Top 10 Things to Do in Ecuador (Ecuador Travel Guide)

- Ecuador is one of the countries with the highest biological diversity in the world. While most people are familiar with the popular Galápagos Islands and maybe the capital, Quito, they're missing out on La Sierra which is the Andean region of the country. Along the avenue of the volcanoes, you are able to see Ecuador's most incredible landscapes. (happy music) With this video, I introduce you to the best things to do in Ecuador along this avenue from north to south. Vamanos! The Otavalo valley itself is worth a visit. The city of Otavalo is located approximately one and a half hours north of Quito. And is surrounded by three volcanoes. The reason for a visit is the fact that one of the largest, indigenous markets for clothes in South American is taking place here every Saturday. Don't forget to bargain. The so called Lake of the Guinea Pig is situated in a former volcano crater better know as a caldera. Right at foot of the volcano Cotacachi. The view from the edge of the crater is phenomenal. You can also go for a boat tour on the lake. If you got some more time, I recommend hiking the whole crater loop, which is about 20 kilometers. One of the must in Ecuador for most travelers is the equator, which is also responsible for the name of the country. I myself took the chance and visited 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. The capital of Ecuador is also the highest official capital city in the world, with it's old town being part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage. You should plan a least a few days to explore a number of sites of Quito and it's surroundings. My visit to the hot springs of Papallacta was the relaxing finish of my trip. The village is located around 60 kilometers east of Quito. The pools are field with thermal water from the surrounding hot springs. De Reserva Ecologica Cayambe Coca is one of the most beautiful national parks in the north of the region and perfect for hiking trips. You can easily add a stay at the hot springs as you actually drive past them on your way to this hike. Quilotoa is one of my favorite places to see in Equador, similar to Cuicocha, it is a huge crater filled with water. On clear days you can enjoy it on extraordinary panorama. Besides the popular view point at the village named Quilotoa, I recommend checking out the to access view point, Shalala. Which is mostly unknown. A trip with the Tren Crucero is considered to be one of the most picturesque train rides in the world. in three days the train runs from Quito down to Guayaquil and passes all possible climate zones and landscapes. On it's way down, I was lucky enough to ride the section between Riobamba through Alausi and the Devil's Nose to Bucay. And was blown away by the views. Close to the city of Cuenca you can visit the most important Inca site in Ecuador. The whole complex is bastion and a sanctuary at the same time. Very similar to the structures you can find in Peru. The third largest city of Ecuador is also home to a very beautiful old town which is part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage and definitely worth a visit. Besides the architecture including the huge cathedrel, I liked the relaxed atmosphere. Cuenco is also known for is nightlife. Alright, if you want to find out more about the places mentioned go and check out my related travel guide where I also list how to get to those places and where to stay. If you've been to Ecuador yourself, tell us your favorite places to visit in the comment section below. Finally don't forget to subscribe for new travel videos every Thursday. Thanks for watching.

Channel: BackPacker Steve

Views: 901,722

Keywords: backpacker, things to do, sights, travel video, english, Travel, must do chile, ecuador, la sierra ecuador, places to visit in ecuador, things to do in ecuador, ecuador travel guide, ecuador tips, Ecuador (Country), backpacking ecuador, must do ecuador, places to see in ecuador, otavalo, cuicocha, mitad del mundo, equator, quitsato, quito, termas de papallacta, cayambe coca, quilotoa, shalala, tren crucero, nariz del diablo, ingapirca, cuenca

Id: Nry1SO45RT4

Length: 5min 18sec (318 seconds)

Published: Sun Nov 15 2015