Zachary & Katherine
Things To Do
🏛️ Exploring Cuenca
I've put together a list of all my favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars in Cuenca. Check out the link below. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuenca features cobblestone streets, stunning churches, and colorful markets. Exploring Cuenca’s city center is a must. Stroll through Parque Calderón, where you’ll find the iconic New Cathedral with its striking blue domes. The surrounding streets are lined with beautifully preserved colonial buildings. For a deeper look into the architecture, head to Calle Bolívar and Calle Larga, where many of the façades date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
🐢 Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos, the islands where Charles Darwin formulated his theory of evolution, is an incredibly biodiverse region that nature lovers can't miss! The Galapagos's population is incredibly respectful of the environment and it is a lovely place to visit. I went there when I was 15, as my quinceañera present.
🌋 Ruta de los Volcanes
Ecuador’s central highlands are dominated by the awe-inspiring Avenue of the Volcanoes, a stretch of the Andes flanked by towering peaks like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. This region offers a blend of adventure and culture, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring traditional Andean towns. Highlights include the turquoise Quilotoa crater lake, the adventure hub of Baños, and the colonial charm of Riobamba.
🌿 Mindo Cloud Forest
Just a couple of hours from Quito, Mindo is a lush cloud forest teeming with biodiversity. It's a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 species, and offers activities like ziplining, tubing, and chocolate-making tours. The town's tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty make it a perfect escape from the city.
🌳 The Amazon Rainforest
Ecuador's Amazon region offers an immersive experience into one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore the rainforest through guided tours, canoe trips, and stays at eco-lodges, encountering unique wildlife and learning about indigenous cultures.
