1. Galapagos Islands
Have you heard anything about these active volcanoes lately? It’s time for you to go there and see it for real. Discovering the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands is a great way to spend time. The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of volcanic islands belonging to Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean. On the islands, quite remote and isolated, lying almost 1000 kilometers from the mainland, there is a world-famous ecosystem for its uniqueness, which was the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory about natural selection. Giant turtles, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and various bird species can all be seen on the islands in their natural environment.
Cruise to the Galapagos Islands is one of the best sightseeing tours in the world, during the cruise to the islands you will see the Turtle Nature Reserve, Charles Darwin Research Station, sea lions and visit La Loberia Bay.
2. La Compagna (La Compañía, Quito)
The Church of the Society of Jesus, or “La Iglesia de la Companha de Jesus, located in the heart of Quito, is perhaps the most famous church in Ecuador. Built in the early 16th century, La Compagna is considered the main example of Baroque architecture in the New World. The church is also unique for the extensive use of gold leaf in the Central nave. La Compania is rightfully considered a unique landmark of Ecuador.
3. Salinas beach
Salinas Beach, affectionately nicknamed “Little Miami Beach” by locals, is a popular destination among surfers and yacht owners due to the abundance of high-rise condominiums along the coast. If you want to spend more time in the sun and on the beach during your stay in Ecuador, you definitely need to plan a trip to one of the most intimate secrets of this country. Traveling to this beach paradise in December and January is highly recommended, but you can travel light because the weather is beautiful all year round.
4. Ecuador Quilotoa Loop
If you are planning a trip to Ecuador, be sure to walk along this breathtaking loop. The route consists of a series of interconnected hiking trails that pass through isolated settlements in the Andes and end at the famous crater lake. To shorten the walking time and see the cities, you can take the bus. If you want to combine a little shopping with a trip, there are flea markets in some towns and villages along the road.
5. Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is the second largest volcano in Ecuador, its height reaches a staggering 5,897 meters for a volcano. Cotopaxi is also unique in that it is home to one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world, which begins at an altitude of 5,000 meters. Its snow-covered peak is clearly visible from Quito. Cotopaxi is also one of the highest active volcanoes in the world with over 50 eruptions since 1738. Cotopaxi is the main natural attraction of Ecuador.