Seven Incredible Ecuadorian Destinations for Adventure Travel

The total land area of Cotopaxi National Park is approximately 334 square kilometers. The protected area encompasses three distinct provinces, namely Cotopaxi, Napo, and Pichincha, within these provinces the local communities offers a unique experiences. Alongside Cotopaxi, there are additional volcanoes in this Andean region. Alexander Von Humboldt, a renowned German naturalist and explorer, discovered so many volcanoes in this region that he bestowed the name "Avenue of the Volcanoes" upon Ecuador. 

A variety of Cotopaxi treks are suitable for inexperienced hikers because they provide breathtaking vistas of the volcano and the Andes mountains in the vicinity without requiring acclimatization or concern for shortness of breath while ascending the volcano itself. Those who are willing to undertake the two to three-day ascent of the volcano will be granted an unparalleled opportunity to observe the active stratovolcano up close; it is truly an experience unlike any other.

The summit of the Chimborazo volcano attracts international alpinists due to the fact that, measured from the center of the earth rather than sea level, it is the highest mountain globally and the location where the Earth is in closest proximity to the sun. Additionally, novice mountaineers favor the ascent due to the minimal technical climbing expertise needed for the ascent and the ability to reach the summit at an intermediate level. 

Chimborazo is widely acknowledged as the entry point for youthful adventurers, however you can find luxury campaign among the mountains. This journey requires two to three days, with the ascent lasting seven hours despite occurring at night; therefore, a minimum of two days and one night is required.

Tell your acquaintances that you went kayaking in a volcanic lake when you return home. In Ecuador, the Quilotoa Loop is a well-known trekking destination. It is a ring-shaped, rough road that extends far into the backcountry of the Cotopaxi province from the Panamericana. The Quilotoa volcano can be reached via bus as a day excursion from Latacunga or Zumbahua, or as part of the three to four-day Quilotoa Loop trek, which passes through several mountain villages and brings you into contact with the local inhabitants. 

At an elevation of 3,500 meters (11,483 feet), Quilotoa Lake, a volcanic crater bed filled with emerald-green water, serves as the pinnacle of the Quilotoa Loop. This was one of our favorite places to visit in Ecuador due to the breathtaking backdrop – the kind of image that would make an excellent screensaver. 

Descending from the summit to the lake itself requires an hour-long hike. Upon arrival, one may partake in a variety of activities, including canoeing, kayaking, or simply lounging and taking in the breathtaking lake vistas.

Venture forth into the formidable ecosystems and varied islands of the Galápagos Archipelago during an expedition cruise that will ignite your innermost explorer. Get unique experience living with Giant Land Tortoise, marine iguanas, and sea lions; these animals don't occur in any place in the world, just in Galapagos. 

Besides, the flora and fauna the Galápagos Islands allow other adventure activities such as riding, kayaking, mountain biking, snorkeling, and encountering some of the most intrepid species of wildlife in the world. By utilizing land-based accommodations in conjunction with small private aircraft or speedboat transportation between islands, you are afforded an extended duration to partake in thrilling adventure sports and witness remarkable wildlife encounters.

Stunning waterfalls and towering canyon walls are situated just outside the renowned spa village of Baños de Agua Santa. It is located in the Amazon Rainforest in the southern of Ecuador. This city was named as Baños (Spanish word that means "bathroom") due to large quantity of awesome waterfalls, serves as an ideal starting point from which to explore the myriad of adventure activities that Ecuador has to offer. You can spend time with numerous adventure opportunities in this region, including journeys through the jungle, white water rafting excursions, canyoning, ziplining through jungle canopies, visits to the Amazon Rainforest, and more. 

The city is quite charming, with a picturesque cathedral and breathtaking views of the mountains in the distance. You can spend your free time exploring the town while also bathing in one of the numerous cascades that are within walking distance, or dine at one of the local restaurants and sample one of

The Amazon in Ecuador is teeming with life and, due to its underdevelopment, is an ideal location to witness the jungle in its untamed, natural form. Additionally, it is easily accessible via boat and within a few hours' drive, flight, or metro trip from the capital city of Quito. Engage in piranha fishing on the Amazon River, where an estimated twenty distinct species of piranha are observed freely swimming. Your guide will supply you with lure and a traditional wooden rod. 

Swim with pink dolphins, an uncommon and endemic species of South America found only in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers. Through the Amazon River by stand-up paddleboard and kayak, and through the jungle's numerous canopies by zipline. A exhilarating activity in the Amazon rainforest that provides unmatched vistas of the jungle canopies is a helicopter tour of the jungle, which provides an aerial perspective of the magnificent flora and fauna.

The Chocoan lowlands and the tropical Andes are two of the most biodiverse ecosystems that can be explored while hiking, birdwatching, or visiting Mindo. Similar to the Amazon lowlands, the Mindo Cloud Forest is teeming with bird species, making it an ideal location for birdwatching (birding). It is referred to as a cloud forest due to its generally higher temperatures in comparison to tropical rainforests and its milder precipitation, where you can enjoy of the unique microclimates. It frequently acquires an ethereal aura as a result of clouds frequently forming above it, which is caused by low temperatures and high humidity.