Photo by pantxorama.
Ecuador is a country with incredible natural sights and historic attractions. Retirees and expats will discover a new marvel on a daily basis. Here are five must-sees for every expat in Ecuador.
Galápagos Islands
As you probably know, Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos in 1835, and his observation of the islands’ species inspired his theory of evolution. The Galápagos offer adventures on the land and sea, as well a huge variety of wildlife, including iguanas and sea lions.
The islands are home to fantastic beaches. The longest one is the white and sandy Puerto Villamil Beach on Isabela Island. Nobody should miss out on a visit to one of the world’s most undisturbed natural habitats.
Cotopaxi Volcano
The Cotopaxi Province itself is a marvel with its spectacular landscape. Without a doubt, the Cotopaxi Volcano, the second-highest summit in Ecuador and the world’s highest active volcano, is one of the gems in the region. It is possible to take part in hiking excursions or mountain bike rides to the Cotopaxi glacier and up Volcán Pasachoa.
If, however, visitors do not want to scale the volcano, they can go horseback riding or relax in a hammock at a hostel and drink in the peaceful atmosphere.
Quilotoa Loop
The Quilotoa Loop is quite the stunning Andean sight. First, an awesome bus ride through mountain passes, past shepherds and their flocks, gets you to this destination. Quilotoa, a beautiful crater lake, exists in perfect splendor, surrounded by tiny Andean villages with a rich cultural heritage. The village itself has welcoming hostels, quaint shops, and cozy restaurants, plus friendly, genuine people.
Basílica del Voto Nacion
This Quito cathedral, the largest neo-gothic basilica in the Americas, is enthralling on different levels. The structure shows splendid characteristics of European architecture. Actually, the basilica´s façade looks similar to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. With its impressive stained glass and tile design, as well as two clock towers, and a wooden plank bridge which crosses over the sanctuary, the basilica is beautiful — but unfinished; there’s a superstition that the world will end if it’s completed.
Cuyabeno National Reserve
This diverse jungle area is a natural wonder and popular attraction. The Cuyabeno National Reserve has more than 450 species of fish, over 500 bird types, and all kinds of flora and fauna. Guided tours allow visitors to travel by canoe deep into the Amazon and get close to the animals.
3 Responses
Your Comment— great articles. i made selections and will be sure to follow them up. thank you!
when in Quito a must see is the gold church all the gold was brought up from the west side by donkeys and pounded thin by the monks and applied to all the walls and ceilings in the church . absolutely breathtaking
What an amazing article on what to do in Ecuador! I loved reading your post. I included a link to your article in my most recent blog post. I would love if you checked it out when you have time.
http://followyourarrowadventures.com/top-5-travel-bucket-list/