Highlights in Ecuador from Go Local! Travel
To get to know Ecuador, it is not only important to visit varied destinations. The activities you can do there are equally important. Go Local! Travel has therefore selected the best activities for each location and described them broadly in the local planet that has been made for you. This way you can really get out what's in it without having to sort it all out and arrange it yourself. For each destination you will find a short description of the location, activities, accommodation and the possibility of extending the route. Below is an example of a widely used route through Ecuador. The unique locations of Ecuador can also give your trip an even more personal touch.
Quito
| A city with many faces and can in many ways call itself a metropolis. It is wonderfully located between high mountains overlooking snowy peaks. The old town still houses many colonial-era treasures such as works of art, buildings and streets. The modern city is just as exuberant but in the present day. Tall buildings, luxury hotels and lots of hip cafes and restaurants make it a completely different city. |
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Activities: The possibilities both in Quito and around Quito are huge. Most people will stay 3 nights in Quito. Some of the activities from the Local Planet guide: Hang out on the terrace and get used to the altitude. Even Higher? Then you can watch a church like you have never done before or with the TeleferiQo, a cable car, to 4100m altitude. A written-out city walk in the old town, lounging in one of the parks or visiting one of the many museums. As the word Quito, in Kichwa, already betrays, you can also go to the monument that symbolizes the middle of the world "Mitad del Mundo", which stands exactly on the equator. Stay: You stay in the modern centre, centrally located so you can easily get anywhere by taxi or public transport. You stay in a cozy family hotel with an enthusiastic and friendly owner. Your room is with en suite bathroom and includes use of a guest kitchen. In the comfort package you also stay in the modern centre, in an authentic colonial house. At the Royal class you stay in the heart of the historical centre. Roll up your sleeves: In Quito you have the opportunity to visit two projects supported by Go Local! Travel. The children of Tica or the eatery for the homeless elderly.
Expansion: After Quito Mindo is on the schedule, but you can also first choose the Otavalo extension (also in the Highlight package).
Mindo
| This subtropical village is located centrally in Ecuador in a green valley and about 2 hours buses from Quito. With its subtropical forest and many waterfalls, it is an ideal habitat for birds and butterflies. Mindo offers a surprising variety of delicious restaurants and cosy cafes. In short, an ideal holiday spot! |
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Activities: Mindo is an excellent place to relax and read a book along the river, but just as easily you can actively spend your days here. A selection of the activities of the Go Local! Guide: After your bus trip, chill out, explore the neighborhood and dip in the river. The next day you have the option to discover the life of the most beautiful butterflies and take a walk through a beautiful original nature park. The visit can be concluded with a tour of impressive waterfalls and an unforgettable Canopy over the treetops of the primary forest. Stay: You stay in Mindo on a paradise piece of land with the Cecilia family who have set up cabañas there. The sound of the river next to the cabañas completes paradise and also makes waking up in your tent a special experience. The first morning there is breakfast, but the kitchen is always at your disposal. At the comfort package you stay in a nicely designed hotel with its own swimming pool. At the Royal class you stay in a special hotel with the soothing sound of a small river. Roll up your sleeves: Making chocolate is just a matter of time and you can visit an organic coffee plantation.
Expansion: After Mindo, Santo Domingo is on the program, but you can also first opt for the Expansion Bilsa (also in the Adventure package).
Baños
| Baños, a city at the bottom of the active volcano Tungurahua (the throat of fire) with many waterfalls and steaming baths heated by the volcano. In the evening it remains lively on the street with plenty of dining, drinking and dance opportunities. The temperature is pleasant and honors the so-called "eternal spring" of Ecuador. |
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Activities: Relax in the sauna or just in the legs, everything is possible in Baños. A selection of the activities of the Go Local! Guide: You arrive in the evening, so visiting one of the atmospheric restaurants will be the first activity. The next day you can take a fantastic bike ride along the falls or rafting across the rugged river. Bungee jumping, hiking, horseback riding or relaxing in the hot water baths are also possible. Stay: You stay in Baños on the beautiful 300 year old hacienda with a former alcohol distillery. The hacienda is still in the possession of a family that would like to return everything to its original state. Besides sleeping there is a lovely spa where you can enjoy an authentic "Banos de Cajon" in addition to massages. At the Comfort package you stay in the heart of the city centre in a beautiful family hotel. At the Royal class you also stay in the centre in a hotel that has transformed its rooms into true works of art. Roll up your sleeves: Delicious caramel making authentically at Mirian Cabrera. Expansion:After the laid-back Baños, you are well equipped for the trip to Riobamba. The consideration may be to first take a look at the jungle (also in the Highlight package).
| To stay in a relaxed atmosphere, Baños makes a short 2.5-hour drive to Riobamba. A rich mix of culture comes together here in this Andean town. On the one hand influences of the indiginas, on the other hand the memories of the Spanish colony. The world-famous train journey "Nariz del Diablo" or devil's nose, attracts most tourists. But a visit to the Chimborazo (6530m) should not be missed either. |
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Activities: Depending on the time of arrival, you can take it easy on the first day or start a trip early. A selection of the activities of the Go Local! Guide: The town is small but has some very impressive colonial buildings. Outside the city you can climb the Chimborazo (from 4800m to 5000m) and then take a bike down, where you can admire life in the Andes. What is quieter is horse riding along the picturesque villages. For those who want to know what life looks like on an Ecuadorian farm, a beautiful hacienda can visit. The last morning you will leave by train or bus. Stay: The stay, with guest kitchen and patio, is downtown. This gives you plenty of time to eat or admire the churches and people. The Comfort package is located in the centre, close to the train station. Every morning there is a delicious breakfast waiting for you. At the Royal class you stay in a quiet neighbourhood with beautiful garden and spa. Expansion: After the sporting adventures in Riobamba, continue your journey to Cuenca. For the beach lover there is first the possibility to extend the trip to Puerto Lopez (also in the Highlight package).
| Perched high in the Andes, in the shadow of the Chimborazo, between the coastal area and the rainforest, lies the small town of Guamote. This village has a large activity so there is always something to see. It gives a good insight into life in the Andes. The Thursday market, one of the country's most important indigenous markets, is worth a visit. |
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Activities: Behold the local life and you can easily take a walk around the village yourself. There are also organized activities like a guided walk through the Paramo and beautiful lakes, a community tour with visits to school and projects and people at home or maybe a cooking course is something? Stay: A very atmospheric stay with nice living room and cozy fireplace. Started as a social project in the community. Currently still active in the community. In addition to the hotel, many workshops are given and projects are supported. At the Royal class the stay is the same. Expansion: After Guamote, you can (after a ride with the Nariz del Diablo) continue to Cuenca or Guayaquil.
| For many people, Cuenca is the colonial city of Ecuador that has retained its atmosphere. In the cobbled streets of the city centre you will find stately mansions with large patios, charming squares and many churches and cathedrals. Both during the day and in the evening you can relax and stroll through the streets past cheerful flower houses, vegetable markets and stock up on your souvenirs at the artesenal market for home. em> |
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Activities: The first evening you can admire the beautifully lit churches and squares. Cuenca is a good starting point for many attractions. A selection of the activities of the Go Local! Guide for the following days: You can go to the beautiful natural park "Las Cajas" or to the Inca Ruins "Ingapirca". Depending on your departure date and flight, you can also visit a very impressive anthropological museum and/or view the many artisinal activities. If you want to take another look at an authentic indigina group, you can take a great trip to the Kushiwaira. You can recover from the trip in a very special sauna. Stay: You stay in a beautiful hotel, with guest kitchen, near the River Tomebamba in the heart of Cuenca. From here all activities are close and thanks to the clarity of the city you will quickly feel at home. With the Comfort package you stay in an old colonial building with its own courtyard garden, breakfast and guest kitchen. At the Royal class you have a very spacious room at your disposal with a unique view of the Tomebamba River. Expansion: Unfortunately, Cuenca means the end of the journey. For those who still want to stick to it, there is an excellent opportunity to camp on the grounds of a hacienda at "Ingapirca". You can also go from here to the beautiful Vilcabamba.
| High up in the Andes, Chugchilan is hidden, surrounded by many mountains. The village is slowly gaining more significance through increasing tourism that has discovered its beauty. Besides being surrounded by a beautiful nature, you can also enjoy the real life of the indiginas. The crater lake Quilotoa and the market in Zumbahua await your visit here. |
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Activities: From the Ilinizas (or Quito) it is still about 4 hours drive through valleys and small villages. From Chugchilan you have the choice of different hiking trails. You can also take yourself by car to Lake Quilotoa and take a spectacular walk back to your hotel from there. For the people who prefer to walk there are also very nice trips to do by horse. Stay: You stay in a beautiful location with lots of nature and hammocks. The friendly owner will do everything to make you feel completely at home. You have the choice to camp here or stay in one of the cabañas. Expansion:Baños is the most logical next destination from here.
| Probably one of the most famous villages in Ecuador. For many people this is the paradise of articrafts. You can't think of it as crazy if it is sold on the Otavalo market. Besides the market, the area is also very impressive with a view of many volcanoes. You will also learn more about the local life of this Indian population. You stay with a local family where you can participate in everyday life. Maybe they can also teach you the negotiating techniques you need to use on the market! |
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Activities: This is your first destination after arriving in Quito and the ride (try to sit on the right side of the bus) will take about 2.5 hours. You will be picked up in Otavalo and taken to your host family, where you can join us at lunch. The rest of the day you can participate in daily life there. The next day you leave for the center of Otavalo. Here you can visit the market, but also a waterfall with swimming opportunity, various craft factories, mountain biking along the Volcano Fuya Fuya or take a walk along the volcano lake Cuicocha. Stay: For example, you stay here for a night with a host family in a nice cottage (including meals) and the next night in an old colonial house with beautiful rooms and lovely patio. For the luxury trip (or as an extra) we offer a hacienda that is well worth it. Hands up: Always wanted to be a farmer? This is your chance to work with your host family in farm life. Please note that no English is spoken. Expansion: From Otavalo you can either go further north (Salinas) or you go back to the south for example Cotopaxi or Mindo.
| The west coast of Ecuador, just the route to there "Ruta del Sol" is fantastic. You will notice that there are large cultural differences between the highland dwellers and the coastal inhabitants. Puerto Lopez is particularly special because it is located in the "Machililla" nature park. This way you will not only be pampered by a beautiful sea but also a beautiful nature. Let yourself be pampered here with fantastic fish meals, the relaxed atmosphere and a dip in the water. |
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Activities: From Riobamba, descend all the way down on a 9.5-hour ride. Arriving in Puerto Lopez in the evening, put your feet in the sand and drop out at one of the many beach bars for a well-deserved cocktail or delicious fruit juice. The next day you can spend the beach (Los Frailes) and/or a visit to a local village where they can show you everything from the local culture. Snorkeling and Isla de la Plata (Poormen's Galapagos) are also possible and are a must throughout June to September due to humpback whales. Stay: You stay in a quiet cabaña on the promenade. In this area there is also room left to set up your tent. There is also an outdoor kitchen that you can use. For the luxurious stay you have the choice of a stay with swimming pool and bay views or a beautifully located hotel with lovely garden and right on the beach. Roll up your sleeves: For the photographers among us, there is an opportunity to help with a project for humpback whales. You go in a small boat in search of the whales to photograph their tails. Expansion: From Puerto Lopez it's probably on home to… or you will continue via Guayaquil to the Galapagos.
Vilcabamba
| A paradise tucked away in the south of Ecuador located in a picturesque valley. In a rolling landscape with a beautiful nature you can enjoy the wonderful fresh air in Vilcabamba. With the largest number of inhabitants over 100 years old, there must be something special here. |
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Activities: The possibilities are very diverse and something for everyone. A selection from the Local Planet: Fantastic bike rides of various distances through the beautiful nature. Relax or practice yoga, beautiful walks through Podacarpes National Park, short or multi-day horseback rides. Stay: With a phenomenal view of the town and its vast nature, you can enjoy good food and a delicious glass of wine. You stay in luxurious cabanas just outside the center. Enjoyment is at the top, with a nice swimming pool available, lots of nature with hiking trails and hammocks. Roll up your sleeves: During the coffee and sugar tour you can lend a hand with the sugar cane production. Expansion: From Vilcabamba, the most logical route is a flight to Guayaquil and from here on to Galapagos, Puerto Lopez or home.
| A little visited part of Ecuador against the border of Colombia. Apart from the fact that the stay here alone is more than worth the trip, the scenery doesn't matter either. You will pass through a valley with magnificent views and meet residents of African descent. The sugar cane is of commercial importance here and you will see plenty of this. |
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Activities: A walk in Parque El Angel is unique in its kind due to the highest paramo vegetation in South America. You also have the opportunity to visit a small salt mine, take a train ride, visit hot water baths or just read a book. Stay: Staying in this lovely climate is artistic, with a nice swimming pool and walking opportunities. We warn you: of this hotel there is only one in the world. Expansion: From Salinas it is either through to Colombia or back towards Otavalo.
| Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, is one of the most special parks in Ecuador. The park has 33,400 hectares and has one of the most beautiful volcanoes in America: the Cotopaxi (5900m). In the park you will find an extensive green páramo where llamas graze and wild horses gallop. |
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Activities: During your visit you can admire the scenery, make a climb to the refugio (4800m) or hike and ride from your stay. Horse riding is definitely recommended in this park. Stay: You stay at an award-winning traditional eco-friendly mountain hut in the high Andes. From here you have a magnificent view of the Cotopaxi and the surrounding landscape. You have a private cabaña with fireplace and there is a Jacuzzi. All meals are included and are consumed in common. The houses themselves have to do it without electricity but have their own fireplace. If you want to be luxurious, you can spend a night in one of Ecuador's most classy haciendas. Expansion: From the Cotopaxi you can either return to Quito, through to Chugchilan or Banos.
| The River can be heard babbling past, complemented by the rhythmic sound of frogs, crickets and monkeys. In short you are in the Selva (jungle) of Ecuador. A large area and therefore many options. In this we distinguish the secondary forest (Tena) more accessible and closer to the inhabited world and the primary forest (Coca and Lago Agrio) deep in the jungle with canoe trips of two hours to get to the lodge. A domestic flight or night bus is necessary to reach these places. |
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Activities: Each jungle destination has its own program. Whichever destination in the jungle you choose there are always walks in through the forest. Here you will get an explanation about nature but also the medicinal secrets in the jungle. The river is the road in the jungle so you will regularly explore from a canoe (by motorbike or traditional). In almost all programs you will also visit a local village with an explanation of the traditional culture. Trekking through the jungle (with tent) is only possible with a stay of 6 days or from Itapoa. On our page about the jungle we show the day to day program by destination. Stay: All jungle stays are in private cabanas with private shower and toilet. Hot water and electricity is not always guaranteed. In Itapoa is the stay in a tent. In Tena, your stay supports a project of the community who will use the proceeds to fund their animal shelter project. You can stay here in a more luxurious lodge or the simpler lodge of the community. In Coca, you go to the NP Yasuni and stay in a very basic lodge (or at an additional cost (450 euros) in a more luxurious lodge. In Lago Agrio, you'll stay at NP Cuyabeno and stay either in a simpler lodge with a visit to clay lick or a more luxurious lakeside lodge. Our lodge in Kapawi is without a doubt the most luxurious lodge and most hidden in the jungle. Expansion: From the jungle you either go to Banos/Riobamba or you fly back to Quito (and on to Otavalo).