Ecuador is a place rich in culture. What do you want to see on your trip to Ecuador? We’ll give you some ideas on what we think you just have to see! Check out these 12 iconic Ecuador landmarks.

12 Ecuador Landmarks You Need to See

Because Ecuador is a fairly large country, it’s very unlikely that you will ever actually see all the beauty Ecuador has to show. But, now we can give you a guide on the high points fo the country’s beauty. Here’s what you should try to see on your trip to Ecuador:

1. Ingapirca Ruins

• Where: Cañar Province
• What: The largest Inca ruins in Ecuador

Ingapirca is a site rich in history. It was built by both the Inca and the Cañari people, first the Cañari and later the Inca. You can see the different styles of architecture between the two peoples which makes for a very interesting exploration. The Inca people had very smooth stones and no mortar, where the Cañari use mortar and their stones are a little rougher.

This is a very beautiful site definitely worth a visit, especially if you enjoy not-so-ancient civilizations.

2. Mitad Del Mundo (Middle of the World)

• Where: Pichincha Province (Quito)
• What: Middle of the World Monument

The middle of the world monument marks where French explorers determined the location of the equatorial line in 1736 (after which Ecuador is named). Comically, the explorer’s calculations were off by 250 meters; as is the monument. Even so, it was quite a feat at the time.

Despite the “middle of the world” monument not actually being the middle of the world, this is still a great tourist attraction. The towering monument is beautiful, even if it’s not the most accurate.

Additionally, there is the Itiñan Solar Museum that features many curiosities that have to do both with the equator and the local people. For example, you can experience the Coriolis effect (how water will flow straight down instead of in a swirling vortex) and stand on the actual equator.

3. Santa Cruz Fish Market

• Where: Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos)
• What: Special fish market

A fish market might not get you super excited, but the local wildlife will! People come and sit here for hours just to watch the sea lions and pelicans beg and fight for the fish scraps. It’s enthralling and very funny.

On top of the hilarious animals, it’s a great place to see the local fish and experience some of the local Santa Cruz culture.

4. Muro de las Lagrimas (The Wall of Tears)

• Where: Isabela Island (Galapagos)
• What: Wall built by prisoners

The wall of tears was built between 1945 and 1959 by the prisoners of an old penal colony established by the then-president Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra. The wall is an impressive site: 25 m tall and made of lava rock; the stones are beautiful.

The wall is said to sound as if it is crying, possibly earning it its name. However, these “eerie” sounds are likely just the wind whistling through the many cracks and crevices in the stones. Another theory on the naming of the wall is the saying that this is where the strong cry and the weak die. Prisoners suffered greatly to build the wall, making this reflective name fitting.

There seems to be no real purpose for the wall – it was just something to occupy the prisoners. Even though the wall was never completed, it is a very historic place and worth a visit on your trip to the Galapagos.

5. Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock)

• Where: San Cristobal Island (Galapagos)
• What: A large volcanic cone in the ocean

Kicker Rock is a highly sought after snorkeling site in the Galapagos. Much like an iceberg, what you see above the water only tells part of the story. Above the water, kicker rock is 152 meters tall – making it an ideal roost for frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and other native birds.

Bear in mind that snorkeling here does require some stamina as you don’t really have anywhere to rest. If you are not a strong swimmer be sure to request a life jacket and let your guide know so they can keep an eye on you.

6. La Casa del Arbol (Tree House)

• Where: Baños
• What: A very cool tree house with a swing

La Casa del Arbol is built next to the active Tungurahua volcano. Since climbing the volcano is not allowed, this is a pretty good second choice – sometimes you can even hear the volcano rumble. One of the main attractions here is the very shareable photo opp on the famous swing.

The swings have a kind of seat belt which makes you feel a bit safer as you swing out over the side of the mountain and hang there for a split second before swinging back towards the solid ground. The tree house has also been reinforced with steel, so you aren’t just trusting in some old tree to keep you from plummeting to your death.

At the Casa del Arbol there is a small restaurant and bathrooms as well as a short zip line (that doesn’t go over any crevices, it’s just a fun little zip!).

7. Plaza de las Flores

• Where: Cuenca
• What: A beautiful flower market

This flower market is one of the nicest spots in Cuenca. There are tons of vendors selling lots of different flowers, the smell is amazing! Something I enjoy about visiting this flower market is getting to see the women in their traditional dress.

Everyone is very friendly and the prices are low. You may have to bargain a little, but if it’s not over the top I just take the price they tell me. To me, the environment and the kindness of the people are more than worth the couple of cents I might lose.

8. Old Town in Quito

• Where: Quito
• What: Historical village

The old town in Quito is for those aesthetic types that love the romantic nature of history. There is plenty of sightseeing and good restaurants, but other than that there isn’t much to do but explore. Quito’s old town is rich in history and architecture.

9. Artisan Villages (Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and Sigsig)

• Where: Azuay Province (About 1 hour from Cuenca)
• What: Specialized artisan villages

These villages feel like something out of a fairy tale. Gualaceo specializes in leather: shoes, purses, you name it! They also have large orchidariums.

Chordeleg is famous for its silver: necklaces, earrings, rings, and ornaments. The silver is very fine, like thread, and is weaved into all sorts of amazing designs. It’s known as filigrana.

Watch on YouTube

Last but not least, Sigsig is known for its “Panama” hats. Since the hats originated in Ecuador, not Panama, some are trying to change the name to paja toquilla hats.

10. Otavalo Market

• Where: Imbabura Province (Otavalo, about 2 hours from Quito)
• What: Artisan market

The Otavalo market is popular with foreigners and locals alike. It features brightly colored textiles, silver, leather, and more!

11. Cotopaxi

• Where: Pichincha Province (around Quito)
• What: Ecuador’s highest active volcano (and the worlds third highest)

Cotopaxi National Park is a gorgeous sight: featuring the 3rd highest volcano in the world, active and snow-capped. For most, we are satisfied looking at the fantastic sight. But for a few brave individuals, you are able to climb the volcano – with a certified guide. The climb isn’t exceptionally difficult, but you need to go slow to acclimatize and you need special gear.

Explore our Birding Watching Trips