In-depth country guide

Ecuador

Andean cities, volcanic horizons and islands alive with wildlife.

A country worth knowing

Make room for a different kind of journey.

Make Ecuador a journey of contrasts at a comfortable pace: Quito’s squares, cloud forest around Mindo, the high Andes and the wildlife of Galápagos. This guide focuses on Andean and island destinations. Choose a few bases and allow time for altitude, weather and the transport that connects them.

First-time highlights.

NORTHERN ANDES · CAPITAL

Ecuador on film

Ecuador Travel introduces the country’s varied landscapes. Use Quito as your first city base, then choose the regions that fit your time and current travel advice.

Explore Quito Look at map ↗Watch the introduction ↗

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

02Look at map ↗

SOUTHERN ANDES · HERITAGE CITY

Cuenca

Blue domes, river walks and a city made for a longer stay.

Explore Cuenca

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

03Look at map ↗

NORTHERN ANDES · MARKETS & WATERFALLS

Otavalo

Textiles, conversation and a green path beyond town.

Explore Otavalo

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

04Look at map ↗

CENTRAL ANDES · NATIONAL PARK

Cotopaxi

Open páramo and a volcanic skyline that follows the weather.

Explore Cotopaxi

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

05Look at map ↗

CENTRAL ANDES · CRATER LAKE

Quilotoa

A lake below the rim, with a view worth taking slowly.

Explore Quilotoa

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

Baños de Agua Santa from the surrounding hills

06Look at map ↗

ANDEAN FOOTHILLS · WATERFALL COUNTRY

Baños

A waterfall day and a town that deserves its own pause.

Explore Baños

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

07Look at map ↗

CHOCÓ ANDINO · CLOUD FOREST

Mindo

A greener world of birds, forest paths and patient looking.

Explore Mindo

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

08Look at map ↗

GALÁPAGOS · PUERTO AYORA BASE

Santa Cruz

Wildlife close to shore and island days with room to breathe.

Explore Santa Cruz

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

09Look at map ↗

GALÁPAGOS · EASTERN ISLAND

San Cristóbal

A waterfront base and coastlines explored with care.

Explore San Cristóbal

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

10Look at map ↗

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

SOUTHERN ANDES · CAÑARI & INCA HERITAGE

Ingapirca

Stonework, open highlands and a site with more than one history.

Explore Ingapirca

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

11Look at map ↗

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

SOUTHERN ANDES · CITY & CULTURE

Loja

Squares, church towers and a quieter southern stay.

Explore Loja

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

Give each place its own time

Choose your next discovery.

The journey is in the details.

Sources, credits & editorial notes

Reviewed 12 November 2026. Pacing and base suggestions are ATA editorial choices. Accommodation links are direct enquiry points, not inspected-property endorsements or claims of ATA membership. Confirm current services, access and terms. Photographs are credited beside the images and may show earlier conditions.

Overview photography credits

Quito seen from El Panecillo, Cayambe · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop.

Cuenca’s New Cathedral, Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop.

Textiles at Otavalo’s market, Tupak Amaru Ishkay · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

Cotopaxi volcano, Just a Brazilian man from Brazil · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop.

Quilotoa crater lake, Annom · Public domain · Display crop.

Baños de Agua Santa from the surrounding hills, Ymblanter · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

Cloud forest around Mindo, nearsjasmine · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display crop.

Marine iguana at Las Bachas, Santa Cruz, Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal, Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

The ruins at Ingapirca, Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop.

Loja, Ecuador, Arabsalam · CC BY 4.0 · Display crop.