Our favorite Ecuador travel photos

Off-the-beaten path South America

Quiet, unassuming Ecuador is a relatively undiscovered gem in Latin America. But with luscious mountains, a beautiful coast and plenty of authentic culture still to see, Ecuador is an off-the-beaten path destination that deserves some attention.

Inspiring photos of Ecuador

It got us dreaming up an Ecuador vacation, so we’re sharing some of our photos to highlight Ecuador’s most stunning destinations.

Volcanoes and natural baths in Baños
Tucked into a scenic Andean mountain valley and brimming with waterfalls and natural hot springs, Baños is the ideal destination for travelers seeking equal parts adventure and leisure. From mountain biking to volcano climbing to luxurious relaxation in the natural baths (baños) after which the town is named, adrenaline junkies are sure to get their fix, but travel to Baños also provides the opportunity to kick up your feet and revel in the tranquil surroundings.

Colonial Cuenca
This beautiful city was once the second seat of the Inca Empire, built with the intention to rival the magnificence of Cusco. The chronicles of the conquest tell of temples sheathed in gold and overflowing with precious metals, but when the Spanish conquistadors arrived, they found only a city abandoned. Today, Cuenca’s architecture bears the influence of later Spanish settlement, including cobblestone streets, majestic cathedrals, and elegant colonial houses. Gorgeous and charming, Cuenca will fascinate travelers interested in deep history and culture mixed with a good measure of Ecuadorean modernity.

Cosmopolitan Guayaquil
With its cosmopolitan flair and bustling energy, the wholly modern Guayaquil never fails to captivate travelers. This is the place to go to sample the best of Ecuador’s outstanding cuisine, such as encebollado, churrasco, and ceviche. The Malecón, a boardwalk on the banks of the Guayas River, is the social heart and symbolic center of the city – a visit here is a must for any Guayaquil travel plan.

Natural wonders on the Galapagos Islands
It’s perhaps fitting that we have pictures, because words alone cannot capture the astounding natural splendor you will experience on a Galapagos tour. Whether you are island hopping or embarking on a Galapagos cruise, a firsthand encounter with the diversity of flora and fauna in this exceptional ecosystem is guaranteed to build memories that will last a lifetime.

Articles, videos and more

Websites, articles and photos
Ecuador official tourist website: http://ecuador.travel/en/

Banos:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/central-highlands/banos
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g312857-Banos_Tungurahua_Province-Vacations.html

Guayaquil:http://www.examiner.com/article/a-short-cruise-on-the-guayas-river

Cuenca:
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/americans-find-retirement-paradise-ecuador/story?id=19187268
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dQt4bR89W0

Galapagos:
http://animals.nationalgeographic.co.uk/animals/photos/animals-of-the-galapagos/
http://www.aboutgalapagos.com/animals/
http://worldwildlife.org/places/the-galapagos
http://animals.about.com/od/habitatprofiles/ig/Animals-of-the-Galapagos/

Plan your trip to Ecuador

Choose from our exciting range of packages at www.galapagosforless.com, or contact one of our expert travel advisors to custom-make your own trip.

Anabel Mota

Anabel has been exploring the length and width of South America since 2010. Ditching preconceptions, settling into the local pace, and embracing the unexpected are the tenets of her philosophy of travel – and life.