Eight natural wonders of Ecuador

Ecuador, named after the Equator, boasts a stunning array of natural wonders, from the lush Amazon jungle to the ecologically diverse Galápagos Islands. Here, adventure opportunities abound, offering unique experiences that are sure to capture attention on social media platforms like Instagram. Explore some of the most captivating spots in this South American gem.

Nestled within a two-mile-wide ancient caldera formed by a massive explosion, Cuicocha Crater Lake mesmerizes visitors with its natural beauty. Meaning "Rainbow Lake" and "Lake of the Guinea Pigs" in the indigenous Kichwa language, it's also known as the "Lake of Gods". Surrounding the lake are the imposing Cayambe, Imbabura, and Cotacachi volcanoes. Visitors can enjoy a well-marked walking trail, stop at lookout points along the rim for breathtaking views of oddly-shaped islands and crystal-clear blue waters.  

Just a short distance from Quito, the Cayambe Coca Eco Reserve spans over 4,000 square kilometers of Andean foothills, subalpine forests, grasslands, and glaciers. This vast national park, intersected by the Equator, showcases surreal landscapes of Andean páramo and boasts over 60 lakes. Keep an eye out for the majestic Andean Condor soaring overhead and catch awe-inspiring views of Ecuador's third-highest peak, the Cayambe volcano.

Situated high in the Andes Mountains, Cotopaxi National Park, located just 30 miles from Quito, covers nearly 334 square kilometers across three provinces. The park's main attraction is the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, Ecuador's second-highest peak standing at 5,897 meters. Visitors can marvel at its beauty and learn about its volcanic activity, which includes 87 recorded eruptions, the most recent occurring from August 2015 to January 2016. .

Nestled in the Andean Mountains, the Mindo Cloud Forest is a haven for bird watchers, waterfall enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking adventure. Spanning over 100 square miles, this biodiverse cloud forest is home to over 500 species of birds, exotic butterflies, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can ride an open-air cable car across the Mindo River to access waterfalls of different sizes and immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the region.

This grandaddy needs little introduction. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this icon in the high desert of northern Arizona is one of the USA’s heroes.

Chiselled by the Colorado River over millions of years, it averages a depth of 4,000 feet (6,000 feet at its deepest point) and measures 18 miles across from rim to rim. While its sheer scale is arguably best appreciated from high above by helicopter or small plane, little beats discovering much of it on foot for close-up views and bragging rights.

The park encompasses 1.2 million acres so your experience will be determined from which part you visit: North Rim, South Rim, East Rim, West Rim, or Grand Canyon West (the most recently developed and home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk). As far as hikes go, we love following the well-maintained trails from the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point for breathtaking views of the mighty Colorado River.

Renowned as one of the world's premier wildlife-watching destinations, the Galápagos Islands offer unparalleled opportunities to witness nature in its purest form. This extraordinary archipelago, with minimal human impact, inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Visitors can expect to encounter iconic species such as the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguana, Galapagos penguin, and more, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Located on the south side of Santa Cruz Island, Tortuga Bay boasts a pristine white sand beach and crystal-clear waters, named after the black sea turtles that nest here. Visitors can explore the Tortuga Bay Trail, keeping an eye out for vibrant Sally Lightfoot crabs, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and iguanas. Lucky visitors may witness black turtles laying eggs in January and February or hatchlings emerging between April and May.

Despite its modest height of 1,124 meters, Sierra Negra Volcano boasts the widest caldera of all the Galápagos National Park's volcanoes, stretching six miles in diameter across Isabela Island. Visitors can hike around the crater rim and witness the dramatic lava fields formed during the volcano's most recent eruption in 2018, offering a unique opportunity to explore the island's volcanic landscape.

Stretching over a kilometer in length, the lava tunnels of Santa Cruz Island are a testament to the raw power of nature. Formed millions of years ago by molten magma, these remarkable caves offer visitors a glimpse into Earth's geological history. Today, visitors can venture deep into the labyrinth of tunnels, marveling at the intricate rock formations carved by ancient volcanic activity.

Join us on our Galápagos & Ecuador Experience and embark on a journey that will create memories to last a lifetime.