I Want a Nature Vacation. Where Should I Go in Ecuador?
Each of Ecuador’s regions has destinations that would make for a superior nature vacation. The environments you find will depend on your elevation, and which part of Ecuador you choose.
Go for breathtaking hikes in Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanos,” the nickname for the cluster of volcanoes found in the Central Sierra. You can get to these formations at the Chimborazo Ecological Reserve and Cotopaxi National Park.
The chain of islands that make up the Galápagos is a famously singular sight – the naturalist Charles Darwin described the Galápagos as “a little world within itself.” On Santa Cruz Island, you can see giant Galápagos tortoises. Visit San Cristobál Island to see an island formed from volcanic rock. Isabela Island might have the largest variety of animals, with tortoises, boobies, pelicans, cormorants, and bright orange Sally Lightfoot crabs. To get the most out of your visit to the Galápagos, consider signing up for a cruise.
Ecuador is home to tracts of Amazon rainforest. Visitors can make a trip to the Amazon in an ecologically sustainable manner. Yasuní National Park and Cuyabeno National Park both have eco-lodges that can serve as a home base for your Amazon adventure.
Take a nature vacation on Ecuador’s coast, and spend your trip on one of the most breathtaking shorelines in South America. In the Manabí province, make a trip to the beach at Bahía de Caráquez, as well as the local mangroves and tropical dry forests. Hike through Manabí’s Machalilla National Park to see its imposing cliffs and delightfully isolated beaches.
Related Questions
- What Should I Wear or Bring To a National Park in Ecuador?
- Can I expect To See Wildlife in Ecuador?
- Where Are Ecuador's National Parks & Reserves?
- How Much Does It Cost To Visit a National Park or Reserve in Ecuador?
- Are Ecuador's Parks and Reserves Well Developed?
Amazon
Descending from the cool, high Sierra plains into the eastern side of Ecuador brings a dramatic change in surroundings—dense jungles and stifling humidity. A lesser known and remote part of Ecuador, visitors to the Amazon are quickly immersed in ancient rainforests, indigenous cultures and abundant wildlife.
Central Sierra
Ecuador’s Central Sierra region is often referred to as “La Avenida de Volcanes”, or “Avenue of Volcanoes.” The logic behind this nickname becomes clear as soon as you venture down the Pan-American Highway, where you’ll find yourself between parallel rows of massive volcanic peaks. The chain of large cinder cone volcanoes, capped in white- and blue-hued glaciers, are unique to this part of the Andes range. Most of Ecuador’s national parks are located in this region, and are home to pristine, wide-open landscapes. Travel along the “Avenue” and experience the exciting blend of colonial towns, national parks, and Ecuadorian culture that the Central Sierra has to offer.
Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands straddle the equator roughly 600 miles (965 km) off the coast of Ecuador and are home to one of the world’s most unique and pristine ecosystems. This remote, volcanic archipelago is a hallmark of biodiversity—they support a wide variety of endemic marine and terrestrial species seen nowhere else on Earth. And without any natural predators, the wildlife here is not only unintimidated by humans, but it’s usually quite curious about them. While roaming these islands, a wide variety of bird, tortoise and iguana species can be seen. Jump into the crystal blue waters and watch sea lions, turtles, penguins and sharks glide right in front of you. In other words, there’s a reason why the famous naturalist Charles Darwin was so inspired by the Galapagos, and it’s likely that you will be too.
Bahía de Caráquez
The tidy city of Bahía de Caráquez is alluring with its pleasant beaches, nearby nature reserves, and eco-friendly attitude.
Isabela
As the largest island in the Galápagos, Isabela offers the widest range of terrain and visitor sites in the archipelago. Isabela hosts impressive wildlife, white-sand beaches, and barren lava fields. This island has the largest population of wild tortoises, which can be seen roaming in the highlands near the rims of craters. Isabela is the closest island to the Galápagos volcanic hotspot and is thus the most volcanically active island in the archipelago. It has six shield volcanos dispersed across its 1,790 square mile (4,640 square km) landscape.
San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal is the fifth largest island in the Galápagos. This islands offers easy access to snorkeling and beach sites, and is also home to some of the best surfing in the Galápagos. Geologically, San Cristóbal is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos. The main town here is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Santa Cruz
The island of Santa Cruz is the visitor hub of the Galápagos. As the second-largest island in the Galápagos, Santa Cruz is characterized by its moist highlands region, the bustling town of Puerto Ayora, and several pristine beaches.
Chimborazo Ecological Reserve
Located in a remote area of the Central Sierra, the Chimborazo Ecological Reserve is home to the towering mass of the Chimborazo Volcano—this is the highest point in Ecuador and one of the highest places in the entire world. The barren landscape also hosts herds of alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.
Cotopaxi National Park
Home to one of the most iconic volcanoes in South America, this park also features a wide-open alpine landscape. At a staggering 19,347 feet (5,897 m), the Cotopaxi Volcano is the focal point of the park.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is situated deep in Ecuador’s Amazon jungle. A canoe ride along the wide Cuyabeno River allows visitors to access the reserve’s abundant wildlife and unique indigenous communities, making for a quintessential jungle experience.
Machalilla National Park
As the only coastal national park in Ecuador, the Machalilla National Park sports protected beaches and tracts of dry forest. This makes it one of the best stops along the Ecuadorian coast.
Yasuni National Park
The untouched wilderness of the Yasuní National Park offers travelers a true rainforest experience. This park is one of the most biodiverse places in all of South America.
