Located on the Pacific coast of South America, Ecuador is one of safest destinations on the continent. The major cities and a few of the coastal resorts offer big-name chain Ecuador hotels, while accommodation in the more rural areas tends to be both cheaper and more rustic.
Top Things about Ecuador
Ecuador offers tourists four very different regions to explore, and the country is very popular with eco-tourists who want to experience a green holiday in a beautiful natural environment. The Andes Mountains are best explored with a local guide who can take you along hidden trails through the rocky peaks to breathtaking viewpoints, while the Amazon Rainforest with its rich and varied plant and animal life is a must-see for anyone visiting South America. No holiday is complete without some time spent relaxing, and Ecuador's coastline has hundreds of beaches, only a few of which have been developed into major tourist resorts with large hotels. Finally, off the coast of Ecuador are the iconic Galapagos Islands, where Darwin was inspired to come up with his theory of evolution. Boats travel to the Galapagos Islands from mainland Ecuador several times a week.
Best Cities to Visit in Ecuador
The Ecuadorean capital of Quito is home to many beautiful architectural attractions, a number of which were built centuries ago during the Spanish occupation of the area, and has one of the best-preserved historic areas on the whole continent. As well as several fine churches and museums, travellers can also find a number of pleasant parks in Quito including Cruz Loma, where visitors can take a cable car ride over the city. Portoviejo is a small city with about 250,000 residents located about 30 kilometers from the Pacific coast, and is an excellent day-trip destination for those looking to do some shopping and dining away from the beach.
Hotels in Ecuador
Quito is where most of the best-known European and US chain hotels will be found, catering to business travellers and those looking for a bit of luxury. Eco-tourists who are more interested in blending in with their surroundings and leaving as small a carbon footprint as possible will find a number of the seaside Ecuador hotels available in some of the coastal areas now offer beach bungalows. Other accommodation in Ecuador, including charming, rustic guesthouses, as well as cheap hotels in Ecuador can be found in many of the larger towns throughout the country.