The name of the Republic of Ecuador, translated from Spanish, means "equator". The conventional line on the globe, which divides the ball into two hemispheres, runs only 25 km from the capital. In Ecuador, you will find the Amazonian jungle and highlands, coastal beaches and the Andes mountain range. The state occupies one of the leading positions in the number of national parks and other natural attractions, so the question of what to see in Ecuador, you will receive a very detailed answer. When planning a tour of the country, do not forget about the ancient colonial architecture of Quito, the museums of Guayaquil, the Cuenco temples and, of course, the amazing Galapagos archipelago.
Top 15 attractions in Ecuador
Cotopaxi
The highest national park in Ecuador, Cotopaxi is located on the crest of the Andes. The maximum height of its territory above sea level is 5897 meters.
The park was founded in 1975, and its main attraction is the eponymous volcano. Cotopaxi is a record holder - he is the highest among the currently active volcanoes on the planet. Translated from the local dialect, the name "Cotopaxi" means "shining mountain", because its slopes are covered with eternal ice.
For tourists on the slopes of Cotopaxi, hiking trails of various categories of difficulty are laid.
How to get there: by bus or by car along the Pan American Highway south of Quito (approx. 50 km).
Ticket price: 10 euros.
Volcano Road
In the northeast of the country, at the foot of the largest volcanoes in Ecuador, there is a valley, which is especially popular among tourists who prefer hiking and mountain trails to any other type of recreation. The area is called the Volcano Route, and along its length you can visit the national parks of Cotopaxi, Cayambé Coca and El Angel.
Fans of archaeological excavations will find the ruins of the Ingaprica Inca complex. The main attraction of the ancient city of Andoratorio is the temple where the sun was worshiped. If you prefer to get to know the country through exhibitions, don't miss the Ambato Museum. Wildlife enthusiasts will also be pleased with the trip, seeing wild horses, llamas and deer grazing along the Volcano Road.
Machalilla
On the west coast of Ecuador, you can watch the humpback whales coming to spawn, see the growing prickly pear cacti and admire the hundreds of species of birds that have chosen this region for permanent residence. Machalilla National Park protects the vegetation and inhabitants of tropical rainforests and islands.
The territories protected by the Machalilla National Park are under threat of a change in the biosphere balance and lectures are being held at the park's training center on the importance of protecting nature.
Galapagos
The world famous national park was created in 1959 to commemorate the centenary of Darwin's publication of his Theory of the Origin of Species. After 20 years, the UNESCO Foundation included Galapagos in the lists of World Heritage of Humanity.
When visiting the park, you will have to follow certain rules so as not to disturb the fragile biological balance of the unique archipelago:
- It is forbidden to touch and feed animals, as well as to move stones and shells from place to place.
- You cannot visit the islands and make excursions without a certified guide.
- Animals and food products should not be brought into the reserve in any form.
Strict observance of the rules allows the conservation of 500 species of endemic plants, 42 species of reptiles, 45 species of birds and 15 species of mammals that are not found anywhere else on the planet.
Charles Darwin Research Station
The most interesting scientific and historical site on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos is extremely popular with tourists visiting Ecuador. It was here that the English naturalist studied the nature of the islands and came to the most important conclusions, on the basis of which he created his "Theory of the Origin of Species".
The station was opened in the middle of the 20th century. Biological scientists from different countries continue to work on the same research that Darwin devoted his life to. They research the unique biosystems of the Galapagos and create projects to protect endemic plant and animal species.
Sumaco-Napo-Galeras
In the northeastern part of the country, there is the Sumaco-Napo-Galeras Park, on the territory of which more than 280 species of rare and endangered birds of Ecuador are protected. In the reserve, you can look at the soldier's macaw, the brown-shouldered motley parrot and the copper-breasted yakamara. The mammals that inhabit the national park seem to have left the pages of a zoology textbook. Jaguars, cougars, giant anteaters and spectacled bears are found in the equatorial forests.
The highest point of Sumako-Napo-Galeras is the Sumako volcano (3732 m above sea level).
Palace Karondelet
The official residence of the president and government of the country was built at the beginning of the 19th century, although the history of the appearance of the mansion dates back to 1570, when the former royal houses were bought by the Spanish administration.
During the existence of the Karondolet Palace, history has turned over many tragic and triumphant pages for the republic, but the interiors and appearance of the mansion still evoke admiration for its simple, elegance and, at the same time, monumentality and solidity.
Of particular note in the Carondolet Palace is the Ecuadorian mural on the ground between the 1st and 2nd floors, made in the form of a triptych on a marble base.
Independence Square
The main square of the capital of Ecuador is located in the historical part of the city and not only plays an administrative role in its life, but also serves as its cultural and political center.
The main monument of Independence Square is the monument of the same name, erected in 1809 in honor of the deliverance from Spanish rule.
The square is overlooked by the facades of the Carondolet Palace, Quito Cathedral, the palace of the local archbishop and the municipality. All mansions and buildings are worthy of the closest attention of fans of colonial architecture of the 17th-19th centuries.
Mitad del Mundo
Ecuadorians are rightfully proud of the center of the world, located 25 km from the capital. The Equator Monument was built in 1982, but without GPS navigation it was difficult to determine the exact location of the line dividing the earth. That is why in Mitad del Mundo you will find two marks at once about the passage of the equator - 240 meters from each other.
Riobamba
The city of Riobamba in the province of Chimborazo lies at the foot of the Andes mountain range. It was founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1534. They pressed the Puruha Indians and began to build temples, palaces and numerous colonial-style mansions. Historical records state that Riobamba was one of the most beautiful cities in South America until it was destroyed by an earthquake in the late 18th century.
The city, rebuilt by the Spaniards, is surprisingly harmoniously inscribed in the surrounding landscape. In the suburbs of Riobamba, volcanoes rise, covered with eternal snow, and against their background cathedrals and parks look especially picturesque.
Sangay
The small Sangay National Park in Ecuador is unique in that eight different types of vegetation can be found on its territory. The park is located on the slope of the volcano of the same name, and in addition to Sangay in the reserve you can look at the volcanoes Tungurahua (5016 m) and El Altar (5320 m).
In addition to volcanoes, you will find more than three hundred lakes in the national park. One of them formed right in the El Altar crater, and this volcano has long been inactive. But Tungurahua wakes up a couple of times a year stably, like Sangay, during the eruption of which three vents open at once.
Get there: from Quito 120 km to Banos or 150 km to Puyo.
Chimborazo
The Quechua Indians living at the foot of the Chimborazo volcano have great respect for their giant neighbor. This is not surprising, because Chimborasu is literally propped up by the sky, soaring up to 6267 meters. Interestingly, the Ecuadorian volcano is able to give a head start to Everest, if you measure the height of both peaks from the center of the Earth.
Tourists who decide to conquer Chimborazo choose one of the tours offered. The standard route takes 2-3 days and depends little on the season, because the weather in this area is approximately the same throughout the year.
Monastery of St. Francis
You can see the oldest temple in the capital of Ecuador while walking along the streets of the old city. The monastery of St. Francis was founded in 1534. The monastery was and remains the largest structure in Quito, built during the colonial period.
The monastery was founded by a Franciscan monk, who is also known for his agronomic research. The monk brought from Europe and was the first to sow wheat seeds in Ecuador. His sculpture adorns the terrace in front of the main façade.
Over the centuries of its existence, the monastery has lost many original elements, but from the very foundation it has preserved the original tiles to the right of the altar and the altar itself, carved from wood.
Seminario Park
This square of Guayaquil is often called the iguanas park, because lizards replace pigeons for local residents and literally beg for a treat from walking tourists.
The park on the square was founded in the 19th century and had the shape of an eight-pointed star. In 1889, the Seminario Park was decorated with a monument to Simon Bolivar. Then the local philanthropist Manuel Seminari provided the city with invaluable financial support and the square received his name.
The square is dominated by the Guayaquil Cathedral.
Simon Bolivar Cultural Center
The Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art in Quito tells visitors about the pre-Columbian era of Ecuador, contains many exhibits dedicated to the colonization period, and introduces the works of contemporary artists and sculptors of the country. The building of the museum is stylized in the form of a raft boat, common among the Indians of Ecuador in the pre-Columbian era.
