Discover the best family-friendly destinations in Ecuador. From Galapagos wildlife cruises and Amazon rainforest adventures to Andean hikes and colonial city charm, plan your unforgettable Ecuador family vacation.
I’ll admit it, straight out. I wasn’t prepared for Ecuador.
Sure, I packed the right clothes, I knew enough of the language to get by, and I had all of the right safety and security measures in place. But, emotionally, I wasn’t prepared.
I mean, I’ve been to more than 50 countries across five continents, and Ecuador shook me. Not in a bad way, of course, but because travel in this tiny little South American nation was so far beyond everything I had expected that I was literally left in awe.
My family flew to Quito to launch an 18-day adventure through as many of the top places to visit in Ecuador as we could manage. And there wasn’t one place, one stop, one moment, that wasn’t pure magic. And that’s saying a lot. We’ve traveled through some of the most jaw-dropping places on earth. Iceland, Turkey, Jordan, Peru, the Philippines, and many more. To stand out as exceptional after all of those family travel experiences is something special. And Ecuador delivered.
So if you’re considering family travel to Ecuador, I’m going to lay out all the places that my family visited, and a few of the places that we hope to get back and see so that you and your loved ones can experience what we experienced and discover firsthand why Ecuador might be one of the best adventure family travel destinations on Earth.
Quito
Nearly all adventures in Ecuador begin in the capital of Quito. Our was no different. This majestic city, set within the “Volcano Valley” of Andean foothills, is breathtaking, literally.
Standing tall on the Andean foothills at 9350 feet, or 2,850 meters above sea level. The air here is thin, but once your lungs adapt to the altitude, Quito’s beauty might just steal your breath once more. The entire Old Town in the city has been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it didn’t take us long to discover why.
Quito needs about 2-3 days to experience properly (longer if you really want to dive into the wonders of the city). We started our visit at The Virgin of El Panecillo, a massive metal statue overlooking the city. It offers some of the best views over Quito and is one of the best places to get your bearings. From there, the city is, quite literally, at your feet. Head down to Basilica Del Voto Nacional, which is one of the most unique and beautiful churches that I’ve ever seen. Make sure to go inside and see the impressive stained glass rose window.
Independence Square is another must-visit. The political center of Quito is home to the parliamentary buildings and a collection of incredible historic churches. One of the most surprising places that we visited was the Archbishop’s Palace. This is the home to Ecuador’s Catholic Archbishop. But like many places in the church, it’s been opened up to businesses and tourists to help cover costs. Grab dinner inside or just enjoy the beautiful courtyard.
Consider a stay at Hotel Casa Gangotena, a historic property across from the beautiful San Francisco Catholic Church. Not only are the rooms and service incredible, but the hotel houses one of the best restaurants in the city.
You can check out our complete two-day Quito itinerary for families here.
The Ecuator
Ecuador was named for the simple reason that it sits directly on the Ecuator, the imaginary line that divides the northern hemisphere from the southern hemisphere. But if you’re looking up where to visit the Ecuator in Ecuador (that’s a mouthful), you’ll typically find two different places. And they’re both very close to each other, not far from the country’s capital of Quito.
But there’s a catch. One actually isn’t on the equator at all.
Mitad del Mundo was the original tourist spot for visiting the Ecuador, but when a monument was created there back in 1736, GPS technology wasn’t what it is today. In 1989, thanks to modern technology, it was determined that the ecuator is actually further south than Mitad del Mundo. The Itinan Museum was built at the correct latitude to mark the location.
We visited both. Mitad del Mundo is more historic and “monumental,” while The Itinan Museum is fun and kitschy, but it also has some fascinating exhibits, including real shrunken heads from Ecuadorian Amazonian tribes.
Otavalo
From Quito, my family made our way two hours north to the town of Otavalo. Otavalo is famous for its outdoor markets, so that’s the first thing that we did. Otavalo actually has three markets. One for textiles, one for food, and one for animals. We were interested in picking up some souvenirs, so we visited the textile market and picked up some beautiful sweaters, alpaca ponchos, and Panama hats (known locally as toquilla straw hats or Jipijapa hats).
The animal market is focused on animals for farming or butchering. So if you’re hoping to hit all three of the Otavalo markets with your kids, please keep that in mind. It’s a real market, not a tourist experience, so there may be items that make some families uncomfortable.
One of our favorite places to visit in Otavalo was Cascada de Paguche. This Indigenous-run geopark has a beautiful trail that leads to a 60-foot (20-meter) tall waterfall set among towering cliffs in a narrow gorge, and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
We stayed at Hacienda Cusin, a beautiful historic property and former monastery on the edge of town with amazing views of the nearby mountains. We took part in an empanada cooking class and enjoyed hours exploring the grounds.
Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park was one of our favorite stops and offers an unforgettable adventure for families visiting Ecuador. We took part in a horseback ride across the Andean highlands with the majestic, snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano as a backdrop. Pure magic.
Cotopaxi is ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful volcanoes. But it’s just the start of the national park experience here. Beyond the horseback riding, the park teems with wildlife, including herds of wild horses that freely roam the vast plains. For those who enjoy hiking, the flat and easy Laguna Limpiopungo trail offers a chance to take in some of the more than fifteen different species of birds that call Cotopaxi home.
To fully embrace the Cotopaxi experience, consider a stay at the rustic Hotel Tambopaxi, the only accommodation nestled within the national park itself. Waking up to breathtaking views of the volcano and the surrounding wilderness is an unparalleled treat. Its cozy atmosphere and decent restaurant provide a comfortable base for exploring the park.
Quilotoa
Quilotoa is a local favorite destination in Ecuador, but when we visited, it was clear that visitors hadn’t quite gotten the message.
A tiny town made famous by its magnificent crater lake filled with turquoise water is one of the top places to visit in Ecuador for local families. They flock from Quito in droves on the weekend for gentle hikes along the volcano rim, or just to grab lunch at one of the quaint local restaurants.
Hiking is a primary draw of Quilotoa. The town features trails ranging from casual strolls along the crater rim to more challenging descents to the lakeshore, which Cohen and I took on for a chance to paddle in the effervescent waters. Families can choose a hike that suits their fitness level, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacular scenery.
A word of warning, the walk down to the base of the crater is amazing, the walk back up is exhausting. If you’re concerned about fitness, he views of the deep blue water against the rugged slopes from the viewpoints up top are truly unforgettable.
For those seeking a unique and eco-friendly stay, the Black Sheep Inn is one of Ecuador’s most famous eco-retreats. While it caters to backpackers and slow travelers, this sustainable lodge offers comfortable accommodations and delicious vegetarian meals, making it a great base for families exploring the area. There are amazing valley views from the rooms and rescued farm animals on-site, including the famous black sheep.
Beyond hiking, Quilotoa also offers opportunities for mountain biking. Dylan, Cohen, and I joined a local company for a steep ride from the mountaintop to the town. Be careful who you book with; the bikes we got were questionable at best. Dylan’s bike wasn’t suited to the style of riding we were doing, and he packed it in early on. I had to get my bike replaced as the brakes were questionable. Not something you want on a trail that steep.
Quilotoa’s combination of stunning natural beauty, diverse activities, and eco-conscious accommodations makes it an ideal destination for families.
Galapagos Islands
It’s no surprise that the Galapagos Islands are one of the biggest draws for families traveling to Ecuador. Sure, it’s an expensive, remote, and challenging destination, but Galapagos is like nowhere else on earth, so if you can get there, it’s not just one of the best places to visit in Ecuador; it’s one of the most incredible places to travel on the planet.
My family took part in an eight-day small boat cruise with Royal Galapagos exploring the Galapagos Islands Western Loop. It was a childhood dream of mine that became a brilliant reality, and it was every bit as magical as I had hoped for.
This volcanic archipelago is a living laboratory of evolution where wildlife reigns supreme and time seems to have taken a detour. Along the way we snorkeled with sea lions and manta rays, snapped photos of blue footed boobies and Galapagos penguins, and kayaked alongside stingrays.
The Galapagos Islands were an immersive experience that I hope to enjoy again. But be prepared, this is a highly protected place. Cruises have strict limitations on shore time and activities, and ground tours can be time-consuming and offer limited activities. It’s something you’ll have to plan very carefully.
To help you plan, check out my YouTube video that showcases our trip to the Galapagos from start to finish.
Amazon Rainforest
From San Cristobal in the Galapagos, we flew through Quito to the town of Puerto Francisco de Orellana (locally known as Coca) on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest. We spent three nights on an epic adventure deep in the rainforest at La Selva Lodge. The Amazon Rainforest is so massive that it falls within eight countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Although this was our fourth of these South American countries, this was our first time visiting the Amazon.
Our days in the Amazon were packed with activities that brought us face-to-face with this massive jungle’s wild residents. We fished for piranha, took in panoramic views from treetop platforms above the canopy, and wandered beneath the trees, taking in all manner of endangered creatures and critters.
The sheer abundance of life was astounding, a constant reminder of the Amazon’s vital importance to our planet. We had the chance to meet with communities of Indigenous locals, learning about life within the rainforest itself from those who have been raised within its embrace.
Cuenca
My next-door neighbors are originally from Cuenca. They have always raved about its beauty. But it wasn’t until our recent family travels through Ecuador that I truly grasped its allure as a top destination for families.
I always make it a point to ask locals about their favorite place in their home country. And in Ecuador, the resounding answer was almost always Cuenca. This consistent praise from those who know Ecuador best speaks volumes about its charm and appeal.
From what I’ve learned, Cuenca offers a delightful blend of colonial history, stunning architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families. Its well-preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites exploration with its cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, and vibrant plazas. The city is also known for its artisan history, offering opportunities to experience local crafts and culture.
Cuenca has a reputation for safety, walkability, and a welcoming environment. It’s a haven for families seeking a rich cultural experience without the overwhelming pace of larger cities. It’s now firmly on our itinerary for the next time we travel to Ecuador with the kids.
Salinas
To fully appreciate the breadth of Ecuador’s diversity, a visit to the Pacific Coast was highly recommended to me. Specifically, the town of Salinas was recommended as an amazing destination for families. Currently, the coastal region has garnered a bit of a bad reputation due to gang violence and organized crime, but Salinas has remained largely on the edge of these issues.
Salinas is popular for its long, gold-sand beaches, great water, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a refreshing, light-hearted contrast to the intensity of the Amazon Jungle or the Galapagos Islands and the hectic lifestyle of large cities like Quito.
Salinas is a quieter, more relaxed destination than other coastal cities like Guayaquil, Esmeraldas, and Montañita, and is a great place for some downtime on your Ecuadorian family travels.
Baños
It was extremely difficult to cut Baños from our two-week Ecuador family travel itinerary. And that’s a testament to the vast range of experiences and attractions in this small country. But with travel, sacrifices must sometimes be made to accommodate time constraints and budgets, and Baños landed on the chopping block in our schedule.
Tucked between the majestic Andes mountains and the lush Amazon rainforest, about two hours from Quito, Baños has risen to fame thanks to its iconic “Swing at the End of the World” at La Casa del Arbol. The hotel was originally a Tungurahua volcano watchtower, but it’s been converted into an eco-lodge that offers a thrilling experience, allowing visitors to swing high above a stunning Ecuadorian valley.
Beyond its most “Instagram-famous” attraction, Baños can fill out an itinerary with a vast array of natural wonders, including numerous waterfalls, hot springs, and rushing rivers, that are fantastic for visitors of all ages. The powerful Cascada el Pailón del Diablo, or Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall, was on our list for visiting.
While Baños didn’t fit into our first visit to Ecuador, its reputation as an adventure hub with breathtaking scenery firmly places it on our list for future family explorations in Ecuador.
Family Travel In Ecuador Is Life-Changing
Has Ecuador captured your imagination as much as it captured mine? If you’re feeling inspired to plan your own family adventure through this incredible country, I’m filling this website with tips to help you plan.
Our recent journey only scratched the surface of Ecuador’s wonders, and we’re excited to continue sharing our discoveries and tips for traveling with kids on our Ecuador family travel blog. From the unique wildlife encounters in the Galapagos to the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes and the vibrant culture of its cities, Ecuador offers a diverse tapestry of experiences perfect for families.
If we’ve sparked your interest, leave a comment below. Start dreaming, do your research, and prepare for an unforgettable journey. Whether you envision encountering giant tortoises, hiking volcanic trails, or immersing yourselves in the Amazon rainforest, Ecuador promises memories that will last a lifetime.
And if you uncover a fantastic family-friendly spot, a hidden gem with the most delicious empanadas, or an amazing wildlife encounter we haven’t mentioned, please share it with our community! Let’s help each other plan the best Ecuador family adventures. The magic of travel, especially with family, lies in the stories and recommendations we share along the way.
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