In our posts about the Galapagos, we’ve mainly stuck to talking about, well, the Galapagos. But there’s another destination that factors heavily into your adventure with Quasar Expeditions — mainland Ecuador.
In a way, the Galapagos Islands have become the best and worst thing to ever happen to tourism in Ecuador. They bring more travelers to the region than any other attraction, but they cause travelers to overlook what the rest of the country has to offer.
That’s a true shame, because the mainland is an incredible destination in its own right. Extending your stay, after your Galapagos cruise, in the area is a great way to experience mainland Ecuador and everything it has to offer, from thriving indigenous cultures and fine examples of Spanish Colonial architecture to the spectacular Andean mountain range with its famed Avenue of the Volcanoes—plus some of the best lodges in the Amazon basin.
Here are some of the most thrilling, lesser-known attractions and destinations of mainland Ecuador to visit before or after your excursion to the Galapagos.
Stunning Natural Beauty
Many people assume that the Galapagos is the be-all and end-all when it comes to dazzling wildlife, but in fact mainland Ecuador has far more flora and fauna than the islands themselves. It even boasts one of the highest bird species counts in the world, with over 1,600 species identified to date. You’ll experience wildlife like no other, thanks largely in part to Ecuador’s proximity to the Amazon rainforest. You’ll find pinky-sized monkeys, massive reptiles and everything in-between.
The Central Andes
The central Andes of Ecuador are truly an awe-inspiring destination. The land experiences a never-ending spring, revealing gorgeously blooming exotic plant life amidst giant, vibrant green volcanoes. Some even feature pristine white snow caps, and the entire region is filled with some of the world’s most welcoming and hospitable local inhabitants.
The Otavalo highlands capture what these Central Andes are all about. Here you can visit the homes of indigenous craftsman, their villages, and the oldest and largest indigenous market in the Andes.
Hacienda Zuleta
While traveling the Andes, you may want to stay in Hacienda Zuleta. Formerly home to the Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza (who happens to have been born in New York), this gorgeous villa was built by the kind of Spain near the end of the 16th century. Today, Zuleta is a combination destination resort and working hacienda, with its own ancient pyramids on-site as well as extensive grounds for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. It also features its own organic garden and cheese factory.
Papallacta Hot Springs and Spa
Looking to do some relaxing after your thrilling and exhausting adventure in the Galapagos? Visit Papallacta Hot Springs and Spa. It features multiple pools, breathtaking natural landscapes, and its own nature reserve that runs along an idyllic creek. It also just so happens to be a world-class spa rivaling some of the world’s greatest resorts.
Hacienda El Porvenir
Hacienda El Porvenir is another must-see destination, featuring staggering views of the snowcapped Cotopaxi volcano, where you can go horseback riding like a chagra (Ecuadorian cowboy) over the paramo and pass pastures of fighting bulls.
Colonial Quito
Colonial Quito used to fly under the radar as a must-see destination, but its recently begun topping top-10 destination lists—and for good reason. Colonial Quito features gorgeous sights like the golden alter at La Compañía church, pre-Columbian artifats at Casa de Alabado Archeological Museum, and even the Chez Tiff chocolate factory where you can sample delicious South American chocolate and learn how it’s made. The shop was founded by a Swiss chocolatier and his Ecuadorian wife, who concoct their own unique creations from cocoa beans that are simply divine.
The Galapagos are a must-see, bucket list destination that should be a high priority for any global adventurer. Having said that, neglecting to consider everything mainland Ecuador has to offer will leave you missing out on one of the most underrated gems of South America.
Want to learn more about Ecuador travel? Contact Quasar expeditions today.