What are the most beautiful, must see towns in Ecuador?

Question

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think  is Quito , for the middle of the world , then Otavalo  there is the  indian market :)

My suggestion is  

http://www.iloveecotourism.com/eng/ecuad...

Lucky

Answer 2

Quito - great city, lots of culture and variety of architecture.  The government is based there, so you can see the white house, etc.  If you have a chance, take a trip on the Teleferiqo, it takes you about 14000 feet and the view is absolutely amazing!  There also some churches to visit and the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Otovalo is also great, the indigenous Indians have a huge market there, great place to buy souvenirs, but also just good to see how the locals live.  There is a volcano lake near the city which is beautiful and provides a nice place to hike, or just to sight see.

I would also recommend going to the coast.  Atacames has a nice beach and plenty of folks selling goods, it can feel a bit like a tourist haven (though the native folks from the mountain areas also like to go there on the weekends).  Muisne is a very secluded island beach town that provides a beautiful beach and almost no tourists.  You can rent horses from some of the locals and ride along the beach.

You will have a wonderful time, Ecuadorians are some of the nicest people I've ever met!

Answer 3

It depends what time of the year and how willing you are to push the limits of safe areas as opposed to not so safe. My firm recommendation would be Baños...it's a semi tropical town that boasts the best natural springs in the country - if you visit you must take bathe in the medicinal and naturally heated waters. Ambato is also very beautiful, it is most famous for being the main exporter of beautiful roses. It has a year around temperature that is perfect for growing them and also for fine fruits. On the coast, one of the best ethnic beaches is Esmeraldas (means 'Emeralds')...with it's lush green tropical temperatures and vast history. You will be forgiven for thinking you have ventured into Africa - it was an area where African slaves were brought over and they settled there. The food there is fantastic...as is the dancing on the beaches!

If you venture into the Oriente (the jungle) don't be put off by the many oil exploration companies that monopolose this area. In the semi oriente area you will come across the Mindo rain forest where you can find many examples of Orchids and beautiful flora and fauna (check the link below) - also it is very safe. Zamora in the Oriente proper is also a good area from which to go walking/ hiking (as long as you are part of a guided group).

For jetsetting on the coast try Salinas. With it's affluence and million dollar houses it's a stark contrast to Esmeraladas.

Be aware of the climate - both the coast and oriente can be excrutiatingly hot during the southern hemisphere 'winter'. Though Quito and the mountain areas are temperate all year round due to their Equatorial location.