Top 10 Things to Do in Ecuador (Ecuador Travel Guide)
This list of top 10 things to do in Ecuador shows you the highlights of the country along the avenue of the volcanoes in the Andean region
Related Guide:
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Ecuador is one of the most diverse countries in the world though it's comparably tiny. Beside the Galapagos Islands (which is the #1 tourist destination in Ecuador) the country has a lot more to offer, therefore I focussed on La Sierra in this video which is a paradise for landscape lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Another reason to visit the Andean region is that you have the chance to dive into the local culture and get a real feeling of Ecuador. The places to see in Ecuador I focussed on in this short video are the result of my own travels along the center from north to south and are easily doable in 2 weeks time.
Things to do in Ecuador covered in this video:
01) 00:36 - Otavalo market in Otavalo
02) 01:00 - Hike the Cuicocha lake
03) 01:25 - Middle of the World, Mitad del Mundo & Quitsato in Cayambe
04) 01:48 - Quito, capital & UNESCO World Heritage
05) 02:08 - Termas de Papallacta (hot springs)
06) 02:24 - Cayambe Coca National Park
07) 02:45 - Quilotoa & Shalala viewpoint
08) 03:13 - Tren Crucero & Nariz del Diablo (Devil's nose)
09) 03:47 - Inka ruins in Ingapirca
10) 04:04 - Cuenca & it's beautiful old town
What are your best things to do in Ecuador?
I’m looking forward to more tips from other travelers and Ecuador experts. Have you been and know of some cool places? Let us know in the comments below!
More travel guides for South America can be found here:
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As part of Team Germany aka #TeamDe I was exploring the Andes region in Ecuador (La Sierra) within the Feel Again Project. In this project 18 artists from 4 different countries are exploring the 4 different regions of Ecuador:
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Papallacta Hot Springs/Termas Papallacta-Ecuador 2016
A trip to Termas Papallacta to relax, pamper yourself and enjoy, Papallacta, the doorway to the Amazonas
Un viaje a Termas Papallacta para relajarse, mimarse y disfrutar, Papallacta, la entrada al Amazonas
English site:
Arabic site:
Hot spring - Papallacta, Ecuador, South America
Papallacta is only 1 1/2 hour (55 km) away from Quito, next to Antisana stratovolcano. On the way up to hot springs, we see a spectacular view of the paramo.
The spa resort called Las Termas de Papallacta, offers 8 thermal pools with water temperature from 30 to 45°C and 3 cold water pools with temperature of 2°C..
Papallacta is located at 3 300 meters. On a day without clouds, 5,704 metres Antisana stratovolcano is visible; a majestic sight from hot water pool.
Open everyday from 6:00 to 21:00
How to get there?
By bus take the Quito-Baeza road, than take a 1/2 h walk or take a local taxi.
For more information or to reserve lodging call Termas de Papallacta. Fresh trouts from paramo lakes are served in the local restaurants.
Personally, I consider this resort one of the nicest. One should never visit Ecuador without bathing in the hot pools of Termas de Papallacta.
Ecuador, Andes and Amazon Tour - Unravel Travel TV
Three exclusive and sustainable tourism operations have joined forces to offer you the unrivalled diversity of Ecuador in a 4 day adventure. Termas de Papallacta SPA & Resort, Cotococha Amazon Lodge and Luna Runtun Adventure SPA. The fully escorted tour packages have been designed to showcase the best of Ecuador, the ideal complement for any visit to Ecuador or Galapagos Islands.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Depart Quito abd drive up the Eastern Cordillera, to a 4065 m. high mountain pass. Within two hours reach Termas de Papallacta, Ecuador's most beautiful thermal hot springs Resort and Spa, located in between spectacular mountain forests of the Eastern Andes slopes. Enjoy a morning hike through the surrounding mountain forests and grassy paramo near the resort. This ecological reserve is managed by a local foundation and harbors many peculiar species of flora and fauna (more than 160 bird species, mountain tapirs, spectacled bears and many other species).
Day 2: Depart Papallacta through the lush and green cloud forests of the Eastern Andes. After a short drive stop at a cloud forest lodge where we can observe many species of hummingbirds. See these small birds flying around us at a very close distance. We continue the journey through the last hills of the Eastern 'Cordillera' towards the great Amazon basin. At midday we will arrive at Cotococha Amazon Lodge, a retreat located on the shores of the Napo River, offering spacious and comfortable bungalows, built in native design. After lunch we walk in the rainforest ready to find the secret wonders of the mysterious hidden jungle, finding plant species with medicinal properties. After about three hours of walking we will arrive at the lodge again. At night, the jungle sounds and the illumination with lots of candles, torches and oil lamps, create a unique and romantic atmosphere at Cotococha Amazon Lodge. Enjoy dinner and gather around the cozy fireplace.
Day 3: Depart by canoe upstream arriving to a small shore where we begin a one hour walk, marveling at the jungle's diverse flora and fauna. After our short hike, we'll find ourselves in a breathtaking cascade La Cascada de Latas where we will take a refreshing bath in its clear crystal waters and enjoy the surrounding views. For the adventurous, go tubing on the river. After lunch leave the Cotococha Amazon Lodge and continue the journey to Baños. On route we will make a short stop in Puyo, where we will visit a small Balsa wood factory. After Puyo enjoy spectacular views of the Pastaza Gorge, the surrounding cloud forests with thousands of orchids, dramatic waterfalls, cliff side farms and untouched views of Sangay and Llanganates National Parks..In the evening we reach Baños, and arrive at Luna Runtun, the Adventure SPA, spectacularly located on a hill above Baños nestled within the Sangay National Park, which has been declared a World Natural Heritage Site. Enjoy views of Baños deep below in the valley, the active Tungurahua volcano (5016 m.) and the Llanganates National Park,
Day 4: Depart Baños for a drive along the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes', through the central Andean valley. Visit the Salasaca community, where many tapestries and other woven products are made by the local indigenous people. With clear weather we will be able to see at least 11 of Ecuador's 55 volcanoes. At noon we will arrive at an ancient hacienda, for lunch. The hacienda was a former Inca fortress and palace from the 15th century and nowadays still holds original Inca walls and a complete chapel, built in the imperial style of the Incas. After lunch continue to the Cotopaxi National Park for a short visit to a little museum which informs about the park. The centerpiece of the park is the Cotopaxi volcano (5897 m.), the world's highest active and snowcapped volcano. We continue and stop at the Limpiopungo lake at 3800 meters altitude. If we feel fit enough we can continue our drive to the parking lot at 4600 m. from where it is a strenuous 45 minute walk up to the José Ribas refuge at 4800 m., a mountain refuge halfway the volcano. Afterwards we return to our vehicle for our drive back to Quito. Drop off at the hotel of our choice.
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Hidden Natural Hot Springs in Banos, Ecuador | South America
We were told about secret hot springs away from the city so we decided to visit. It was a weekend, and nationnal holiday so it ended up being a little crowded - but we were the only tourists. This is definitely off the beaten path baths.
Day4 (Termas de Papallacta) - tour of the SPA on 10 Day Ecuador & Amazon Adventure (May 2014)
Guests have free access to emergency medical services and consultations related to thermal spa use.
PAPALLACTA is a small village at 3300 m altitude and famed for its hot springs, Termas de Papallacta.
That Sunday evening (May 25, 2014), dinner was on our own, so PLENTY of free time to explore the beautiful grounds, the hot springs and the spa!
Termas de Papallacta are considered the best thermal baths in Ecuador.
A small paradise that is an absolute 'must' during your stay at Termas de Papallacta, the Spa consists of two principle areas offering a range of services.
1). The SPA's hydrotherapy area consists of five hot thermal pools and one cold pool.
The Thermoludic Area is the ideal place to experience a variety of different hydro-massages using either water jets or air bubbles.
2). The Thermal Club combines beauty treatments with warm and friendly service. In a private and exclusive environment, you can enjoy a range of different treatments related to health and beauty such as:
- Individual hydro massage baths, body treatments with medicinal Andean mud, baths in the Thermal Cave, Finnish,saunas, pressure massages, aromatherapy or therapeutic massages, face and body treatments and more.
- Meditation and rest area;
- Beverages counter.
The thermal baths are located on the banks of the Papallacta river in a unique natural environment accommodating nine (9) hot thermal pools and three (3) cold water pools.
The hydrothermal value of Termas de Papallacta's Hot Springs is thanks to Papallacta's location between two volcanoes: Volcano Cayambe and Volcano Antisana.
The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F).
At the pools, the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F).
Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odorless, colorless but have a slightly salty taste.
Besides improving intestinal function, the baths' curative properties are also anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-rheumatic.
*** Some of us paid in advance $ USD 50.00 for a SPA PACKAGE described by Gate1 travel as following:
Indulge in a little relaxation and pampering this evening at the Spa at Termas de Papallacta.
Unwind for 20-30 minutes in one of the thermal hot pools and the refreshing cold pool.
Next, enjoy a 20 minute mineral infused steam as hot water trickles over rocks and eucalyptus leaves in the Turkish bath at the Thermal Steam Cave.
Wrap up your session with a 30 minute neck and back massage to help you relax after an exciting day of sightseeing.
Approximate tour duration is 1.5 hours.
Equator Line Day Trip-Middle of the World Quito Ecuador-Day tours Quito
To visit in the Middle of the World:
Pululahua Crater
Inti Ñan Museum (line 0°0´0)
Middle of the World Monument
Lasts 4 to 5 hours
The Pululahua Crater is a geobotanic reserve, here is a viewing point from where we are able to see the parish that has developed inside this crater due to the great quality of the soil for agriculture.
Then we can visit the Inti Ñan Museum, which is an interactive museum with experiments and demonstrations that you are standing in the middle of the world. like Coriolis effect, gravity, How you lose your power, and cannot balance on the line.
Then is the Monument of the middle of the world, and Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, many handcraft shops and also snack and coffee shops have their doors open for tourists.
English site:
Vlog #5: Papallacta
The hot springs of Papallacta are a great place to relax, but if you're looking for some more adventure, there are some great places to hike in the same area. My friends and I got to walk about in the beautiful (but muddy) area just above the springs of Papallacta, Ecuador.
I'll be in the Amazon this upcoming weekend, so the video blog will be put up on YouTube earlier. I'll have it announced on the blog at its normal time, but if you subscribe to this channel, you'll get access earlier in the week.
Hope you all are doing well! Have fun with your adventures!
If you want to see more about my trip to Papallacta, check out my adventure blog on it:
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Shoot me an Email at:
Ian.in.ecuador@gmail.com
10 Day Ecuador Adventure
From the high elevation páramo to the Amazon rain forest, here are scenes from a 10-day adventure trip to Ecuador that are sure to inspire wanderlust. We rode an air bike, hiked in the rainforest and the cloud forest, rode horses in the highlands, danced with the locals, and more. Read more about our trip at
Termas de Papallacta, Papallacta, Ecuador, HD Review
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Featuring a spa, a restaurant, and a hot spring bath, Termas de Papallacta offers rooms and bungalows with free Wi-Fi in Papallacta. Hiking and horseback riding activities are organized. The commercial area is 40 minutes away by car.
Decorated with wood walls and gabled roofs, rooms at Termas de Papallacta are equipped with wood furnishing. Some of the bungalows have sitting areas with fireplaces.
international dishes can be ordered at the restaurant.
Guests can relax in the thermal and swimming pools. Hiking activities with native guides are organized to explore the unique species of the area. Quito is 1.5 hours away by car.
Termas de Papallacta is a one hour drive from Tumbaco and a two hour drive from Mariscal Sucre airport.