Ecuador Travel Guide

What to See and do in Ecuador | Intentional Travelers

Ecuador is one of our favorite countries to visit in South America. We love the beautiful Andes Mountains, fresh produce markets, outdoor adventures, ease of travel, and affordable cost of living.

Despite the popularity of the Galapagos Islands off the coast, the most visited area of Ecuador is actually the Andes.

In Ecuador’s Andes region, also known as the Sierra, you’ll find UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient ruins, and National Parks. 

This part of Central Ecuador is great for stunning mountain panoramas and approachable cultural experiences. It’s an often under-rated hidden gem for both outdoor adventure and culture travel.

With so many budget-friendly Ecuador travel destinations, read on to learn our top recommendations for where to travel in Ecuador.

Ecuador Travel Tips: Getting Around Ecuador

While trips to the Amazon or Galapagos Islands tend to involve packaged tours, travel through the Andes is more often for independent travelers. For this reason, knowing a bit of Spanish is really helpful in Ecuador.

Most travelers fly into the capitol of Quito as a starting point. From there, you can continue on to other cities by plane, bus, or private transport

Bus travel is very affordable and common throughout the country. Long distance bus fares average less than $1.50 per hour.

We recommend traveling by bus to see more of the countryside and local life.

Other Things to Know About Ecuador Travel

Be aware that the altitude in Ecuador is high.

Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level. You may experience extra fatigue, light-headedness, and shortness of breath, so be sure to take it easy in the first few days of your visit.

Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as currency. Most daily purchases are made in cash, so it’s important to keep smaller bills and coins on hand. ATMs are widely available in cities, though transaction fees vary. Some larger hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets also accept credit cards. 

In today’s changing times, we it’s wise to protect your Ecuador trip with insurance. We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.  

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What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Ecuador?
Find post-pandemic travel updates for Ecuador here:
What you need to know about Ecuador travel right now


Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Our Ecuador city guides will help you discover the best of what to see, do and eat, as well as where to stay in the Andes Mountain region.

What to See and Do in Cuenca, Ecuador (Plus Walking Tour Map) | Intentional Travelers

Cuenca

In our opinion, Cuenca is one of the best places to visit in Ecuador, especially if you’re staying long term. Consider this UNESCO World Heritage city, full of colonial architecture and surrounded by nature.

Learn More:

Guide to Cuenca + Map

What and Where to Eat in Cuenca

5 Day Trips from Cuenca

Where to Learn Spanish in Cuenca

Browse Cuenca stays

What to See and do in Baños, Ecuador | Intentional Travelers

Banos

Baños is known for outdoor adventure sports, but even if you aren’t interested in mountain biking or zip lines, it’s still a beautiful place to explore.

Learn More:

Best Things to Do in Baños

Browse Banos stays

Mitad del Mundo, Things You Must See and Do in Quito, Ecuador | Intentional Travelers

Quito

Quito, Ecuador is the capital and impressive city that somehow sprawls across steep mountains. The center of town is a Unesco World Heritage site and the equator is just outside of town.

Learn More:

Top Things to Do In Quito

Browse Quito stays

Browse Quito Experiences

Otavalo and San Antonio de Ibarra, Ecuador | Intentional Travelers

Otavalo

Otavalo is known for its markets, made famous by the indigenous artisan communities North of Quito. It can be done as a day trip or overnight stay.

Learn More:

What to Do In and Around Otavalo

Browse Otavalo stays

Hiking | Llullu Llama Hostel in Beautiful Isinliví, Ecuador | Intentional Travelers

Quilatoa

Hikers will love the Quilatoa area South of Quito. Do a multi-day trek to Quilatoa crater lake or enjoy day hikes among dramatic mountain farmlands.

Learn More:

Exploring from Llullu Llama hostel in Isinlivi, Quilatoa

Vilcabamba Ecuador street art and tropical trees

Vilcabamba

The Valley of Longevity in the South of Ecuador is popular with nature-lovers, hikers, and many foreign retirees.

Learn more:

20+ Things to Do in Vilcabamba Ecuador

Stay at Hostería Izhcayluma

Mindo Ecuador butterfly sanctuary

Mindo

A small town in the cloud forest, two hours northwest of Quito. Known for bird watching, butterflies, and outdoor adventures.

Browse Mindo stays

 
 

Ecuador Map of Destinations

Ecuador Andes travel destination map
Map of Ecuador: Best places to visit in the Andes

Ecuador Tours and Activities

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Ecuador, here are just a few ideas to start your bucket list:

  • See the equator
  • Visit a volcano
  • Practice Spanish
  • Go bird watching
  • Explore local markets
  • Zip line over waterfalls
  • Visit a cloud forest
  • Visit ancient Inca ruins
  • Enjoy cheap almuerzos (set lunch)
  • Photograph colonial architecture
  • Take a day hike
  • Go biking
  • Eat local foods
  • Ride a cable car
  • Visit National Parks
  • Learn about wildlife
  • Hike from village to village
  • Relax in natural hot springs
  • Go horseback riding
  • Ride public transit
  • Visit museums
 

Browse Our Ecuador Travel Blog