UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Ecuador's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, islands, and experiences across Ecuador.
Historic Centre of Quito
Explore colonial architecture and churches like La Compañía de Jesús, the world's most ornate.
High-altitude charm with panoramic views from El Panecillo hill, ideal for cultural immersion.
City of Cuenca
Discover riverside cathedrals and artisan markets in this Andean gem.
Blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous influences, perfect for hat weaving workshops.
Galápagos Islands
Observe unique wildlife like giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies on volcanic shores.
Evolutionary paradise with snorkeling spots and Darwin's legacy trails.
Sangay National Park
Hike active volcanoes and cloud forests teeming with orchids and spectacled bears.
Biodiversity hotspot for adventure seekers with multi-day treks.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
Trace Inca trails through high passes and archaeological sites like Ingapirca.
Ancient engineering marvel connecting Ecuador's mountainous heritage.
Churches of Quito
Visit Baroque masterpieces like San Francisco Monastery with intricate gold altars.
Spiritual centers showcasing Ecuador's religious art and history.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Galápagos Islands
Snorkel with sea lions and hike lava fields, home to endemic species.
Ultimate wildlife adventure with boat cruises and island hopping.
Amazon Rainforest
Navigate jungle rivers and spot pink dolphins in Yasuní National Park.
Guided tours for birdwatching and indigenous community visits.
Cotopaxi Volcano
Climb to snow-capped peaks and explore paramo grasslands near Quito.
Thrilling hikes with lagoons and condor sightings for mountaineers.
Quilotoa Lagoon
Circumnavigate the turquoise crater lake with Andean viewpoints.
Serene spot for kayaking and horseback rides in volcanic landscapes.
Yasuní National Park
Delve into biodiversity with canopy walks and night safaris.
Remote Amazon experience for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
Avenue of the Volcanoes
Drive through Imbabura and Tungurahua with hot springs and craters.
Scenic route for cycling and thermal baths in high-altitude beauty.
Ecuador by Region
⛰️ Sierra (Andes)
- Best For: Colonial cities, volcanoes, and indigenous markets with highland culture.
- Key Destinations: Quito, Cuenca, Otavalo, and Cotopaxi for historic sites and mountain views.
- Activities: Cable car rides, market shopping, volcano hikes, and chocolate tours.
- Best Time: Dry season (June-September) for clear skies and 10-20°C weather, ideal for outdoor pursuits.
- Getting There: Well-connected by bus from Quito, with private transfers available via GetTransfer for remote areas.
🏖️ Coastal Region
- Best For: Beaches, seafood, and Afro-Ecuadorian culture along the Pacific shores.
- Key Destinations: Guayaquil, Montañita, and Salinas for urban vibes and surf spots.
- Activities: Whale watching, beach hopping, cacao plantations, and mangrove kayaking.
- Best Time: Year-round warmth (25-30°C), but December-April for sunny beach days and festivals.
- Getting There: Guayaquil Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🌳 Amazon Basin
- Best For: Jungle adventures and biodiversity, featuring remote indigenous territories.
- Key Destinations: Coca, Puyo, and Yasuní for lodges and river expeditions.
- Activities: Jungle treks, piranha fishing, shamanic ceremonies, and canopy zip-lining.
- Best Time: Dry months (June-November) for easier navigation, with humid 25-35°C temperatures.
- Getting There: Rent a car or fly to Coca for access to deeper Amazon regions.
🏝️ Galápagos Islands
- Best For: Unique wildlife and volcanic landscapes in this isolated archipelago.
- Key Destinations: Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal for research stations and beaches.
- Activities: Snorkeling, tortoise reserves, lava tube explorations, and boat cruises.
- Best Time: Cool season (June-November) for calmer seas and 20-28°C, great for marine life.
- Getting There: Flights from Quito or Guayaquil, with inter-island ferries for island hopping.
Sample Ecuador Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Ecuador Highlights
Arrive in Quito, explore the historic center, visit the equator monument, and take a cable car to Pichincha volcano.
Bus to Otavalo for indigenous markets and textiles, then hike San Pablo Lagoon and explore local crafts.
Travel to Cuenca for colonial walks and hat factories, with a day trip to Cajas National Park for hikes.
Final day for chocolate tasting in Quito's markets and departure, with time for last-minute souvenirs.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Quito city tour including churches, equator line, and Mitad del Mundo cultural experiences.
Otavalo markets for bargaining, then drive to Cotopaxi for volcano base hikes and paramo wildlife.
Quilotoa Lagoon loop trail, followed by Baños for waterfalls, hot springs, and adventure sports.
Fly to Coca for Yasuní jungle lodge stay, with river canoeing and night walks for biodiversity.
Coastal arrival in Guayaquil for Malecon walks and seafood, before flying back to Quito.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Ecuador
Comprehensive Quito exploration with museums, old town walks, and day trips to nearby craters.
Otavalo markets, Cotopaxi climbs, Quilotoa hikes, and Cuenca colonial immersion.
Extended Yasuní tours with indigenous visits, jungle treks, and wildlife spotting expeditions.
Guayaquil urban sights, Montañita beaches for surfing, and cacao farm experiences.
Short Galápagos flight for tortoise reserve, final Quito relaxation with market shopping before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Galápagos Wildlife Tours
Encounter marine iguanas and hammerhead sharks on guided island excursions.
Year-round cruises with expert naturalists for in-depth evolutionary insights.
Amazon Jungle Expeditions
Stay in eco-lodges with piranha fishing and medicinal plant workshops.
Immerse in indigenous traditions and rainforest ecology with local guides.
Cacao & Chocolate Making
Harvest beans on coastal plantations and craft bars in hands-on sessions.
Learn Ecuador's ancient chocolate heritage from bean to bar.
Volcano Hiking Tours
Trek Cotopaxi's glaciers or Tungurahua's trails with certified mountaineers.
High-altitude adventures including acclimatization and summit attempts.
Indigenous Market Visits
Browse Otavalo's textiles and crafts with cultural demonstrations.
Vibrant fairs connecting to Ecuador's Kichwa heritage and artisan skills.
Hot Springs & Waterfalls
Relax in Baños' thermal pools and swing at the end of the world.
Adventure combo with zip-lining near cascading falls and lush valleys.