Humidity, blasts of hot air, heavy traffic... Embark for Guayaquil, the largest city of Ecuador even though Quito is the capital. We're off for a visit of the "Pearl of the Pacific", from its landscaped river promenade (the Malecón 2000) to the cerro Santa Ana, not to mention the city centre!

Guayaquil, pearl of the Pacific

In this article you will find a presentation of Isla de la Plata, nicknamed "the poor-man's Galapagos", which can be reached from Puerto López.

Leaving Puerto López for the little Galapagos

The Sierra is the Andean region of Ecuador that's crossed by the Pan-American Highway. The other regions are Selva, home to the Amazon Rainforest and the Costa, which borders the Pacific Coast. Often called the 'Volcano Route', it boasts a dozen volcanoes, including the highest and most active in the world. And we're off to a giddy 3,000m altitude...

Along the Pan-American Highway, from Cotopaxi to Chimborazo

Welcome to Puerto López, an Ecuadorian must-see, home to one of the country's most sought-after activities - whale watching!

Puerto López and whale watching

The incredibly beautiful lake of Quilotoa, is just waiting for walkers in the midst of picture postcard scenery in the heart of the Andes.  You'll be well rewarded for the effort it takes to get there. The scenery is quite simply magnificent.

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Ecuador

Quilotoa

Cotopaxi, approach to the roof of the Andes... A white mushroom with a peak that pierces the clouds, is how I describe the view from the plane when leaving Ecuador.

Cotopaxi

The Cuyabeno Nature Reserve is one of the best national parks in Ecuador for observing animals in their natural environment.

Cuyabeno

For nature lovers  Machalilla National Park is a must when in Ecuador . At once maritime and terrestrial, it gives you the opportunity to discover a fauna (birds, whales...) and an astonishing and varied flora.

Machalilla National Park

12 km from Latacunga, Saquisili is a tiny, authentic  village which is well worth the trip.

Saquisilí

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Small and less touristy than Otavalo, Saquisili market is one of my favourite souvenirs of my trip to Ecuador. Every Thursday the Indians come from the surrounding areas to sell their fruit, vegetables, guinea pigs, pigs, chickens, cows and llamas...I even saw an old woman carrying a sheep on her back like a rucksack! Cool! Just like Otavalo, this market is a paradise for photographers. I loved its feeling of being a genuine, typical local market, with a real country village atmosphere. I spent a great morning in Saquisili strolling through the stalls and I recommend you go to see and experience life in Saquisili , especially if you couldn't get to Otavalo.

12 km from Latacunga, Saquisili is a tiny, authentic village which is well worth the trip.

Saquisilí lies close to the volcano Cotopaxi on the Pan-American Highway and is not a particularly interesting place for tourists. It's a small town with no particular charm of its own, a place you simply pass through along the way, which makes it the complete opposite of the beautiful town of Latacunga a few kilometres further on. What makes Saquisilí well worth making a trip to, however, which is why I chose to visit here on a Thursday morning. The market is held across the whole town and they sell practically anything and everything there: animals, fruits and vegetables, fabrics, etc. The most impressive and interesting part of it is, of course, the livestock market, where calves, cows and pigs are bartered and sold in an atmosphere of wonderful chaos: an endless cacophony of mooing, bellowing and squealing. Lying off the beaten track as it does, it's definitely better here than at Otavalo. Mark my words!

Lying 12 kilometres from Latacunga , Saquisili is worth visiting primarily for its large weekly market, which is held every Thursday morning.

Local travel agencies specialised in Family with children in Ecuador

Family tour ideas in Ecuador

Compared to most South American countries, Ecuador’s relatively small size means it's easy to navigate and&nbsp;an&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.net/where-to-go/family-vacations/" href="https://www.evaneos.net/where-to-go/family-vacations/" target="_blank">ideal destination for families</a>&nbsp;who are looking to minimize travel time, without compromising on adventure. Explore colonial mansions or Inca ruins on one of our&nbsp;<a data-destination-id="72" data-internal-link="destination" href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ecuador/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ecuador/">tailor-made Ecuador tours</a>, before heading off on a rainforest adventure, where you can spot a plethora of wildlife, or even go whale-watching off the coast.<h3>Best things&nbsp;to see and do in Ecuador&nbsp;with kids</h3>As soon as you land in&nbsp;<a data-place-id="1203" data-internal-link="place" href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ecuador/holidays/places/1203-1203/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ecuador/holidays/places/1203-1203/">Quito</a>, you and your family will get a sense of the incredible culture, atmosphere and range of experiences to be had in Ecuador. Begin your unforgettable trip with a chocolate making class where you can all learn how to make this ancient and delicious treat. This class is always a highlight with travelers, no matter their age. Now that you’re fueled up with chocolate, you’ll all be ready to head off into the wilderness and spot some of Ecuador’s most famous animal residents in one of the many nature reserves or National Parks, such as the stunning Yanacocha or Milpe reserves.&nbsp;Ecuador is an animal lover's dream, with incredible biodiversity unlike anywhere else. As well as visiting one of the country's numerous&nbsp;llama farms, the San Isidro Cloud Forest is another favorite with families wanting to see some of&nbsp;Ecuador's incredible animal species at close range. Visit the winding trails of the cloud forest to see why this place is so amazing. For adventure-loving families,&nbsp;<a data-place-id="1811" data-internal-link="place" href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ecuador/holidays/places/1811-1811/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ecuador/holidays/places/1811-1811/">Baños</a>&nbsp;is the perfect choice and here, you’ll be able to river-rafting, zip lining, biking and so much more, with the amazing backdrop of the smoking Tungurahua Volcano. Here you can also find a monkey sanctuary and an endless variety of hiking trails for active families looking for an adventure. The bravest among you can even try the local delicacy of lemon ants washed down with the tastier, Melcocha taffy. The nearby&nbsp;<a data-destination-id="303" data-internal-link="destination" href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/galapagos-islands/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/galapagos-islands/">Galapagos Islands</a>&nbsp;are often also visited as part of a trip to Ecuador, meaning you’ll be able to explore two incredible destinations in one trip.<h3>Best time to visit Ecuador as a family</h3>Since Ecuador is so close to the Equator, typical seasons don’t exist in the same way here, which can make it difficult to know&nbsp;<a data-document-id="2958" data-internal-link="article" href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ecuador/holidays/when-to-go/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ecuador/holidays/when-to-go/">when to travel</a>. Temperatures remain pretty steady throughout the year with weather varying between regions. If you plan on travelling around the country and visiting several locations, its best to come prepared with a variety of clothing and waterproof jackets as well as hot weather attire. Don’t forget to pack hats and sun cream for the midday heat. Mid-June to Early September is the busiest period, in which families and other tourists make the most of their summer break and so, if possible try to visit outside of this time to save money on accommodation and to avoid crowds of tourists at more popular locations. This also means that you’ll be able to be more spontaneous during your trip, which can be great for families traveling with younger children or teenagers, since you won’t have to worry so much about accommodations being booked up during your time here. In short, Ecuador is a year round destination, with weather varying from place to place. <h3>Family&nbsp;vacation tips for traveling to Ecuador</h3>With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Ecuador, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your holiday. <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Public Transport here is pretty good compare with some other Latin American countries and, with a little forward-looking, you should be able to get round easily and conveniently. Ecuador’s relatively small size also means that these journeys will be easily manageable for younger kids, meaning you have one less thing to worry about.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Check in with your GP before leaving to see what vaccinations and medications you will need before and during your trip. Make sure you pack mosquito repellent, especially if you are planning on traveling through the jungle. We also advise packing some long trousers and long sleeves to avoid the annoyance of itchy bites later on in your trip.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Since the country’s altitude is fairly high, take it easy for the first few days to avoid any effects of altitude sickness getting the better of you and your kids.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">As with a lot of countries, its best to be aware that pickpockets and the like are common in crowded areas and tourist honey-traps. Have your wits about you and perhaps invest in a hidden belt bag in which to store money and important documents.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Embrace the atmosphere. This country is extremely welcoming, friendly and well-known for its laid back atmosphere. Make the most of your time here by embracing this and immersing yourself and your family in local culture - you won’t be disappointed.</li></ul>

Start planning your family vacation in Ecuador

The best {nb_iti} Ecuador tours for families with children, created by a local travel agency. Plan and book tailor-made vacations at local prices.

Saquisilí Vacations

Saquisilí: How to get there?

Saquisilí: When to go?

Saquisilí: For how long?

Saquisilí: What to see in the surroundings?

Ecuador: our articles for your vacation