You may know this week's destination because of the Galápagos Islands, and that destination is Ecuador. But there is way more to this diverse paradise nestled on the Pacific Ocean. There are so many cities worth visiting which offer new experiences throughout the country. I'll be sharing my favorite spots in this small coastal country this week.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is one of my favorite spots because of the colorful buildings, the beautiful beaches, and the history. The narrow streets of Las Peñas, which is the oldest neighborhood in the city, are filled with beautiful houses and shops. To get some stunning views of the city, climb the almost five hundred stairs to the lighthouse. There are plenty of things to keep you busy in this fantastic city.
Banos
Known as the "Gateway to the Amazon," Banos will get your heart pounding. This is a thrill-seekers paradise when you can adventure on white water, swing on the tree at the end of the world, check out a waterfall, fly through the mountains on a zip-line, or relax in a thermal bath fed from geothermal water. There are plenty of opportunities for local souvenir shopping and wandering through the streets.
Mindo
High in the cloud forest, this town is not like any other tourist spot in Ecuador. The houses and shops are cobbled together with any material that the locals could find. This is the perfect spot for an outdoor lover or anyone that wants to get off the beaten path. Some of the most unique things to do in Mindo are the chocolate tour and the butterfly sanctuary.
Otavalo
A relatively undiscovered spot in Northern Ecuador is Otavalo. In this picturesque town, you'll stumble across alpacas, alpaca wool, colorful clothes, and artifacts that date back to the pre-Inca era. Behind the city, you'll see the peaks of Imbabura Volcano. This offers an amazing opportunity for climbers. By spending time in this town, you'll be able to spend a few days as the locals do.
Now that you've seen some amazing cities in Ecuador, schedule a consultation to start planing your trip today.