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15/08/2023
Get to know the Yacuma EcoLodge sanctuary in the Ecuadorian Amazon
15/10/2023Explore Ecuador: The Best Places You Have to See
Travel along the roads of Ecuador and enjoy each landscape, new flavors and impressive sunsets, in the moor, see the sun hide between the mountains or collide with the sea of the most fabulous island.
Ecuador is a place like no other, its relatively small area hides stunning destinations in almost every province. Visiting the destinations of Ecuador from any point will take you to visit a large number of ecosystems, and of course, life in all its forms makes its way around each of these unique destinations in the world, which is why Ecuador is an important guardian of the diversity and adaptation of species around the world.
We want you to know every magical place that exists in this country, and we don’t say magical just because it sounds good, most of these places, in addition to having natural beauty, also have great stories and legends that involve precolonial Gods and forbidden loves between volcanoes. We can give you a taste of the places and their stories; But if you want to know them in depth, the best thing is to travel to Ecuador and visit each place and hear it directly from the local inhabitants of each destination.
Coast region
Lie in a hammock supported by palm trees, enjoy the sun that feeds your skin with vitamin D and the sea breeze blowing your hair. Enjoy the best destinations in Ecuador on the Pacific Riviera.
Los Frailes
A small inlet of sea on the coast of mainland Ecuador, which is made up of whitish sand, dry tropical forests, coral reefs under a beautiful turquoise sea and viewpoints overlooking the horizon of the Pacific Ocean.
Los Frailes are a set of three small Ecuadorian beaches protected under the Machalilla National Park that remains virgin and serves as a refuge for some coastal species.
It is ideal for snorkeling, as there are several coral reefs very close to the shore and you will see a wide variety of tropical fish without having to go into the deep sea.
There are no structures or constructions, the plan is to fully enjoy the natural adventure, you will walk the trails of the dry forest and you can do some birdwatching, since the park is home to at least 200 species of birds, perched in the trees of Muyuyo and Lignum vitae; You will see everything from blue-footed boobies and frigate birds, to mockingbirds flying in the coastal skies.
Another important point when visiting Los Frailes is that you take into account that it is not possible to stay there, if you want to visit it you must go to the nearby towns of Puerto López and Machalilla as it has strict visiting regulations to keep the place safe for the diversity that lives in the park and can continue to be one of the best destinations in Ecuador.
Puerto López
In the province of Manabí, a small fishing town was established, known for being a fascinating ecological and tourist destination.
Puerto López itself presents several tropical ecosystems where there is a great diversity of flora and fauna, both in dry forests and in thorny and humid forests; There are a large number of birds, howler monkeys, anteaters and more species.
This place is perfect for doing more than lying on the sun lounger and enjoying the sea. If you wish, there are some interesting archaeological communes that you can visit; During some seasons of the year in Puerto López you can see humpback whales jumping in the open sea and practice some adventure sports.
You can also walk along the Julio Izurieta boardwalk that usually welcomes romantic sunsets and when the sun goes down you will enjoy the nightlife and delicious coastal cuisine in the bars and restaurants in the area.
Puerto El Morro
As one of the most beautiful destinations in Ecuador is Puerto El Morro, this place is certainly a must-see on the Ecuadorian coast, because in a small boat you will tour the green mangroves and with some silence you will observe all the fauna that lives there, small colorful crabs and bottlenose dolphins in addition to the graceful birds that justify the name of Bird Island, which is quite close by.
There are also activities like sport fishing and wakeboarding if you are looking for more exciting experiences.
The Andes, Sierra Region
A mystical land, enchanted by the legends of the ancient indigenous cultures that lived here so long ago. The destinations of Ecuador in the Sierra are made up of large and snow-capped volcanoes, the cold paramo, pine and cypress forests and landscapes like no other.
Chimborazo National Park
The Chimborazo Reserve is made up of an immense snow-capped mountain that rises in a dry moor, it is interesting, because the water that reaches several provinces in the center of the country is formed here.
And it is clear that we will talk about the snow-capped mountain itself, since walking its trails is one of the main activities of Ecuador’s destinations, but around this great colossus there are also some rarely visited and surprisingly significant and beautiful points; like La Chorrera, a rock formation quite popular among daring climbers, or the Machay Temple, an opening in the slopes of the snow-capped mountain that supposedly leads you to the heart of the Great Chimborazo, this is a spiritual place where you can connect with the force of the earth.
And, of course, we cannot leave aside the beautiful Paper Forest; It’s a long road, it’s true; but it’s worth every step. This forest made up of polylepis trees is a magical walk for those who visit it, its long branches and leaves pierce the fog and place you in a fantasy setting.
Finally, ascending Chimborazo will be a calm walk, because although the idea of being at the closest point to the sun (from the Center of the Earth) is intimidating, this place is quite friendly; The trail is comfortable and along the way you will see several chuquiragua flowers, sacred to ancestral cultures, and herds of tender vicuñas jumping in the open spaces. A good cup of hot chocolate and corn with cheese await you in the first and second refuge of this unique destination.
Quilotoa Lagoon
Among the most impressive destinations in Ecuador is a caldera of turquoise green water in the morning and gold in the afternoon (depending on the light). The Quilotoa lagoon is one of the most important trekking trails in South America.
The water of the Quilotoa lagoon is composed of several volcanic minerals, which is why it has such bright colors. If you want to swim in it you should think twice because its temperature is around 12 °C. There are also boats and boats in which you can take a swim. short walk around the lagoon; However, this destination has much more to take advantage of.
A wide variety of craft galleries sit next to it and restaurants always have something delicious to serve.
Camping next to the lagoon is a fascinating experience, you can rest and listen to the mythical stories about the formation of this beautiful place and the events that happened there, such as the fact that Quilotoa was the last resting place of Atahualpa, leader of the Inca people.
Baños de Agua Santa
Baños de Agua Santa is an extremely dynamic destination, the air of this place is wrapped with a feeling of adventure that reaches all visitors, because as you walk through the streets of the small town you will pass by several establishments that offer activities such as rafting, bungee jumping. jumping and canopy in Ecuador.
The city is surrounded by waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. You could rent a quadron or ride the colorful chivas to enjoy a tour to visit them all, although there are also other impressive destinations such as the Casa del Duende or the Pailón del Diablo, a beautiful a place made up of stone stairs that lead you to follow the path of the Pastaza River.
As night falls, the city is not ready to go to sleep, lights and lots of urban music fill the party and dance atmosphere among locals and visitors from all over the world.
Amazon region
Stop for a second among gigantic tropical trees, to see the thousands and tiny entries of light between their leaves, listen carefully to the soundtrack of the Amazon jungle composed of magnificent species; Pay close attention to each sound. Look up and binoculars, toucans, arasaris, howler monkeys or anteaters. You will be surrounded by so much life to explore, just try to keep your eyes open.
Yasuni National Park
In the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon lies a unique travel destination, the largest protected area in Ecuador: Yasuní National Park, home to an impressive diversity of flora and fauna species, rare orchids, anacondas, jaguars, adorable monkeys. pocket and imposing harpy eagles; However, it is also home to human beings in voluntary isolation: The Tagaeri and Taromenane, indigenous peoples who live in this magical forest, value and respect each element of the jungle for being part of a sacred home.
Like few places in the world, the Amazon rainforest changes when the sun rises or sets; There is never silence, but there is an unexpected wave of new sounds and others that are ready to rest, the amphibians, bats and crickets take the baton of the incessant Amazonian orchestra.
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