North Coast & Lowlands
You’ll find a good introduction to the area’s indigenous history at this well-curated modern museum. The collection includes hundreds of pieces of pre…
Must-see attractions in Ecuador
Northern Highlands
A small, impressive collection of 14th- to 19th-century religious paintings and archaeological galleries featuring prehistoric ceramics and gold artifacts…
Southern Highlands
The community of Tuncarta is known for producing fine Saraguro hats. Catch a bus ($0.20, 10 minutes) from the main road, or get walking directions at…
Casa de los Marqueses de Miraflores
Central Highlands
Take a break in this archaeological and religious museum housed in a colonial-era mansion. It has good background on the Mama Negra festivals. The museum…
The Galápagos Islands
Around the corner from the main square, this small lagoon has a boardwalk along the edge, which makes a fine viewing spot for taking in the pink flamingos…
South Coast
The town's beautifully decorated church, with a white, mint green and gold interior, dates back to 1912, and is worth a look. It's located in the main…
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa
Baños
This Basilica is dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water, who is credited with several local miracles. Inside there are several artworks by Father…
Cuenca
This church, two blocks northwest of Parque Calderón, sports some fine carved wooden doors and colonial paintings. Although it looks older, the church was…
Mirador de la Virgen del Calvario
Central Highlands
On a clear day, this lookout east of town offers views of several distant volcanic peaks. Follow Maldonado up the stairs, go left on Oriente and follow it…
North Coast & Lowlands
This new walkway along the bay features cell-charging stations, a skate park, a dozen food stands and the largest Ecuadorian flag you will ever see. A…
Loja
This narrow lane is the oldest colonial street in Loja. There are some nice art galleries here (if only the street were pedestrianized, they would be much…
Quito
Housed in a former textile factory, this contemporary, well-designed museum has loads of interactive exhibits to keep toddlers to teenagers engaged. Last…
Museo de Arte de la Casa de la Cultura
Central Highlands
Featuring an excellent collection of Ecuadorian oils and acrylics from the 18th through 21st centuries, this fun little museum takes just 10 minutes to…
Southern Highlands
On the central plaza, this small museum details the history and techniques of wood carvings, pottery, textiles and panama hats, and sells some locally…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
You can see flamingos, turtles and other wildlife here; both Turtle Bay and Cerro Brujo can be visited as part of a trip to Punta Pitt and Los Galápagos.
Quito
The museum at the Convento Santo Domingo de Guzmán in Plaza Santo Domingo has a pretty garden cloister and a fine assortment of colonial religious art.
Quito
A fabulous neo-Gothic altar dominates the inside of the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Construction of the church began in 1581 and continued until 1650.
Museo del Monasterio de Madres Concepcionistas
Loja
A half-block east of Parque Central, this monastery has three public rooms housing religious treasures from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Northern Highlands
The altars at this baroque-influenced cathedral are covered in gold leaf, and Troya’s paintings of the 12 apostles adorn the pillars.
Cuenca
The 19th-century Church of San Sebastián stands on beautiful Plaza de San Sebastián, on the western edge of the historical center.
Guayaquil
Behind the open-air Teatro Bogotá is the oldest church in Guayaquil. Founded in 1548 and restored in 1938, it’s worth a look.
Jardín Botánico Reinaldo Espinosa
Loja
Across the road from the Parque Universitario, 5km south of the center, this botanical garden has nearly 900 plant species.
Cuenca
If you speak Spanish, Cuenca's planetarium screens its show twice daily. Morning screenings usually require a reservation.
Loja
A block north of the Parque Central, this smallish plaza is crowned by a statue of the city’s founder astride his horse.
Museo Pictórico Edmundo Martínez
Central Highlands
Housed in a stone-faced mansion, this small museum has occasional live music and rotating exhibits from local artists.
Northern Highlands
Of neo-Romanesque design with a single nave, this church was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1987.
Southern Highlands
Just north of town on the Panamericana, this nature area has impressive waterfalls and large rock formations.
Quito
This massive arch, built in the 18th century to give shelter to churchgoers, spans García Moreno.
Guayaquil
This tiny church sits atop Cerro Santa Ana. It's worth climbing up here for the magnificent views.
Lago Agrio
Regional museum hosting events and exhibitions with an emphasis on local and indigenous culture.
Central Highlands
This gorgeous double waterfall ('the bride's veil') is visible from the Baños to Puyo road.
Southern Highlands
Orchid aficionados will want to check out the Ecuadorian species and hybrids grown here.
Guayaquil
Perched on a hillside with magnificent city views, about a half-hour drive north of town near Cerro Colorado, this not-very-well-maintained botanical…
Ruta Spondylus
An option for reaching the high forest in and around San Sebastián is to go via El Pital, a community ecotourism project 9km (35 minutes by 4WD) east of…
