Top 5 Things to See in Ecuador
One of the smaller South American countries, Ecuador offers a range of travel experiences, though Galapagos cruises are often the most common.
However, spend a few extra days or weeks in this compact destination and try additional activities beyond your luxury cruise - including jungle excursions, market shopping and climbing an active volcano.
Here are 5 things not to miss.
1.
Galapagos cruises- for many, a luxury cruise in the Galapagos Islands is the ultimate dream and reason for visiting Ecuador in the first place.
And for good reason, this archipelago of islands is a nature lover's paradise and for many, a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with sea lions, watch dolphins, walk next to giant tortoises and see a countless range of birds, hundreds of iguanas and many species of unique flora.
With so many islands to explore, Galapagos cruises offer the perfect way to uncover the smaller islands.
In addition, on board many of the luxury cruise boats there are several guides who offer talks on the flora and fauna of the areas you visit daily, so the experience is great for learning about nature as well as seeing it first-hand.
2.
Volcano Climbing- Ecuador is home to several large volcanoes, both on the mainland and in the Galapagos Islands.
One of the world's highest active volcanoes that you can climb is Cotapaxi.
It is an impressive sight towering from the farmlands below, but for the more adventurous, a challenging two day hike allows you to look into the crater for a unique experience.
3.
Visit the Amazon - More accessible than the Amazon area in Brazil, visit the Amazon from the area around Tena in Ecuador for a fascinating insight into the jungle - learning about the indigenous plants that locals use, seeing a variety of wildlife, and canoeing along the river at a leisurely pace - this is an experience not to miss in Ecuador and you can make it as adventurous or relaxing as you wish.
4.
White Water Rafting - If you haven't had your fill of adventure in the Amazon or climbing volcanoes, stay longer in the Tena area - Ecuador's capital for the adrenalin sports of white water rafting and kayaking! As the region on the junction of the Rio Tena and Rio Pao, there are ample opportunities to participate in these water sports with several operators in the area able to arrange a tour for you.
5.
Shop at Otavalo Market - If adventure sports are not your thing, and you fancy taking home a local souvenir of Ecuador after your luxury cruise, then make sure you include a visit to the Otavalo market, a couple of hours north of Quito.
Artisans from all over the country come here to sell their wares so you are sure to fill your suitcase with gifts, including artwork, jewellery, hammocks and more.
However, spend a few extra days or weeks in this compact destination and try additional activities beyond your luxury cruise - including jungle excursions, market shopping and climbing an active volcano.
Here are 5 things not to miss.
1.
Galapagos cruises- for many, a luxury cruise in the Galapagos Islands is the ultimate dream and reason for visiting Ecuador in the first place.
And for good reason, this archipelago of islands is a nature lover's paradise and for many, a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with sea lions, watch dolphins, walk next to giant tortoises and see a countless range of birds, hundreds of iguanas and many species of unique flora.
With so many islands to explore, Galapagos cruises offer the perfect way to uncover the smaller islands.
In addition, on board many of the luxury cruise boats there are several guides who offer talks on the flora and fauna of the areas you visit daily, so the experience is great for learning about nature as well as seeing it first-hand.
2.
Volcano Climbing- Ecuador is home to several large volcanoes, both on the mainland and in the Galapagos Islands.
One of the world's highest active volcanoes that you can climb is Cotapaxi.
It is an impressive sight towering from the farmlands below, but for the more adventurous, a challenging two day hike allows you to look into the crater for a unique experience.
3.
Visit the Amazon - More accessible than the Amazon area in Brazil, visit the Amazon from the area around Tena in Ecuador for a fascinating insight into the jungle - learning about the indigenous plants that locals use, seeing a variety of wildlife, and canoeing along the river at a leisurely pace - this is an experience not to miss in Ecuador and you can make it as adventurous or relaxing as you wish.
4.
White Water Rafting - If you haven't had your fill of adventure in the Amazon or climbing volcanoes, stay longer in the Tena area - Ecuador's capital for the adrenalin sports of white water rafting and kayaking! As the region on the junction of the Rio Tena and Rio Pao, there are ample opportunities to participate in these water sports with several operators in the area able to arrange a tour for you.
5.
Shop at Otavalo Market - If adventure sports are not your thing, and you fancy taking home a local souvenir of Ecuador after your luxury cruise, then make sure you include a visit to the Otavalo market, a couple of hours north of Quito.
Artisans from all over the country come here to sell their wares so you are sure to fill your suitcase with gifts, including artwork, jewellery, hammocks and more.
