Ecuador is perhaps the most historic part of South America due to its links to the Andean people who are one of the oldest civilizations in the world. This has made it home to several archeological sites which invite people from all over the world.

Besides the historic part, this country is also famous for its rich biodiversity, towering volcanoes, and delicious food. In other words, Ecuador has everything travelers need to satisfy all types of travelers. For those heading to Ecuador, here are the 10 best ways to get the most out of a visit to the country.

10 Explore The Amazon Rainforest

Parts of the Amazon Rainforest pass through Ecuador offering travelers in the country a chance to see the incredible fauna and flora of this part of the rainforest.

Puerto Francisco de Orellana is the gateway to this part of the Amazon Rainforest and before visiting, there are many things that make it worth a visit.

To begin, the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest is considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and besides the impressive wildlife, the natural region is also filled with amazing adventures and lots of unique experiences.

9 See The Hummingbirds

Ecuador is home to the largest amount of hummingbirds. There are over approximately 152 species of these birds in the country and more are being discovered almost yearly.

A visit to this country is certainly not complete without the sights of these cute colorful flight creatures.

Jocotoco Reserve and Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary are some of the best places to see hummingbirds in Ecuador.

8 Experience Downhill Mountain Biking On Cotopaxi Volcano

Mountain Biking is generally thrilling but downhill mountain biking takes the thrill a step higher. When in Ecuador, travelers have the opportunity to experience this adventure at Cotopaxi Volcano.

This adventure usually begins at the parking lot of Cotopaxi National Park which is 4,500 meters above sea level.

From this point, adventurers can then enjoy the impressive views of the volcano as they ride downhill.

Related: These Top-Rated Amazon Tours Are A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

7 Walk Through Quito City

When it comes to experiencing the best out of Ecuador, Quito, its capital, must not be left out.

The city features several cathedrals, museums, and so many other historic sites that shed more light on the Spanish colonial periods in Latin America.

Due to its importance to Latin American history, Quito has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and besides the historical parts, the city also has a lot of outdoor adventures travelers can engage in.

6 See Unique Wildlife On The Galápagos Islands

The UNESCO-listed Galagapos Islands are several islands and islets which host unique wildlife.

The islands are said to have been created by volcanic activity millions of years ago and the extreme isolation of the archipelago is what is believed to have resulted in the area’s unique wildlife. Galapagos was the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection after he visited in 1835.

Some popular wildlife that can be seen here include the giant tortoise, marine iguana, and the blue-footed booby.

Related: Here's An Essential Guide For Visiting Galapagos, Ecuador

5 Explore Otavalo Market

Otavalo Market is the most famous market in Ecuador and the largest market in South America.

The market is located in the town of Otavalo and visitors to the market will be met with a wide variety of products from jewelry to fresh fruits, vegetables, clothes, carved statues, and several other handmade items. It is also a great place to check out the street food of the country.

The market opens seven days a week, but Saturday is the best day to visit to see the market.

4 Climb A Volcano

Volcanoes are very popular attractions in Ecuador because the country is full of them. Volcan Chimborazo with a height of 6,263 meters is one of the tallest in the country and worth a mountain climbing adventure.

Other mountains that offer climbing opportunities in Ecuador include Sierra Negra Volcano, Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and El Altar.

3 Visit Cuenca

Cuenca is one of the few cities in Ecuador known for its rich history and abundance of historic attractions. The is characterized by impressive architecture which is a product of the region’s colonial history.

The city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and while visiting Cuenca, travelers should check out the historic churches, the hanging houses, and the museums for a look at the city’s distant history.

2 Hike In Cajas National Park

Cajas National Park is one of the most exciting places to hike in Ecuador. The park in the Andes Mountains is characterized by towering mountains, steep valleys, and a desert kind of landscape.

Several posts are marked for hiking and while some are short and easy, others are long, difficult, and rise to dangerously high altitudes.

Some longer hikes even give adventurers the opportunity to camp at some point.

1 The Inca Ruins Of Ingapirca

A visit to Ecuador will not be complete without travelers seeing at least one of the several ruins in the country. Located in a small town in Canar Province, the Ingapirca ruins are great to visit.

It is the largest known Inca ruin in the country, and it is characterized by a building known as the Temple of the Sun which the Ancient Incas used to tell different seasons throughout the year.

Machu Picchu might be popular but the Inca ruins in Ecuador are less crowded and equally impressive.