Welcome to Ecuador

Ecuador is a country that quietly overwhelms — and then never lets go. It is not the most famous travel destination in South America, not the largest, and not the cheapest. But it is by far the most diverse country per square kilometer on the entire continent. Four fundamentally different ecosystems, a vibrant indigenous culture, and the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands make Ecuador one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world.

• Galápagos Islands — The archipelago that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution is one of the last natural paradises on earth. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions show no fear of humans. An experience that is nowhere else in the world.
• Avenue of the Volcanoes (Avenida de los Volcanes) — Alexander von Humboldt called this double row of over 30 volcanoes the "Avenue of the Volcanoes." Cotopaxi (5,897 m) is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Chimborazo (6,263 m) is the point on earth furthest from the center of the earth — even further than Everest.
• Amazon Rainforest — Ecuador's Oriente is home to one of the most biodiverse rainforests in the world. In Yasuní National Park, more tree species live on a single hectare than in all of North America.
• Colonial Splendor — Quito's old town is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site ever (1978). Gold-adorned churches, imposing plazas, and a vibrant city culture at an altitude of 2,850 meters.
• Indigenous Diversity — 14 different nationalities and peoples live in Ecuador, from the Quechua in the highlands to the Shuar in the Amazon to the Tsáchila on the coast. The markets of Otavalo are among the most colorful in South America.
• Pacific Coast — Endless beaches, whale watching (June–September), surfing in Montañita, and one of the most diverse seafood cuisines on the continent. From party beaches to secluded bays, everything is included.
• Compact Size — Ecuador is smaller than Germany, and the main regions are only a few bus hours apart. In two to three weeks, you can experience the highlands, rainforest, coast, and Galápagos.
• US Dollar as Currency — Since 2000, the US dollar has been the official currency. No currency exchange needed, no exchange rate worries — making travel planning significantly easier.

Ecuador is the antidote to monotony: In the morning, you hike through cloud forests, in the afternoon, you bathe in hot springs at the foot of a volcano, in the evening, you eat ceviche on the Pacific coast. And then you fly to the Galápagos Islands and forget for a few days that a world outside exists.

Ecuador can be divided into four major travel regions, each with a completely unique character:

Quito & Highlands (Sierra)

For whom: Cultural travelers, mountaineers, market lovers
The Andean highlands stretch as a 60 km wide band from north to south, flanked by two volcanic chains. Here lies the capital Quito with its UNESCO old town at 2,850 m, the mighty Cotopaxi, the colorful market of Otavalo, and the colonial Cuenca. The climate is mild and spring-like — year-round between 10 and 22°C.

Galápagos Islands

For whom: Nature lovers, divers, photographers
The volcanic archipelago in the Pacific, 1,000 km off the coast, is a living natural laboratory. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and flightless cormorants live here without natural fear. Accessible by cruise or island hopping — an experience that exists only once in the world.

Amazon Rainforest (Oriente)

For whom: Adventurers, wildlife watchers, nature enthusiasts
Ecuador's eastern region covers almost half of the country and is home to one of the most biodiverse rainforests on earth. Reachable from the highlands in a few hours, jungle lodges offer caiman spotting, parrot clay licks, piranha fishing, and encounters with indigenous communities.

Pacific Coast (Costa)

For whom: Surfers, beach lovers, gourmets
From Esmeraldas in the north to Guayaquil in the south, the tropical coast stretches with endless beaches, fishing villages, and the famous surfer town Montañita. From June to September, humpback whales pass by — Puerto López is the hotspot for whale watching. Guayaquil, the largest city in the country, surprises with a dynamic waterfront.

1. Explore the Galápagos Islands — Admire giant tortoises up close, snorkel with sea lions, and watch blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance. The ultimate experience in Ecuador. → Chap. Galápagos
2. Stroll through Quito's Old Town — Wander through the first UNESCO World Heritage Site: gold-adorned churches, imposing plazas, and panoramic views from 2,850 meters high. → Chap. Quito
3. Climb Cotopaxi — One of the highest active volcanoes in the world (5,897 m) with its perfect cone shape and glacier at the summit. The Refugio hut at 4,864 m is the starting point. → Chap. Quito & Highlands
4. Stay overnight in the Amazon Rainforest — Wake up in a jungle lodge in the midst of the world's most biodiverse forest, watch parrots, and fall asleep under the tropical starry sky. → Chap. Amazon
5. Visit the Otavalo Market — The most famous indigenous market in South America: handwoven textiles, colorful ponchos, jewelry, and a firework of colors. Especially large every Saturday. → Chap. Quito & Highlands
6. The Swing at the End of the World — Swing over the abyss in Baños de Agua Santa, with the smoking Tungurahua volcano in the background. One of the most iconic travel photos in South America. → Chap. Quito & Highlands
7. Watch Humpback Whales — From June to September, thousands of humpback whales pass by the coast of Ecuador. Puerto López is the best starting point for boat tours. → Chap. Coast
8. Stand on the Equator — With one foot in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere — the Mitad del Mundo monument north of Quito makes it possible. → Chap. Quito & Highlands
9. Travel the Avenue of the Volcanoes — Drive along Humboldt's "Avenue of the Volcanoes" with over 30 active and extinct volcanoes, from Quito to Riobamba. → Chap. Quito & Highlands
10. Eat Ceviche on the Coast — Ecuadorian ceviche is different from Peruvian — with tomato sauce and green plantain. Best enjoyed fresh in a fishing village. → Chap. Coast
11. Marvel at the Quilotoa Lagoon — An emerald green crater lake at 3,914 m altitude, nestled in an extinct volcano. The Quilotoa Loop is one of the most beautiful multi-day hikes in Ecuador. → Chap. Quito & Highlands
12. Surf in Montañita — Ecuador's most famous surf spot on the Pacific coast: perfect waves, hippie vibe, and legendary sunsets. → Chap. Coast
13. Conquer Chimborazo — Ecuador's highest mountain (6,263 m) is the point on the earth's surface furthest from the center of the earth — even further than the summit of Mount Everest. → Chap. Quito & Highlands
14. Chocolate from Bean to Bar — Ecuador produces the best cocoa in the world (Cacao Nacional Fino de Aroma). Chocolate tours in Mindo or Tena take you from the bean to the finished bar. → Chap. Understand
15. Float over Gorges in a Tarabita — Glide over the deep gorge of the Río Pastaza in an open cable car gondola — an unforgettable experience in Baños. → Chap. Quito & Highlands