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Ecuador

7

Reasons To
Visit Ecuador

  • Amazon rainforest

    Easily accessible from Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon offers some of the best run eco-lodges in the whole of Latin America. Whether it is Sacha, Napo or Haourani Lodge, you are best placed for some excellent wildlife vieiwing as well as learning about the indigenous population that manage and run the lodges.

    Amazon rainforest

  • Colonial Architecture

    In addition to the traditional farmhouse haciendas, the cities of Quito and Cuenca offer fine examples of Spanish Colonial architecture. Both are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the fabulous historical centres are complimented with lovely cafes and great restaurant options.

    Colonial Architecture

  • Colourful Markets

    Markets form an integral part of Ecuadorian life. Ranging from vast colourful textile markets geared towards tourists around Otavalo to local markets in the central highlands selling everything from corn and bananas to refrigerators and satellite dishes - there is a market that will engross visitors, no matter what their age or interest.

    Colourful Markets

  • Haciendas

    Traditional farmhouse haciendas are dotted across the high Andean countryside but are concentrated around the town of Otavalo and the Cotopaxi National Park. Dating back as far as the 16th Century, they are full of character and offer guests an opportunity to step back in time. They make for a great base for walking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

    Haciendas

  • Panama Hats

    Even thought it isn't widely appreciated, the fact remains that the Panama hat wasn't in fact invented in Panama, but instead originated in Montecristi, northwest Ecuador! The name was derived when the hats were shipped to Panama to protect the canal construction workers from the sun in the early 1900s. Today a number of factories continue to produce hats around the southern city of Cuenca.

    Panama Hats

  • Rainforest

    The Rainforest in Ecuador offers a wealth of options to the visitor. Yasuni National Park is home to some of the best run eco-lodges in South America, each boasting comfortable accommodation and great wildlife viewing opportunities. In the southeast of the country, some eco-lodges provide the added cultural experience of living with the indigenous Amazonian population.

    Rainforest

  • Volcanoes

    Due to its location on the Pacific 'Ring of fire', Ecuador boasts no less than 28 volcanoes, many of which are active. 10 of Ecuador's volcanic mountains are over 5000m in altitude and best viewed along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' between Quito and Cuenca. Here there is a wonderful mix of local farming communities and National Parks all overlooked by snow-capped peaks - great for the outdoor enthusiast.

    Volcanoes
 
 

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Visit Cuenca, Ecuador

Undisputedly Ecuador’s prettiest city, Cuenca was founded by the Spanish in the mid-16th century.

Colonial church in Cuenca
Panama Hats in Cuenca, EcuadorPanama Hat maker, CuencaFlower market at CuencaThe pretty colonial city of CuencaColonial church in CuencaCuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca

Ecuador

Undisputedly Ecuador’s prettiest city, Cuenca was founded by the Spanish in the mid-16th century.

The colonial centre is small enough to explore on foot, and has a plethora of fine town houses and quaint market squares, the best of which, the Plaza de las Flores, explodes with colour in a beautiful display of flowers.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The cobbled streets, graceful ironwork balconies and beautiful gardens led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site. The gentle hills around the city are dotted with small villages known for their handicrafts.

A visit to this region could well end with the purchase of a Panama hat, as Cuenca was its birthplace.

Around Cuenca

A noteworthy example of Inca architecture, Ingapirca, can be found north of the city, where to this day archaeologists are still uncovering new examples of intricate Inca stonework.

Other countries in South America:
ArgentinaBoliviaBrazilChileColombiaParaguayPeruThe Falkland IslandsThe Galapagos IslandsUruguayVenezuela

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