Valeria & Davis
Things to do
Quito
Quito the capital of Ecuador and the second tallest capital in the world, located on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, has the largest and best preserved historic center in Latin America, a true heritage treasure that houses churches, museums and cultural centers that will allow you to discover, through a wonderful trip, the history of Ecuador and its richness in terms of cultural and natural diversity. Surrounded by spectacular mountains and volcanoes, Quito presents wonderful landscapes no matter where you look at it. Walk through its old streets, surrounded by flowery balconies with its bohemian air, the Church of the Company with its internal treasures, El Panecillo with its spectacular view, the Foch area with its varied offer of nightlife and gastronomy; or, the City of the Middle of the World located a few minutes from the center are some things todo
Ambato
Ambato, city, central Ecuador. It lies in the Andes Mountains along the Ambato River in an intermontane basin near the northeastern foot of Chimborazo (the highest peak in Ecuador), at an elevation of about 8,500 feet (2,600 metres) above sea. You can also check out the country side such as Tisaleo, Quero, Montalvo, La Laguna de Yambo etc.
Puyo
Puyo is the capital of the Pastaza province. Located only 20 mi. (32 km.) from the town of Baños de Agua Santa and 4 1/2 hours bus ride from Quito (an hour by airplane). Puyo is the central point to go to Baños, Macas, or Tena( Amazon Rainforest Puerto Misahuallí) Nearby Puyo, you can find ecological parks, hanging bridges, viewpoints, water parks, and more. Some popular activities to do in Puyo are rafting, kayaking, and canopying. About the altitude, Puyo has an elevation of 3,116 feet (950 meters) above sea level. Tourists visit Puyo to get in touch with the ecosystem or to start a jungle expedition. Also, you may visit one of the indigenous communities that live in the remote area of Pastaza, such as the communities of the Achuar, Andoa, Shuar, Kichwa, Shiwiar, Waorani, and Zapara.In Puyo are the Monkey Rescue Center, the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park, and the Omaere Park. Puyo also has a lookout point for Pilon del Diablo. Puerto Misahuallí is a must see!
Baños
The town is known for two things: naturally heated thermal baths and adventure sports! Nearby Baños, you’ll find mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs. Oh, and the famous Swing at the End of the World. Baños offers a ton of adventure sports and activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, 4×4 rentals, multi-day jungle treks, and bungee jumping. You can take a day trip to the Amazon jungle with a tour.
Beaches in Ecuador
1. Salinas, Santa Elena Province 2. Ayangue, Santa Elena Province 3. Puerto Cayo, Manabí Province 4. General Villamil Playas, Guayas Province 5. Mompiche, Esmeraldas Province 6. Muisine, Muisine Province 7. Tortuga Bay Beach, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos 8. Atacames, Esmeraldas Province 9. Playa Los Frailes, Machalilla National Park 10. Montañita Beach, Santa Elena Province
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is a popular transit hub for travelers, as it’s home to Ecuador’s second busiest international airport, is the only connection to the Galapagos Islands, and has a major bus terminal for those traveling throughout Ecuador and into Peru. Stroll the Malecón 2000 If you were to do only one thing in Guayaquil, our suggestion is to take a leisurely stroll along the Malecón 2000. This pleasant 2.5-kilometer riverfront promenade that not only takes in excellent views of the River Guayas,MAAC – Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art,La Perla – Giant Ferris wheel, La Rotunda – Rotunda monument to Guayaquil Independence,Torre de Roloj – Iconic clock tower that is lit up at night. Barco Morgan – Pirate ship offering rides on the Guayas River,Plaza Gastronomica Mercado del Rio – New indoor, upmarket food hall with nearly two dozen offerings of food.
Santiago Island
The Galapagos Islands are known for their white-sand beaches where you can lounge on the shore or take a dip in the warm, turquoise water. The beaches are a great place to stay busy with water activities during the warmer months of the year from December to May. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and swimming in the water where it’s possible to have a close encounter with turtles or sea lions. The beaches are often secluded and remote, making it easy to have a high level of privacy in a quiet setting that makes it easy to unwind. Because the islands are one of the most protected places on earth as a World Heritage Site, it makes it easy to avoid developed areas where the land has been disturbed. You’re sure to have an encounter with the wildlife during your Galapagos Islands travel. You’ll find giant tortoises on the beach or penguins that are grouped together. Many of the animals are relaxed and not easily disturbed by humans, making for a safe place for all ages to explore.