14 Places to Visit in Ecuador (That Are ABSOLUTELY Stunning)

Are you going to Ecuador for the first time? Then make sure to check out this list of 14 places to visit in Ecuador, which are all absolute stunners!

I’ve put together a list of best places to see and visit in Ecuador, that you absolutely must include in your Ecuador travel itinerary.

14 Places to Visit in Ecuador
That Are ABSOLUTELY Stunning

1. Middle of the World

Just 23km away from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, you can find yourself to be in the middle of the world. Literally.

Apparently, the equator runs exactly through this spot, separating the earth in two hemispheres: Northern and Southern. Many travelers visit Ecuador for this particular destination, or, rather, for the Instagram photo with one foot in either hemisphere.

2. Swing at the End of the World

Deep in the Ecuadorian wilderness stands a tree house, known as the Casa del Arbol.

Location: 2,600m above the sea level.

The purpose: a great view over Mt. Tungurahua, the active volcano in the nearby.

While the tree house is the sight of its own, the real attraction is the swing hanging from the branches. If you’re brave enough, you can ride the swing — just make sure to hold tight!

Casa del Arbol is one of the most popular places to visit in Ecuador, and when you see it, you understand why.

3. Yasuni National Park

4. Quilotoa loop

5. Cotopaxi

6. Cuenca

Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador, after Guayaquil and Quito, and is considered to be the best place to retire in the whole world. Indeed, there are a lot of retired Americans living there, as the city, located in the highlands of Ecuador, has the perfect climate.

The city is a UNESCO gem, so there are a lot of things to do in Cuenca if you’re looking for some culture and history.

7. Devil´s Nose Train Ride

8. La Compañía de Jesús in Quito

9. Cuicocha lake

10. Galápagos

Did you know that the Galapagos Islands are actually part of Ecuador?

If you didn’t, now you do.

The archipelago of volcanic islands, with the population of slightly over 25,000 people, are known for their large number of endemic species. The Galapagos were also a research station for Charles Darwin between 1831-1836, which contributed to Darwin’s theory of evolution.

12. Otavalo