Ecuador: Islands, Volcanoes and Culture

Ecuador can be explored through a wide range of themes: islands and wildlife, volcanic and highland landscapes, outdoor activities, or historic cities. When choosing a hotel, the first consideration is therefore which themes you want to shape your trip. The places and regions offer different nature, culture and activity experiences; their distinctive features are best considered individually.

Islands and Nature Areas

The Galápagos Islands comprise 19 islands and a surrounding marine reserve. Their wildlife includes land iguanas, giant tortoises and numerous finch species. These animal groups give an impression of the diversity that makes the archipelago a distinctive nature destination.

The Galápagos Islands can only be reached by air. Flights depart from Quito or Guayaquil and go to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island or San Cristóbal Airport on San Cristóbal Island. Plan this journey as a separate part of your trip and check the arrangements before departure.

On the mainland, Yasuní National Park is the largest protected area in continental Ecuador. It is home to more than 1,400 animal species. The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve in Ecuador’s Amazon region offers the chance to explore tropical forests, lagoons and biodiversity. There is also the opportunity to spot dolphins, manatees, caimans and otters.

Volcanic Landscapes and Activities

Sangay National Park combines two active volcanoes with striking landscape contrasts: snow-capped peaks stand alongside lowland forests. The park’s ecosystems include glacier and volcanic ecosystems, cloud forests, Amazon rainforest, wetlands, lakes, and páramo and highland grasslands. The diversity therefore ranges from highland landscapes to lowland forests.

The activities mentioned also vary considerably. Mountain biking is offered in the Cotopaxi and Avenue of the Volcanoes area; Baños de Agua Santa offers rafting. At Chimborazo, hiking to the refuges is among the activities on offer, while hiking is also mentioned in Cajas National Park. You can tailor your trip to the type of activity you prefer, without treating these distinct offerings as if they were all in one place.

Other highlights include birdwatching in Mindo and wellness retreats in Vilcabamba. Together with mountain biking, rafting and hiking, these examples show the different ways to experience Ecuador. Which of these matters most to you can shape your choice of destination and, in turn, your search for a suitable hotel.

Historic Sites and Architecture

Despite the 1917 earthquake, Quito’s historic center is considered the best-preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, as well as the church and Jesuit college of La Compañía, are examples of the Quito Baroque School. It brings together Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and Indigenous art. These buildings offer a way to trace the interplay of different artistic influences.

Cuenca lies in a valley surrounded by the Andes in southern Ecuador. The city has preserved its formal orthogonal layout for 400 years. Much of its architecture dates from the 18th century; it was modernized during the economic boom of the 19th century. During this period, Cuenca became a major exporter of cinchona bark, straw hats and other products. The city’s layout, architecture and economic history offer different ways to explore its past.

In the province of Cañar lies Ingapirca, a pre-Columbian archaeological site. It is home to the best-preserved Inca architectural complex in the country. The Qhapaq Ñan, listed as a World Heritage Site in Ecuador, comprises an extensive Inca network of communication, trade and defense routes. The network includes infrastructure for trade, accommodation and storage, as well as sites of religious significance.

Regional Cuisine

Cuisine also varies by region. Fresh seafood is among the defining ingredients of the coast and the Galápagos Islands. Andean dishes are based on potatoes, corn and pork, while traditional recipes come from the Amazon region. These culinary highlights complement the nature and culture themes and offer another consideration when choosing your travel interests and suitable accommodation in Ecuador.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bolívar, Monserrat, Galápagos, Guayas, Napo, Imbabura, Quito, Tungurahua, Azuay, Manabí, Esmeraldas, Loja, Puerto López, Chimborazo, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Santo Domingo De Los Tsáchilas, Pastaza, Orellana, Santa Elena, Sucumbíos, Cañar, Morona Santiago, El Oro, Los Ríos, Zamora Chinchipe, Carchi.

For the broader travel overview: South America.