Four worlds converge in Ecuador, from the warm Coast drenched by Pacific Ocean that gradually rises toward the snowy heights and temperate valleys of the Andes mountains to finally enter the green carpet of Amazonian biodiversity.
Apart of the beauty and richness of animal and natural resources of the Galapagos Islands or Enchanted Isles.
The gold-covered altars of churches in Quito, the mysterious pre-Hispanic ruins of Ingapirca with pre Inca religious ritual, elegant scenic seawalls in Guayaquil, the picturesque fishing villages to Machalilla National Park boundary, the huts of the Amazon, their communities traditions, make Ecuador a country unique in its genre. Come to discover...
The Galapagos Islands are the record of the triumph of nature over man and the perfect harmony between modern society and fauna that has no fear of man.
Below are some ideas of sites and towns or cities to discover on your trip in Ecuador:
INGAPIRCA
Is the most important and significant archaeological site of Ecuador. Archaeologists have determined that its foundation took place in the late XV century and thought to be the Cañaris, a small tribe that populated the Andes in southern Ecuador, they were the original inhabitants of the site until the arrival of the Inca Empire. The archaeological remains are located 90 kilometers north of the city of Cuenca
COLONIAL QUITO
Quito boasts of having the largest colonial center of Latin America, merged with the modernity of a contemporary city. Museums, churches, convents, parks, skyscrapers and stately plazas captivate visitors from around the world
The historic center is the heart of the city and is full of temples, museums and squares. It consists of a well-preserved colonial complex, built on the ruins of the Inca capital of the north. Thanks to that, Quito was the first city named a World Heritage Site in 1978.
The Company of Jesus church, built between 1605 and 1765, fully carved in volcanic stone and decorated with more than fifty kilos of gold leaf is one of its emblems. In the Plaza de la Independencia, on Mondays you can observe the ceremony of changing of the presidential guards, that honors the country's authorities.
The Basilica del Voto Nacional is a Gothic church built over several decades from 1926. Figures of ecuadorian wildlife (alligators, turtles, monkeys, dolphins, jaguars ... cormorants, frigate birds, eagles ...) stand on the outside walls.
COTOPAXI
Located in the province of Cotopaxi, 70 km south of Quito, this park covers 33,400 hectares and has camping areas and hiking trails.
On the moor and forest, you can see condors, ducks, Cara Caras, Andean gulls, pigeons and hummingbirds. Regarding mammals you can see rabbits, white-tailed deer, foxes and weasels ...
The Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. Its summit is covered with perpetual snow. We´ll visit the museum, the lagoon and depending of physical condition of the group, then up to the José Ribas refuge at 4800m
CUENCA
Cuenca is a particular city in Ecuador, out of time. Its cobblestone streets, cathedrals, and marble buildings, white walls, give it a colonial character that we can qualify as unique in Ecuador.
GUAYAQUIL
Guayaquil was founded in 1538 and quickly became the city of shipyards and the most important in South America during the Spanish colonization. Its name comes from the legend of an Indian chief whose name was Guayas, who lived and reigned in the region 500 years before colonization
CHIMBORAZO
Chimborazo, the highest peak of Ecuador (6310 m) is a snow-capped volcano which is a great attraction for climbers, and the same for those who appreciate the beautiful landscapes.
In this reserve, a reintroduction program for vicuñas and llamas started years ago, in collaboration with the indigenous communities living in these areas of paramo. It's pretty easy to observe vicuñas.
OTAVALO
Otavalo indigenous market is one of the most important in South America. It is the ideal place to buy souvenirs and other gifts for your family. It was developed in the 60s and now, Ecuadorians come from around the country to stock up on various products. Tourists also find everything they want among the colorful textiles, straw hats (Panama), ponchos and silver jewelry.
COCHASQUI
Cochasquí is an archaeological complex located approximately 65 km north of Quito. There are 15 pyramids flat at the top with an access ramp, made of blocks of Cangahua (volcanic material extracted from the nearby mountains). 21 burial mounds or Tolas were found at this site. Such constructions belongs to the period between 850-1550 AC
QUILOTOA
Quilotoa volcano is a unique site in Ecuador whose caldron has more than 3 km of diameter and an altitude difference of over 320 m from the edge of the crater to the lagoon. An indigenous community is living near the crater and it is easy to stay with them to exchange experiences.
The Devil's Nose (Train of the Andes)
This train ride is a technical feat, was built in the XIX century.
The route is usually somewhat complicated but very exciting, the railway runs down the flank of the hill and descend from 2346 meters above sea level to 1860 meters through a winding road, a distance of less than one hour.
Citing these examples only, come to marvel visiting this fabulous country with its many facets.
Equateur Voyages Passion
All range 
Intermediate 
