Wondering where to go on your next vacation? Ecuador should be your next travel destination and we think there should be no doubt about this. To help you make your mind up, we have prepared a list of 10 reasons why you should choose Ecuador for your next big trip. It doesn’t matter whether your holiday preference is active or relaxing, or whether you prefer beach, mountains or wildlife adventures. Ecuador has something for lovers of all of those options. What’s more, Ecuador is accessible and affordable, making it very suitable for both short and longer trips, with a chance to see a lot rather quickly. Here are our top 10 reasons why you should pick Ecuador for your next trip.
The Galapagos Islands – One aspect of Ecuador travel that makes Ecuador trips really fantastic is the Galapagos Islands. A Galapagos cruise or land- based Galapagos trip is truly a once in a lifetime experience, allowing visitors to get up close with, experience and photograph the unusual endemic wildlife on the Islands. The Galapagos is the crème de la crème of Ecuador travel, and is not to be missed. There is so much that is special about the Galapagos Islands, but highlights for many include snorkeling with sea lions, spotting unusual birds like the waved albatross and giant tortoise, and spotting hammerheads and other sharks in the depths below. Cruises can be short or longer, and land-based trips can be tailored to your needs. This is a must-do part of an Ecuador visit.
Amazon Jungle – Ecuador trips include the possibility of visiting the Amazon Jungle, which is an opportunity not to be missed. A short flight, or a slightly longer road trip from Quito, followed by a motorized canoe transfer allows visitors to explore the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Ecuador travel to this area includes the chance to enjoy rainforest walks, visit local indigenous communities and learn about their way of life, and of course, to spot the range of wildlife that inhabits this important ecosystem.
Wild Mountain Landscapes – Whether you love hiking or climbing, or simply want to photograph them, mountains are a-plenty in Ecuador, and the landscapes are pretty remote and wild. Out hiking, you will not often come across other tourists or hikers, making these experiences really unusual in many ways. You might even consider biking down Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth, or climbing up to the refuge and beyond for fabulous views of the region beyond. Relaxing in mountain hideaways with a stunning backdrop is another great option for the less active.
Diverse Wildlife – If wildlife is your thing, an Ecuador trip needs to be on the cards for you. Birdwatchers in particular will delight at visits here, since there are a wide variety of ecosystems within which birds can be spotted. From the cloud forest of Mindo to the Amazon rainforest, the Andean mountains and the warm lowland coastal region, there are plenty of places to try and spot unusual species, both bird and animal alike.
Fascinating Culture and History – While many of the reasons for an Ecuador trip revolve around the great outdoors, this small nation also has a colorful history and culture to learn about. There are some excellent museums, and plenty of opportunities to visit indigenous markets, such as the famous one in Otavalo. Many people still wear traditional dress and live their lives not so differently than they did many years ago, which is interesting to see and learn about. Colonial architecture can be found all over the country in both towns and cities.
Relaxing Hot Springs and spas – If a spot of relaxation is on your mind, Ecuador travel can take you to an array of wonderful spas and hot springs of a very high standard. For those seeking the ultimate relaxation trip, just 90 minutes from Quito there are the Papallacta Hot Springs, surrounded by jagged mountains. Meanwhile, numerous towns such as Banos have public hot springs for a warm, relaxing dip, as well as spas and treatments to enjoy.
Magnificent Beaches – Ecuador is not short of a fabulous beach or two. With its coastline meeting the Pacific Ocean, the west of the country has lots of pretty bays to explore. For those that like upscale, there are high-end resorts, or you can go more rustic, visiting tiny fishing villages. You can expect to enjoy great seafood along the coast, and if you enjoy surfing, you’re in for some great waves.
Exhilarating Adventures – For those seeking breathtaking excitement, Ecuador trips can be arranged that are extremely exhilarating. From rappelling to mountain biking, whitewater rafting or kayaking, caving and climbing, Ecuador has the landscape to suit adventurers of all kinds.
Good Value – It cannot be ignored that Ecuador travel is extremely good value. Compared to North America and Europe, prices are very cheap, and it is possible to enjoy a trip of a high standard much more affordably than it would be back home. For visitors traveling from the United States, there is also the added benefit that Ecuador uses the same currency, the US dollar, so there is no need to fuss around changing money or trying to understand exchange rates.
Small Size – Small is good when it comes to country size, and Ecuador really packs a punch here. Mountains, jungle and coast are all just a relatively short distance from one another. This combined with the country’s decent transportation network and affordability makes a trip to Ecuador pretty diverse in terms of landscapes and types of adventures offered all within a very small space.
Get in touch today and we can help you plan your perfect Ecuador trip. Whether you seek active adventure, mountain escapes, relaxing spas or history and culture, Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders are experts in Ecuador, and we can ensure your Ecuador travel is focused on meeting your precise preferences and needs. We can offer tailormade trips that include the Galapagos and the Ecuadorian mainland, or just one or the other if you prefer.