Quito is the capital of Ecuador

and a famous city for being in the

Middle of the World

, where the

imaginary equator line

divides the world into equal parts. Nestled in the beautiful Andes Mountains, this eclectic destination has the ability to charm people from all cultures and backgrounds. For some, it's the perfect balance between a vibrant city, astonishing landscapes, and the authenticity of the

Andean region

. For others, it’s an ideal place to enjoy the comfort and trendiness of its wide touristic offer, before or after joining deep explorations in its natural surroundings.

Located at a height of 2.800 m, Quito lies in a wide valley surrounded by volcanoes with snowy peaks that can be seen from different parts of the city during cloudless days. Some of them are on the list of the

highest mountains in the Andes

, such as the Cotopaxi and the Cayambe, and most of them become a must-do for hike lovers visiting the center of the world Ecuador.

Even though this is not the

biggest city in Ecuador

, it is the most visited one and the majority of tourists arrive through Quito Airport, located in the outskirts of the city. If you're planning to visit it, and you're still wondering which are the best things to do in Quito, we advise you to look for the museums and cultural centers – mostly located in Quito's old town and to walk around neighborhoods like La Mariscal or La Carolina, where you can find some of the best hotels of the city and amazing bars and restaurants. Last but not least, plan a whole day for visiting the Middle of the World monument and its natural surroundings.

Located in the

southern Andean region of Ecuador,

Cuenca is known to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country and an acclaimed destination for expats. In the last decade, over 8 thousand foreign people –mostly from the USA and Europe- have moved to this special location, nestled close to the beautiful Andean highlands.

There are so many things to do in Cuenca. That's why Ecuador tour packages always include it. Actually, we can definitely stand out as some of the highlights that you shouldn't miss for the world. Walking around the historical center will help us understand why it's considered the most European city in the country. Places like the Old Cathedral of Cuenca, the Main Square, the Monastery of El Carmen, or the City Hall, maintain an almost intact colonial architecture, and the sight of these magnificent buildings with the

Andes Mountains

behind them will surely take your breath away.

Close to the area, you will also find Long Street (Calle Larga), where some of the best hotels in Cuenca are located, as well as a number of innovative and multicultural bars and restaurants. In the middle of this variety, there's a museum that treasures the ancient ruins of the enigmatic constructions that the Cañaris and the Incas built in the area. Plus, the biggest archaeological complex in Ecuador, is located a couple of hours from Cuenca.

But Cuenca is much more than urban and cultural fun. Actually, the city borders the

Cajas National Park

, which is one of the

best places in Ecuador

to explore and be amazed by the beauty of the Andes and the paramo ecosystem. So, if you were wondering what to do in Cuenca, by now you must have a pretty busy schedule!

Ecuador Mountains

are one of the country’s most famous attractions, and the ones located around the city of Otavalo are visited by tourists from all over the world due to their beauty and accessibility. Many cities in Ecuador share a similar view of their surroundings, consisting of colorful Andean Mountains, and Otavalo is not an exception. But what makes this destination a unique experience for foreign visitors, is that the ancestral culture of otavaleños remains alive and progressing.

The Otavalo market, where communities from all around the area sell their traditional tapestry, cloth, musical instruments, jewelry, artwork, and much more, has become the insignia of this destination. It used to open only on the weekends in the square of Los Ponchos, but now it can be visited every day of the week. Around it, you may find some of the most popular Otavalo hotels, as well as restaurants with delicious traditional food. An Otavalo tour will surely include a long visit to this attraction, along with an adventure experience tour for those seeking to experience genuine activities in the Andes. So be prepared for things like taking a walk around the Lakes Cuicocha and San Pablo, exploring other traditional villages, visiting a condor rescue center, or even spending time in the more colonial capital city of the province – Ibarra, Ecuador.

Baños, Ecuador was probably the first city in the country that stood out as a naturalist and adventure destination. It lies next to the Tungurahua volcano, which has been active since 1992, and its surroundings boast amazing hot springs that inspired the name “Baños de Agua Santa” or Holy Water Baths. The place is also crossed by two rivers, one of them being the Pastaza River which goes all the way to Peru through the Amazon Rainforest. In its fast-flowing waters, you can enjoy sports like rafting, kayaking, and waterfall rappelling. Other adventure activities around Baños include hiking in the Andes, horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing. For the most reckless ones, camping close to the volcano crater is also available and can be an unforgettable experience.

The city of Baños has also interesting attractions for those looking for a more peaceful routine. Many foreign people have moved here, as well as those from other parts of Ecuador, and their contribution to the local culture can be tasted in the delicious restaurants and bars, as well as cozy and comfortable hotels and lodges. This destination can be a perfect stop if you’re on your way to visit the highest volcano in Ecuador - Chimborazo, which is also the highest point on earth, and also a great way to continue your exploration of the Andean Region if you come from visiting Cotopaxi and Quilotoa.

The Mindo Cloud Forest is becoming one of the favorite destinations for nature, adventure, and ecotourism lovers. This breathtaking scenery is home to more than 500 species of birds, 90 species of butterflies, 45 species of reptiles, and 200 species of orchids, and it’s crossed by five different rivers. Such an amazing gathering of life, cannot be missed by those wanting to discover a new paradise out of the beaten tracks. Only a decade ago, the people of the area were still figuring out how to develop tourism. Nowadays, there are so many things to do in Mindo, Ecuador that you can spend a week in this paradise without even getting close to boredom. For example, if you’re an adrenaline seeker the rivers and waterfalls make perfect scenarios for activities like tubing and rappelling. Or if you prefer flying, doing some Mindo canopy while appreciating the majesty of the valley can be the highlight of your trip.

Bird-watching and naturalist activities are also included in almost all Mindo tours, and you shouldn’t miss them for the world! In fact, being able to spot more than 20 different species of hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, and woodpeckers on the same day, is something that will easily stay in your memory and heart. Mindo is located 2 hours from Quito and it’s a part of the

Chocó Andino Region of Ecuador

, recently declared a

Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO

. This area goes from the Andean Highlands of the Pichincha Volcano to the tropical lands that border the Ecuador coast.