City: Ecuador
Top Things to do in Ecuador
Top 10 Free Things to do in Ecuador, Ecuador
Coordinates: 2°00′S 77°30′W / 2.000°S 77.500°W / -2.000; -77.500
Restaurants in Ecuador
1. El Cajas National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,364 reviews
Known for its more than 275 Andean lakes and many waterfalls, this national park is a popular destination for trout fishing, rugged hiking and camping.
Reviewed By Elias_Rovielo - Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil
As this is my last Andean country, I seriously thought if this tour would be worthwhile, the time spent to see the Andes mountains, bush (park) and lakes. I'm glad I didn't hear my mind! The tour has incredible trails around a lagoon with birds and flowers, then we go further up the high mountains to see high altitude lagoons with the reflection of the sky in them, unique high altitude forests and a lot of history. 1) First pond and complete lap around it; 2) The highest top of the park; 3) Another lagoon with a walk in the only high altitude forest; 4) Restaurant with lunch included; This shared tour was contracted with the great travel agency, Deep Ecuador Travel (Cuenca) with the fantastic guide Andrés León.
2. Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,677 reviews
Established in 1536 by Franciscan monks, this magnificent architectural masterpiece features a museum in its convent with art from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States
This is the oldest church in Quito (from the 16th century) and one of the most beautiful. Though one can argue that the Jesuit one is more “uber” than this church, it, nevertheless is “uber-magnificent” also. It is relatively plain from the outside, but its baroque inside explodes and takes your breath away. The main altar and the side altars are beautifully gilded and carved. Its decorated ceilings remind me of a Moorish design, probably coming from Spain. Every inch of the interior is covered with gilt or art. A site that cannot be missed. The admission to the church is free and photos during services are prohibited. The convent and museum next door however, charges a $4 admission fee and has a separate entrance.
3. El Panecillo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,581 reviews
Resembling a type of small bread (panecillo), this hill makes an excellent observation point over Quito and features La Virgen del Panecillo, a majestic sculpture that can be seen from any location in the city.
Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States
This is a hill which overlooks Quito. It is topped with a huge statue of The Virgin Mary and can be seen from the city even at night, when the statue is bathed in white light. The hill (shaped like a loaf of bread) is at Quito’s southern end (close to Old Town) and can be reached by either a city bus or via a cheap Uber ride. There is a restaurant (Pimms) on the top and there is no admission fee. The views of the city from the top are great and, in my opinion, superior to the ones from TeleferiQo. There is a $2 admission should you want to climb the stairs inside the silver aluminum statue of the Virgin. BTW, the City hop-on bus generally makes an extended stop here and you can take some wonderful pictures. A must-see!!
4. Quito Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,785 reviews
This historic district was the first city named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noted for its narrow streets, Spanish colonial architecture and historic attractions.
Reviewed By LidiaK54 - Toronto, Canada
Quito Old Town is exceptionnaly beautiful with ist numerous churches, narrow streets, picturesque squares, amazing views. It's an incredible pleasure discovering it by foot.
5. Cerro Santa Ana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,008 reviews
Like the ugly duckling to swan tale, this once poor area was transformed into a prime tourist attraction – a 465-foot stairway flanked by colorful houses, eateries, gift shops and galleries.
Reviewed By ChristinaS2195 - Brooklyn, United States
Lovely stroll ... or hike ... depending on how you feel about the stairs. Everything there was alive with color and sound. You can easily find a $0.30 bottle of water and a $0.40 ice cream to cool you off!
6. Parque Historico Guayaquil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,664 reviews
It includes 8 hectares divided in three zones: Wild Life, Traditions and Urban - architectural, where the nature, rural and urban aspects are brought together in one concept: encouraging the environment preservation, rescue and promotion of our customs.
Reviewed By erikastanton2012 - San Diego, United States
Parque Histórico was a great place to visit, beautiful combination of history and nature, the staff and food was wonderful, weekends provide shows and demonstrations of culture, we saw cacao, coffee and banana trees, beautiful flowers and animals (rescue animals ) It is a small but it is worth it !
7. Malecon 2000
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,627 reviews
Stretching for several miles along the Rio Guayas, this lively boardwalk is well-patrolled day and night and features small food stands, other eateries and a blend of historic and modern buildings.
Reviewed By iwastheretraveling - Southeast Romania, Romania
Malecon Rio Guayas is the promenade area on the banks of the Guayas River. It is 10 minutes away from Iguana Park and is considered an important part of the city’s identity. Here you can find almost everything you expect from a tourist area: a mall, an amusement park, museums, souvenir shops, even green areas where you can feed birds.
8. Las Grietas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,453 reviews
Reviewed By F336MVjohnd
From Puerto Ayora, take an 80-cent water taxi to Finch Bay, and then a walk past the German beach to get to this strikingly beautiful volcanic fissure that has connected out to the ocean... so it's also a great place for a swim. The water is cold... so you won't regret a wet suit. And do wear the snorkel mask as the view underwater is remarkable, and there are some interesting fish to see as well. The thing to be careful of here is that there are several pools separated by some very sharp and VERY slippery rocks. You CAN cross over them, but my wife and I each got several scrapes and bruises in the process. Also, there is no "life guard on duty". There is a guide who you sign in with at the top of the fissure... but if you need help it will be 10-15 minutes away, so do be careful if you venture past the first pool.
9. Las Penas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,949 reviews
Reviewed By TurfDocNC - Raleigh, United States
While the climb up the 444 steps is a challenge, even for the most agile, it is worth every bit of time to see this quaint neighborhood, the church at the top, and climb up the lighthouse for fantastic views out over the city and river.
10. Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,398 reviews
Reviewed By carlosvelascoteran
We went to Tortuga Bay on 2/21/2020. Day was sunny, warm. We walked from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, which by itself is a nice experience, looking at trees, iguanas and birds. We then got to the area of Tortuga Bay, which by itself has 3 separate segments, Playa Brava, Playa Mansa, and a small lagoon formed by a reef protecting it from the Playa Brava. The experience of swimming around iguanas and small "tintoreras" (sharks) was unbelievable. Water was refreshing. Birds were majestic. We have visited many places in the world, this was one of the best we have seen, highlighted by the successful way in which nature has been protected by the Ecuadorian government.
