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Ecuador: Andean Region
EXPLORE UNBOUND
About Ecuador
WHY VISIT?
Ecuador is known for being one of the world’s most environmentally diverse countries. Within its borders, you can scale Andean peaks, venture into the Amazon rainforest, and cruise the Galapagos Islands. It’s location on the Ring of Fire – a region of seismic activity along the edge of the Pacific Ocean basin – makes it prone to earthquakes, but also home to dozens of dramatic volcanoes. It’s a dream for nature-loving adventurers, especially those who like the beach as much as the mountains and prefer to have it all within reach.
BUCKET LIST ADVENTURES
In Ecuador
There’s something majestic about volcanoes, the way they rise steeply up from the ground and culminate in deep craters at the summit. One of the greatest adventures you can have in Ecuador, in fact, is looking down into one of these craters on a ski touring and mountaineering expedition. But if you want to ski there, you’d better be in shape. Unlike other regions where the battle is fought with technical skills, the Andes are all about endurance and altitude experience. Thanks to the equatorial bulge, all three of Ecuador’s skiable volcanoes – Chimborazo (20,550 ft), Cotopaxi (19,400 ft), and Cayambe (19,000 ft) – are farther from the center of the earth than Mount Everest, despite being 10,000 feet shorter. Take on all three peaks and you’ll complete ‘Ecuador’s Triple Crown’, which can be done in around two weeks with good conditions.
2. Climb to the top of Cotopaxi
If you’re the sort of climber who enjoys adventurous destinations, why not try summiting one of the world’s highest active volcanos? Between its varied terrain and imposing, conical shape that can be seen from faraway Quito, Cotopaxi (19,348 feet) is a climber’s dream. It’s the perfect place to raise intermediate climbing skills up a notch, though you should be comfortable with roped travel, crampon and ice axe use, and steep slopes before attempting it. You’ll cross glaciers, fields of crevasses, snow bridges, and steep patches of snow until you reach the awe-inspiring volcanic rim overlooking a 1,000-foot crater.
3. Scuba dive in the Galapagos
It’s no exaggeration to say the Galapagos Islands are home to some of the best dive sites in the world. Between its natural biodiversity and the protections Ecuador has put in place around tourism, you’d be hard-pressed to find a greater collection of marine species. At one of the most famous dive sites in the Galapagos, Darwin’s Arch, it’s common to see dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and a wide array of sharks. Then at Gordon Rocks, you can get up close and personal with hammerheads, before heading over to Shark Point to dive alongside whale sharks.
4. Go whitewater rafting in Quijos Valley
The Quijos Valley is known as the ‘Door to the Amazon’, as it links the Andes with the Amazon rainforest. It’s also home to the best white water rafting in Ecuador, where you can take on rapids from Class III to Class IV+ over 28 navigable miles of river. In the surrounding region, you can go horseback riding, practice yoga, and hike up waterfalls. It’s the perfect place to get out and enjoy nature, while having access to as much adventure as you can handle.
5. Surf and party in Montañita
Montañita is a small coastal town in Ecuador, but it packs a big punch when it comes to lifestyle. People in Montañita like to chill and surf during the daytime, but party like they’re in Vegas in the evenings. In reality, it’s more like partying in Thailand, as many of the best clubs are right on the beach.
UNIQUE EVENTS
You Won't Want to Miss
Riobamba Carnival
Carnival is celebrated throughout Ecuador, but nowhere quite as earnestly as Riobamba. From the weekend before Lent to ‘Fat Tuesday’, you’ll find frequent parades, banquets, dance parties, and more.
Huairasinchi Adventure Race
The Huairasinchi Adventure Race is a multi-sport race requiring teams to run, trek, kayak, and mountain bike 250 miles over 4 days, orienteering all the way. It’s a wild journey that also serves as a qualifier for the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS).
When to Go
Climate
Equatorial climate with wet and dry seasons, which differ by region. Shoulder seasons are short. The Sierra has Spring-like weather year-round, while the Amazon tends to stay hot and humid. The coastline has stronger seasonal changes in temperature, but the fluctuation still is not great, due to the country's equatorial location.
By Month
January
Wet season. Waters around the Galapagos are warm and calm. Good for climbing in the Ecuadorian Andes. Best for climbing Cotopaxi.
February
Wet season. Waters around the Galapagos are warm and calm. Good for climbing in the Ecuadorian Andes. Best for climbing Cotopaxi.
March
Wet season. Waters around the Galapagos are warm and calm. Good for climbing in the Ecuadorian Andes.
April
Wet season. Waters around the Galapagos are warm and calm.
May
Wet season at the beginning of the month, transitioning to a shoulder season by the end. Good for climbing in the Ecuadorian Andes.
June
Peak travel season. Waters around the Galapagos are cold and rough. Good for climbing and skiing in the Ecuadorian Andes.
July
Peak travel season. Waters around the Galapagos are cold and rough. Good for climbing and skiing in the Ecuadorian Andes.
August
Peak travel season. Waters around the Galapagos are cold and rough. Good for skiing in the Ecuadorian Andes.
September
Peak travel season. Waters around the Galapagos are cold and rough. Good for skiing in the Ecuadorian Andes.
October
Shoulder season. Rainy in parts. Driest season for the Amazon, though it’s still humid.
November
Shoulder season. Rainy in parts. Driest season for the Amazon, though it’s still humid. Good for climbing in the Ecuadorian Andes.
December
Shoulder season. Rainy in parts. Driest season for the Amazon, though it’s still humid. Good for climbing in the Ecuadorian Andes. Best for climbing Cotopaxi.
