Ecuador travel
Tourist attractions in Ecuador
Explore the tourist attractions of Ecuador.
Cotacachi volcano
This volcano has been the subject of numerous visits and scientific studies by well-known geologists such as Wolf, Wimper, Stubel and La Condamine. It is the only volcano with the presence of snow in the province, it is called Huarmi Raso or Cerro Hembra by the Quechua people. This volcano currently shows small signs of activity that are visible on a boat tour. Its name is derived from a language of pre-Inca origin "Tsui cocha" or "lagoon of the gods". The waters of the Cuicocha volcano come from the melting of the Cotacachi. There is no appreciable activity in this volcano, the activity is currently limited only to the Cuicocha volcanic caldera, a few kilometers to the south. Where you can see gas emanations from the bottom of the lagoon. In the decades between 1960 and 1980, ice sellers from Cotacachi climbed the volcano with espadrilles and without any protection against the sun and cold looking for snow deposits. Location It is located in the northern highlands, in the western chain of the Andes mountain range. Recommendations It is recommended to wear warm clothes because of the weather, which is a bit cold. Bring drinking water, comfortable and strong shoes, preferably trekking shoes. Ecotourists are recommended to bring warm clothing for cold weather, rubber boots, repellent, raincoat, camping equipment, flashlight, and food with high energy content. Bring a first aid kit and disinfectant medications. It is important that before traveling you inform yourself about the Park, characteristic resources, conditions, stay recommendations, etc.
61.84 Km.
Columns of tangan
These are carved rocks from pre-Hispanic times, which occupy four hectares and measure 400 meters high. Cotopaxi is full of places, magical, mythical places, but, above all, enigmatic. One of them is the columns of Tangan, which are rocks arranged one on top of the other, perfectly uniform. Although they are of natural origin, the human hand has also passed through them. Some historians maintain that it may have been that of the Incas. The columns are in the most recondite of the urban parish of the Sigchos canton, in the province of Cotopaxi and were discovered seven years ago. Before, nobody knew them, except for the people who lived near the San Marcos hacienda, the closest inhabited place to the place. According to archaeological studies from 1997, there are pre-Hispanic remains in that area that perhaps belonged to the Sigchilas and later to the Incas. This natural resource is made up of several cliffs on the eastern flank of the cloud forest and is approximately 400 meters wide forming a winding "U" with an approximate height of the rock walls of 100 to 120 meters, these permissible and clean rock walls are ideal for the execution of the activity of rock climbing and hiking. Currently it takes only 15 minutes to reach the columns. In addition, a restaurant, sport fishing, camping area, inn house and trails were adapted.
68.61 Km.
El Boliche National Recreation Area
It is located next to the Cotopaxi National Park. El Boliche is known for its pine and cypress plantation, which covers 200 hectares and has almost completely replaced the paramo. The first trees were planted in 1928 in what was the Romerillos hacienda, with the idea of recovering the eroded soils and "reforesting" the moor. Those were other times: today it is known that these plantations affect the soil and the biodiversity of this ecosystem, and that the páramo does not need to be filled with trees. Next to this area is the "El Boliche" Station of the Ecuadorian Railway Company and, thanks to this, hundreds of visitors arrive every weekend to tour the attractions offered by this protected area. Location It is located next to the Cotopaxi National Park, in the parish of Mulalo, 27 km from Machachi and 30 km north of Latacunga. Continuing along the Pan-American highway, a sign indicates the entrance, you have to travel 3 km more along a carriageway. recommendations Wear warm clothes, rain poncho or waterproof sweater in case of rain or drizzle. Appropriate footwear, type half-round boots in case of walks.
68.95 Km.
San Miguel Arcángel viewpoint
You can see the entire city of Ibarra with its population growth, direct view of Cerro Imbabura, Guayabillas Protected Forest, view from the left side towards the Yahuarcocha lagoon; deforested slopes. San Miguel Arcángel is considered by the residents the patron saint and guardian of Villa de San Miguel de Ibarra. The image of the Archangel San Miguel is located on the Alto de Reyes hill in the Priorato neighborhood. The image of the Archangel Saint Michael is 13 meters and its base is 9 meters. The area is surrounded by a gazebo, which form a complex. How to get? By car on Vía Yurachucito, in Loma Alto de Reyes in the Priorato district, 15 minutes from the center of the city of Ibarra.
72.19 Km.
Cuicuno Sanctuary
The Cuicuno church has a central nave and is crossed by a side nave at the height of the atrium. On that site the church was built around the image. The sanctuary is visited by faithful from all over the country and has a certain connection with San Gonzalo de la Capilla de la Medalla Milagrosa in Ambato. Relationship in which popular religiosity and even paganism is presented. The diffusion of the dedication to the Lord of the Cuicuno Tree is a phenomenon that increases day by day, in the provisional sphere with emphasis on the believers of the inter-Andean region. This tree is associated with the native ancestors, that is, the mallqui. Which in turn are related to the native celebration of the Dead. Tradition points out that around 1670 a quishwar tree or also known as the Tree of God was cut down and to the amazement of the faithful and clerics, a figure of Christ was found. This is the origin of the devotion to the Lord of the Cuicuno Tree. This Sanctuary was built in the 16th century, and belonged to the Rovayo family. In the same place, an Indian from Guápulo (Quito) bought two “stables” (Spanish area measure) from the same family, to plant the “Quishwar” tree there, also known as the tree of God. This tree is associated with the native ancestors, that is, the Mallqui. Which in turn are related to the native celebration of the dead. Location The Cuicuno Sanctuary is located 13 kilometers from the Saquisilí canton.
72.80 Km.
Yahuarcocha Lagoon
Yahuarcocha or Yaguarcocha, means "Lake of Blood" and is derived from the Quichua yaguar=blood and cocha=lake. This lagoon is surrounded by hills and natural viewpoints, it presents an environment of crops, farms and indigenous lands framed by the Angochagua mountain range. This lagoon is believed to have formed in the Pleistocene around 10,000 BC. C. and is of glacial origin. The natural beauty of its landscape and the organization of international automobile competitions, especially in the month of September of each year at the racetrack, have promoted the development of tourism. There is a Dock Bar service, boat rides and sport fishing, especially at night. The National Institute of Cultural Heritage declared Yahuarcocha as the third sacred lagoon in Ecuador. Yahuarcocha lagoon how to get there If you and your family or friends are in the city of Quito, then it is very easy to get to Lake Yahuarcocha, by car it will take about two hours from the city of Quito, and if you want to travel by bus, you will arrive in about two hours and a half. The Yahuarcocha Lagoon is located in the Imbabura Province, 4 kilometers from the city of Ibarra.
74.24 Km.
Zaracay Park
Since its inception, Parque Zaracay has witnessed the civic, social, political and religious events that mark the development of the city of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. At the beginning, this park was made up of a square and a national ball court where small houses were located around it. It is one of the most famous in Santo Domingo due to its original relief and its numerous attractions. In the center of the park stands the enigmatic figure of Joaquín Zaracay, a plaque on the site indicates that the name was given in "tribute to the first shaman of the Tsáchila ethnic group". Address Downtown Santo Domingo, Av. Quito and Tsáchila
76.86 Km.
Cotacachi National Park - Cayapas
This natural treasure, with a high scenic and landscape potential, is located approximately two hours from Quito. To get to the Upper Zone, take the Panamericana Norte to the city of Cotacachi, from there, continue for 12 kilometers of paved road until you enter the protected area. This protected area was created on August 29, 1968 and has an area of 243,638 hectares. “This nature reserve has several tourist facilities that attract the user. We have activities such as hiking, boat rides, lodging, food and guiding services from the surrounding communities”. Currently, the Public Tourism Company of Cotacachi has under its administration the lodging cabins, the restaurant and the boat ride. Location Located in the provinces of Esmeraldas and Imbabura, it constitutes one of the most important conservation areas in the world, as it belongs to the Chocó Biogeographical Region, a neotropical natural corridor with great biodiversity. Hours of Service Reserve Cotacachi- Cayapas Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost Ecological Reserve Cotacachi-Cayapas Admission is free
77.59 Km.
Linares Petroglyphs
In this site, by taking a short tour you can see native vegetation, birds, butterflies, pure and fresh water, as well as numerous stones of different shapes and colors. Also in this place if you like you can take a refreshing bath, take pictures and rest in peace without danger on a rock in the middle of the Cauchillo River. In this place the temperatures are high, the rainfall is constant and the humidity is high. Its vegetation is exuberant, as well as its fauna. Immense protected territories and various indigenous nationalities coexist with their own distinct traditions and customs. Location LinaresThis site is located 3 km from the city of El Chaco, on the road that leads to the parish of Linares, on the banks of the El Cuchillo River. History The petroglyphs of the Cauchillo River were discovered in 1951 by Mr. Rafael Zarria. The interpretation of this kind of archaeological remains is enigmatic, not only due to the lack of studies, but also because of the symbolism it contains, although it seems that they performed a commemorative, indicative, or ritual role. Other theories hold that the petroglyphs were made by shamans in an altered state of consciousness. One of the differences between pretorglyphs from other regions is the type of stone on which the figures are carved, it is not the typical granulated graphite, in this case the rock is solid. It must have taken a long time to carve it on one side and it has a greater projection of permanence in time, it is next to a mighty river, the Cauchillo, among other details.
77.60 Km.
Father Julio Marrero Botanical Garden
The Carolina Botanical Garden, considered one of the largest in Ecuador. It is a protected area, intended for contemplation and research. The climate favors the development of native Amazonian trees and lowland epiphyte species of the Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae and Araceae families. The La Carolina Botanical Garden, currently known as the Padre Julio Marrero Botanical Garden, is a botanical garden, palmetum and orchid garden, owned by the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. Location Juan Eulogio Paz y Miño Cooperative Business hours Tuesday to Sunday from 08:30-16:30 Prices RATES (INCLUDING PARKING) Adults $1.50 Children $1.50 TOURIST GROUPS Nationals - Foreigners $1.00 STUDENT GROUPS Children - Youth $1.00
78.70 Km.
Bomboli Viewpoint
Ubicado en la provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas es un ícono turístico con el paso de los años se ha vuelto más atractivo para propios y visitantes, este cerro además de ser un maravilloso mirador natural también encontramos las estaciones repetidoras de EMETEL las cuales pertenecen al ejército, asimismo una iglesia denominada El Santuario de la Virgen del Cisne y un parque municipal. Mirador desde donde se disfruta de una de las mejores vistas al Cantón Santo Domingo, una vista llena de paisajes naturales fantásticos y efectos de transición excelentes con la combinación fantástica para los turistas nacionales y extranjeros. UBICACIÓN Se encuentra al noroeste de la ciudad, llegar a las faldas del cerro toma entre 5 y 10 minutos en un vehículo propio o en un taxi. COSTO Totalmente gratuito. HORARIO DE ATENCIÓN Se permite el acceso desde las 08:00 hasta las 20:00
79.39 Km.
Sincholagua volcano
It is a dormant volcano - extinct and eroded. It represents a refuge for deer and a home for condors, in addition to housing a segment of the Inca trail. It is the 12th highest summit in the country at 4,873m3 but it is also one of the least known. The name of the mountain comes from the indigenous Quichua word sinchijagua, which means "steep upwards". This elevation, together with Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui, constitutes a triangle of interesting peaks. recommendations The hike on this volcano is considered to be of medium difficulty, so it is recommended for people in good physical condition, in addition to bringing all the necessary equipment for the journey, such as comfortable and warm clothing, trekking shoes, and water. How to get? From Machachi, take the road to El Pedregal to Barrio San Miguel de El Pedregal and then take one of the trails. Another entrance is, through the north control of the Cotopaxi National Park, take the entrance to Hacienda Yanahurco and take one of the trails.
81.32 Km.
We have 413 tourist attractions listed in Ecuador.