Ecuador: A Journey from the Andes to the Amazon
Few destinations offer such an extraordinary variety of experiences in such a compact country. In Ecuador, snow-capped volcanoes, historic cities, lush cloud forests and the Amazon rainforest can all be part of the same journey.
Add in the legendary Galápagos Islands, fascinating Indigenous cultures and a culinary scene that is gaining international attention, and Ecuador becomes a destination that rewards curious travellers who want to experience more than the usual vacation.
Begin in Quito
Perched high in the Andes, Quito is an unforgettable introduction to Ecuador.
The city's beautifully preserved Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with grand plazas, ornate churches and centuries-old architecture. Start at Plaza Grande before exploring the magnificent La Compañía de Jesús, with its spectacular gold-covered interior, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional.
For one of the best views of the city, ride the TelefériQo up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano. On a clear day, Quito stretches out below with the Andes rising dramatically in the distance.
Another memorable stop is the Mitad del Mundo, where visitors can stand on either side of the Equator and learn about the fascinating science and history surrounding the line that divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Where to Eat in Quito
Quito has developed an exciting food scene that combines traditional Ecuadorian flavours with modern culinary techniques.
For an upscale dining experience, consider Nuema, one of Quito's acclaimed contemporary restaurants, where Ecuadorian ingredients are transformed into creative tasting menus.
For something more traditional, seek out dishes such as locro de papa, a rich potato and cheese soup, or hornado, slow-roasted pork typically served with hominy, potatoes and other accompaniments.
And don't leave Ecuador without experiencing its extraordinary cacao. Ecuador is renowned for its fine-flavour cacao, and chocolate tastings and cacao experiences can be incorporated into a journey.
The Avenue of the Volcanoes
Leaving Quito, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic.
Known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes, this spectacular region is home to some of Ecuador's most impressive peaks, including Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes.
Even if climbing a volcano isn't on your wish list, the scenery alone makes this region worth exploring. You can hike through high-altitude landscapes, visit traditional haciendas, explore small villages or simply enjoy the views.
One of the most spectacular natural sights is Quilotoa, a volcanic crater lake whose turquoise waters sit dramatically below the surrounding mountains.
A Night or Two at Mashpi Lodge
For something truly special, add Mashpi Lodge to your itinerary.
Located approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Quito, Mashpi sits within a spectacular cloud-forest environment where cloud forest and tropical rainforest ecosystems meet. It feels worlds away from the city, yet it is surprisingly accessible.
This is not simply a place to stay — Mashpi is an experience.
Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the surrounding forest into the lodge, while guided excursions introduce guests to the remarkable biodiversity of the reserve. Depending on the season and conditions, you may encounter hundreds of bird species, butterflies, monkeys and other wildlife.
For the adventurous, there is the Dragonfly Canopy Gondola, which carries guests above the forest canopy, as well as the Sky Bike, hiking trails, waterfalls and observation areas.
Early morning birdwatching is particularly memorable, while a nighttime forest walk reveals a completely different side of the ecosystem.
Mashpi also makes an excellent bridge between Quito and the Galápagos, and current itineraries combine the lodge with Quito and the islands for a particularly memorable Ecuador journey.
Experience Ecuador's Indigenous Culture
A visit to Ecuador isn't complete without experiencing its Indigenous heritage.
Travel north to Otavalo, home to one of South America's best-known Indigenous markets. The Plaza de los Ponchos is filled with colourful textiles, jewellery, handicrafts and traditional clothing.
It's also a wonderful place to shop for locally made souvenirs while learning more about the traditions of the Kichwa people.
For a more immersive experience, travellers can visit communities outside the main tourist centres and learn about traditional food, farming, weaving and daily life.
Adventure in Baños
For travellers who like to mix scenery with adventure, Baños de Agua Santa is a must.
Surrounded by waterfalls, mountains and lush valleys, Baños offers everything from hiking and horseback riding to ziplining and canyoning.
One of its most famous attractions is the Swing at the End of the World, where you can swing above a dramatic mountain valley at Casa del Árbol.
If that sounds a little too adventurous, simply enjoy one of the town's thermal baths, explore its cafés and restaurants or take a scenic drive along the famous Route of the Waterfalls.
Into the Amazon
From the Andes, Ecuador's landscape changes again as you enter the Amazon basin.
The town of Tena provides a gateway to the rainforest, where guided excursions can take travellers deep into the jungle by boat or on foot.
Wildlife encounters are part of the adventure, but so is simply being immersed in the sounds and rhythms of the rainforest.
A stay at an Amazon lodge allows you to experience the jungle at different times of day — from early-morning birdwatching to nighttime walks when the forest comes alive with completely different sounds and creatures.
Traditional Amazonian cuisine also offers a new culinary experience, including maito de pescado, fish wrapped in leaves and cooked over a fire, along with yuca and other local ingredients.
And Then There Are the Galápagos
For many travellers, the ultimate Ecuador experience is adding the Galápagos Islands.
Here, wildlife takes centre stage. Giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas and remarkable birdlife can be encountered throughout the islands, often at remarkably close range.
Whether you choose a small-ship expedition or a land-based stay, the Galápagos provide a spectacular finale to an Ecuador itinerary.
The contrast is part of the magic: one moment you're walking through the high Andes or cloud forest, and a few days later you're exploring volcanic islands surrounded by crystal-clear Pacific waters.
Taste Your Way Through Ecuador
One of the pleasures of travelling through Ecuador is discovering how dramatically the cuisine changes from region to region.
In the Andes, look for hearty dishes featuring potatoes, corn and pork. Along the coast, fresh seafood and ceviche take centre stage. In the Amazon, traditional recipes showcase river fish, yuca and locally grown ingredients.
And everywhere, keep an eye out for Ecuadorian chocolate and coffee.
The country's fine-flavour cacao is internationally recognized, and food-focused travellers can build visits to cacao farms, chocolate makers and specialty shops into their itinerary.
5 Experiences Not to Miss
Explore Quito's Historic Centre — Wander through one of the best-preserved historic districts in Latin America.
Stay at Mashpi Lodge — Sleep in the cloud forest and explore the surrounding wilderness by gondola, Sky Bike and guided trails.
Visit Otavalo Market — Discover colourful textiles, handicrafts and the traditions of Ecuador's Indigenous communities.
See Cotopaxi and Quilotoa — Experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the Ecuadorian Andes.
Add the Galápagos — Finish your journey surrounded by some of the world's most extraordinary wildlife.
Ecuador Is Calling
Ecuador isn't a destination that can easily be summed up in a single photograph.
It is the combination of experiences that makes it so memorable — the architecture of Quito, the silence of the high Andes, the mist of the cloud forest, the sounds of the Amazon and the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos.
For travellers looking for a journey filled with nature, culture, adventure, food and discovery, Ecuador deserves a place near the top of the list.
Ready to discover Ecuador?
Your Northstar Travel Advisor can help design an itinerary that brings together the experiences that appeal to you — whether that's luxury in the cloud forest at Mashpi Lodge, exploring the Andes, discovering Indigenous culture or extending your journey to the Galápagos.
Talk to your Northstar Travel Advisor and start planning your Ecuador adventure.
