What are the top cities to visit?

The capital, Quito, the second highest capital after La Paz in Bolivia is situated at 2800 metres/9100 feet and is surrounded by volcanoes. It is also in certain areas, A UNESCO world heritage site. This refers mainly to the “Old Town” with its mixture of Colonial and Republican architecture, cobblestone streets and red tile roofs. On Ecuador tours, it is the oldest and best-preserved historical quarter in South America. It is also an area of craft shops, cafes and restaurants as well as many hotels.

To the north of this area is modern Quito with its contemporary infrastructure. A highlight in Quito is to take the cable car to the Pichincha Volcano rim where one can see the whole city spread out below as well as six other volcanoes.

Guayaquil is located on the Pacific coast and is a port and the commercial capital as well as the largest city. It is noted for its many parks and green spaces such as the Malecon Simon Bolivar. The area called Las Penas has a number of old colonial-style buildings.

What are the top things to see across Ecuador?

North of Quito reached by road on an Ecuador vacation is Otavalo famous for its indigenous markets as well as having cultural significance. It is here that the local Indians can be seen in their colourful, traditional dress. Every Saturday, the Mercado Artesanal takes place where one can purchase jewellery, clothing, Panama hats, wood carvings, paintings and much more. Not far from Otavalo are the Peguche Waterfalls, a place sacred to the local Indians as it has associations with old Inca legends.

Riobamba to the south in the central mountain corridor is Ecuador’s third largest city situated in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains including Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain at 6300 metres/20,500 feet. On Ecuador tours, it is from Riobamba that one can take the Devil’s Nose train ride, known as the world’s most exciting train journey as it goes high up into the mountains and descends at a very steep gradient.

Cuenca and the Andes

Cuenca, also in the central corridor is a UNESCO world heritage site with its colonial architecture. The imposing Cathedral with 3 domes built in 885, looks over the main plaza.

To the east of the country is the Amazon region of Ecuador with its bio-diverse ecosystem and home to many of the country’s indigenous population.

Located 1000 kilometres/620 miles off the coast of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, a national park and biological marine reserve made famous by Charles Darwin who first recognized their volcanic origin, and who understood the profound im­plications of this origin for the history of life.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos consists of around 15 large islands and a number of smaller islands. The oldest of the islands are about 4 million years old and the youngest is still in the process of be­ing formed. The Galapagos Islands are considered to be one of the most ac­tive volcanic areas in the world. Nowadays, they are known for their unique and fearless wildlife such as giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many rare bird species. The best way to experience the islands while on Ecuador tours are to take a cruise of which there is an excellent selection to suit all tastes and budgets.

Book one of our Ecuador tours today and experience the magic for yourself.

 "Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Sail in Nature’s Ultimate Animal Playground on a Galapagos Islands Vacation

Travel on a Scenic Ecuador Vacation by Train

The Galapagos Islands: Taking the Safari to South America

Experience an Ecuador Vacation That Goes Beyond the Galapagos Islands

Your Guide to a “Wild” Galapagos Islands Vacation

Quito – At the Heart of Ecuador Tours

An Ecuador Vacation With the Family

Ecotourism Destinations: Central and South America (Part 3)

Discovering Ecuador

Heading on a Luxury Ecuador Vacation

Choosing the Right Galapagos Islands Vacation

Highlands to Lowlands: Ecuador’s Classic Rail Journey

Treks of South America – Part 3: Colombia, Ecuador, and Antarctica

Equatorial Vortex

Ecuador’s Cloud Forest Retreat, Where Wilderness Meets Luxury

Photo Journal: Scenes of Ecuador

Suggested Viewing: The Galapagos Affair – Satan came to Eden

Ecuador Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to an Ecuador vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of Ecuador, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Ecuador's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're appropriately prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Ecuador for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Ecuador tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Ecuador vacation packages, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.