10 safe travel destinations in Ecuador - Part1
SOLEQMASTER
In times of a state of emergency and some negative headlines from Ecuador, you might be wondering how safe Ecuador actually is as a travel destination. As we have already mentioned in previous articles, traveling, especially on guided tours, is absolutely possible. In this article and the next, Diego presents his 10 favorite safe travel destinations in his country Ecuador. The order is by no means a safety ranking or anything similar, but was chosen randomly
- Playa Santa Marianita
- Parque Nacional Yasuní
- Quito.
- Patate.
- Cuenca.
- Isla San Cristóbal
- Sucúa.
- Vilcabamba
- Otavalo
- Zamora
1.- Playa Santa Marianita
Santa Marianita, located in the province of Manabí on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, is a delightful destination for those who love sun, beach, warm weather and seafood. With its perfect waves for surfing and kite surfing, it is the ideal place for lovers of these sports.
The beach resort is located about 4 hours from Guayaquil, the main port, and is accessible via a scenic drive through the towns of Jipijapa and Montecristi. Only 35 minutes by car from Manta, it offers a perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation. Here you have the ideal opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches, exquisite gastronomy and tranquility.
Another way to reach Manta is by flight from the cities of Quito or Guayaquil. As accommodation options in Santa Marianita itself are limited and prices range from 61 to 221 US dollars per night per room, many visitors prefer to visit the city of Manta and spend the day there because it is so close and the people there are so hospitable.
Santa Marianita attracts visitors not only because of its natural beauty and tranquillity, but also because its ideal conditions make it a popular place to take kitesurfing lessons and enjoy this exciting sport.
2. Parque Nacional Yasuni
The Yasuní National Park in the province of Orellana, Ecuador, is a breathtaking natural refuge that is exemplary for the species-rich ecosystem of the Ecuadorian Amazon region. To reach this oasis of biodiversity, visitors can take a bus or a flight to Coca. The bus ride from Quito takes about 6 1/2 to 7 hours and is ideal for those who prefer to travel at night and arrive at dawn. The flight from Quito, on the other hand, is a quicker option, taking only 45 minutes.
From Coca, the adventure continues with a two-hour speedboat ride across the Napo River to the community of Añangu. Here you transfer to smaller paddle canoes for a two-hour trip down the narrow arm of the river to a large lagoon where the Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge is located. This is the gateway to an unforgettable rainforest experience, where visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including a family of otters, after just an hour.
The lodge offers comfortable accommodation with cozy rooms and an excellent culinary offering. The range of activities on offer is truly extraordinary, from jungle walks to bird, mammal and reptile watching, allowing visitors to connect deeply with nature.
In addition to the ecological richness of nature, the Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge plays an important role in supporting the local community, especially the women of Añangu, who, among other activities, live off the management of the lodge and participate in contributing to the social and economic network of the region. The hospitality and hard work of the community make this place an authentic and enriching experience.
In short, the Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge is an exceptional destination for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Amazon, enjoy its magnificent biodiversity and contribute to the sustainable development of the local community.
3. Quito
Quito, the vibrant capital of Ecuador, is located in the province of Pichincha and captivates its visitors from the moment they arrive at the international airport, 40 minutes away. Its historic center, magnificent and full of culture, mystery and legend, is a magnet for locals and foreigners alike.
The city is famous for its gold-decorated churches, whose splendor astounds every observer. Art is evident in every one of its religious works, with wooden sculptures transformed into works of unparalleled beauty and canvases that bear witness to the city’s cultural richness. These treasures are one of the reasons why UNESCO has declared Quito a World Heritage Site, earning the city the nickname “the jewel of Latin America” due to its enchanting historic center.
Quito is located on the equator and is the heart of the world, dividing the planet into a northern and southern hemisphere. The city is surrounded by volcanoes such as Cayambe, Antisana, Pichincha and others. The people here are friendly and the gastronomy is delicious. Among the local specialties, we recommend the Colada Morada, a traditional drink associated with the Day of the Dead. It can be served both hot and cold, accompanied by “guaguas de pan”; in almost all restaurants and cafés you can enjoy it in the evening to warm up from the cold of Quito. Curiously, in the municipality of Conocoto, this exquisite drink can be enjoyed all year round, adding another attraction to the rich cultural and gastronomic offer of Quito and the surrounding municipalities.
We have included Quito in our list of safe destinations, as the places of tourist interest usually are. Like in any big city, there are areas that should be avoided. These include the south of the city, which also has hardly any tourist attractions. The historic center is safe during the day, as there are also a lot of police and sometimes military on the streets, but the old town should be avoided at night. Besides that, the same applies as in other big cities: avoid taking valuables with you or carry them close to your body, be particularly attentive in crowds and if you go out in the evening or at night, it is better to take a cab or Uber.
4. Patate
Patate is located in the province of Tungurahua and is only 3 hours and 30 minutes south of Quito. This charming destination is an obligatory stopover on the way to Baños de Agua Santa. Driving from Pelileo on a paved road towards the Ecuadorian east, you will find a sign indicating that you need to turn left to begin a steep descent that ends at a bridge. There you will find several kiosks selling typical fruits of the region, such as mandarins, avocados, peaches, grapes and passion fruit. There are also tree nurseries in this area with at least 200 different types of fruit. The road continues to a traffic circle where the Patateña monument is located.
The spring-like climate, the warmth of the locals and the abundance of fresh fruit make Patate so special. The locals prepare the most delicious arepas I have ever tasted, especially the arepas de zapallo (pumpkin arepas), which go perfectly with the traditional chicha de uva. They are also famous for their espumillas, which come in a variety of flavors. No wonder this place is known as the valley of eternal spring.
5. Cuenca
Located in the province of Azuay in southern Ecuador, Cuenca is a destination worth visiting, about 8 hours by car from Quito and only 4 hours from Guayaquil. The city, which is enveloped in the charm of the surrounding rivers, bears the official name Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca. In 1999, UNESCO awarded it the title of Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its invaluable contribution to culture and history. Cuenca is an integral part of the Ecuadorian Andes region and is characterized by its hospitable people and its exceptional historic center, rich in churches, museums and listed buildings. The Calle de las Herrerías, famous for its wrought iron handicrafts, is a must-see for any visitor.
One of the most famous traditions is the “Pase del Niño Viajero”, a festival that brings the community together. On December 24, children and adults in festive costumes take part in a procession centered around a porcelain baby Jesus, which has even been taken to the Vatican.
The city offers a wide range of tourist attractions, including the Mirador del Turi, which offers panoramic views, and jewels of the historic center such as Parque de las Flores, Parque Calderón, El Puente Roto and Calle Larga. Other museums of great cultural interest are the Pumapungo and the Homero Ortega Hat Museum. For lovers of adventures in nature, the Cajas National Park, just 40 minutes away by car, offers an incomparable trekking experience with its lagoons and hiking trails of varying difficulty and altitude, the highest point of which is over 4,000 meters above sea level.
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