10 reasons to visit Ecuador on your next vacation

Ready to discover a paradise in the middle of the world? Ecuador invites eager travelers to discover its stunning and unique landscapes and enjoy a variety of activities during their vacation. You will be able to experience first-hand an incomparable cultural and gastronomic richness, as well as millenary customs and traditions since Ecuador is a multiethnic and pluricultural country. In addition, you will be in close contact with nature, observing incredible species of animals and lush vegetation that adorns beautiful natural landscapes. You can also get your adventurous spirit going by climbing majestic volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, hiking through Amazonian rainforests, relaxing on paradisiacal beaches, and much more.

Did you know that Ecuador is called the country of the 4 worlds? Well, Ecuador offers a variety of destinations within 4 magnificent regions that are close to each other: the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands. In this blog post, Expedition Ecuador shares some of the best reasons to visit a magical privileged country. Let’s go straight to the adventure!

A paradise for nature lovers

Ecuador is a country with a remarkable natural beauty, thanks to its diverse geography, climate, and ecosystems. Here are some of the most notable natural features of Ecuador. The Andes run through the center of Ecuador, with several peaks over 5,000 meters in elevation. Visitors can hike, climb, and ski in the Andes, as well as visit traditional villages and markets along the way.

The Amazon covers about a third of Ecuador’s land area, with dense forests, rivers, and wildlife. Visitors can take guided tours, stay in eco-lodges, and learn about indigenous cultures in the Amazon rainforest. Ecuador’s coastline is home to beautiful beaches, fishing villages, and marine life. Visitors can swim, surf, and relax on the beaches, as well as explore the nearby mangroves and coastal forests. Ecuador also has several national parks that protect its natural resources and wildlife. Some of the most popular parks include Cotopaxi National Park, Yasuni National Park, and Podocarpus National Park.

As you can see, Ecuador is a country with a wealth of natural resources and biodiversity. You can experience a wide range of landscapes and ecosystems, from snow-capped mountains to tropical rainforests, all within a relatively small geographic area!

History and nature in one place

Can you imagine coming to a place where you can find everything you are looking for? Ecuador is one of those places. If you are passionate about art, fascinating historical architecture, or cultural heritage sites, then Ecuador must be your first choice.

You can visit the unique historic center of Quito, declared a World Heritage Site, the colonial center of Cuenca, and of course our pearl of the Pacific, the city of Guayaquil. Ecuador has a long and fascinating history, dating back to pre-Columbian times. It was part of the Inca Empire before being conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century. Today, visitors can explore the country’s many archaeological sites and colonial-era cities.

As you may have noticed, nature is one of the highlights of Ecuador, so you will be able to combine history and nature in your trip. Ecuador offers the best destinations for every type of traveler, tell us what you are looking for and we will help you plan every adventure of your visit!

Living among neighboring cultures

The communities will welcome you in the bosom of the families, you will be able to share the daily life of the people like sowing the land, preparing, and tasting the exquisite traditional food, making crafts with ancestral techniques like bracelets, necklaces or the famous Panama hat!

The Enchanted Islands are Ecuadorian

The Galapagos Islands, also known as the “Archipelago of Columbus”, are located in the Pacific Ocean in Ecuador’s territory. The Galapagos National Park marine reserve has 133 thousand square kilometers, which makes it one of the 10 largest in the world. This is the home of many unique plant and animal species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This is due to the islands’ isolated location, which has allowed for the evolution of new species over millions of years.

The islands are also famous for their association with Charles Darwin, who visited the Galapagos in 1835 and was inspired by the unique wildlife he found there. His observations and studies of the island’s flora and fauna led him to develop his theory of evolution by natural selection, which changed the course of scientific thought. The islands are a popular destination for tourists who come to see the unique wildlife and incredible natural landscapes. Don’t wait any longer, pack your bags and let´s start organizing your Galapagos trip! Check out our Galapagos Essentials tour here!

Unparalleled adventures

Ecuador is a country with diverse landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, making it an excellent destination for adventure activities. Some of the adventure activities you can do on many Ecuador tours include:

Hiking: Ecuador has many trails that lead through stunning landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, rainforests, and the Galapagos Islands. Some popular hiking destinations include the Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lagoon, and the Mindo Cloud Forest.

Rafting: Ecuador is home to many rivers that offer excellent whitewater rafting opportunities, including the Pastaza River, the Jatunyacu River, and the Tena River.

Surfing: The beaches of Ecuador’s Pacific Coast offer excellent surfing opportunities for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Some popular surf spots include Montañita, Canoa, and Ayampe.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The Galapagos Islands are a world-renowned destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with an abundance of marine life, including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions.

Climbing: Ecuador’s Andes Mountains offer excellent climbing opportunities, including Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Cayambe. Discover everything about the Route of the Volcanoes here!

These are just some of the adventure activities you can do on your Ecuador tour. The country offers something for every type of traveler, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or looking for a more relaxed experience!

Parties and folklore just around the corner

Do you like to party and learn about other cultures? Come and enjoy the popular celebrations that Ecuador has to offer. Take part in the activities that take place during the festivities of small towns, taste delicious food and typical drinks such as roasted guinea pig, fritada, hornado or the famous chicha. Let yourself be carried away by traditional music, admire incredible parades and watch the choreographies of the representative dances of each culture.

Depending on your arrival date, a traditional festival will be celebrated. For example, if you arrive in June, you will experience the Inti Raymi, a festival that dates back to the celebrations of the great Cañari Inca nation, in which the Sun God and Mother Earth (Pacha Mama) are honored and thanked for their kindness in allowing a good harvest of traditional Ecuadorian products such as corn and potatoes. Discover everything about this celebration here!

The Equator line

Ecuador makes your dream of being in the center of the world come true, since it is crossed by the Equatorial line, hence its name. Crossed by two hemispheres at the same time, Ecuador is the only country in the world that distinguishes where it is specifically crossed by the equatorial line. In addition, the Middle of the World Monument offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from cultural experiences to interactive science exhibits. It’s a great place to learn about the history and geography of Ecuador while having fun at the same time!

Amazing accommodations

Many Ecuador tours offer a wide range of accommodations, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and budget-friendly hostels. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can find accommodations that are both luxurious and comfortable in Ecuador! Luxury hotels in Ecuador typically offer amenities such as spa services, fine dining restaurants, swimming pools, and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Many of these hotels are located in or near major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, or Cuenca, as well as in popular tourist destinations such as the Galapagos Islands or the Andes Mountains.

Eco-lodges are also a popular option for visitors who want to experience Ecuador’s natural beauty while enjoying comfortable accommodations. These lodges offer sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations, often located in remote and stunning natural settings. Check out our Eco Lodges here! Boutique hotels are another popular option, offering unique and personalized experiences, often with a focus on local culture and art. These hotels can be found in both urban and rural settings and are often housed in historic buildings or renovated colonial constructions.

Delicious traditional food

The typical food in Ecuador is rich in flavor and diverse in its ingredients, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage and natural resources. It’s definitely worth trying some of these delicious dishes if you visit Ecuador. With a diverse range of flavors and influences from indigenous, Spanish, and African cuisine, here are some examples of typical Ecuadorian dishes.

Ceviche: A popular seafood dish made with marinated raw fish, lime juice, onions, and peppers. It is usually served with toasted corn, plantain chips, and aji hot sauce.

Locro: A hearty soup made with potatoes, cheese, and avocado, often served with toasted corn and a side of chili sauce.

Fanesca: A soup that is traditionally served during Holy Week, made with a variety of grains, legumes, and dried salt cod. It is usually topped with fried plantains and served with a side of chili sauce.

Llapingachos: Potato patties that are stuffed with cheese and served with a side of peanut sauce, avocado, and salad.

Ecuador is also known for its exotic fruits, such as chirimoya, naranjilla, and guanabana, which are often used to make juices, smoothies, and desserts!

Distances are not a problem

One of the most significant benefits of visiting Ecuador’s relatively small territorial space is that it allows a visitor to eat breakfast in the Amazon rainforest, lunch in the Andes, and enjoy the sunset on the sunny Ecuadorian coastal beaches all on the same day!

To summarize

Ecuador does not disappoint its visitors, come, and enjoy a truly unique vacation in a paradisiacal corner of the world and don’t forget that there is something for everyone on this incredible trip, pack your bags and let’s start planning your Ecuador adventure!