Ecuador is a wonderful country to visit. It offers the visitor a dazzling array of things to see and do. Below is a general overview of some of the places important to tourism in Ecuador.

Despite the small size of this Andean country, Ecuador is one of the most interesting destinations in South America. Visitors to this country have the chance to climb volcanoes, trek through rainforests, see indigenous people, admire colonial architecture, plus much more.

Below is a list of just some of the interesting places within Ecuador.

Quito: A great place to begin your exploration of Ecuador. It has been remarked that Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America. Resting at an altitude of 9,000 ft, the climate is comfortable throughout the year. The city is home to a vibrant commercial district full of restaurants and interesting shops. Nearby is the colonial section, which is home to churches, plazas and beautiful buildings. The city itself is also a great jumping off point to other parts of Ecuador.

Otavalo: Just north of Quito, this town is famous for its market. You can find everything from word carvings, textiles to animals for sale in the market. A must see stop for any traveler to Ecuador.

Volcanoes: Ecuador is home to some impressive volcanoes. Heading south out of Quito one enters the "Avenue of the Volcanoes". The scenery in this area is spectacular and of course is home to some of Ecuador’s more famous volcanoes. This part of Ecuador is also home to countless small communities and markets. A wonderful place to visit on a weekend.

Archaeological Sites: While not as famous as Peru for archaeological sites, Ecuador still has some fascinating sites that are worth a visit. The most important sites are Ingapirca, Rumicucho, La Tolita and Tomebamba.

Banos: This city is located in a beautiful stretch of the Andes. Its name comes from some nearby springs and is a great jumping off point for areas of the Andean highlands. Around this city travelers can find excellent hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, plus much more.

Cuenca: This city is Ecuador’s third largest city. The city still has a nice colonial feel. You will find some beautiful architecture in this lovely city. Definitely a city worth a visit.

Galapagos Islands: These are some of the most impressive islands found anywhere in the world. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are made up of 12 main islands. Only Isabela and San Cristobal are inhabited. The rest of the islands are home to a dazzling area of flora and fauna.