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Ecuador

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Ecuador, Cuenca city center, scenic view of San Sebastian church with fountain in foreground

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Overview

Postcard-pretty town centers, waves splashing white-sand beaches, Kichwa villages, Amazonian rainforest and the breathtaking Andes: a dazzling array of wonders is squeezed into compact Ecuador.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Central nave and altar inside La Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus).

    Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

    Quito

    Capped by green-and-gold domes, La Compañía de Jesús is Quito’s most ornate church and a standout among the baroque splendors of the Old Town. Free guided…

  • Museo del Banco Central ‘Pumapungo’

    Museo del Banco Central ‘Pumapungo’

    Cuenca

    One of Ecuador's most significant museums, Pumapungo houses great modern art downstairs, but the highlight is on the 2nd floor. Here begins a…

  • TelefériQo

    TelefériQo

    Quito

    For spectacular views over Quito’s mountainous landscape, hop aboard this sky tram, one of the world's highest aerial lifts, that takes passengers on a 2…

  • Casa Museo Guayasamín

    Casa Museo Guayasamín

    Quito

    In the former home of the legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of the artist's work…

  • Capilla del Hombre

    Capilla del Hombre

    Quito

    One of the most important works of art in South America, Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín’s Capilla del Hombre stands next to the Casa Museo…

  • Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo (Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art) / Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador

    Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo

    Guayaquil

    Marking the end of the riverfront is the modern MAAC, a museum of anthropology and archaeology that hosts a superb permanent collection of pre-Colombian…

  • Medieval style castle known as the gateway to the city of Loja, Ecuador.

    Puerta de la Ciudad

    Loja

    With perhaps more pomp and circumstance than you'll encounter anywhere else in Loja, the City Gate greets you into downtown from the northern corner. It's…

  • Quinta de Juan León Mera

    Central Highlands

    Several famous ambateños (people from Ambato) had quintas that survived the earthquake. They were once considered countryside homes, but today they are…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Ecuador offers some of the most incredible travel experiences on earth. From the Amazon and the Andes to the Galápagos, here are the top things to do.

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Best Places to Visit

Ecuador is home to the Galápagos, the Andes, the Amazon and a stunning coastline. Here are the best places to visit.

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Best Time to Visit

Choose the right time for your visit to Ecuador with this seasonal guide.

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Things to Know

These insider tips on health, safety and etiquette will help you make the most out of your trip to Ecuador.

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Transportation

Start planning your trip now with our expert advice on how to travel around Ecuador safely and efficiently.

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Visa Requirements

Don't miss out on the magnificent attractions Ecuador has to offer because of a little paperwork. Here's everything you need to know about visas.

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Money and Costs

It may be more expensive than its South American neighbors but that doesn't mean you can't visit Ecuador on a budget. Here's what you need to know.

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Traveling with Kids

From exploring Unesco World Heritage sites to discovering endemic wildlife, here’s our list of things to do with kids in Ecuador.

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Best Road Trips

From the Pacific Coast to the Avenue of Volcanoes, these are the top scenic drives in Ecuador.

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