Thursday, August 29, 2019

Top Destinations in Ecuador & the Galapagos

Ecuador may be one of South America’s smallest countries, but fear not, you certainly won’t run out of things to do in this breathtaking destination. If you are the adventurous type that loves trekking, climbing and nature then Ecuador is the place for you

Lazing around on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches sounds more like you? With almost 1,000 miles of coastline there’s sure to be a beach or two that will please all of the sun worshippers out there. And if you’re neither the adventurous type or a beach lover Ecuador’s cities may be the perfect spot.
Kicker Rock, Galapagos Islands
In other words, Ecuador is a great place to holiday no matter what your interests are. But with so many destinations to choose from, planning a trip in South America can become overwhelming. Try checking out the various luxury South America tours available online to get an idea of popular routes and must-see tourist attractions to help you plan your travel itinerary.

In order to make planning your trip a little easier here’s a list of the top destinations to visit in this beautiful country.

The Galapagos Islands
Of course you cannot visit Ecuador without making a trip to the world-renowned Galapagos Islands.

Animal enthusiasts will be in their element when visiting the Galapagos, which support a huge variety of animals from giant tortoises to lizards and penguins.

Trekking around the islands is the most popular activity amongst tourists. Trekking tours allow you to stop along the way as you bump into all sorts of exciting animals. As the animals are so used to tourists they are not shy, allowing you to get up close and personal to the indigenous species.

If you are a water lover on the other hand, then there are snorkeling, kayaking or scuba diving tours on offer which are sure to wow you!

It’s worth exploring the wide array of luxury Galapagos tours on offer to get an idea of activities at the islands.

Quito
Quito is Ecuador’s capital city and for this reason alone is not to be missed when visiting the country. Another notable fact about Quito is that it’s the highest capital city in the world at 2,800 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level!

Quito’s historical centre is one of the best preserved historic districts in all of South America. Wander around the city centre taking in the beautiful churches, public gardens and art galleries to get a real sense of city life in Ecuador.

Still in need of a little adventure at the end of day spent exploring the city? Then take the cable car up to Rucu Pichincha for a magnificent panorama.

Quilotoa
If you’re the adventurous type a hike to Quilotoa is a must. This trail takes visitors through several of Ecuador’s remote Andean villages so it’s also a great opportunity to see how the locals live.

Depending on how much time you have you can either choose to hike the full loop (but be aware this can take up to four days) or bus between sections to speed things up.

The views of a crater lake in Quilotoa will leave you in awe, so be sure to leave some time to stop here and take it all in.

Otavalo
This town is the perfect place to go shopping for your holiday souvenirs. Otavalo market has been running for centuries and is a photographer’s paradise, full of interesting, colorful stalls. From traditional craft items to leather and jewelry you are sure to pick up some treasures as you wander through this charming market. The main market is open on Saturday so be sure to plan your visit to the town at the weekend to avoid disappointment.

BaƱos
Banos is a small town that lies at the foot of Tungurahua volcano. The town, as its name would suggest, is most famous for its hot springs. These thermal baths are the perfect place to relax after an adventurous day of zip-lining, bungee jumping, rafting, mountain biking, or canyoning - all of which are on offer in and around the town!

‘Pailon del Diablo’ waterfall is another popular spot in Banos amongst tourists who like to get out in nature.

As you can see there is plenty to do and see in Ecuador no matter what your interests. In order to make the most out of this holiday of a lifetime it’s a good idea to plan ahead with a South America travel agency to ensure the smooth running of your adventures through Ecuador and the Galapagos.







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