Outdoor Paradise: Discover Ecuador’s Hidden Jewels

Is 2023 the year you explore Ecuador and its amazing outdoor attractions?

Let’s take a look at three of Ecuador’s favorite towns and cities for adventurers and outdoor lovers.

You’ll discover that good things happen in some of Ecuador’s smallest venues.

Tena: Considered one of the “Gateways to the Amazon,” this city is a famous river rafting and kayaking spot due to its Napo and Jatunyaku Rivers. It is home to the Parque Lineal de Tena, ideal for running, cycling, and admiring the area’s biodiversity. Nearby attractions include the Jumandy Caves, known for their stalactites and groundwater currents. 

Baños de Agua Santa: This town rises between the central Andes and the Amazon of Ecuador. Aside from being ideal for extreme sports, it has stops such as the Columpio del Fin del Mundo, a swing that hangs from a tree house. Though not for the faint of heart, it provides sweeping views of the nearby Tungurahua volcano. Also famous in Baños de Agua Santa is the Pailón del Diablo waterfall, which can be best appreciated from a hanging bridge. 

Manta: Ecuador’s status as a world-class tuna-producing country is mainly due to Manta, a port city that also receives numerous cruise ships. It is also known for its urban beaches, where visitors can snorkel, paddleboard, or enjoy kitesurfing classes, among other activities. The canton of Manta houses the Pacoche Coastal Wildlife and Marine Refuge, a protected area where howler monkeys and numerous bird species live.