things to do & see in
Ecuador
Discover Ecuador's rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes, where you can explore ancient Inca ruins, bustling markets, and pristine beaches all in one trip.
The equator runs through Ecuador, and you can visit the "Mitad del Mundo" monument to stand in both hemispheres at once.
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Don't miss
A few things Ecuador is famous for.
Pin one of these to your list as a starting point — the rest of the goals tend to fall into place from there.
Don't miss
Visit the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Capital
Visit Quito
Top festival
Attend Inti Raymi
Man-made landmark
Visit the Mitad del Mundo monument
Natural landmark
Visit the Galapagos Islands
Museum
Visit the Museo Nacional del Banco Central
Art gallery
Visit the Capilla del Hombre
Thrill seeking
Visit The swing at the “End of the World” in Baños
National park
Visit Yasuní National Park
Popular dish
Try encebollado
Drink
Drink a glass of Canelazo, a traditional cocktail
Street food
Try an empanada de viento
popular goals
What people add to their Ecuador list.
The most-saved goals from the Day Zero community for this place.
The Galápagos Islands are home to giant tortoises that can live over 100 years.
The Galápagos Islands, a unique archipelago situated in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, offer an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity and as the inspiration for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, these islands provide opportunities to snorkel with sea lions, hike across volcanic landscapes, and observe the remarkable wildlife, including the iconic giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Visitors can also explore the Charles Darwin Research Station, take guided tours through pristine nature reserves, and enjoy the serene beaches that dot the islands.
The Galápagos Islands are home to giant tortoises that can live over 100 years.
Galapagos giant tortoises can live over 100 years, making them one of the longest-living vertebrates.
The Galápagos Islands are home to giant tortoises that can live over 100 years.
Quito is the highest official capital city in the world, with an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level.
Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is a destination that offers a myriad of captivating experiences. With its rich history, architectural wonders, and stunning natural beauty, Quito is a must-visit for any avid traveler. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, stroll along the picturesque streets, and marvel at the colonial churches and grand plazas. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Middle of the World monument, where you can straddle the equator. Additionally, adventure seekers can hike up the nearby Pichincha volcano for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
La Compañía de Jesús Church is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and gold leaf interior.
The Historic Centre of San Francisco de Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a rich tapestry of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional, admire the artistry in the Church of the Society of Jesus, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Plaza Grande. The area also offers museums, traditional markets, and local eateries, providing a comprehensive experience of Ecuador's historical and cultural heritage.
Baños is known as the "Gateway to the Amazon" due to its proximity to the rainforest.
Baños, Ecuador is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. This charming town offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking to the Tungurahua volcano, soaking in the thermal baths, and swinging at the edge of the world on the famous Casa del Arbol swing. With its stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and picturesque views of the Andes mountains, Baños is the perfect place to experience the beauty of Ecuador.
on the map
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festivals & events
Plan a trip around something happening.
Inti Raymi, celebrated in June, honors the Incan sun god and marks the winter solstice.
more things to do
Great picks beyond the top list.
The Galápagos Islands are home to giant tortoises that can live over 100 years.
The Galápagos Islands are home to giant tortoises that can live over 100 years.
Galapagos giant tortoises can live over 100 years, making them one of the longest-living vertebrates.
The Galápagos Islands are home to giant tortoises that can live over 100 years.
La Compañía de Jesús Church is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and gold leaf interior.
Baños is known as the "Gateway to the Amazon" due to its proximity to the rainforest.
The Galápagos Islands are home to giant tortoises that can live over 100 years.
Visit the Pumapungo Museum to explore Incan ruins and learn about indigenous Ecuadorian cultures.
The park features two active volcanoes, Tungurahua and Sangay, offering stunning natural landscapes.
Galápagos National Park is home to giant tortoises, some of which can live over 100 years.
Be mindful of the marine iguanas, unique to the Galápagos, often seen sunbathing on the rocks.
The swing offers stunning views of the Tungurahua volcano, which is still active today.
Don't miss the Intiñan Museum nearby, where you can try balancing an egg on a nail right on the equator line.
The Galápagos Islands are home to giant tortoises that can live over 100 years.
Chimborazo's summit is the closest point on Earth to the sun due to its equatorial bulge.
Empanada de viento is a popular Ecuadorian pastry filled with cheese and fried to perfection.
Cuicocha, meaning "guinea pig lake" in Quechua, gets its name from the shape of its two islands resembling the animal.
Chimborazo's summit is the closest point on Earth to the sun due to its equatorial bulge.
Yasuní National Park is home to the Waorani people, who have lived there for centuries.
Chimborazo's summit is the closest point on Earth to the sun due to its equatorial bulge.
Discover the impressive Inca gold collection, showcasing artifacts from Ecuador's rich pre-Columbian history.
Capilla del Hombre, designed by Oswaldo Guayasamín, celebrates Latin America's indigenous culture and history.
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is home to over 500 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Encebollado, a beloved Ecuadorian dish, is traditionally enjoyed as a hearty breakfast option.
Locro de papa is a traditional Ecuadorian soup made with potatoes, cheese, milk, and often garnished with avocado slices.
Floreana Island hosts a population of Galápagos penguins that visitors can observe along its shores.
The park's highest point on the equator lies on Cayambe volcano's glacier, where you can stand at 0 degrees latitude.
Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes, last erupting in 2015.
The park's name "Cajas" derives from the Quechua word for "gate," symbolizing its position as a natural gateway between the coast and Amazon.
The park's name derives from Quechua words meaning "mountains of the hidden people."
Humpback whales migrate here from Antarctica to breed between June and September.
Podocarpus trees, ancient conifers, give the park its name and thrive at high altitudes.
The park's Napo clay licks attract hundreds of parrots daily for mineral-rich snacks.
Yacurí National Park, established in 2002, protects one of the last intact Amazonian ecosystems in Ecuador.
Tortuga Bay is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with white-tip reef sharks.
cities
Cities and regions inside Ecuador.
Quito is the highest official capital city in the world, with an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level.
Visit Parque Seminario to see the famous iguanas roaming freely in the heart of Guayaquil.
Cuenca's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with colonial architecture.
Add Ecuador to your list.
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