Galapagos Islands – considered a province of Ecuador, these islands (located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador) are one of the most-visited sites in Ecuador due to its ecological wonders. These islands, born from volcanoes erupting violently out of the sea, has animal and plant life that is unique from much of the world […]
Cotopaxi (near Quito) – located just 50 km. south of Quito, this is the second-highest mountain peak in Ecuador, which happens to be an active snow-capped volcano. There is a national park surrounding this volcano, with Cotopaxi being part of a chain of volcanoes known as the “Paficic Ring of Fire”. A number of expedition […]
Tena (Napo province) – located 2 ½ hours via car southeast of Quito, eco-tourists interested in exploring Ecuador’s Amazonian regions often launch their expeditions from here. Tena has reached near legendary status with whitewater enthusiasts and boasts the best rafting and kayaking in Ecuador and, some say, the world. The jungle rivers on the Amazon […]
Plaza Foch (Plaza Quinde, La Mariscal, Quito) — the heart of Quito’s La Mariscal district is located in the Plaza Quinde and is called the Plaza Foch by locals. You will find it at the intersection of Marshal Foch and Reina Victoria streets. Bars, restaurants and cafes all have a party atmosphere and bring out […]
Palacio Arzobispal (Av. Chile e/Venezuela, Quito) – this was the former seat of Quito’s archbishop. Nowadays, this huge building has restaurants, shops and cafes (which can be found around a fountain courtyard).
Parque Nacional Cajas (near Cuenca) – located from 30 km. west of Cuenca, consisting of 2,854 km. of mountainous Andean grasslands (known locally as páramos). This park literally has hundreds of lakes that exist in stark contrast to the scruffy-like countryside. The park’s biodiversity (with its variety of plants and animals) is another natural attraction […]
Qmanda Parque Urbano (Terminal Terrestre, San Sebastián, Quito) – this one-time bus terminal was converted into this modern complex, where sports and culture combine to offer locals and visitors a central and safe place to enjoy activities together. With outdoor plazas, a green agora, a climbing wall, walking, jogging and biking trails, tennis and volleyball […]
TelefériQo (Quito) – located at the west end of Quito, the TelefériQo (consisting of a network of enclosed gondolas) takes visitors 2.5 km up the slopes of Volcán Pichincha to the top of Cruz Loma. From there, visitors can get spectacular views of the city and mountain areas (assuming it’s a clear, sunny day). Price: […]
Teatro Bolívar (Calle Espejo, e/Guayaquil y Flores Quito) – built in 1933, this theater has held a number of concerts, recitals, operas, ballets, and plays. The theater fell victim to a fire during the late 1990s (with renovations conducted in stages). Guided tours of the theater and its history are offered ($1 per person) weekdays […]
Parque La Carolina (Av. Amazonas, Av. De los Shyris, Av. Naciones Unidas, Av. Eloy Alfaro, Quito) – located towards the northern end of Quito, this is the most popular park in the city for practicing sports (soccer, athletics, basketball, tennis, and the popular ecuavolley, a local version of volleyball) and for trotting in the mornings […]