A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Ranging from the misty jungles and roaring waterfalls of the Amazon in the east to the salt-sprayed Pacific seaboard in the west, Ecuador encompasses everything from wondrous cloud forests to brooding volcanoes, Andean peaks, and Incan ruins within its borders.
GoTravelDaily travel writer, Chamidae Ford, just returned from a 10-day adventure through Ecuador. Here, she shares a killer first-timer itinerary and essential tips for experiencing the most of this varied destination.
Ecuador’s privileged geographic location, gentle weather, contrasting regions, and travel-friendly size make it an ideal destination for road trips. While driving in Ecuador poses some challenges—opt for a 4WD vehicle to traverse challenging terrains—the relatively inexpensive fuel costs and short distances between cities make it a highly attractive option for exploration.
Though the Galápagos Islands may be considered the jewel in the crown of any visit to Ecuador, this Andean nation flaunts a great diversity of landscapes, people, and geographic features. Littered with colonial towns, snow-capped mountains, and golden sand beaches, it displays the South American region’s richness, packed in a compact travel-friendly area of 283,562 sq km (109,484 sq miles). Ecuador offers an abundance of places to visit and activities to enjoy across four natural regions— the Amazon rainforest, the Andean highlands, the Pacific coast, and the Galápagos archipelago.
With strikingly contrasting geographies packed into just one country, Ecuador’s culinary offerings are as varied and diverse as its four regions. Andean flavors, coastal seafood, Afro-Ecuadorian recipes, and Spanish influences converge to create an eclectic and innovative food-and-drink scene.
With four geographic regions squeezed into a compact 283,561 sq km (109,484 sq miles), Ecuador caters to all kinds of travelers.
Ecuador’s irregular topography and geographical richness are some of the top reasons travelers choose to visit this South American nation. However, when it comes to navigating around its territory, the same qualities pose challenges for visitors.
The Galápagos Islands steal the show, of course, but Ecuador is blessed with a full hand of national parks and protected reserves, preserving stunning, wildlife-filled terrain from the Andes to the Amazon.
Afro-Ecuadorians make up about seven to ten percent of the country’s population, but their impact on Ecuador’s food, music, and traditions is undeniable.
A new cruise along the coast of Ecuador showcases the country’s incredible Indigenous cuisine.
The Galápagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, are a unique archipelago famous for their diverse wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Renowned as a living laboratory of evolution, these islands offer visitors an extraordinary opportunity to observe species found nowhere else on Earth. Travelers can enjoy unparalleled wildlife experiences, making it a premier destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Esmeraldas, located in northwestern Ecuador, is known for its beautiful coastal cities and rich cultural heritage. While some sources warn potential visitors about dirty beaches and safety concerns, others highlight the vibrant local culture and the stunning natural scenery.