Ecuador · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Ecuador
These are the cafés, markets, hot springs, trails, museums and stays we would point a friend to in Ecuador, from the classics to quieter corners. Check opening times before you go, because small places change.
Places to Visit in Quito
Arts and Culture
- La Compañía de Jesús (Centro Histórico)
A Jesuit church covered inside with gold leaf, the most dazzling interior in the city. - Basílica del Voto Nacional (Centro Histórico)
Climb the neo Gothic towers past gargoyles shaped like tortoises and armadillos for views over the Old Town. - Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco (Centro Histórico)
One of the oldest religious complexes in the Americas, facing a vast cobbled plaza. - Casa del Alabado (Centro Histórico)
A beautifully displayed museum of pre Columbian art in a restored colonial house. - Capilla del Hombre (Bellavista)
Guayasamín's powerful paintings in a chapel built to honour the people of Latin America. - Museo Interactivo de Ciencia (Chimbacalle)
A science museum in an old textile factory that keeps children busy for hours.
Things to Do
- TelefériQo (La Gasca)
A cable car up the flanks of Pichincha with sweeping views of the city and volcanoes on clear mornings. - Mitad del Mundo (San Antonio de Pichincha)
The equator monument and museums, a classic half day photo stop north of the city. - Museo Intiñan (San Antonio de Pichincha)
A hands on equator museum with balancing eggs, water experiments and indigenous culture displays. - Volcán Pululahua (San Antonio de Pichincha)
One of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world, with a viewpoint and trail down to the farms. - Calle La Ronda (Centro Histórico)
A restored colonial lane of cafés, craft shops and live music on weekend nights.
Shopping and Markets
- Mercado Central (Centro Histórico)
Long running market famous for its corvina fish, locro de papa and fresh juices. - Mercado Santa Clara (Santa Clara)
A neighbourhood market of fruit stalls, herbalists and cheap set lunches, away from tourist routes. - Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal (La Mariscal)
A covered craft market for alpaca textiles, tagua carvings and souvenirs from across Ecuador.
Restaurants
- Zazu (La Pradera)
Polished modern Ecuadorian cooking and an excellent bar, a favourite for special occasions. - Café Mosaico (Itchimbía)
Terrace tables hanging over the Old Town, best at sunset with a drink. - Las Corvinas de Don Jimmy (Mercado Central)
A market counter famous for generous plates of fried corvina and ceviche. - Hasta la Vuelta Señor (Centro Histórico)
Traditional Quiteño dishes served in a colonial courtyard above Plaza Grande. - Casa Gangotena restaurant (Centro Histórico)
Elegant Ecuadorian dishes overlooking Plaza San Francisco from a grand restored mansion.
Cafés
- Botánica (La Floresta)
Garden café and bar with Ecuadorian coffee, brunch and a relaxed creative crowd.
Bars and Nightlife
- Bandido Brewing (Centro Histórico)
A craft brewery in a former chapel, with good beer and a friendly crowd. - Ocho y Medio (La Floresta)
An arthouse cinema with a café bar, perfect for an evening film and a drink.
Events
- Fiestas de Quito (Citywide)
Early December brings concerts, parades and street parties celebrating the founding of the city. - Semana Santa procession (Centro Histórico)
The Good Friday procession of purple robed cucuruchos is one of the most striking in South America.
Nature and Outdoors
- Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua (Bellavista)
A huge forest park with trails and views of Cotopaxi and the valleys on clear days. - Cotopaxi National Park (Latacunga)
Walk at high altitude towards the glacier of one of the world's highest active volcanoes, best with a guide. - Mindo cloud forest (Mindo)
Hummingbirds, waterfalls and chocolate farms a couple of hours from the capital. - Quilotoa crater lake (Pujilí)
A turquoise lake inside a volcanic crater, with a rim walk and a steep trail down to the water.
Stays
- Casa Gangotena (Centro Histórico)
A luxury boutique hotel in a restored mansion on Plaza San Francisco. - Hotel Patio Andaluz (Centro Histórico)
A colonial house with courtyards on a central Old Town street.
Places to Visit in Puerto Ayora
Nature and Outdoors
- Charles Darwin Research Station (Puerto Ayora)
See giant tortoise breeding programmes and learn how scientists protect the islands. - Tortuga Bay (Puerto Ayora)
A long white sand beach reached on a paved trail, with marine iguanas and a calm swimming cove. - Las Grietas (Puerto Ayora)
A clear water gorge between lava walls, great for swimming and snorkelling. - El Chato Tortoise Reserve (Santa Rosa)
Wild giant tortoises grazing in the highlands, with a lava tunnel to walk through. - Los Gemelos (Santa Cruz highlands)
Twin collapsed craters ringed by scalesia forest, where Darwin's finches and vermilion flycatchers live. - Kicker Rock (San Cristóbal)
A split volcanic rock where snorkellers and divers meet sea lions, turtles and sharks. - Los Túneles (Isabela)
Lava arches and tunnels in turquoise water with turtles, seahorses and sometimes penguins. - Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela)
A hike to the rim of one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world.
Things to Do
- North Seymour island day trip (Santa Cruz)
Frigatebird colonies, blue footed boobies and sea lions on a guided island visit. - Playa de los Alemanes (Puerto Ayora)
A short water taxi and walk to a sheltered beach for an easy swim.
Shopping and Markets
- Fish market (Avenida Charles Darwin)
Pelicans and sea lions crowd round as fishermen clean the morning catch.
Restaurants
- Kioskos on Calle Charles Binford (Puerto Ayora)
Evening street of family run stalls serving grilled fish and lobster in season.
Stays
- Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel (Punta Estrada)
A beachfront eco hotel across the bay, reached by water taxi. - Galapagos Safari Camp (Santa Cruz highlands)
Safari style tents in the highlands with views to the sea.
Arts and Culture
- Interpretation Centre, San Cristóbal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno)
Clear displays on the islands' geology, wildlife and human history.
Places to Visit in Cuenca
Arts and Culture
- Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (Parque Calderón)
The New Cathedral's blue domes define the skyline; climb up for rooftop views. - Museo Pumapungo (Centro)
National museum of Ecuadorian cultures with Inca ruins and gardens in its grounds. - Museo de las Conceptas (Centro)
Religious art inside a working cloistered convent. - Museo Remigio Crespo Toral (Calle Larga)
A riverside mansion museum telling the story of the city, with a pleasant café. - Ingapirca (Cañar)
Ecuador's best known Inca ruins, with a stone sun temple.
Shopping and Markets
- Homero Ortega Panama hats (El Ejido)
Watch toquilla straw hats being finished and browse a huge range of styles. - Plaza de las Flores (Centro)
A small flower market beside the cathedral, lovely in the morning. - Mercado 10 de Agosto (Centro)
A busy market for hornado, juices and local produce. - Chordeleg silver workshops (Chordeleg)
A craft village famous for silver filigree jewellery.
Things to Do
- Mirador de Turi (Turi)
The classic panorama of the city, best around sunset. - Walk along the Río Tomebamba (El Barranco)
Riverside paths below colonial houses hanging on the cliff. - Baños de Cuenca hot springs (Baños)
Thermal pools and spas a short ride from the centre.
Nature and Outdoors
- El Cajas National Park (Azuay)
High moorland with hundreds of lakes and polylepis woods, less than an hour from the city.
Restaurants
- Tiestos (Calle Larga)
Sizzling clay pot dishes served with a parade of sauces, a local institution. - Mote pillo stalls at Mercado 9 de Octubre (Centro)
Simple breakfasts of mote pillo and coffee among locals.
Cafés
- Café Nucallacta (Centro)
A specialty roaster serving Ecuadorian single origin coffee.
Events
- Pase del Niño Viajero (Centro)
A huge Christmas Eve procession of children in costume, floats and decorated horses.
Stays
- Mansión Alcázar (Centro)
A boutique hotel in a restored mansion with gardens. - Hotel Santa Lucía (Centro)
A colonial house with a courtyard restaurant steps from the main square.
Places to Visit in Baños
Nature and Outdoors
- Pailón del Diablo (Río Verde)
A thundering waterfall with trails and bridges right into the spray. - Machay waterfall trail (Ruta de las Cascadas)
A forest path past several smaller falls, good for families. - Puyo Parque Omaere (Puyo)
An ethnobotanical park run with indigenous communities at the edge of the Amazon.
Things to Do
- Ruta de las Cascadas by bike (Baños)
Ride mostly downhill past a string of waterfalls towards Río Verde. - Casa del Árbol swing (Runtún)
A treehouse swing over the valley with Tungurahua behind on clear mornings. - Manto de la Novia tarabita (Río Blanco)
A cable car ride across a gorge to a bridal veil waterfall. - Termas de la Virgen (Baños)
Public thermal pools under a waterfall, liveliest early and late. - Termas El Salado (El Salado)
Local thermal pools just outside town in a narrow valley.
Arts and Culture
- Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa (Centro)
A pilgrimage church full of paintings of local miracles.
Shopping and Markets
- Melcocha taffy shops (Centro)
Watch sugar cane taffy pulled on wooden hooks in shop doorways. - Mercado Central de Baños (Centro)
Cheap set lunches and local fruit.
Stays
- Luna Volcán Adventure SPA (Runtún)
A hillside spa hotel with an infinity pool facing Tungurahua. - Samari Spa Resort (Baños)
A garden resort with pools and spa near the town.
Places to Visit in Otavalo
Shopping and Markets
- Plaza de los Ponchos (Centro)
One of South America's best known craft markets, biggest on Saturdays. - Saturday animal market (Otavalo)
Early morning livestock trading on the edge of town, very much for locals. - Cotacachi leather street (Cotacachi)
A small town known for leather goods.
Nature and Outdoors
- Laguna de Cuicocha (Cotacachi)
A crater lake with islands and a rim trail of about four hours. - Cascada de Peguche (Peguche)
A sacred waterfall in a eucalyptus forest close to town. - Lago San Pablo (San Pablo)
A lake under Imbabura volcano, lovely for walks and kayaks. - Parque Cóndor (Otavalo)
A rescue centre for birds of prey with flying demonstrations.
Events
- Inti Raymi (Otavalo)
June solstice celebrations with dancing, music and ritual bathing.
Stays
- Hacienda Cusín (San Pablo)
A historic hacienda with gardens near Lago San Pablo. - Hacienda Zuleta (Angochagua)
A working hacienda famous for cheese, embroidery and a condor project.
Restaurants
- Hornado at Mercado 24 de Mayo (Centro)
Roast pork with potato cakes among Otavalo locals.
Places to Visit in Guayaquil
Things to Do
- Malecón 2000 (Centro)
A long riverside promenade with gardens, museums and the big wheel. - Las Peñas and Cerro Santa Ana (Las Peñas)
Climb the numbered steps through a painted old quarter to a lighthouse view.
Nature and Outdoors
- Parque Seminario (Centro)
The park of the iguanas, where land iguanas wander among visitors. - Parque Histórico Guayaquil (Samborondón)
Reconstructed old houses, wildlife and gardens across the river. - Cerro Blanco Protected Forest (Vía a la Costa)
Dry forest trails with birds and howler monkeys outside the city. - Isla Santay (Santay)
A wetland island reached by a footbridge, with boardwalks and birds.
Arts and Culture
- MAAC Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo (Malecón)
Pre Columbian ceramics and Ecuadorian contemporary art.
Restaurants
- Lo Nuestro (Urdesa)
Classic coastal Ecuadorian dishes in a heritage style house.
Stays
- Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil (Centro)
A long established business hotel with a pool.
Cafés
- Sweet and Coffee (Citywide)
Ecuador's favourite café chain for coffee and cakes.
Places to Visit in Montañita
Bars and Nightlife
- Montañita beach bars (Montañita)
A surf village with a famous party scene on the Ruta del Spondylus.
Places to Visit in Puerto López
Nature and Outdoors
- Isla de la Plata and humpback whales (Puerto López)
Whale watching from June to September and seabird colonies on a "poor man's Galápagos".
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Urko (La Floresta, Quito)
Tasting menus built on Andean ingredients and producers, in a relaxed setting. - Café Dios No Muere (Centro Histórico, Quito)
A tiny, quirky café in an old house serving good coffee and snacks. - Tienda Cafetería El Cafecito (La Mariscal, Quito)
A long standing cosy café in an old house, good for breakfast and cake. - Illa Experience Hotel (San Marcos, Quito)
A small, design led hotel in the quiet San Marcos corner of the Old Town. - Hotel Quito (González Suárez, Quito)
A modernist landmark with a pool and valley views, recently refurbished. - Il Giardino (Puerto Ayora, Puerto Ayora)
Garden restaurant with a romantic setting and Ecuadorian and Mediterranean dishes. - Galápagos Deli (Puerto Ayora, Puerto Ayora)
Casual café for sandwiches, pizza and ice cream after a day on the water. - Bongo Bar (Puerto Ayora, Puerto Ayora)
A rooftop bar overlooking the harbour, the town's main nightlife spot. - Hotel Fiesta (Puerto Ayora, Puerto Ayora)
A simple, friendly hotel with a pool, a short walk from the waterfront. - El Mercado (Calle Larga, Cuenca)
Seasonal Ecuadorian ingredients cooked with a modern touch. - La Compañía Microcervecería (Centro, Cuenca)
A popular craft beer pub with a lively evening crowd. - Ojos del Volcán viewpoint (Runtún, Baños)
A quieter hilltop lookout over the town and volcano. - Casa Hood (Centro, Baños)
A long running, cosy restaurant with international and vegetarian dishes. - Café del Cielo (Runtún, Baños)
Hilltop terrace with views over the valley. - Honey Coffee and Tea (Centro, Baños)
A friendly café for breakfast and pastries. - Leprechaun Bar (Centro, Baños)
The town's best known party bar with a bonfire and dancing. - Museo Viviente Otavalango (Otavalo, Otavalo)
A living museum of Kichwa Otavalo culture in an old textile hacienda. - Encebollado at Picantería La Culata (Centro, Guayaquil)
Ecuador's favourite fish and onion soup, a coastal breakfast staple.