Best Things to Do in Ecuador

Bartolomé Island is one of the most photographed and immediately recognisable sites in the Galapagos Islands, a young volcanic island off the coast of Santiago that offers a landscape of stark, otherworldly beauty quite unlike the lush islands elsewhere in the archipelago. The island's defining feature is Pinnacle Rock, an eroded lava spire that juts dramatically from the shoreline and has become the emblematic image of the Galapagos. Reaching the island's summit via a wooden boardwalk and staircase (a 114-metre climb) delivers one of the finest panoramas in the entire island chain, with views across Sullivan Bay, the surrounding islets, and the vast blue Pacific. Volcanic formations in various stages of ecological succession cover the island — spatter cones, lava tubes, and lunar-like fields of hardened pahoehoe lava create a geological classroom of rare clarity. The snorkelling at Bartolomé is among the best in the Galapagos, with penguin colonies visible just below the surface alongside sea turtles, reef sharks, and colourful fish. The island is also home to one of the northernmost breeding colonies of Galapagos penguins, the only penguin species found north of the equator in the wild. A visit to Bartolomé captures the geological drama and extraordinary wildlife that define the Galapagos experience at its most visceral.

Basilica of the National Vow, known in Spanish as La Basílica del Voto Nacional, is the largest neo-Gothic church in the Americas and one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks in Quito's historic centre. Construction began in 1892 to fulfil a national vow of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the basilica remains technically unfinished — a state that, according to local legend, must continue because the building's completion would trigger the end of the world. The architecture draws direct inspiration from Notre-Dame de Paris, with towering flying buttresses, a spectacular rose window, and a nave that soars 30 metres above the floor. Unusually for a Catholic church, the basilica's gargoyles depict native Ecuadorian animals — iguanas, tortoises, and condors — rather than the traditional demons of European Gothic tradition. Visitors brave enough to climb the clock towers and the central spires are rewarded with extraordinary panoramic views across Quito, the Andean valleys, and the surrounding volcanoes. A vertiginous catwalk and metal ladders add an element of adventure to what is already a visually stunning experience. The basilica's interior is equally impressive, with stained-glass windows casting coloured light across the long central nave. A visit here is among the most memorable architectural experiences in South America.

Calle La Ronda is one of Quito's most atmospheric and historically significant streets, winding through the heart of the UNESCO-listed colonial old town. Dating back to the 16th century, this narrow cobblestone lane is lined with whitewashed houses adorned with wooden balconies draped in bougainvillea, evoking the colonial era with remarkable authenticity. La Ronda has long been a gathering place for artists, poets, and musicians, and its creative spirit endures today in the workshops of artisans crafting traditional sweets, miniatures, and leather goods. As evening falls, the street transforms into a lively cultural hub where live folk music, local canelazo cocktails, and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine fill the air. Visitors can explore independent galleries, sample handmade chocolates, and watch craftspeople at work in open-fronted studios. The street's intimate scale and preserved architecture make it one of the most photogenic spots in all of South America. Whether you're sipping coffee at a corner cafe or browsing handcrafted souvenirs, Calle La Ronda offers an authentic and unforgettable glimpse into Quito's living cultural heritage.

Canal del Amor, or the 'Love Canal,' is a charming natural passage on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Archipelago, beloved by visitors for its romantic legend and stunning volcanic scenery. Carved into dark lava rock by centuries of ocean erosion, the narrow canal channels turquoise seawater between dramatic basalt formations, creating a natural pool perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Local tradition holds that couples who swim through the canal together will enjoy lasting love — a story that adds a playful, magical dimension to the visit. The surrounding rocky shores are frequented by marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and blue-footed boobies, making it a rewarding wildlife-watching spot even for those who skip the swim. Canal del Amor is easily accessible from Puerto Ayora and is best visited at high tide when the water level rises to reveal its full beauty. Snorkelers often encounter sea turtles and colorful reef fish beneath the surface. This intimate, off-the-beaten-path gem beautifully captures the wild romance of the Galapagos Islands.

Capilla del Hombre — the Chapel of Man — is the crowning achievement of Ecuador's most celebrated artist, Oswaldo Guayasamín, and one of the most powerful art museums in Latin America. Built on a hilltop in Quito's Bellavista neighborhood, the monumental circular building was conceived by Guayasamín as a tribute to the suffering and resilience of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Its walls are covered in massive murals depicting colonial brutality, exploitation, and the enduring spirit of human dignity, rendered in the artist's signature style of elongated, expressive figures. A flame burns eternally at the center of the structure above the artist's remains, buried beneath the building he loved most. Adjacent to the chapel, the Guayasamín Foundation preserves the artist's personal home and pre-Columbian art collection, offering insight into the man behind the masterpieces. The surrounding garden commands sweeping views across Quito's volcanic skyline. Capilla del Hombre is a profoundly moving cultural experience — equal parts art gallery, memorial, and monument to human dignity.

The Carmen Alto Convent — Museo de Carmen Alto — is one of Quito's most historically significant religious sites, a cloistered Carmelite convent founded in 1653 that for centuries operated in strict seclusion from the outside world. Located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed colonial old town, the convent was only opened to the public relatively recently, revealing an extraordinary collection of colonial religious art, liturgical objects, and elaborately decorated sacred spaces that had been hidden behind its walls for generations. Visitors can explore the nuns' cells, the chapter house, and the choir loft, all preserved in a state of austere colonial splendor. The collection includes paintings from the Quiteño School of art, polychrome wooden sculptures, embroidered vestments, and personal objects belonging to the convent's most revered residents. The building itself is an architectural gem, with barrel-vaulted corridors, carved stone doorways, and a tranquil cloister garden. Carmen Alto Convent offers a rare and intimate window into the cloistered religious life that shaped colonial Quito's spiritual and artistic identity.

The Casa del Alabado Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is widely regarded as one of the finest collections of ancient Ecuadorian artifacts in the world, housed in a meticulously restored 17th-century colonial mansion in Quito's historic center. The museum's holdings span more than 5,000 years of Andean and coastal cultures, with over 500 exceptional pieces including ceramic figures, gold ornaments, ceremonial masks, and stone sculptures drawn from cultures such as the Valdivia, Chorrera, and La Tolita. Curated thematically rather than chronologically, the exhibits explore the cosmological beliefs, ritual practices, and social structures of pre-Inca civilizations with scholarly depth and aesthetic sensitivity. Standout pieces include extraordinary shamanic figures and intricately worked gold and platinum jewelry that reveal the astonishing technical sophistication of Ecuador's ancient inhabitants. The museum's interior courtyard, candlelit at night, creates an atmosphere of quiet reverence perfectly suited to contemplating these ancient masterworks. Casa del Alabado is a must-visit for history lovers and art enthusiasts seeking to understand the deep indigenous roots of Ecuadorian civilization.

Casa del Arbol Swing — known in Spanish as La Casa del Árbol — is one of Ecuador's most exhilarating and whimsical attractions, a treehouse perched on the slopes of Tungurahua Volcano above the adventure town of Baños at an elevation of approximately 2,660 metres. The treehouse was originally built as a monitoring station for volcanic activity, but it is now famous worldwide for the swing attached to one of its trees — an unprotected wooden seat on a long rope that arcs out over the edge of the hillside, giving riders the extraordinary sensation of soaring above the Andean valleys far below. On clear days, the active Tungurahua Volcano dominates the horizon directly opposite, its summit occasionally venting steam and ash in a reminder of the raw geological energy beneath the landscape. The swing has inspired countless viral photographs and has become an iconic symbol of Ecuador's adventure tourism identity. The surrounding hillside is also home to a network of zip lines offering similarly dramatic views. Getting to the treehouse involves a hiking trail or horseback ride of approximately one to two hours from Baños, or a shorter drive to a nearby trailhead. The best visits are made early in the morning before cloud covers the valley. Casa del Arbol is an unforgettable experience that combines natural spectacle with genuine adrenaline in equal measure.

Cascada Manto de la Novia — the Bridal Veil Waterfall — is one of the most picturesque natural attractions near the adventure town of Baños de Agua Santa in Ecuador's Tungurahua province. The cascade tumbles gracefully down a moss-covered volcanic cliff face in a wide, gauzy curtain of white water that genuinely evokes the appearance of a bridal veil, lending the falls their romantic name. The waterfall is located in the Ulba valley along the scenic Ruta de las Cascadas, a popular cycling and hiking route that descends from Baños through a series of dramatic waterfalls carved into the Pastaza River canyon. Visitors reach the falls either by descending a footpath from the road above or by riding the famous tarabita — a traditional cable car gondola that crosses the canyon and deposits passengers at a platform with a direct face-on view of the cascade. The tarabita crossing itself is a thrilling experience, offering sweeping views of the gorge, the rushing Pastaza River below, and the cloud-draped valley walls on either side. The surrounding vegetation is lush and subtropical, fed by the constant mist from the falls. Manto de la Novia is typically visited alongside the nearby Pailón del Diablo — one of Ecuador's largest and most powerful waterfalls — making the Ruta de las Cascadas one of the most rewarding day trips available from Baños.

Cathedral of Quito, known as the Catedral Metropolitana, stands as one of the oldest cathedrals in South America, its founding dating to 1562 on the western edge of the city's central Plaza Grande. The cathedral's grey stone facade, with its twin bell towers and restrained Spanish Renaissance exterior, presents a dignified and historically layered presence at the heart of Quito's UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial centre. The interior is a striking blend of architectural periods and artistic traditions — Moorish-influenced ceilings, painted in geometric patterns, contrast with Baroque altarpieces and an impressive collection of Quito School paintings and sculpture from the colonial era. The Quito School was a remarkable tradition of religious art produced by indigenous and mestizo artists during the 17th and 18th centuries, blending European technique with distinctly Andean iconography. The cathedral contains the tomb of Field Marshal Antonio José de Sucre, the Venezuelan-born liberator who played a decisive role in Ecuador's independence from Spain, as well as the burial site of Ecuador's first president, Juan José Flores. President Gabriel García Moreno was assassinated on the steps of the cathedral in 1875 and died inside its walls. The crypt museum beneath the main floor contains additional historical artefacts and colonial art. The Cathedral of Quito is both a living place of worship and an essential archive of Ecuadorian history.

Cayambe Volcano is Ecuador's third-highest peak, rising to 5,790 meters above sea level in the Andes northeast of Quito, and holds the rare geographical distinction of being the only place on Earth where the equatorial line crosses a snow-capped summit. Part of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, the volcano is cloaked in permanent glaciers that feed vital river systems across the region. Mountaineers from around the world are drawn to Cayambe for its technical ascent routes, which pass through páramo grasslands, moraines, and ice fields before reaching the frosty crater rim. The mountain's relative accessibility — a refuge hut sits at around 4,600 meters — makes it a popular acclimatization target before attempts on higher peaks like Chimborazo or Cotopaxi. Wildlife in the reserve includes Andean condors, spectacled bears, and pumas roaming the cloud forest slopes. Day hikes through the lower páramo offer panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic chain without requiring technical climbing experience. Cayambe Volcano is a bucket-list destination for adventure travelers seeking Andean wilderness at its most dramatic.

Cerro Brujo — 'Witch's Hill' — is one of the most spellbinding beaches in the Galapagos Islands, located on the northeastern shore of San Cristóbal Island. Its long, powdery white sand beach is fringed by turquoise shallows and backed by ancient lava formations, creating a landscape of surreal natural beauty. Unlike many Galapagos sites, Cerro Brujo is open to independent visitors, though it is most easily reached by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The beach is a prime nesting ground for sea lions, and their playful pups are a constant delight for visitors willing to observe from a respectful distance. Shorebirds including herons, pelicans, and oystercatchers patrol the tideline, while the offshore waters reward snorkelers with sea turtles, rays, and reef fish. The site's name derives from eroded volcanic tuff formations that cast eerie, witch-like silhouettes against the sky. Cerro Brujo is often cited as one of the most photogenic spots in the entire archipelago — a perfect blend of dramatic geology, pristine sand, and abundant wildlife that defines the magic of the Galapagos.

Charles Darwin Research Station is the scientific and conservation hub of the Galapagos Islands, established in 1959 on the island of Santa Cruz to mark the centenary of Darwin's publication of On the Origin of Species. The station, operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation in partnership with the Galapagos National Park, conducts long-term research on the unique flora and fauna of the archipelago and leads critical conservation programmes aimed at reversing the damage caused by invasive species and human activity. The tortoise breeding programme is the station's most celebrated achievement — hundreds of giant tortoises from multiple subspecies are raised in safe enclosures and released onto their home islands once they are large enough to survive predation. Visitors can walk through the tortoise pens, observe animals of various ages, and learn about the dramatic story of Lonesome George — the last Pinta Island tortoise, who lived at the station until his death in 2012. The visitor centre provides excellent interpretive displays on Galapagos geology, ecology, and conservation challenges. Staff scientists and naturalist guides are often present and willing to discuss ongoing research. The station is located within walking distance of Puerto Ayora, making it one of the most accessible and informative stops in the Galapagos for visitors seeking to understand the science behind this extraordinary natural laboratory.

Church of the Society of Jesus, known as Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús, is widely regarded as the most ornate and visually magnificent church in Ecuador and one of the finest examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in the Americas. Located on García Moreno Street in the heart of Quito's UNESCO-listed historic centre, the church was built by the Jesuits between 1605 and 1765 — a period of 160 years that produced an interior of almost overwhelming decorative richness. The facade alone, carved from local volcanic stone in an intricate layering of columns, niches, and sculptural detail, is considered a masterpiece of Baroque stonework in the New World. The interior is even more extraordinary — an unbroken cascade of gilded altars, hand-painted ceilings, carved pilasters, and gold-leaf decoration covers virtually every surface, creating an effect of dazzling golden light that has reportedly used over seven tonnes of gold in its embellishment. Chapels dedicated to local religious figures, including the Blessed Mariana de Jesús — Ecuador's first native-born saint — line the nave and add historical depth to the visual spectacle. The church suffered damage in the 1996 earthquake and has since undergone extensive restoration. Entry is ticketed, and visitors are encouraged to use the audio guide to fully appreciate the layers of history and symbolism embedded in this irreplaceable monument.

The City Museum of Quito — Museo de la Ciudad — occupies a beautifully restored colonial hospital dating to 1565, making the building itself as significant as the exhibits within. Located on García Moreno in Quito's UNESCO-listed historic center, the museum presents a sweeping narrative of the city's history from pre-Columbian times through the colonial era and into the 20th century. Life-size dioramas, period artifacts, and interactive displays reconstruct everyday life across centuries, depicting everything from indigenous market scenes to the domestic interiors of colonial households. Highlights include exhibits on the city's founding, the influence of religious orders on Quiteño art and architecture, and the social upheaval of Ecuador's independence movement. The museum's cloistered courtyard, with its stone arcades and central fountain, is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the Americas. Temporary exhibitions regularly spotlight contemporary Ecuadorian artists alongside historical collections. Museo de la Ciudad is an essential stop for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Quito beyond its celebrated churches and plazas.

Cotopaxi National Park is one of Ecuador's most visited natural attractions, a high-altitude wilderness centred on the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano approximately 50 kilometres south of Quito in the Andes. The park covers around 33,000 hectares of páramo grassland, Andean lakes, and volcanic landscape at elevations ranging from 3,400 to over 5,897 metres above sea level. Cotopaxi itself is one of the world's highest active volcanoes and, on clear days, its near-perfect snow-capped cone dominates the skyline with extraordinary visual force. The park is a premier destination for hiking, mountain biking, and high-altitude climbing, with a well-equipped mountain refuge at 4,800 metres serving as the base camp for summit attempts. Andean wildlife thrives in the páramo below, including wild horses, Andean condors, carunculated caracaras, and the endangered Andean wolf. Lago Limpiopungo, a shallow lake within the park, attracts abundant birdlife and offers reflective views of the volcano on calm mornings. The José Ribas Refuge and the park's visitor centre provide interpretive displays on Cotopaxi's geology, ecology, and indigenous cultural significance. Whether you visit for the volcanic scenery, the challenging climbing, or the remarkable páramo ecosystem, Cotopaxi National Park is an essential stop on any Ecuadorian highland itinerary.

Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in South America, a near-perfectly symmetrical snow-capped cone rising to 5,897 metres above sea level in the Ecuadorian Andes, roughly 50 kilometres south of Quito. It is one of the world's highest active volcanoes and one of the most frequently climbed peaks in the hemisphere, drawing mountaineers from around the globe to its challenging slopes. The volcano's silhouette — a graceful triangle of ice and rock against the Andean sky — is immediately recognisable and appears on countless postcards as the quintessential image of Ecuador. Cotopaxi has erupted more than 50 times since the 16th century, most recently in 2015, when renewed activity forced the closure of the surrounding national park for several months. For climbers, the standard ascent route begins at the José Ribas Refuge at 4,800 metres and involves a demanding but non-technical night climb across glaciated terrain to reach the crater rim at dawn. Non-climbers can still access the mountain by driving to the refuge parking area, from which the scale of the volcano becomes immediately apparent. The broader Cotopaxi National Park surrounding the volcano offers hiking, mountain biking, and the chance to observe the páramo ecosystem — a high-altitude grassland harbouring Andean condors and wild horses.

The Devil's Nose Railroad — Nariz del Diablo — is one of the most audacious feats of railway engineering ever attempted, carved into a near-vertical cliff face in the Andes near Sibambe, Ecuador. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the line drops 800 meters in just 12 kilometers through a series of dramatic switchbacks, where trains inch forward and reverse in alternating directions to descend the sheer basalt wall. At its inauguration, it was hailed as one of the greatest engineering wonders of the world, connecting the coast to the highland city of Riobamba. Today, a restored heritage train makes the breathtaking descent, offering passengers jaw-dropping views of the Chanchán River canyon and surrounding Andean peaks from open-air carriages. The journey begins in Alausí, a charming mountain town, and culminates at the tiny community of Sibambe, where indigenous Puruhá dancers perform traditional music. Devil's Nose remains one of Ecuador's most exhilarating travel experiences, blending history, engineering marvel, and spectacular mountain scenery into an unforgettable ride.

Discovery Baños is an adventure tourism hub located along the celebrated Ruta de las Cascadas near Baños de Agua Santa in Ecuador's Tungurahua province, offering some of the most thrilling outdoor experiences in the Andes. The route winds through a dramatic river canyon carved by the Pastaza River, passing a series of stunning waterfalls — including the iconic Pailón del Diablo — as it descends from the highland town of Baños toward the Amazon basin. Cyclists and adventurers can tackle the route downhill by bike, stopping at lookout platforms and swing bridges that dangle over rushing gorges. Discovery Baños organizes guided excursions including white-water rafting on the Pastaza River, zip-lining across forested ravines, canyoning, and quad biking along jungle tracks. The surrounding landscape shifts dramatically from volcanic highland scrub to lush cloud forest as elevation drops, offering extraordinary biodiversity along the way. The region sits in the shadow of active Tungurahua Volcano, whose occasional eruptions add a frisson of geological drama to every visit. Discovery Baños is the perfect base for adrenaline-seeking travelers exploring Ecuador's most dynamic natural corridor.

El Altar Mountain is among the most dramatic and visually arresting peaks in Ecuador, an ancient eroded volcano whose collapsed crater has been sculpted by millennia of glaciation into a stunning amphitheater of jagged spires. Located in the Sangay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, El Altar reaches 5,319 meters at its highest point and comprises nine distinct summits surrounding a turquoise glacier lake known as Laguna Amarilla. The approach trek through the Collanes Valley is one of the most rewarding multi-day hikes in the Andes, passing through lush cloud forest, open páramo, and moraines before revealing the mountain's cathedral-like inner walls. Condors frequently soar above the crater rim, and the surrounding park shelters tapirs, mountain deer, and spectacled bears. Technical climbing routes on El Altar's multiple summits attract experienced alpinists, while the trek to the lagoon is accessible to fit hikers. The mountain's name, meaning 'The Altar,' perfectly captures its sacred, awe-inspiring geometry. El Altar is a true off-the-beaten-path gem for serious Andean adventurers.

El Cajas National Park is one of Ecuador's most exceptional highland wilderness areas, a raw and otherworldly landscape of glacial lakes, rocky moorland, and cloud forest draped across the Andean páramo west of Cuenca in the Azuay province. The park covers approximately 28,544 hectares at elevations ranging from 3,100 to 4,450 metres, and its terrain was sculpted by Pleistocene glaciation into a remarkable patchwork of over 230 lakes and lagoons glittering across the moorland. The name Cajas is thought to derive from a Quechua word meaning 'cold place,' and the climate lives up to the description — mists roll through the valley constantly, giving the landscape a haunting, primeval quality. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a critical water source for the city of Cuenca. Birdwatching is outstanding, with over 150 species recorded including the spectacular Andean condor, the masked trogon, and dozens of hummingbird species. Trout fishing in the park's lakes is permitted and popular. The ancient Inca road, Qhapaq Ñan, passes through the park, connecting it to an extraordinary historical heritage. Day hikes along well-marked trails reveal a constantly changing landscape of cushion bogs, polylepis forests, and glassy alpine lakes. El Cajas rewards unhurried exploration and is most dramatically experienced in the early morning before the mist descends.