15 Best Cities to Visit in Ecuador

Ecuador is a country that has many great cities and destinations to visit. With so many places to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the options into a shortlist of 15 Best Cities to Visit in Ecuador or favorite ones. This blog post will help you figure out which Ecuadorian destination is for you by talking about 15 of the most popular cities in this South American country! Whether it is beautiful beaches or stunning mountain scenery, astounding colonial-era architecture, or bustling indigenous markets – Ecuador has plenty of incredible landscapes to offer. With each city having its own distinctive look and feel to them, exploring these diverse cities offers a completely different experience than visiting other parts of the country like Otavalo in the Andes or Quito on the coast.

15. Loja

This city is a good place to start if you want to learn about the indigenous cultures in Ecuador, as it was home to many civilizations such as the Incas and Guancas. Cuenca’s combination of history, nature, culture, and modernity makes it one of the most unique destinations for tourists visiting Ecuador. It has been well-known overtime for its beautiful colonial architecture which still stands today! This gorgeous destination offers great views from any angle due to its location at an altitude that ranges between two thousand and three thousand meters above sea level. Visitors often enjoy seeing different styles of architecture side by side on each street they walk down making this region truly unforgettable. The town’s name comes from Quito meaning

14.Tena

Tena is a picturesque city in Ecuador that has lots of shops, tour operators, and accommodation options. It’s close to the Amazon rainforest so it’s an excellent place for tourists who want to explore the natural beauty of Ecuador. Tena is also home to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of South America – Salto de Angel. Tena might not have the gilded colonial churches and pretty plazas of its mountaintop compadres to the west, but it does have something that even Quito or Cuenca can only dream of primeval rainforest.

Yes sir, perched just on edge Amazon basin this lively little transport town is a hubbub backpackers intrepid types all eager bathe in gushing waterfalls that crash through wilds outside town hit kayaks rafts white rapids Jatunyacu River.  Caving also big here with oodles tunnels karst caverns

13. Riobamba

Riobamba is one of the most interesting cities in Ecuador. It’s worth a visit for its colonial center alone, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. The city has an excellent variety of museums to explore as well. One of the best parts about exploring Riobamba is that you can do it on your own terms; there are no tour buses or organized tours to join so you can explore at your leisure.

This city with many remarkable churches and colonial-era architecture, but it’s also the center of Ecuador. People come from all over to visit its bustling Saturday market where you can find various products indigenous to this country. It’s popular amongst hikers and mountaineers because Quito is centrally located for exploring mountains or taking an incredible train journey through breathtaking scenery in Alausí that ends at Nariz del Diablo (where people believe devils’ noses live).

12. Puerto Lopez

Puerto Lopez is the largest coastal town in Ecuador. It has a population of around 15,000 and is situated on the coast of Ecuador’s “Wild Coast” region. The town can be reached by bus from Guayaquil or Manta, two hours away. The town has a marvelous beach that many people use as their base for exploring this beautiful area of Ecuador. There are shops, restaurants and bars located close to the waterfront where you will find locals mingling with tourists enjoying an ice-cold beer or fresh seafood from one of the local eateries

The small, peaceful town of Puerto Lopez is home to some nice restaurants and bars. In the evening cabanas blast out music while whale watching tours and boat trips run during the day. Truth be told, there isn’t all that much going on here so relaxing at a beach or exploring tide pools are an excellent way to spend your time alongside visiting nature in Parque Nacional Machalilla which can also provide you with spectacular wildlife like river otters for example!

11. Playas

Playas is a small coastal town in Ecuador and it’s home to the longest beach in the country. It’s also one of the best places for surfing and sea turtle watching. The Playa Grande beach stretches 22 kilometers (14 miles) long from south to north, making it the longest in all of South America. The sand dunes are perfect for climbing up and down as well as having your own little spot to enjoy some peace away from others if you’re looking to escape from crowds or just want time alone with your thoughts.

Sea turtles come onto shore during their prime nesting season between May-October when they lay eggs in nests at night before returning back into the ocean where they swim off until next year. If you happen to Playas is a laidback town, perfect for those who like to simply lounge on the beach. For anyone looking to get more out of their vacation than just being at the hotel all day, book yourself onto one of Playa’s famed dolphin-watching tours!

10. Otavalo

Otavalo is a pleasant place to spend some time as the city is nestled in the Andes Mountains and offers plenty of activities for tourists. The colorful Otavaleno market, which has been operating since before the Spanish arrived, has a variety of goods including textiles, handicrafts, foodstuffs, and more. The market also features an area called “El Tulcán” where vendors sell their goods from stalls they set up on Fridays and Saturdays.

If you are looking for authentic Ecuadorian cuisine then head over to Huerto de la Esperanza where you can find traditional dishes such as cuy (guinea pig) and picante de gallina (chicken stew). If it’s one thing that Ecuador market in Otavalo is one of the most vibrant and colorful places you can visit. Located on Saturdays, it will overwhelm your senses with sights, sounds and smells as soon as you walk through its doors – unlike any other South American marketplace!

The locals here are famous for their gorgeous textiles that cover every inch of space around this town-sized bazaar. You’ll find an abundance of handmade goods from jewelry to indigenous clothes – even dreamcatchers or shrunken heads (not real ones). And don’t forget about bargaining; they know how to haggle too!

9. Manta

Manta is a bustling port city that is home to a number of important industries. The most prominent industry in Manta, however, is the fishing trade. The city’s position on the coast means it has access to an abundant supply of fresh seafood and rich aquatic ecosystems from which to draw sustenance for its inhabitants. The people are friendly and welcoming, but visitors should be mindful of their safety when traveling around this coastal town. In recent years, there have been several reported incidences involving Westerners who were drugged by locals while walking alone at night or left unharmed after being robbed before they were able to return safely back to their hotel rooms.

Manta is not your typical tourist destination, but it has an abundance of fantastic seafood restaurants and some lively nightlife. While the beaches may be nothing to write home about, they are still nice. If you’re looking for a break from all that sunbathing during your Costa Rican vacation then this might just be the place for you!

10. Montañita

If you are looking for a true adventure, Montanita is the place to be. Situated in Ecuador’s Coastal Mountain Range, this small town of just under 4,000 people offers up quite the package and it comes as no surprise that it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet.The main attractions include surfing, hiking through cloud forests or exploring waterfalls like those found at El Chaco Canyon National Park. The good vibrations of Montanita are found a couple hours south from Guayaquil. It is made up mostly of lean-to bars and bamboo shacks along the ocean’s edge, with one popular surfing spot that offers board rentals and instructors for surf lessons during the day time . At night it turns into an amazing party scene where Marley & The Wailers play as people do yoga on boulders by the beach

7. Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora is the perfect base from which to explore the incredible natural wonders of Ecuador. You can go hiking on Cerro Blanco, a 5-hour hike up one of the highest mountain peaks in South America. Or you could spend your day watching blue-footed boobies nesting and diving for fish at Isla Lobos de Afuera or snorkeling with sea lions off Cayo Paredon Grande.

A laidback place, Puerto Ayora has a delightful waterfront where you can grab a meal and you’ll often find pelicans, marine iguanas, and sea lions flopping about along the shore. Of course, this is just one of many attractions that draw people to the town; there are also tons of opportunities for water activities like scuba diving or boat trips around nearby islands! Some visitors may want to spend some time at Santa Cruz National Park as well—it’s easy enough to arrange tours from within Puerto Ayora.

6. Tonsupa

Tonsupa is an increasingly popular destination amongst both locals and foreigners. It’s a small fishing village in the Gulf of Thailand that has become one of the most unique tourist destinations on earth. The name “Tonsupa” translates to “fat pig.”

The local people have been fishing for generations, but tourism is now their main source of income. They are so welcoming, they will let you stay with them at their homes as long as you buy them food and drink!

Tonsupa offers a more relaxed environment for those seeking peace and quiet. The coastal town is the perfect destination to enjoy some solitude, with many fine dining options available if you want something other than solo time. If Tonsupa’s peaceful atmosphere becomes too much then just head over to nearby Atacames or go on one of their popular whale watching tours!

5. Salinas

Everyone has a different idea of what beautiful means. For some, it is the rolling hills of Ireland and for others it’s the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. But there are those who find beauty in Salinas, on Mexico’s Pacific coast – which is not only the westernmost city but also a very popular beach resort.

I’ve been to many beaches around the world and I can honestly say that this one takes my breath away every time I visit. The color of the water rivals anything you’ll see on postcards from Hawaii or Jamaica; while at night, the sky twinkles with stars so bright they seem close enough to reach out and touch.

Salinas is a treasure trove of seafood and nightlife. The city also has some excellent restaurants, so if you’re craving something fresh for your taste buds then head to this coastal town. With plenty of sunbathing opportunities on offer, Salinas certainly lives up to its name as the “Salinas Valley City” with high-rise apartments dotting along the coastline and providing stunning views out over Monterey Bay while residents can enjoy great surfing off Carmel Beach or kayaking in Moss Landing State Park.

4. Banos de Agua Santa

Many people are unaware that Banos de Agua Santa is a small town in Ecuador. This city is well known as the home of one of the most interesting sites in all of South America, El Baño del Diablo or The Devil’s Bath. It has been said that this natural spring was created when Jesus Christ threw an emerald on to the earth which then transformed into a beautiful waterfall with healing properties.

Baños is a scenic town in Ecuador known as the “Gateway to the Amazon” due its proximity from rainforest. Surrounded by beautiful forest-coated mountains, plunging waterfalls, and smoky Tungurahua volcano this place is absolutely spectacular with it’s center of touristy cluttered streets full of tour operators and souvenir shops. The best way to experience Baños’ amazing gorges, waterfalls & hot springs that border the city are off these places being quite outside so try mountain biking or hiking an active volcano!

3. Guayaquil

The city of Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and one of the biggest cities on the Pacific coast. The city has about 2 million people living there, which makes it more than double as big as Quito. When you visit Guayaquil, you’ll notice that there are tons of street vendors all over town with their colorful stands and carts and stalls selling everything from jewelry to food.

Guayaquil is a vibrant, teeming city with one of the busiest ports in South America. Ecuador’s economic heart has many different sides to it and the architectural gems can be found not far from glistening malls, modern museums, and towering skyscrapers. Home to a growing arts scene Guayaquil also offers lots of great nightlife on offer as well as a beautiful riverfront promenade for your enjoyment!

2. Cuenca

Cuenca is a city in the Andes of Ecuador that’s an easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of Quito, with many tourists and expats choosing to live here. The city has some great attractions for those who are looking for adventure, such as rafting on the Rio Blanco or climbing up Mount Pichincha. For those who prefer relaxation, there are spas just waiting to be discovered, including La Galeria de Los Temples Termales (Thermal Gallery of Temples).

One of the most beautiful colonial cities in Ecuador, Cuenca is an absolute delight to visit, and wandering around its old cobbled streets that are lined with beautiful churches and balconied buildings will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Dating back to the sixteenth century, the historic center is similar in appearance to that of Quito’s though it has a much more peaceful atmosphere than Quito’s; this difference also translates into less polluted air quality for those visiting! One thing visitors should not miss when they come here would be their opportunity to take pictures by Cuenca New Cathedral where they can admire how integrated Christian architecture was mixed within indigenous design elements during construction

1. Quito

When you think of Ecuador, what comes to mind? If it’s a big city with lots of traffic and pollution then you’re not alone. Quito is the capital city of this South American country and there are many things that make it stand out from other capitals in the world.

Ecuador’s Quito is the highest capital city in the world and its stunning location amidst lofty mountain peaks will just as likely take your breath away with its beauty. The breathtaking scenery of historic buildings, plazas overflowing with vibrantly colored market stalls, leafy parks perfect for a picnic are all within walking distance of one another. Do not miss exploring Ecuador’s beautiful and historically rich Old Town! In addition to architecture worth visiting over again in awe like Casa de la Cultural Ecuadorian or Iglesia de San Juan, there are plenty more cultural sites you can visit such as Plaza Grande which has been an important meeting place since pre-Columbian times; La Mitad del Mundo -which marks where it was

Conclusion: Ecuador is a country that has many cities to explore. This list of the 15 best cities in Ecuador will help you decide where to go next on your travels. So what are the top destinations? Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Cotopaxi National Park, and more! For each city, we discuss some highlights about why it should be considered one of the “best” places in this South American nation. These are among the most popular tourist spots so they must have something going for them. Which city do you think sounds like the right place for you?