Why is Ecuador becoming such a popular destination to visit in South America?

Equivalent in size to North America and exceeding that of the European Union, South America is a lot bigger than many travelers often suspect. Throughout the 12 countries it is home to, the continent manages to offer a considerable swath of Earth’s most epic ecosystems and cultures, continuously enticing explorers to unravel its jaw-dropping variety of landscapes and societies.

While South America’s grandeur is indeed impressive, the golden rule of travel remains: time is of the essence. That’s why, despite its size and countless offerings, South America would take a considerable amount of time to thoroughly discover and enjoy. Consequently, such is the reason why one small South American country is beginning to dominate the travel scene and garner the interest of many travelers seeking to get a wholesome taste of South America’s most renowned offerings, while not forcing them to spread their time (or wallet) too thin.

The country in question? Ecuador. Here’s a look at some of the reasons for why it’s becoming such a popular destination to visit in South America, and why you won’t want to miss the opportunity to offer it to your clients!

A wealth of unique and diverse attractions

While the unmissable Galapagos Islands forever holds the title as Ecuador’s crown jewel of attractions, the country still has a surprising number of beautiful attractions up its sleeve. Historical cities invite visitors to meander their streets and delve into its captivating breadth of museums, cathedrals, shops, and plazas. Famous artisan’s markets await in select towns, offering your clients an astonishing array of handmade goods—a number of which are often hard to find anywhere else in the world—that they’ll find almost impossible to resist taking back home with them. And last, but certainly not least, Ecuador’s astounding biodiversity and extraordinary wildlife found throughout its different regions will pull visitors in like never before, leaving them in complete awe and even perhaps an inkling of a desire to return once more.

Stunning landscapes

Prepare to offer your clients an impressive gamut of landscapes that seem like they’ve been plucked from different geographical regions throughout the world! Ecuador often is viewed as having it all: beaches, islands, mountains, volcanoes, forests, and jungles. National Parks and cities up in the highlands will humble visitors with their enormous expanse of endless plains and crater lakes that are bordered by rolling hills, mountains, and the occasional colossal volcano or two. The lush and vibrant jungles and forests found along the coast and in the Amazon rainforest will lure visitors in with their magic, mystery, and life. No matter what they’re in search of, Ecuador offers your clients the chance to set out across and discover a grand variety of otherworldly landscapes in just a matter of days.

Growing spotlight on tourism

Throughout the past years, Ecuador has put a considerable amount of resources towards boosting the country’s position as one of the best places to visit in Latin America. And it’s evident that it’s paid off, with Ecuador consecutively winning the World Travel Award’s prize for “World’s Leading Green Destination” and National Geographic’s “Best Place to Travel To.” The growing interest in Ecuador is now making its way into mainstream media, which feeds a cycle of excitement and curiosity among potential travelers. This surge of attention has not only propelled Ecuador’s tourism industry but has also brought attention to its commitment to sustainable practices, making it a frontrunner in eco-tourism and responsible travel. As Ecuador continues to shine on the global tourism stage, it is poised to become a must-visit destination for those clients who are seeking unforgettable adventures and immersive cultural encounters in the heart of Latin America.

Evolving tourism infrastructure

Ecuador has invested greatly in improving its transportation, accommodation, and tourist infrastructure in order to give its visitors a better level of service and options. Airports and road networks have been expanded and upgraded, which will provide your clients with greater ease of access to Ecuador’s numerous different regions and allow them to make the most of their time without having to stress over logistics, travel times, security, etc. As a result, Ecuador is more than capable of delivering a comfortable and seamless travel experience to your clients as they discover the country’s natural wonders and vibrant cultural heritage!

Rich cultural heritage

A deep and rich history will draw visitors in and entice them to explore the magnificent fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences that exist in Ecuador. Indigenous groups, too, are found throughout the country, each of which has its own set of distinct traditions that are still alive and well to this very day. UNESCO-listed areas and cities (such as Quito, Cuenca, and Otavalo) all come with their fair share of unique flavors, music, and dance that will inspire your clients to join in on the energy and fun that makes Ecuador a true delight for the senses.

Emphasis on sustainable tourism

A visit to Ecuador wouldn’t be complete without a taste of one of the country’s growing approaches towards enticing travelers to come and visit: sustainability. Your clients will be happy to know that, in Ecuador, there is an underlying emphasis placed on preserving the country’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, having implemented various initiatives to promote responsible and sustainable practices. Visitors will find that protected areas (and the World’s Leading Eco-lodge at Mashpi Lodge) are carefully managed with strict regulations that involve waste reduction, energy efficiency, and the empowerment of local communities. So, make it a point to mention to your clients that they’ll have added peace of mind in terms of their environmental footprint when visiting this one-of-a-kind country!

Growing number of tour operators, travel agencies, and hospitality services

As a result of all these reasons for why Ecuador is becoming such a popular destination to visit in South America, there has been a remarkable growth in the number of tour operators, travel agencies, and hospitality services available throughout the country, which has further helped enhanced the visitor experience. All of these may offer a number of options that range from adventure tours in the highlands all the way to exciting expeditions throughout the Amazon and Galapagos Islands. The endgame with all of them is that they give visitors a hassle-free experience of Ecuador’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions. However, not all of them offer the greatest nor the widest array of options available; and some are too new to rely upon with complete confidence. That’s why, with Metropolitan Touring’s over 70 years of experience crafting and delivering tours in Ecuador (not to mention the pioneer of travel to the Galapagos!), you can rest assured that your clients will receive the best-in-class service and experience available!