Ecuador Off The Beaten Track

Ecuador Off The Beaten Track

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Ecuador's off the beaten path destinations are as authentic as it gets. If you don't go on holiday to spend your entire trip with other traveller's, then you'll be pleased to explore these lesser-known, and somewhat remote, parts of the country. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience daily life in Ecuador, and practice your Spanish whilst you get acquainted with the locals.

Exploring Ecuador off the beaten track may have you staying in accommodations that are decidedly more basic than in other parts of the country. However, what is lacking in amenities will be more than made up for when you're in the midst of dense rainforests, desolate beaches, and vibrant communities. Tena is a great place to do some kayaking and learn about indigenous communities. Bahía de Caráquez is an excellent destination if you’re an eco-conscious traveller seeking a different experience from the Galápagos Islands.

To experience Ecuador's unique places, you can't go where everyone else goes, but you already know that — that's why your next vacation is taking you to Ecuador.

Destinations

Ecuador highlights: Ecuador Off The Beaten Track

Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Ecuador
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is an easily accessible part of the Amazon in eastern Ecuador. It is one of the few places in the world where you can find primary rainforest.
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Mindo

Mindo

With more birds than residents, the sleepy town of Mindo beckons travelers to come enjoy its picturesque cloud forest. Zip-lines and gondolas float through quiet, misty canopies, while a network of hiking trails on the ground lead visitors to roaring waterfalls.
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Tena

Tena

Nestled between lush hillsides and snaking rivers is the town of Tena, the whitewater capital of Ecuador. Many travelers come here just to raft or kayak on the many rivers that come raging down from the Sierras. For those looking for a drier experience, the surrounding wildlife and indigenous communities also offer a great way to spend your time.
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Achuar Tribal Lands

Achuar Tribal Lands

The Achuar Tribal Lands allow visitors to meet an ancient people. In order to see their isolated homeland, you’ll take a long journey by plane or bus, then boat, and finally by foot. Along the way, you’ll see a diversity of plants and animals like nowhere else in the world.
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Otavalo

Otavalo

If you arrive on Saturday to Otavalo, you might not even see the town. What you will see however, is one of the biggest open-air markets in the Andes. Crowded streets, lined with vendors selling their brightly woven textiles and colorful crafts, will have you roaming for hours on end looking for the perfect Ecuadorian souvenir.
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Salinas

Salinas

The bustling beach and high-rise condos of Salinas are a sign of its reputation as an exciting seaside destination. Despite the crowds, the many luxury hotels and fine restaurants that line Salinas’ dazzling beach make this a worthy stop.
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Cotundo

Cotundo

Cotundo is a valley in Ecuador’s eastern Amazon region. This rural area is close to several attractions and is in the heart of the Ecuadorian jungle.
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Bahía de Caráquez

Bahía de Caráquez

The tidy city of Bahía de Caráquez is alluring with its pleasant beaches, nearby nature reserves, and eco-friendly attitude.
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Puyo

Puyo

Carved into the lush Amazon, this small town is a great place to join a tour and dive into the dense surrounding rainforest. The town itself isn't especially memorable, but it offers some comfortable accommodations right outside the wild of the jungle.
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Mompiche

Mompiche

A whispered destination among surfers, Mompiche’s long stretch of sandy beach and remote location makes for a peaceful getaway along Ecuador’s coast. Besides the waves, it offers visitors the chance to experience a quiet seaside town.
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