What Do To In Ecuador? Quito, Galapagos and Cuenca!

What Do To In Ecuador. Image: Juan Ordonez, Unsplash.
What Do To In Ecuador. Image: Juan Ordonez, Unsplash.

What to do in Ecuador? This question may surprise some people who have never researched the country! But for those who know a little about this South American country, this question is not scary. There are several attractions in the country that make the trip to Ecuador very attractive. These trips mix historical and cultural tours and to discover different natural beauties.

Thus, in order to address the main attractions of this small country in South America, we made this article to address the main attractions of Ecuador.

What Do To In Ecuador: Top Places

Now let’s talk about the main attractions of the country:

  • Quito, The Capital;
  • Galapagos Islands;
  • Cuenca, the historic city.

Quito, The Capital

Quito. Image: Mauricio Munoz, Unsplash.
Quito. Image: Mauricio Munoz, Unsplash.

Quito is the capital and largest city in the country. It is located at an altitude of more than three thousand meters, and spreads from north to south, since from east to west there are deactivated volcanoes and steep mountains. In this way, one of the main attractions of the city is the cable car that goes over the Pichincha hill, at more than 4 thousand meters of altitude.

In addition to the attractions provided by the high altitude of the city, it is worth checking out the historic center of the city, located to the south. This region brings together a series of colonial buildings, as well as beautiful squares. The large Plaza deserves to be highlighted, as it brings together the Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Thus, it is worth noting that Quito has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.

Mountain in Quito. Image: Ariel Tutillo, Unsplash.
Mountain in Quito. Image: Ariel Tutillo, Unsplash.

But not only of historical buildings lives the city. It is also possible to enjoy quality green areas. Quito is full of parks, and some of them have very particular attractions. This is the case of Mitad Del Mundo Park, which was built on the imaginary line of the Equator, which divides the world between the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos. Image: Nathalie Marquis, Unsplash.
Galapagos. Image: Nathalie Marquis, Unsplash.

Galapagos is known worldwide for its rich and peculiar biodiversity. In this way, several scientists travel to get to know the Island, the most famous being Charles Darwin, whose visit to the island contributed to the formulation of his Theory of Evolution.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that this archipelago is made up of three islands: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela Islands. And, as it could not be different, the great attraction is nature: local fauna and flora.

Cuenca, The Historic City

Cueca. Image: Juan Ordonez, Unsplash.
Cueca. Image: Juan Ordonez, Unsplash.

Cuenca is the third largest city in the country and is located just a 40-minute flight from Quito, the country’s capital.

The city stands out for its historical heritage, especially for being one of the oldest cities in the country (it was founded in 1557). So, was one of the first in the country to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

In this way, the city has several historical buildings from the colonial period, especially mansions and churches. In addition, there is a highlight on account of the rich local cuisine, parks, museums and public performances by regional musicians.

Cuenca. Image: Juan Ordonez, Unsplash.
Cuenca. Image: Juan Ordonez, Unsplash.

Another very interesting point to comment on this city is the fact that many attractions are accessible by walking. In other words, you don’t need to travel far to get to know the main attractions of Cuenca.

So, it is recommended that you get to know the City Cathedral, located in the center of the city. Other churches make up the scene in the region and tell a little about the city’s history, due to the different styles they have — Colonial, Baroque, Modern, etc.

Therefore, knowing what to do in Ecuador is essential for anyone who wants to know the country. Large metropolises such as Quito; Historic cities such as Cuenca; natural paradises like the Galapagos are part of the itinerary. And you, what are you waiting for to know this country?

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