Having visited Ecuador 8 times, I have been to many of these tourist attractions and beautiful places several times. This list is an assortment of my favorite local restaurants, unique hotels, hikes and nature locations to visit when I go.
This is a must see place if you are visiting Ecuador. You can take a once in a lifetime picture standing half in the northern hemisphere and half in the southern.
Middle of the World City
I loved my time at Arasha. This resort is the ultimate escape from the busy world. The cabins are built in a serene landscape, the perfect place to unplug and absorb nature. You wake up to the sounds of birds you’ve never heard before, go on beautifu...
Arasha Ecuador's Tropical Forest Resort & Spa
This is a great place to go and get gorgeous views of the city.
Teleferico Quito
This is worth the windy drive to the top. You get breathtaking views of the city and unique picture opportunities in front of this giant statue, a famous icon in Quito.
Virgin of the Panecillo
This is the absolute best place to shop for souvenirs and locally crafted items. You’ll spend hours shopping around the different vendors.
Otavalo Market in Ecuador: How to Visit South America's Largest Market
I love going to this beautiful little town and shopping for jewelry. This is the best place to shop for silver jewelry, handmade by the best artisans. There are so many shops to browse.
Chordeleg: Ecuador's Fine and Filigree Jewelry Destination
I have been here several times, and it’s always an amazing day. Eat fresh and tasty local food, see the wild monkeys on the beach, and take a canoe ride to an indigenous community to see local animals, dances, and buy souvenirs.
A Guide to Misahualli, Ecuador's Gateway to the Amazon
This beautiful hotel was an amazing place to stay in Quito. It’s walking distance to many great places to see and eat, and it was also luxurious, clean, and I didn’t want to leave. We had one of the apartment style rooms, with a kitchen and living ro...
La Casona de la Ronda
This is a really cool attraction to stop at for the day. Walk around Incan ruins, and if you visit during the summer solstice you’ll get to witness really cool celebrations and dances and music.
Visiting Ecuador's Ingapirca Ruins
One of the best restaurants in Puyo to taste local Amazonian food. I have to visits this restaurant every time I come here. The food is super fresh and healthy and most importantly tasty. I’ve tried just about everything on their menu.
Nativa Puyo
This is a free public park in the middle of the city that you can come and get close pictures with iguanas in their natural habitat. Just make sure not to touch them!!
Parque Seminario
This is a beautiful drive up the volcano. Once you get to the highest parking lot you can continue on foot up to the glacier (if you are athletic enough!) It gets quite cold up there so dress to be met with snow and biting cold. The views are spectac...
Cotopaxi
This is a very fun and cute neighborhood in Quito. There are so many restaurants and bars to choose from, and makes for a fun night out.
CALLE LA RONDA (Quito) - Qué SABER antes de ir (2025)
This is a beautiful colonial boutique hotel in Quito. Our stay was wonderful, and the food at their restaurant is top notch. Will definitely be coming back here.
Hotel Patio Andaluz - Quito
This giant hundreds years old basilica in Quito is a must see for tourists. Take in the history and also get a workout touring the church.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
This bar restaurant is a place we frequent multiple times during our stay in Puyo. The balcony looking over the Main Street makes for the perfect location to eat drink and people watch. And the food is excellent.
ESCOBAR-CAFE, Puyo - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
We go here for breakfast almost every morning that we are in Puyo. They have the BEST coffee/cappuccino in town and the breakfasts are so good. Complete with fresh juice.
EL FARISEO, Puyo - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
This is a an attraction to capture breathtaking views in Baños. Walk across a glass bridge to see the mountains and treetops from above.
Baños, Ecuador
This is an INTENSE HIKE, but well worth it. The way down is easy, about 30 minutes. You’ll be greeted by an amazing waterfall sight. But be prepared for a workout on the way back up!