City: Ecuador
Top Things to do in Ecuador
The 10 Best Bodies of Water in Ecuador, Ecuador
Coordinates: 2°00′S 77°30′W / 2.000°S 77.500°W / -2.000; -77.500
Restaurants in Ecuador
1. Darwin Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Teeming with wildlife, this scenic bay is named for Charles Darwin, the famous scientist and naturalist who created the Origin of Species theory.
Reviewed By SFO45
We made a wet landing from our panga off the Santa Cruz II at Darwin Bay, and immediately saw a shark in the shallow water. We took a short hike in the area of the landing (populated by sea lions on the beach), and immediately saw frigate birds with their red chests puffed out, and boobies and chicks. Some people in our group went snorkeling off the beach, but conditions were rough. Earlier, our kids went kayaking around Darwin Bay, and with the rough water everyone got drenched. This trip was in June, which has rough water.
2. Laguna Grande
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 182 reviews
Located in the Cuyabeno National Park, this large lake is a popular site for admiring ancient trees, giant palms, orchids and many species of birds and monkeys.
Reviewed By Jamielills22 - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Really cool place to go for a dip. The sunsets here were awesome. The red sun one night was really cool. Went caiman watching here in the evening which we saw some every night as well as snakes.
3. Jondachi River
4. Laguna Quilotoa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,194 reviews
Reviewed By nowshiva - Lismore, Australia
We hired a car, from Quito. Much better than dealing with buses etc. The roads are really good. Signs are non-existent - have your maps on your phone to guide you. Also, a tip, download a map from Maps.me for offline use, of Quilotoa. Ok, so you arrive in the town, park, and then you have some choices. You can wander around a little, you can go down to the water - hire a kayak, or just hang out. Its a steep walk back up that hill, but I believe you may be able to hire a donkey to take you back up. We chose to hike around the crater. 11km. Its almost 4,000m, so be aware thats its really hard work. Worth carrying a cannister of oxygen, which you can buy in Quito for $30. The winds are REALLY strong. So you need something to cover your ears. Hiking we warmed up, but you need clothes at the ready. It took us 6 hours, with some breaks and lunch. Bring your food and water - nothing on the route. We took the advice and went counter clockwise. There some hills to climb - a lot, and one is up and up. The path is dusty, scrabble. Very narrow in places (like, 1m), with steep cliffs falling steeply away on either side. Not for the faint hearted! It was a fantastic experience. But extremely tiring - its like walking twice the distance at sea level. Worth doing, but be prepared for an intense time. The wind was very strong, the whole day. There are some choices - at times, you can go exactly up the ride. Other times, you can go around the sides of the hills, either on the outside or inside. We started at 10am. You wouldnt want to start much later than that, if you are going to do the whole loop. We met one guy who does it regularly, who claims he can do it in 4 hours, but thats serious power walking, and knowing what you are doing. The alternative is that you might walk for say 2 hours, and then retrace your steps. I am quite fit, but by the end, I felt a little dizzy. Very satsifying though.
5. Laguna La Toreadora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
With some phantasy you could imagine this lagoon to be a bullring as it has a similar shape, but there the comparison stops. The lagoon near Las Cajas park entrance is a heaven for peace and quiet seekers. The trail circumventing it is about 3.5 km (just over two miles). Altitude is around 3900m (just under 13,000 feet). Ideal for a pleasant walk, though come prepared as weather conditions could change abruptly at these altitudes. Rain, snow, fog, wind, slippery terrain are part of adventure in the highlands. Better on weekdays, as during the weekend many locals from Cuenca and Guayaquil may visit. No admission fee. The lagoon is part of Las Cajas National Park.
6. Nangaritza River
7. Waterfall of Cariacu
8. Rio Tomebamba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 975 reviews
Separating the colonial section from the modern residential areas of the town of Cuenca, this river features scenic walking paths along its north bank and several Inca ruins.
Reviewed By jandag2019 - Cuenca, Ecuador
Tree-lined walkway with nice walking and biking paths. Some restaurants and cafes along the side, with great views of the Barranco, the hillside housing the old colonial buildings. Plus, some nice spots to stop and sit on the grass or on a bench. Cool and quiet respite below the hustle and bustle of Calle Larga. Very safe during the daylight hours. Better for two or more after dark.
9. Canal del Amor
10. Laguna Cuicocha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 844 reviews
Located west of the Chota River, this extinct eroded volcano is best known for its deep crater lake and two lava islands.
Reviewed By shoellr - Cotacachi, Ecuador
The Cuicocha lagoon is located south of the city of Cotacahi, passing a town called Quiroga, you can go by car or hire a truck in the town of Quiroga, the road to the lagoon is paved and in very good condition, the trip From the center of the city to the lagoon it takes about half an hour and about fifteen minutes from Quiroga, once there you can see the huge lagoon from different viewpoints, formerly it was called the lagoon of the gods by the natives, it is a crater volcanic located at the base of the main mountain of the city called Cotacachi volcano, its waters are beautiful and of a dark blue in the middle of the lagoon there are two islets. The first islet is called Teodoro Wolf, and the second is called Jose Maria Yerovi, in these two islets there is a great variety of native flowers of the area such as orchids and mosses there are also animals such as ducks, rabbits and foxes. Gas bubbles emerge from the depths of the lake due to volcanic activity. There is an earthen path that surrounds the lagoon it is possible to walk along the path and it takes about 3 hours to go around the lagoon, in this path you will be able to see a large number of unique flowers of the province and if you are lucky any animal, I would recommend you going with a guide in the area because the path has many ways and you can get lost in the mountains, there are many activities that you can do in the lagoon such as the boat ride, It is one of the most incredible experiences of this visit, because you can observe the purity of its waters, and feel the cold wind that circulates inside the crater, you can also appreciate the vegetation and wildlife up close. The two islets are covered in 25 minutes. In the smallest there is a Virgin, vestiges of an abandoned inn and a path that can be accessed with permission from the Ministry of the Environment. Upon entering the place you will find some craft stalls with leather items such as: wallets, purses, belts, suitcases, shoes, clothing, among others, woolen fabrics and more. There is also an interpretation center located 200 meters from the entrance of the Cuicocha lagoon, it has educational information about the Reserve. In addition, there is an auditorium, in which environmental education talks are given; a small botanical garden, where you can appreciate the different species of flora that the area has. If you want to eat there is a small restaurant where they offer typical dishes of the area, they also offer you hot drinks after returning from the boat, the weather is very cold so I would recommend you to wear warm clothes when you go there, however it is a wonderful experience and a beautiful place, hope to return very soon.
