Top 5 Things to See an Do in Ecuador

Things to Do in Ecuador

 Activities & Attractions

Ecuador is a wildly diverse country. And thanks to its compact size, there are a ton of things to do in Ecuador. Best of all, they can be experienced in a short period.

Adventurers will enjoy opportunities to mountain bike and climb snow-capped volcanoes. At the same time, those seeking a more relaxing experience can cruise around the Galapagos Islands, or go shopping in Otavalo Market, South America's largest.

As you'll see below, there's no shortage of amazing things to do in Ecuador.

1) Mitad del Mundo

Welcome to Ecuador’s fake equator – not accurate but still the place where all of the tourists from Quito visit. It has a 100 foot tall monument, a yellow line on the ground dividing the hemispheres and a small museum about the ethnic culture and history of Ecuador. If you visit on the weekend, the central plaza at the Mitad del Mundo often hosts musical and cultural events for tourists.

Of course, one of the big thrills of visiting the larger and older Mitad del Mundo monument is posing with one foot in either hemisphere for the classic equator photo. Yes, it’s not the real one but it still makes a great photo!

2) Galápagos Islands

Lying off Ecuador’s coast, the Galapagos Islands are like nowhere else on earth. This island chain has been untouched for centuries. Visitors will now find it teeming with unique wildlife and endemic species, not found anywhere else. Nature abounds both above and below the ocean’s surface throughout the Galapagos

3) Visit the Ecuadorian Amazon

Although the Galapagos Islands often steal the limelight as Ecuador’s biggest attraction, this country’s rainforest is regarded as the most species-rich section of the Amazon. Known as the Oriente, Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest is home to truly astounding biodiversity, with more than 300 species of mammal, 800 species of fish and 350 species of reptile.

 

4) Climb a Volcano in Ecuador

There are dozens of volcanos throughout the country. And those who are fit for the challenge should definitely put summiting a volcano on their list of things to do in Ecuador.

Some of Ecuador’s volcanos are fairly accessible for a day hike, while others require technical climbing skills. 

5) Nariz del Diablo Train Ride

Initially built to link the coastal city of Guayaquil to the capital Quito, Nariz del Diablo is one of the most exciting train rides in Ecuador. Situated in the Andean highlands, the railroad zigzags through almost perpendicular rock faces. Today, the railway is far from its former glory and is not as “dangerous” as it once was but it still offers some spectacular views of mountains. You can spend some time in Alausi before or after the train ride to get a peek into the local culture. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Made by: Samantha Asqui

                Tamara Quiroz

3 BGU "C"

U.E.M.M. Bicentenario