Is Ecuador Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons to Travel
Sandwiched between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is usually skipped with travelers preferring to visit one or both of these other countries.
However this South American nation offers a tonne of incredible experiences, where we can hike within the Andes, visit the Amazon Jungle without the crowds and also enjoy some awesome Pacific towns.
In this article we’ll list some of the best reasons to visit Ecuador, as well as cover any other important information you’ll need to know.
Is Ecuador worth visiting?
Our short answer: Known for its smaller size (especially when compared with its bordering South American neighbors), Ecuador is actually packed with many awesome things to see and do.
The biggest reason you’ll want to visit Ecuador is the variety of geography on offer here. Within just a few days you can see multiple landscapes and biomes, and is much better for those who have less time to travel around. The bus system here is pretty well-organized too so getting between destinations is simple.
Ecuador is also a dream for adventure travelers, and perfect for those who are looking to tick-off many unique bucket-list items.
This includes diving with sharks, visiting the Galápagos Islands, going paragliding over the Andes as well as hiking up the towering Chimborazo Volcano.
Where is Ecuador?
Ecuador is situated in the north of South America, with the Equator Line running straight through the country (given that is its name and all). As a result it has a tropical climate year-round, although certain areas like the Andes can get quite cool too.
The dry season remains the best time to visit, which runs from June until September.
Here you’ll have little rainfall, although there will be more tourists given it coincides with the holiday season. If you want less tourists – then consider heading in the months of February and March.
Is Ecuador Safe?
Safety is always a big question whenever heading somewhere new (read our South America safety tips for more), and is also definitely the case when heading to Ecuador.
In recent times this country has earned itself quite a dire reputation due to assassination attempts and political instability, however this mostly affects those that actually take the decision to get involved.
Now there are other risks of course to be aware of. Quito in many parts can feel pretty seedy and unsafe, and when staying here I (George) heard multiple stories from travelers who felt the same.
So just be wary when in the capital, and ideally stay around Plaza Foch which feels a bit better. There are some great hostels in Quito that you can stay in and meet like-minded travelers.
Guayaquil also has its areas which are best avoided too, so it’s best to stay around the Malecón 2000 where it’s safest.
Got travel insurance for Ecuador?
7 Reasons to Visit Ecuador
Are you still wondering if Ecuador is really worth the visit? Here’s 7 awesome reasons why you should head to this diverse South American country.
1. Go Snorkelling and Diving Along the Pacific Coast
Ecuador is an underrated spot to see marine wildlife. Anything south (such as Peru and Chile) can have really cold waters, whilst Colombia further north is already overly popular.
Along the coast there are towns such as Puerto López which are perfect spots for heading on an organized tour, where we can see an abundance of exotic, colorful fish.
Many companies offer diving experiences too, however just keep in mind that these Pacific waters are quite strong so it’s worth already having your PADI license beforehand.
There are also many beaches (such as those near Manta and Salinas) where you can go snorkeling too. Given the sea is stronger, don’t expect Caribbean-quality conditions – however you can still have a memorable time and see some awesome species here.
2. Visit the Colonial Gem of Cuenca
When I (George) first backpacked around South America, I saw many places with some really memorable, striking architecture. These included Cusco, Sucre and Salento. However Cuenca was a really great one too.
Located on the Andean foothills in the south of Ecuador, this city is famous for its casas colgantes – which are buildings that hang over a steep cliff (these were actually copies of the original ones that are found in Cuenca, Spain).
Heading to the Parque Calderón we can also see many brightly-coloured buildings and unorthodox cathedrals. Check out El Cafecito for a bona fide place to stay in the center.
It’s worth spending time walking around (and also visiting museums such as the Museo de Cuenca) to get a more rounded perspective of the city and how it has since developed.
3. Climb Some Giant Volcanoes
The Andes mountain range runs (quite spectacularly) right through the middle of Ecuador. As well as having many towering peaks, this also meant that some giant volcanoes are located here too.
Chimborazo is the biggest overall, with a peak altitude of 6263m. Given its height, it’s recommended to only hike this stratovolcano once you’ve already got some decent hiking experience under your belt.
There are many others though that can be done by hikers of all levels, including the volcanoes of Pichincha, Tungurahua and Cotopaxi.
The latter in particular is a really memorable experience, which you can hike from Quito with this organized tour.
4. Explore The Largest Market In South America
Perhaps you’re not really into hiking, or have already gotten your fair-share of climbing experiences already in from Peru?
Then visiting Otavalo Market will be a really refreshing experience for you when backpacking around Ecuador.
This giant market is open all days of the week, however the mornings of Wednesday and Saturday are best given it’s get even larger with more vendors and deals on offer. Here we can browse a diverse range of Ecuadorian textiles, handicrafts and dishes.
The Otavalo Market is located in the north of Ecuador, and is approximately 2 hours away by bus from Quito. If possible, it’s worth staying within this town, given the incredible surrounding scenery. You can also visit Otavalo on this day tour from Quito, which includes a visit to Cuicocha.
5. Relax On White Pacific Beaches
Usually beaches on Latin America’s Pacific coast tend to be overlooked for those on the Caribbean and Atlantic side.
However some can have some perfect sandy bays, and also waters which are suitable for swimming and snorkeling in.
When in Ecuador we highly recommend traveling to Montañita, and using this town as a base for exploring beaches in the region.
That of Montañita is still quite nice, and ideal for going surfing in. However the very best include Playa Los Frailes for its white sand beach as well as Ayampe for a more relaxed and bohemian feel.
There are green buses that run up and down the coast daily, so you can easily take one in the early morning and head to whichever beach that takes your fancy.
6. Head to the Galápagos Islands
Firstly we know it’s not the most feasible region to visit given its high prices – however it may be that one place that’s worth investing in when backpacking around South America.
Situated over 960 km off the coast of mainland Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are some of the most unique islands you can visit on the planet.
Isolated for thousands of years and still continuing to drift away from the continent, this had led to some really extraordinary species developing here, such as the Galapagos Tortoise, Marine Iguanas as well as the Flightless Cormorant.
If you’re into diving you can also swim with schools of Hammerhead Sharks off the coast, which are otherwise quite an elusive species to spot.
It’s important to know that you can only fly into the Galapagos from Quito and Guayaquil.
7. Try Out Different Adventure Activities Around The Amazon Basin
Among Ecuador’s fantastic landscapes that we have already mentioned, we haven’t yet touched the Amazon Basin.
Making up a sizable portion of this country, this region is perfect for trying all kinds of new activities. In Baños we can go zip-lining over waterfalls with this tour, where you will also visit the Pailón del Diablo whilst mountain biking along the winding mountain paths.
Further in-land, we can head into the remote Amazon Jungle and stay at towns such as Puyo and Coca.
From both we can head on a river tour and see incredible animals, whilst also learning about the different tribes here and how they are still thriving to this day without modern conveniences.
Is Ecuador Worth Visiting?
And that’s all for our guide on why you should visit Ecuador.
This breathtaking country is full of incredible places and experiences, and it’s worth taking your time to explore every corner possible. This includes heading into the Amazon Jungle, touring the
Ecuadorian Andes and even heading to the legendary Galápagos Islands if your budget permits.
Be sure to read our Backpacking Ecuador Itinerary where we share the best ways to plan your own trip around this memorable South American country.
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