Tourism and discovery | Equateur Voyages

Discovery of the country - Cultural activities - Nature and short hikes

Four worlds meet in Ecuador — from the warm Pacific coast, through the snow-capped heights and valleys of the Andes range, to the intricate green carpet of the Amazon rainforest, or “the Jungle” as some call it. And of course, let’s not forget the unparalleled beauty and wildlife richness of the Galápagos Islands, also known as the Enchanted Isles.

The gold-covered altars of Quito’s churches, the pre-Hispanic ruins of Ingapirca with their Inca religious rituals, the elegant seaside promenades of Guayaquil, the picturesque fishing villages bordering Machalilla National Park, the lodges and cabins in the Amazon, and the communities preserving ancestral traditions — all make Ecuador a truly unique country. Come and discover it…

The Galápagos represent the triumph of nature over humankind, or the perfect harmony between our modern society and wildlife that knows no fear of humans. A perfect harmony of life…

Here are some ideas of sites, towns, and villages to discover during your trip to Ecuador:

Ingapirca is the most important and significant archaeological site in Ecuador. It was founded at the end of the 15th century by the Cañari people, an Andean community from the south of Ecuador. They were the original inhabitants of the site until the arrival of the Inca Empire. The ruins are located 90 kilometers from Cuenca.

Quito has the largest historic center in Latin America. Its museums, churches, convents, parks, and squares captivate visitors from all over the world.
The historic center is a beautifully preserved colonial complex built on the ruins of the Inca capital of the North. Thanks to this heritage, Quito was declared the first “World Heritage City” in 1978.

Compañía de Jesús, built between 1605 and 1765, entirely carved in volcanic stone and decorated with more than 50 kilos of gold, is an iconic landmark. On Independence Square, visitors can witness the presidential guard change every Monday — a ceremony that pays tribute to the nation’s authorities.

The Basilica of the National Vow is a Gothic-style church built over several decades starting in 1926. Visitors can climb its towers for a magnificent view of the city. On the exterior façades, figures of Ecuadorian wildlife — such as caimans, turtles, monkeys, dolphins, jaguars, cormorants, frigatebirds, and eagles — can be seen.

Cotopaxi National Park
Located in the province of Cotopaxi, 70 km from Quito, this park covers 33,400 hectares and includes camping areas and hiking trails.
In the páramo and forest areas, visitors may sometimes spot condors, ducks, caracaras, Andean gulls, pigeons, and hummingbirds. As for mammals, there are rabbits, white-tailed deer, foxes, and weasels.
Moreover, Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. Its summit is covered with eternal snow. During our visit, we will explore the museum, the lagoon, and — depending on the group’s condition — we may climb up to the José Ribas refuge at 4,800 meters.

Cuenca is certainly a city apart in Ecuador — a place that feels somewhat timeless.
Its cobblestone streets, cathedrals, marble buildings, and white façades give it a colonial charm that can truly be described as unique in Ecuador.

Guayaquil was founded in 1538 and quickly became the most important shipbuilding city in South America during the Spanish colonization.
Its name comes from the legend of an indigenous chief named Guayas, who is said to have lived and ruled in this region about 500 years before the colonization.

Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador (6,310 m), is a snow-capped volcano that attracts both mountaineers and those who simply appreciate beautiful landscapes.
In this reserve, a program to reintroduce vicuñas and llamas has been launched in collaboration with the Indigenous communities living in these páramo areas. It is quite easy to spot them.

The Otavalo Indigenous Market is certainly one of the most important markets in South America.
It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones.
The market began to grow in the 1960s, and today Ecuadorians come from all over the country to shop for a wide variety of products.
Tourists also find delight here among the colorful fabrics, Panama hats, ponchos, and silver jewelry.

Cochasquí is an archaeological complex located about 65 km north of Quito.
The site includes 15 flat-topped pyramids built with blocks of cangahua (a volcanic material extracted from nearby mountains).
Twenty-one burial mounds have been found. These structures —the pyramids and the burial mounds— date from a period between 850 and 1550 BC.

The Quilotoa Volcano is a unique site in Ecuador, with a diameter of over 3 km and a drop of more than 400 meters between the crater rim and the lake.
An Indigenous community lives there, and staying overnight offers a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange with them.

The Devil’s Nose (Train of the Andes)
This train journey is a true technical feat, built in the 19th century.
The section known as the Devil’s Nose runs along a steep mountainside, where the railway descends almost vertically from 2,340 meters to 1,860 meters in less than one hour.

By mentioning only these few examples, come and be amazed as you visit this wonderful country of a hundred facets.

Discovery of the country - Cultural activities - Nature and short hikes

Along the roads – 10 days

Cotopaxi National Park – 1 Day

Contrasted Land – 13 days

Voyage de noces

Des Andes à l’Amazonie – 14 jours

Quilotoa and Cotopaxi Region – 3 days

Cuenca Cultural Heritage – 4 Days

Otavalo Market – 1 day