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Places to visit in Ecuador
If you are unsure where to go and what to see in Ecuador, our city guides can help point you in the right direction. Perfect for volunteers during their weeks off or for travelers looking for inspiration. If you would like more information about any of the cities listed below then contact us. If you know have any other information on the cities listed or would like to add a guide for a different place in Ecuador, then let us know!
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Quito
Population: 1.2 Million
Highlights: Old Town, La Catedral (Quito Cathedral)
Activities: Equator, Teleferico, Bowling, Cinema
Touristy: Yes
Nightlife: Yes
Description: The capital of Ecuador and many peoples first (or last) port of call, due to the airport. Quito has two main areas to visit, the old town and the new town. The best advice is to be based in the new town, as although it is less picturesque than the very picturesque old town, it is where the nightlife is, avoiding costly taxi journeys at night (still take a cab, it is safer, but it will be a cheaper ride). Days can be spent walking around the old town soaking in the culture with the Teleferico cable car a good day trip. A short trip can be taken to the Equator for those all important holiday photos.
Banos
Population: 13,000
Highlights: Volcano and nightlife
Activities: Bike rides, Volcano tour, white-water rafting, quad biking
Touristy: Yes
Nightlife: Yes
Description: Banos is the tourist hub of Ecuador, you will find more foreigners than locals as you make your way through the semi-pedestrianised streets. The benefit of a tourist town is the amount of things on offer, with Banos being the place to go for a night out. There is plenty of choice for whatever it is that you may want to do, so hunt around as the tour operators can vary in price for, in some cases, the exact same trip. This is great place to try out you bargaining skills.
Puyo
Population: 22,000
Highlights: The Jungle and Surroundings
Activities: River walk, Jungle tours
Touristy: No
Nightlife: No
Description: On the edge of the civilised world before the jungle takes hold, Puyo is off the tourist path, which is what makes it so special. The jungle is all about the getting away from the world, and Puyo allows you to do this without the trail of other tourists. Jungle tours can be arranged in the town at the tour centres. The town has a local feel, and allows for a break from traveling, with the river walk to the north of the town (look for the jungle observation tower) a good excursion.
Riobamba
Population: 120,000
Highlights: Historic centre, Parks and Plazas, Indigenous Markets
Activities: Nariz del Diablo (Devils nose) Train
Touristy: Yes
Nightlife: No
Description: Located in the centre of the country, and on the Pan-American Highway, Riobamba is easily accessible from anywhere in ecuador, and is used as a stopover for many travelers on their journeys north or south. Riobamba is best known for the Nariz del Diablo train, which runs twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday), giving tourists the chance to ride on the roof and take in the superb views, although the novelty wears off by Alausi. A better attraction is the local Saturday market, where indigenous families come down from the mountains to sell there produce, and is the perfect place to pick up some authentic Ecuadorian souvenirs.
Mindo
Population:500
Highlights: Hummingbirds, Jungle treks, Cloud forests
Activities: Butterfly farms, Orchid Gardens, Bird watching
Touristy: No
Nightlife: No
Description: Mindo and the cloud forests are located about 3 hours north of Quito. Buses will only take you to just outside the town, and a taxi will take you the rest. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere, Mindo is popular with bird watchers and people looking to escape the rush of normal travelling. Mindo is home to over 400 species of birds, and is one of the few areas in Ecuador where the the forests are actually growing. One of the main attractions to Mindo are the Hummingbirds, which inhabitate trees for as far as can be seen. All of this is located on just one street nestled along the side of river.
If you are looking for information on things to do in Ecuador then go to our activities page.