Ecuador travel
Tourist attractions in Ecuador
Explore the tourist attractions of Ecuador.
El Ceibo Tourist Center
The El Ceibo viewpoint has several tourist attractions in one place, that's right, if you go to this site, you can enjoy different alternatives, such as; You will be able to observe the gigantic Ceibo Tree, the Petroglyphs, Mirador, Camping and if you are more adventurous and intrepid you can enter the Caverns, there are 4 tourist places in 1. El Ceibo Viewpoint The Mirador El Ceibo, is one of the most visited attractions in the Puerto Napo parish and the Tena canton, an incredible natural landscape can be seen from this point, without a doubt, this place will make your visit pleasant, relaxing and unforgettable. Ceiba Tree This gigantic tree of more than 30 meters high, 20 meters in diameter and with more than 300 years of life, is located in the Yutzupino sector belonging to the Puerto Napo parish of the Tena canton. Petroglyphs El Ceibo The Ceibo petroglyphs are anthropomorphic, zoomorphic and phytomorphic figures drawn in stone by the ancient inhabitants of the sector, thousands of years ago. You can take pictures of the petroglyphs, however, in some Kichwa cultures they prefer that these signs not come to light because they can be evil symbols. You can also see the ancient clay pots belonging to the first civilizations of Puerto Napo. El Ceibo Cavern The activity of the Cavern is only for intrepid adventurers, since you will be in contact with the subsoil, that is, when you descend you can find spiders, spider crickets, bats (tuta pishcos) and other harmless endemic insects. Location This place is approximately 10 minutes from the city of Tena, arriving at the new bridge of Puerto Napo, right hand side, for 3 minutes. Rates Tree + Gazebo ($1.50). Tree + Petroglyphs + Vessels + Cavern ($1.50). Camping at the lookout, $5 per person (with or without a tent). FULL TOUR – $3, Includes: All attractions accompanied by a GUIDE. You can also find HANDICRAFTS and HANDCRAFTS for sale, starting at $1. Sale of typical food such as Maito de Tilapia, Pincho de Chontacuro, Locro de Catre, among others. $3 – $5
122.10 Km.
Chilma Archaeological Site
It is postulated that Chilmá was an essential place for the cultivation of corn as well as other useful plants for the international market of the mindalaes. Perhaps the chonta wood and the fern were products that were collected in these places to take them to the high mountain areas. Evidence of snails of the Strombus family or Malea sp. They also support the idea that Chilmá is on the route to the Esmeralda coast. According to Max Uhle (1928) in the large bohíos parties and cults were held or they were dwelling places for the caciques, they were generally located in high parts, hills, foothills. In the case of petroglyphs there is no extensive and exact study of their meaning, possibly it was a form of communication. State of conservation Due to lack of studies and maintenance in the archaeological site, the remains are deteriorating. Location They are located in the Hoya de Maldonado, community of Chilmá and Chilmá Bajo
122.30 Km.
Sanctuary of the Virgin of Purification
In his style, modern, traditional and local styles merge. The first construction was done by Father Juan de Salas in 1578. Later, due to a fire, the small church burned down. There is evidence of a second church in the year 1615 (La Merced de Quito convent archive). In the year 1860 for the first time the tile was used for the roof and mud walls. In 1915 the ridge was changed and the parish house was enlarged. Since then, the temple has undergone three repairs due to humidity, the last and definitive one being in 1990 after the 1987 earthquake, but efforts have been made to preserve the style of the mid-20th century. attractive physical characteristics Style Modern, traditional and local styles merge. Preservation of style The style is preserved, the facade was painted to give greater prominence to the temple. construction time The first construction was done by Father Juan de Salas in 1578. Later, due to a fire, the small church burned down. There is evidence of a second church in the year 1615 (La Merced de Quito convent archive). In the year 1860 for the first time the tile was used for the roof and mud walls. In 1915 the ridge was changed and the parish house was enlarged. Since then, the temple has undergone three repairs due to humidity, the last and definitive one being in 1990 after the 1987 earthquake, but efforts have been made to preserve the style of the mid-20th century. Location Calle Julio Andrade S/N Tranversal, is located in the Carchi Province of the Huaca Canton
123.30 Km.
Archaeological and religious museum of La Purita
For more than 20 years, the church of San Pedro de Huaca became the collection center for primitive pieces, which together with various liturgical elements and the clothing of the Virgin of Purification from the previous century are part of the Archaeological Religious Museum. This space, which is located inside the Parish House and next to the local church, constitutes a new tourist, historical and mystical attraction in this Carchense canton. Father Lenin Hernández, former parish priest, promoted in recent years the realization of this project that seeks to provide a cultural contribution to the province. On the first floor, 95 of the more than 300 dresses of "La Purita" are exhibited, as the Saint is also known. It is about ancient clothing and modern clothing that is exhibited in giant showcases that have internal and external light. The models are diverse, including some with a military and police cut. Father Carlos Padilla, vicar of the parish, points out that there are some who represent ethnic groups, institutions and national soccer clubs. The clothing is in the closets, where sacred pieces and ornaments are included. address The San Pedro de Huaca canton is located in the province of Carchi, at km 32 of the Panamericana Norte highway, 25 km south of Tulcán. Museum: Barrio Centro, Calle 8 de Diciembre and González Suárez in front of the GADM San Pedro de Huaca. For more information look for them on their Facebook page La Purita Archaeological and Religious Museum
123.33 Km.
Green lagoons
They are a complex of three small lagoons located to the south-west of the Chiles Volcano in the province of Carchi in northern Ecuador. Considered a true scenic beauty due to the contrast of the coloration of the lagoons and the environment. They originate as a result of internal springs and slopes of the Chiles Volcano. They owe their name to the emerald green color of their waters resulting from a high content of chemical substances, especially sulfur. Three of its lagoons are the largest and have an approximate diameter of 200 meters. The landscape that these lagoons show in clear dawns is incredible, it has allowed to photograph images published worldwide, gaining the attention of thousands of observers, a true scenic beauty due to the contrast of the coloration of the lagoons and the environment. Among the activities that can be done in this beautiful place are: walks, photography, appreciation of flora and fauna. Location They are located to the south-west of the Chiles Volcano, 2 kilometers from its point of ascent towards the volcano, 20 kilometers to the north-west of the Tufiño parish and 40 kilometers from Tulcán, capital of the province of Carchi.
124.71 Km.
Seven Waterfalls of Zapanal
A paradise, a spectacular view or a charming place as these beautiful waterfalls can be classified due to the impressive fall of its crystal clear and cold waters, in a totally unique environment; a rest refuge where you will feel nature and breathe fresh air. Here, you will not only be able to walk along clean trails, listen to the whistle of the wind and the chirping of the birds, but also get to know trees such as the “pachaco”. The attraction of the seven waterfalls is of a natural nature, rich in fauna and flora in the middle of a tropical rainforest, ideal for adventure and ecological tourism. Its meeting invites tourists to practice swimming, rest and relaxation. On the way to the waterfalls, tourists can admire the charm of its vegetation and fauna. The extensive banana plantations lead to the Chorreras del Zapanal, the land of the seven waterfalls. Location They are located just one hour from La Maná, 14 km away, along a secondary road that leads to Estero Hondo. From the La Envidia site, there is a 1-kilometer walk through the forest to La Olivita hill. Entry price It is shared by two owners: the Herrera Sanmartín family (who manages the first to fourth waterfalls) and Alfonso Herrera (who manages the fifth and sixth waterfalls). The visitor must pay $1 to enter each of these territories.
124.78 Km.
Chiles Volcano
It is an interesting volcanic complex, which has glaciers, but remains with snow on the flanks, inside the caldera. At the foot of the volcano sits the Chiles páramo surrounded by frailejones and pajonales adorned with endemic flowers of various colors such as rosa urco (exotic Andean flower). It is the habitat of numerous condors, turtledoves, partridges and sparrowhawks. The fog that appears in this place is quite dense, especially in the morning and afternoon due to temperature changes.It presents an irregular relief with quite high rock formations as a result of the different volcanic eruptions. From its slopes you can see the Maldonado Valley. El Chiles is the ideal place for those who like adventure, mountaineering, walks, trekking; Considered a border landmark between Ecuador and Colombia, surrounded by frailejones and pajonales adorned with exotic multicolored flowers such as rosa urco (exotic Andean flower). Where is the Chiles volcano located? The Chiles Volcano is an elevation that is located in the geographical domain of the Western Cordillera, in the province of Carchi and is at a distance of 38 kilometers from the city of Tulcán to the south west of the parish of Tufiño on the border with Colombia. .
125.97 Km.
Guandera Biological Station
Made up of primary and secondary forests, considered the last remnant of inter-Andean high montane forest and paramo. It is a century-old forest, the kind that once covered the Ecuadorian Andes. The dominant species of the canopy are the guandera trees, with a height that exceeds 30 meters high; these trees are very old, giant, crooked and gnarled, covered with mosses, bromeliads and orchids. Its growth is 2.5 cm. They reproduce by seeds; its numerous aerial roots and secondary trunks can occupy a large area and provide shelter for an entire community of birds and other animals. It is possibly the last remnant of high inter-Andean forest and paramo in the province of Carchi. There is also the frailejones páramo, swampy páramo and bushy páramo. Diversity of species that the biological station has: There is an inventory of flora and fauna, study of orchids, monitoring of the bear, natural regeneration. cultivation of organic potatoes, working with local schools on environmental education and promoting organic agriculture in areas of influence. It is home to more than 145 species of resident and migratory birds, of which 100 are endemic to the Andes and 30 are rare or threatened. more than 20 species of hummingbirds and 15 species of tanagers. In addition, 60 species of trees, 74 species of orchids and 46 species of mammals. Location: It is located within Montúfar in the Mariscal Sucre parish.
125.99 Km.
Las Latas Waterfall
The waterfall has a height of 16 meters, 6 meters wide and 2 meters deep, which we reach after a walk of approximately 45 minutes, being able to enjoy a refreshing swim under it upon arrival. It is a very well marked path along the riverbed, the walk is on a muddy path, with very attractive river crossings. Along the way we can see 3 waterfalls, a great variety of flora such as ceibo, chontaduro, arrayán, guarango, vanilla orchid, chiriguayusa, laurel, yagual, olive, yellow cinnamon, cocoa, platanillos, toquilla straw, guadúa, in addition to find marine fossils. In the place there are also bats, pumas, guantas, machin monkey, tapir, anteater, cervicabra, among others.Being formed on a rocky floor, the river has formed natural slides in which you can cool off and have fun.Upon arrival at the place you will receive a map detailing each waterfall and the route to follow. Location: The Cascada de Las Latas is located 12 km from Puerto Misahuallí, on the left side of the road. The entrance to the place is next to a bridge which must be attentive. Tips for the traveler: Entrance fee: $1.50 dollars Wear comfortable shoes or rubber boots. Mosquito repellent. Sunscreen. Water to always stay hydrated. If you require the food service, you can request it at the time of canceling your ticket, the menu consists of: tilapia maito Chicken Maito Chontacuros Wayusa and Lemonade. Camera, to capture this adventure. Ziploc bags, to store your belongings in case of rain, which are characteristics of the sector. In the place the telephone signal is limited, so before going to the place inform a relative so that they are attentive. To stay you can do it through Camping or advance to Misahuallí where there is a varied hotel and gastronomic offer.
126.19 Km.
Aguas Hediondas Ecotourism Complex
Its name is due to the high concentration of sulfur in the fluid. For this reason, a penetrating steam surprises the visitor as soon as he arrives at the place. The sulfur content in the water causes the place to have a strong smell of sulfur that is felt more intensely after 6:00 p.m. Carchenses and inhabitants of southern Colombia come to cure their ailments. The water jumps between the sharp rocks and tinges the surface with a greenish yellow. There, tourists take advantage of the heat and force of the water to massage their bodies. A unique place in the middle of the moor that benefits the physical and mental health of the tourists who visit it. The waters are used to cure diseases such as arthritis, sinusitis, bone pain, varicose veins and skin problems, they are contraindicated for people with high blood pressure and heart problems. There are several swimming pools, changing rooms and parking to facilitate the visitor's stay in the place. How to get? From Tufino: The Aguas Hediondas hot springs are 6 km from the Tufiño parish, the time to travel this distance is 30 minutes. Highlights of the Aguas Hediondas Complex Aguas Hediondas ComplexFrom the natural slope runs a tributary whose flow is stored 30 meters below, in a complex of hot and cold water pools. The place has an impressive panorama: a cliff of the Chiles that serves as a backdrop and in front of it there is a large natural grandstand, formed by the rocks and the magma that an eruption caused one day and in one of the highest cliffs , the image of the Virgin of the Rosary. Outside there are two pools with temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius, while inside there are baths that reach 59 degrees, in which you can cook an egg in 15 minutes, something that the little ones enjoy doing. Prices Adults $1.50 Children $0.75 Recommendations The use of swimwear (fabric cap and swimsuit) is mandatory. Bring towels and sandals for personal use Do not bring food into the pools. The entry of people with high blood pressure or heart problems is prohibited.
127.10 Km.
Vague Goblin Waterfall
It is a 4m wide waterfall with several falls, in its last fall there is a small ford. He has a jump of 7m. The water is transparent and clear, it has a temperature of 18ºC. This waterfall is canyoned, surrounded by rock and abundant shrubby and herbaceous flora. Here you can see natural vegetation such as ferns, anthuriums, guabos, some species of the Rubiaceae, Piperaceae, and Araceae families. The slopes that it presents in the place of the attraction are abrupt, it has the Humid Megathermal Tropical climate. A trail leads to the waterfall allowing easy access to the attraction. In it you can find miramelindos that give color to this place due to their striking colors.In the environment there are fruit trees, especially bananas, oranges, lemons, among others that are daily food for the population that inhabits this place and are also a source of food for birds such as tanagers and banana trees, as well as for mammals such as foxes and bats. Legend of the Vague Goblin El Duende Vago is a Popular Legend from northern Ecuador. The goblins in Carchi are melodic and passionate, they love music and they are dancers. The elves live near the waterfalls, where they remain in their magical celebrations until an unsuspecting person catches a glimpse of them. This legend is part of the popular imagination, which is transmitted from generation to generation, that the word never shuts up, never dies. A young man named Rolando – who is our main character – will take us through the narrative of this story. He is fishing in a river near the community. However, his activity is interrupted by the sound of approaching drums. Rolando was completely focused on fishing, so he didn't realize that the Goblin started throwing small stones at him, to get his attention. He was "entitled" as possessed by this entity of the forest. The Duende likes to see people as sleepwalkers, without wanting to do anything, they are sleepy and never want to eat, that's where his name "El Duende Vago" comes from.
127.85 Km.
Chical River
La topografía de esta microcuenca es irregular con pendientes moderadas y fuertes, con relieve montañoso y ondulado en donde se asientan los cultivos y huertas de los colonos, razón por lo que pueden observarse pastizales y pequeños manchones de bosque y matorral. Se aprecia grandes cantidades de rocas y troncos que han sido arrastrados por la corriente. Por otro lado, existen diversas especies de árboles y arbustos en los que crecen las bromelias (Tillandsia sp.) También predominan la caña brava y caña guadúa. Ubicación Se encuentra dentro de la parroquia chical, del cantón Tulcan.
128.62 Km.
We have 413 tourist attractions listed in Ecuador.