Guide to Ecuador: From the Mountains to the Jungle
Ecuador has some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. This small country in northern South America has gorgeous mountain ranges, the Amazon Rainforest, scenic beaches, and the world renowned Galapagos Islands. At one point I literally went from frozen glacier to 80+ degree heat in less than 90 minutes. This is because Ecuador contains the narrowest point of the Andes Mountains. It’s also incredibly affordable for the budget traveler. It’s very common to see $2 multi-course lunch specials throughout the country. They also use the American dollar so if you’re from the US, no currency exchange required.
Ecuador is a country for adventurers. It’s for hikers, bikers, surfers, photographers, and wanderlusters.
Below are some ideas for your trip to Ecuador…
Quito
Where to stay in Quito
La Mariscal, La Floresta, and La Carolina Neighborhoods are all lively and near enough to one another that you’re not completely screwing yourself over if you stay in one over the other.
Town of Cumbaya is not technically Quito but it’s close enough. Stay here if you’re interested in a laid back environment with efficient access to Quito proper. It’s literally only 25 minute by taxi from Cumbaya to the Centro Historical in the heart of Quito.
What to do in Quito
Visit the Equator - a bit out of the way and totally touristy but it’s a neat photo and thing to do in general. Ironically, the true equator is a few hundred feet to the north due to the fact that the surveyors who built the site didn’t have appropriate equipment when they drew the “equatorial” line. They also do a bunch of activities like balance an egg on a nail and pour water down a funnel - only things that work at the equator apparently.
Old Town Quito - Quito’s old town historic center is so well preserved that it helped Quito become the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Floresta Street Art
Take the TeleferiQO
Day Trips Worth Taking
Cotopaxi Mountain - Cotopaxi is a National Park highlighted by the active Cotopaxi Volcano in the Andes Mountains. The Park is a roughly 2 hour drive from Quito and is 100% worth the day trip. The lava field at the base of the volcano are filled with wild horses to stop and take photos of as well.
The Biking Dutchman is a great option to hike and mountain bike down the glacial mountain into the lava fields.
Mindo Cloud Forest - about two hours northwest of Quito is the Mindo Cloud Forest, known for biodiversity and one-of-a-kind bird watching. The Mindo Cloud Forest is a solid day trip if you’ve got about 3-4 days in Quito. There are many affordable Mindo Cloud Forest excursions including ziplining, rafting, and simply walking through the jungle.
Otavalo Market - another two hour trip, this time north of Quito, is the small town of Otavalo. The Otavalo Market is a MUST - it’s known world-wide for its authentic crafts a local flare. I’ve been to many markets around the world and they’re a real crap-shoot when it comes to dime-a-dozen tourist items made in some factory vs authentically crafted goods that directly help locals - Otavalo is the latter.
Take the funicular to the top of the mountain in town - we happened to stumble upon a BBQ when we were up there and had BBQ chicken and roasted corn on the cob. We sat on the ground and hung out with some llamas and then did a few hiking trails before heading back to civilization.
Do a free walking tour of the city - did you know that Quito does a changing of the guard similar to England? Yeah, we didn’t either! It’s worth checking out for a few minutes but no need to go out of your way for it. There’s a hostel in town that does a free walking tour (it’s the only hostel that does) and it’s okay but if I’m being honest, I’ve had better free walking tours in other cities. Definitely worth checking out to get your bearings and learn some history though!
Basilica Towers
Definitely a tourist option but there is unique history and a great view of the city. It doesn’t take too long to do if you get there early so give it a quick shot and take some photos.
Banos
Banos is a very cool town in the middle of the jungle in Ecuador. Known for adventure sports like white water rafting and canyoning, Banos is both a city for adventure junkies and for relaxation. Located in a valley, directly under several mountains, the scenery surrounding Banos is a bit surreal. Water trickles down the mountains faces right into the backyards of townspeople.
Where to stay in Banos
Great Hostels Backpackers - awesome place to stay to meet fun people from all over the world. It has great indoor and outdoor community spaces with pool tables, a bar, lounge style seating, and quiet areas to relax. Overall very laid back hostel with private rooms and dorms.
What to do in Banos
Bike the Ruta de las Cascades
The Ruta De Las Cascades (Highway of Waterfalls) is an awesome way to spend a day! You MUST 100% rent a bike for this roughly 10 mile ride. Overall, the road takes you to the town of Puyo, which is known as an authentic gateway into the Amazon. Puyo is about 60km from Banos, I don’t believe you can ride the full way. For most people you’ll be going about 10-15km along this amazingly scenic route.
Overall the trip is mostly downhill - from Banos to Puyo is a drop in elevation of approximately 1,000 meters. There are a handful of uphill portions but it’s all very manageable.
There are so many scenic stops along this canyon route but the obvious ones would be the gorgeous waterfalls. Take your time as you can take gondola rides, zipline, and even go canyoning down these beautiful sights.
Cascada de Agoyán - the tallest waterfall in the Andes is your first stop and is approx. 7km from Banos.
Manto de la Novia - 5km further down is this beautiful double waterfall.
El Pailón del Diablo - 13km away is this bad boy - The Devils Cauldron. You’re definitely saving the best for last as this waterfall has viewing from both sides and makes for a great photo opportunity.
The road is very safe with several portions that are cyclists only. However, even parts where you share the road are very safe as the road is wide enough and most drivers are aware of the popularity of the route.
The ride back is uphill but most folks just grab a bus and place their bikes with the luggage. Bring a few bucks with you for the return journey.
Start your Amazon journey - At the end of the Ruta De Las Cascades is the town of Puyo, an hour west of Banos, on your way to the Amazon. Puyo is very authentic as the locals have made it their mission to avoid becoming too commercialized. There are plenty of hostels to stay for a night as you locate the Amazon Jungle tour that is right for you.
Overnight jungle tours are widely available from both Banos and Puyo and are a must if you’ve got a few days in the area.
Thermal Baths - Banos is actually short for Banos De Agua Santa (Holy Water Baths)
t is right for you. Overnight jungle tours are widely available from both Banos and Puyo and are a must if you’ve got a few days in the area.
Thermal Baths - Banos is actually short for Banos De Agua Santa (Holy Water Baths)
Action Sports - White water rafting, ziplining, canyoning, and bungee jumping there are a ton of opportunities for action sports throughout Banos and Puyo. You’ll be able to book any of these directly from Banos.
La Casa Del Arbol and the Swing at the End of the World is a must stop in Banos. Take the 40 minute bus ride or if you want to get some exercise take a walk up the mountain. It is a road so the only strenuous part is the incline. A walk up will take you about three hours and you can catch the bus on your way back down (or vice versa).
We ended up renting ATVs and cannot recommend this option enough. However, they do hold your passport for insurance and our brakes broke. We were able to fix it before returning it but it’s scary to think we may have had to buy them a new ATV for our passport back. See if you can do a cash deposit instead of passport deposit instead. We ended up renting ATVs and cannot recommend this option enough. However, they do hold your passport for insurance and our brakes broke. We were able to fix it before returning it but it’s scary to think we may have had to buy them a new ATV for our passport back. See if you can do a cash deposit instead of passport deposit instead.
What to eat in Banos
The Central Mercado is a must! It has anything and everything you need from fresh fruit to soup to fresh OJ. It’s dirt cheap here too. Great place to stop prior to your daily adventure.
Tasca de Banos
Leoni Pizzeria
Cafe Del Cielo - amazing views!
Advice from blogs better than ours
Two Monkeys Travel: 7 Awesome Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador
Jack and Jill Travel: Best of Banos <<< a great one for foodies
Ecuador Abroad: Best Things to Do in Banos, Ecuador: 3 Day Itinerary