Ecuador is a country located in the northwestern part of South America. It shares a border with Colombia to the south and Peru to the east, as well as the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador is known for its diverse ecosystems and species, as well as for having the highest number of bird species found in the Americas.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the best places in Ecuador to visit. Here are ten incredible Ecuador travel destinations you won’t want to miss.

Number 10. Riobamba

Riobamba, in the Andean highlands, is notable for a couple of reasons. One reason is its proximity to Chimaborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain at 6,268 meters (20,564 feet). It’s popular with hikers, who start at 1 a.m. to see the sunrise. Secondly, it is the starting point for the spectacular train ride through mountains and cloud forests to Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose). On Saturdays, Riobamba hosts a market geared towards locals that is more authentic than other markets in Ecuador.

Number 9. Salinas

Located on the Pacific Ocean, Salinas is Ecuador’s westernmost city, making it a popular surfing and yachting destination. Ecuador’s most popular beach resort city has some great beaches. Due to the high-rise condominiums that dot the shoreline, it is often referred to as Little Miami Beach. It is also home to La Chocolatera, a beach where turtles lay their eggs, which means tourists require permission to enter. December and early January are the best times to visit Salinas. The area can become overcrowded during the summer weekends, while it can be overcast and dreary from April to November.

Number 8. Guayaquil

In addition to being Ecuador’s largest city with a population of approximately 2.7 million people, Guayaquil is the country’s commercial centre. The city was founded in 1538 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana on the banks of the Guayas River that leads to the Pacific Ocean. Among the attractions at the Parque, Historico Guayaquil are colonial buildings, lush gardens, and animals native to the area; visitors particularly value the free admission. A colourful, old neighbourhood known as Las Peas boasts a lighthouse and an excellent view of the city below, while Malecon 2000, a boardwalk along the river, is a wonderful place to end the day.

Number 7. Tena

This city is located in the Amazon rainforest region of Ecuador and serves as a launching point for jungle adventures for tourists. Missionaries founded the town, and the cinnamon industry provided the city with its livelihood. In addition to joining the Masahualli River, the Tena River also flows into the Napo River, which is a tributary of the Amazon. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are among the most popular activities in Tena according to adventure enthusiasts.

Number 6.  Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is the second-highest peak in Ecuador, reaching a height of 5,897 meters (19,347 feet). The volcano has one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world, which begins at a height of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Its snow-covered peak can be clearly seen from Quito. Cotopaxi is also one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with more than 50 eruptions since 1738, although its current activity is limited to steam fumaroles.

Number 5. Otavalo Market

The small town of Otavalo’s markets is a great place to see and buy local arts, crafts, and clothing. Part of the fun of travelling in Ecuador is discovering the handiwork crafted by local artisans. The Otavalo, the indigenous people of the city, are known worldwide for their handiwork. Jewellery, wood carvings, woven clothing, and wood carvings are for sale on Saturdays in Plaza de Ponchos.

Number 4. Cuenca

Azuay Province’s capital, Cuenca, has a lot of old colonial buildings. Cuenca shares many architectural features with Old Quito, a classic Renaissance town in the Americas. There are cobbled streets, balconied houses with courtyards, and white churches, but without the pollution, noise, and crowds of the capital. The city is popular with retired Americans and has colourful festivals in January and November. Canar Plantation is home to Ecuador’s largest Inca ruins.

Number 3.  Montanita

Ecuador’s southern coastal region features scenic shorelines and world-famous beach resorts, such as Montanita.  Montanita Town was a sleepy fishing community until the international surfing community discovered the area’s exceptional surfing conditions. The city is also well known for its nightlife, which includes nightclubs, bars, and cafes that offer entertainment to both locals and visitors.

Number 2. Quito

Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, is the world’s highest capital city at 2,800 meters (9,350 feet). Located in an active volcano section of the Andes, this cosmopolitan city has 2.2 million residents. The historic district of Quito is one of the largest and best preserved in South America. The old town, founded in 1534, contains no fewer than 20 Catholic churches from the colonial era. Despite intensive restoration, it still retains its vibrant working class and indigenous character. Ecuador’s government is based at Carondolet Palace, located in the historic district.

Number 1. Galapagos Islands

In the eastern Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of volcanic islands owned by Ecuador. In addition to being remote, the islands are relatively isolated, being located about 1000 kilometres away from Ecuador. Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection was inspired by the Galapagos Islands’ unique ecosystem. There are giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas, and a variety of bird species that can be viewed and approached. Natural habitats are protected by strict controls on tourist access and all visitors must be accompanied by a national park-certified naturalist tour guide.