Let’s Plan for Long Stunning Holidays on the Small Land of Ecuador

The territory of Ecuador is ranked as the second smallest country in the South America, but even on this small land, you will be astonished to see the natural diversity that has no match anywhere else on the globe. Someone will question that what will be there for a tourist in this small country? My friend, I would only say that go to Ecuador and see yourself and you will get rid of your this opinion in just a day! This is because in just a single day, you can explore much astonishing sights in Ecuador, but much more is there here on offer that you will be confused deciding for each day where to go, when, and how it is Ecuador.

Within a day, you can explore the Amazon Basin and the glaciated Andean volcanoes, hang out at the cool markets and do shopping, or run all the way with binoculars to spot monkeys in the Amazon jungles of Ecuador. For natural lovers, this is simply the ideal place with many orchids, birds, plants, insects, tropical forests, and Andean grasslands in Ecuador.

For the adventurous, mountaineering and trekking are challenging; while for the cultural and architectural fans, there is much to explore in Ecuador.

Ecuador Tourist Attractions

Quito

This is the capital city covering the scenic Andean valley and holding volcanic peaks – the entire land forms a breathtaking environment. Its historical colonial center, ‘old town’, is designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. The old and new town are just at 20 minutes walk from each other. After a huge restoration work since 2006, the city has retained back its past glory in form of its rebuilt churches, theaters, and other monuments. Here, I visited the following places.

• Arco de la Reina:
  This is the 18th century huge arch that provides shade to the worshippers of the church. On one of its sides, the Museo de la Ciudad holds the wonderful San Juan de Dios hospital, while on the other, the Monasterio de Carmen Alto – an active convent is a site to behold.

• Avenida Amazonas:
  This is the contemporary attractive street whose start is marked by a sole stone archway. Located at the north end of Parque El Ejido, it is the key pathway of the Mariscal Sucre area offering hotels, souvenir stores, travel agencies, and restaurants.
• Basílica del Voto Nacional:
  Located atop a hill in the northeast of the old town, this basilica was constructed over several decades since 1926. Turtles and iguanas sticking to its side, the church’s main attraction is the towers that allow you to climb via a shaky wooden plank and sheer stairs with ladders.

• Capilla de Cantuna:
  Located to the left of the Monastery of San Francisco, this offers the ideal art collection from the Quito School. According to the legend, the builder Cantuña was to vend his soul to a devil who would aid in completing the church within time. However, before the midnight of his deadline day, the builder took away a single stone rendering it incomplete. Using this trick, the builder saved his soul.
• Capilla del Hombre:
  This is a huge monument that pays homage to the humankind, suffering of Latin America’s poor, and to the never-disappearing hope of better happening. Split into ‘three’ parts, the museum displays the precolonial, colonial, and modern themes of the Guayasamín’s occupation whose Chapel Of Man forms among the most vital works in South America.

• Cathedral:
  Located on southwest of the plaza, this is the latest painted cathedral offering some beautiful religious paintings of many famous artists of the city. Check out for the elaborate tomb of Mariscal Sucre – the prime character of the city’s independence and the statue of Juan José Flores, first president, to the main altar’s left.
• Centro Cultural Itchimbia:
  Located on a hill in the east of old town, its green land offers beautiful views of the city, perfect picnic spot, and the 360-degree views. The main attraction here is the Centro Cultural Itchimbia – a huge glass and iron building that holds art exhibits and cultural programs. You can even find cycling and walking paths here.

• Centro Cultural Metropolitano:
  Located off the Plaza Grande, this wonderful restored building was inaugurated in 2000. Now a hub of cultural activities, its display are mostly of art items. In addition, it also hosts ideal art shows on the key interior patio. Further, there are two additional patios and rooftop terraces along with an auditorium, library, and a pleasant cafe.
• Church of Santo Domingo:
  Visit this 17th century church in the evening when it is spectacularly lit on the southeast of the Santo Domingo Plaza besides the southwest tip of Calle Guayaquil. The plaza is usually crowded with street performers, clowns, and magicians along with the locals.

• Guapulo:
  Take up the route of Avenida 12 de Octubre to the hill from the Mariscal to reach Hotel Quito. Behind this, descend the sheer stairs taking you down to the other side to the ancient Guápulo. This is a scenic excursion where you will find rickety homes meeting the colonial white homes with terra-cotta-tile roofs. In the middle, the strange looking bohemian cafe ensures a relaxing halt.
• Jardín Botánico:
  Opened in 2005, this park offers over 300 plant and tree species along with a spectacular orquideario (orchid greenhouse) holding 1000 orchid species. There is a small admission fee.
• La Compañía de Jesús:
  This is the most beautiful church in the nation that is crowned by green-gold domes and adorned by walls of seven tons of gold. Located around the corner from Church of El Sagrario, its domes are visible even from the Plaza San Francisco.

• La Merced:
  Located two blocks northwest of the Plaza Grande, this church laid its construction in 1700 that was over in 1742. Its 47 m high tower is the highest one in the city along with the largest bell. According to the legend, the tower is only unblessed and that it is owned by the devil.
• Mariscal Sucre Area:
  Only called as the ‘Mariscal,’ it is the neighbor of Avenidas 10 de Agosto, Cristóbal Colón, 12 de Octubre, and Patria. This is important for you to knowas all travel related information is obtained from here. On Avenida 12 de Octubre towards the south of the Mariscal, the Museo Amazónico and Museo de Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño are worth visiting.
• Monastery of San Francisco:
  Just take a walk from the old town’s colonial lanes until the open Plaza San Francisco. This is among the most memorable experience here. The paved plaza is the home of the two bell towers of the nation’s oldest church, the Monastery of San Francisco. This monastery is simply scenic with the views of this big plaza and its mountainous setting of Volcán Pichincha.

• Monastery of Santa Catalina:
  Located south of San Agustín, this is an active convent and monastery that was inaugurated in 2005. Established in 1592, today, 20 nuns stay inside to make and sell all natural products including shampoos, nonalcoholic wine, and hand cream. They get only an hour to talk with each other. Do feel lucky to buy these items made by the sacred hands from a turning door.

Best Time to Visit Ecuador

Peak Season: Mid-December to January and June to August

Ecuador Accommodation

• Chicago Hostal (Hotel) – $14
• Hotel Majestic Quito (2 star Hotel) – $20
• Hotel Cayman – $42
• Hostal Santa Barbara (4 star Hotel) – $54