5 Things to Do in Ecuador
Ecuador has been making it to The World’s Top Retirement Haven list in the last few years and thousands of retirees have left behind family and friends and moved to Ecuador particularly to the city of Cuenca. (Source:
ABC News)
This small country of over 15 million people is located in the northwest of South America. A direct flight from Miami to Quito, the capital city is only
four hours five minutes. It takes
five hours 11 minutes from Houston to Quito.
Visitors have four distinct options in Ecuador. The country is divided into four naturally contrasting regions of the Andean mountains area, the coastal area, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazonia area.
Here are Travelmath’s 5 things to do in Ecuador (not including Galapagos Islands):
One: City tour of Quito and Middle of the Earth
Quito, the second highest capital in the world was voted the first world heritage site by UNESCO in 1978 because of its colonial churches, sculptures and carvings. In fact the La Compania de Jesus Church is entirely covered with gold leaf. It is considered one of the richest and best churches in the Americas.
Just like other Spanish influenced South American cities, Quito has a square where most tourists and locals congregate. The “La Plaza de la Independencia” is surrounded by the Cathedral, Municipal Palace, Archibishop Palace and Governmental Palace.
San Francisco Church and Plaza is another important center for tourists and locals. Here you will find the oldest complex in Quito that dates back to 1536.
Tourists usually flock to Quitsato, “Middle of the Earth” where the imaginary Equator line crosses and separates the northern and southern hemisphere. This is a unique place on earth where the Equator line is in the highlands.
Two: Otavalo Market
An hour 16 minute drive (without traffic) will take you to the small city of Otavalo. The Otavalo Indigenous Market is the biggest of its kind in South America. Everyday before sunrise, the locals from the surrounding villages begin to assemble at the makeshift market.
You will find indigenous women dressed in traditional clothing in their booth selling scarves, alpaca sweatshirts, hats, toys, embroidered shirts and dresses, dolls and ceramics. The market is usually at Plaza de Los Ponchos but on Saturdays, the biggest day of the week, the market overflows to adjacent streets.
Three: A stay at Hacienda Cusin
This 400-year-old country inn is about 15 minutes from Otavalo, a great place for an overnight stay after your visit to the market. Experience Ecuador’s colonial style country estate and enjoy the view of Imbabura Mountain or go on horseback riding at the hacienda.
Most rooms in Hacienda Cusin have a fireplace. Usually when you arrive in your room in the evening, the fireplace is set up and the hot water bottle is nicely tucked under the sheets.
Information:
Hacienda Cusin
Four: Cuenca
This is Ecuador’s cultural center with eternal spring like weather. It is the most popular city for retirees from all over the world. Cuenca is peaceful and is the gateway to the Inca highway and Ingapirca, Cajas National Park and the place to purchase the original Panama hat.
Cuenca’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of the largest in the Americas. The massive blue domes can be seen everywhere in the city. The interior is covered with marble and alabaster. Beautiful stained-glass windows are prominently displayed as well.
Neighboring towns like Chordeleg, Gualaceo and Banos are worth a visit if you have more than three days in this city. Chordeleg is the place for gold and silver filigree earrings. Gualaceo’s local market is the place to try barbecue guinea pigs. For a relaxing natural hot spring experience head over to Banos de Cuenca, a town about five miles away from Cuenca.
Five: Inca Trail and Ingapirca
The best way to find out more about the Inca Empire in Ecuador is to take a guided tour to the Inca Trail including Ingapirca. Terra Diversa, a travel company in Cuenca offers a three days two nights Inca Trail tour and for those who have limited time or prefer short trails, they have a 10-hour Inca trail and Ingapirca experience.
These professionally guided tours take visitors through the Paredones ruins (an old inn), Culebrillas Lake and beautiful moorland landscapes. The three and a half hours hike finishes at a small village where you will be taken for lunch at Posada Ingapirca for an Ecuadorian Cuisine followed by a tour of the Ingapirca ruins. Ingapirca is the largest Inca ruins in Ecuador.
Information on this tour:
Terra Diversa
Ecuador has so much to offer for the adventurous, nature lovers, history and cultural enthusiasts. Are you ready to plan your trip?
