages and thermal baths, a reward to the sore muscles after the strenuous activities . Of course you can do nothing more than the last one...Baños is very touristic, maybe tourists outnumber locals in the streets, but it is not disturbing at all. The town is surrounded by green mountains that bring a mild sweet spring like climate and is very pleasant for your wandering around. A lot of travel agencies advertise their special offers with big colourful posters, and comparing to other ecuadorian places they are not cheap. But you can do a lot by yourself...

Tip Photo
the magic of Montañita...

by elsadran

The first moment I came in touch with Montañita I felt it wasn't what I expected to find. Too crowded I thought, or maybe too noisy. But...before the sun went down I knew it was a special place. Soon the noise in the street turned into the rhythmic sound of latin dancing music. The busy crowds turned into happy faces and bodies responding to the invitation of the music. Dancing couples, and wonderful singing voices delayed the sleeping hours until very late at night. I started dancing on my balcony and went on sharing my smiles and dancing steps with unknown partners in the middle of the street. The bars were soon overfilled with people of all ages and origin who behaved as if they had been friends for ages. The morning met empty streets and sleepy faces, leisurely lying in the cafeterias' chairs and sipping their awakening coffee or the refreshening fresh juice. Later the more athletic...

Tip Photo
Fun things to do in Ecuador

Top 3 Hotels in Ecuador

Four Points by Sheraton Quito  Quito

 6 Reviews and 82 Opinions  I knew this hotel as the Sheraton Quito, but I suppose that it was, at least at one time, a Four... 

 Hotels in Quito

Hotel Victoria  Cuenca

 1 Review and 46 Opinions  I arrived without a reservation at the end of a long and exhausting day (see my Alausi page). The... 

 Hotels in Cuenca

Samari Spa Resort  Baños

 33 Opinions

 Hotels in Baños

303 Hotels in Ecuador
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Ecuador attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ecuador sightseeing.

Experience Ecuador
Things to Do: Cities in Ecuador
  1. Quito Things to Do
  2. Cuenca Things to Do
  3. Guayaquil Things to Do
  4. Montañita Things to Do
  5. Otavalo Things to Do
  6. Baños Things to Do
  7. Manta Things to Do
  8. Riobamba Things to Do
  9. Latacunga Things to Do
  10. Mindo Things to Do
  11. Bahía de Caráquez Things to Do
  12. Laguna Quilotoa Things to Do
  13. Vilcabamba Things to Do
  14. Atacames Things to Do
  15. Isla Isabela Things to Do
  16. Isla Santa Cruz Things to Do
  17. Puerto Villamil Things to Do
  18. Cayambe Things to Do
  19. Puerto López Things to Do
  20. Puerto Ayora Things to Do
  21. Ambato Things to Do
  22. Mompiche Things to Do
  23. Ruinas de Ingapirca Things to Do
  24. Isla Baltra Things to Do
  25. Cuyabeno Things to Do
  26. Canoa Things to Do
  27. Cotundo Things to Do
  28. Isla de La Plata Things to Do
  29. Isla Santa María Things to Do
  30. Ingapirca Things to Do
  31. Hacienda La Ciénega Things to Do
  32. Chugchilán Things to Do
  33. Guaranda Things to Do
  34. Nanegal Things to Do
  35. Tigua Things to Do
  36. Salinas Things to Do
  37. Pujilí Things to Do
  38. Machachi Things to Do
  39. Zaruma Things to Do
  40. Crucita Things to Do
  41. Papallacta Things to Do
  42. Isla Española Things to Do
  43. Isla San Cristóbal Things to Do
  44. Santa Elena Things to Do
  45. Isla San Salvador Things to Do
  46. Esmeraldas Things to Do

More Cities in Ecuador

 

Popular Regions in Ecuador

Provincia de Pichincha Things to Do  Galápagos Islands Things to Do  Provincia del Guayas Things to Do  Provincia del Azuay Things to Do  Provincia de Manabí Things to Do  Provincia de Cotopaxi Things to Do  Provincia de Imbabura Things to Do  Provincia del Tungurahua Things to Do  Provincia de Napo Things to Do  Provincia del Chimborazo Things to Do  Provincia de Esmeraldas Things to Do  Provincia de Loja Things to Do 

More Regions in Ecuador

Questions and Answers

enricosmith profile photo

Q:  Hello I leave in Ecuador next month and i'm looking a spanish school, located in the Pacific Coast. I know there is a school in... 

cindymary profile photo

A: Hello Enrico You're right, Montanita is such a touristic place. I understand you want to avoid it. Last year, I have spent one month in a spanish school in Sua, near... 

Read 2 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for Ecuador

Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835

Sponsored Links