Despite the size of the country the places to see in Ecuador are very diverse due to the fact that the country is blessed with one of the highest biological diversity in the world.
While most people are familiar with the popular Galapagos Islands and maybe the capital Quito they are missing out on “La Sierra” which is the Andean region of the country. Along the Avenue of the volcanos you are able to see Ecuadors most incredible landscapes. With this post I introduce you to the best things to do in Ecuador along this avenue from north to south.
[box type=”info”]Before any trip to Ecuador I highly recommend learning at least some basic Spanish, I used the online language courses from Babbel before I embarked on my first adventure to Latin America and highly recommend their courses. More Information about South America as well as more personal guides can be found in my South America overview![/box]1. Otavalo


If you want to avoid the crowds you can also go there during the week, then the market is much smaller and doesn't spread over the whole city center. A trip to Otavalo is best to connect with a visit to Cuicocha (see next tip).
How to get there: by car from Quito in 1,5 -2h depending on traffic (start early in the morning)
Accommodation: Overview of Places to stay in Otavalo
2. Cuicocha


If you got some more time I recommend hiking the whole crater loop (20 km) which takes round about 5-6 hours depending on your own fitness level (consider the altitude and elevation and don't forget to bring sun screen and water!). Short term visitors shouldn't miss out on the opportunity to go at least for a brief walk along the crater edge using the path which starts at the visitor center (walk counterclockwise).
How to get there: take the Bus from Otavalo to Quiroga, from Quiroga by taxi (5$) to the lake // from Quito it takes 2h by car (which is what I did)
Accommodation: best is to stay in Otavalo
3. Middle of the World – Mitad del Mundo & Quitsato


The most popular place to visit is the monument “Mitad del Mundo” which was build on the exact spot where Europeans defined the position of the equator for the first time. There is only one problem: latest research via GPS showed that the actual equator is located 240m off that spot. Nevertheless it's worth a visit, especially if you connect it to a visit of the Intiñan Solar Museum which is right on the actual equator and awaits you with interesting experiments ;).
I took the chance and visited another spot on the way back from Cuicocha – the Quitsato Monument which is a huge Sundial near Cayambe deriving from the Inca culture. The monument is located exactly on the equator and you are able to spot the Cayambe volcano from there. Even better: there is no entrance fee as it is a non-profit project but if you want you can hire a knowledgeable local guide for 10$.
How to get there: take a bus (0.40$) or taxi from Quito – with cab drivers you should negotiate a flat fee (30-40 US$), the journey takes about 45min
Accommodation: Quito is the best starting point for this highlight
4. Quito


Quito is the perfect starting point for many day trips mentioned in this list, though the traffic can be tough when trying to get out of the city (a local driver is recommended). Even within the city limits you can go for a hike to a volcano – the starting point for this adventure is the cable car named “TeleferiQo”.
Accommodation: I stayed at 3 different places but my favorite spot was the B&B del Cielo in the party area Mariscal, followed by the much more expensive but beautiful 5* Hotel Patio Andaluz and the 4* Hotel Quito (great view to the Cayambe volcano). Quito offers a wide range of accommodations, more can be found at the Quito overview from Booking.
5. Termas de Papallacta


A visit to the hot springs is best to connect with a day hike at the nearby Natural Reserve Cayambe Coca (next tip).
How to get there: By car from Quito (ca. 2h)
Accommodation: either at the very expensive but very popular Hotel Termas de Papallacta or in Quito
6. Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve (Laguna Banos)


In this part of the park you will find a trail which is easy to walk and takes you to waterfalls and lagoons – perfect for a day trip!
How to get there: see 5) – from there you should take a cab or drive further to the park guard bulding
Accommodation: see 5)
7. Quilotoa


Again also a hike along the edge of the crater is possible and takes about 5h (especially here you shouldn't forget sunscreen and water!). From the viewpoint at Quilotoa you can also hike down to the lake (takes about 1,5h – 2h one way), down there you can rent paddle boats.
How to get there: by bus or car from Quito (through Latacunga), approx. 3h
Accommodation: in Quito, Latacunga or in Riobamba (if you plan on traveling south)
8. Tren Crucero & Devil's nose (Nariz del Diablo)


The whole trip with the Tren Crucero will cost you round about 1400 US$ (4 days / 3 nights – hotels, meals and tours are included) but you can also go for the budget option and take a tourist train for 30 US$ which only does the section from Alausi along the devil's nose. Here the train drives down the steep mountain in a zick-zack before you come to see the formation which is named the devil's nose.
How to get there: by car to Alausi then take the tourist train
Accommodation: Alausi is a lovely tiny village with a few nice places to stay
9. Ingapirca


If you've been to Machu Picchu and similar sites before you might be disappointed – for everyone else it is a day trip worth taking from Cuenca!
How to get there: it's best to take a bus or car from Cuenca (2h)
Accommodation: right next door (pretty good!) or in Cuenca (see next tip)
10. Cuenca


If you visit you should checkout the restaurant “Los Tiesto”, which I found to be the best restaurant I ate at during my entire trip. The chef is one of the best in Ecuador and the meals (try the Lomo!) alone are worth traveling to Cuenca!
How to get there: from Quito its best to take a flight (LAN and Tame offer daily flights)
Accommodation: I stayed at 4* Hotel Victoria which was phenomenal (especially the breakfast is great), find more budget friendly options wihtin the Cuenca overview at Booking.
My Videos from Ecuador
Apart from nice photographs I also managed to film a mini video series along the way which features all of the discussed things to do in Ecuador and how I experienced them. Come and travel with me:
More Places to See in Ecuador?
I've been traveling for 2 weeks through the Andes and I'm looking forward to more tips from other travelers and Ecuador experts. Have you been and know of some cool places? Let us know in the comments below!
This post contains Affiliate Links for services and products I’m using on my travels – therefore I can highly recommend using them. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees!
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You have to visit the Pacific coast, specially I recommend Canoa beach, Isla Corazón and Bahía de Caraquez
Thank you for this recommendation, Osvaldo!
Thanks for this tip!
For sure you missed much better places to see like Cotopaxi National Park, Chimborazo Volcano (now proclamed the highest in the planet),the valley of Mindo, and in Quito the San Francisco Church, and the La Compania church, the best example of colonial art in Ecuador.
Hi, Steve. Amazing! I was wondering about how many days did you spend in your trip to Ecuador. I’m planning to go there with my wife in January 2018 and we are in doubt about a 10 days or a 20 days vacation.
I spent 2 1/2 months in Ecuador in 2008 and have visited many of these locations but not all. I’d love to go back as it is still one of my favorite countries in the world. One of my favorite places that I traveled was the Baños region.
Hello Im Katerina. Your trip is very impressive. Thank you for useful recommendation. Also Id like to add Banos and the waterfall roads, especially El Diablo waterfall.