Best Landmarks in Western Lowlands
Planning a trip to Western Lowlands? Discover the best landmarks in Western Lowlands with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Western Lowlands
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- A–Z
25 landmarks
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Tourist attraction4.6★77,679 reviews
Malecon 2000
Malecón 2000 is a revitalized 2.5 km waterfront promenade in Guayaquil, Ecuador, along the Guayas River. It blends history, culture, and modern amenities, offering gardens, monuments, museums, shopping, and dining. It's a safe and vibrant public space for locals and tourists alike.
Daily 7:00–24:00
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Monument4.7★30,095 reviews
Middle of the World City
Step into history at the Middle of the World City, where you can straddle the equator and explore fascinating exhibits about this unique geographical landmark. Located just outside Quito, this vibrant monument serves as both a tourist attraction and a museum, showcasing Ecuador's rich culture and the significance of the equatorial line.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00 · Sat–Sun 9:00–18:00
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Tourist attraction4.7★17,718 reviews
Virgin of the Panecillo
The Virgin of the Panecillo, a towering aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary, stands atop Panecillo Hill in Quito, Ecuador, offering panoramic city views. Inaugurated in 1976, the monument is a replica of the 18th-century sculpture 'Virgin of Quito' by Bernardo de Legarda and has become a symbol of the city.
Mon–Wed 9:30–17:15 · Thu–Sun 9:30–21:00
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Historical landmark4.6★18,196 reviews
Independence Square
Independence Square, also known as Plaza Grande, is Quito's main square, steeped in history and surrounded by significant colonial buildings. It's a vibrant hub where locals and tourists gather, offering a glimpse into the city's rich cultural and political heritage.
Open 24 hours
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Catholic church4.8★15,957 reviews
Basílica del Voto Nacional
The Basílica del Voto Nacional, located in Quito's historic center, is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas. Inspired by the Notre Dame in Paris, this architectural marvel features stunning towers, intricate details, and uniquely Ecuadorian elements like native animal gargoyles. Visitors can explore its chapels, climb its towers for panoramic city views, and experience a blend of European Gothic and Ecuadorian artistry.
Daily 9:00–18:00
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Tourist attraction4.7★11,221 reviews
La Casa del Arbol
La Casa del Arbol, Spanish for 'The Treehouse,' is perched high in the mountains near Baños, Ecuador, offering breathtaking views of the active Tungurahua volcano. Originally a seismic monitoring station, it's now famous for its thrilling swing that sends you out over the edge of the mountain, creating the illusion of swinging into an abyss.
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Tourist attraction4.6★10,671 reviews
Guayaquil Historical Park
The Guayaquil Historical Park in Samborondón offers a captivating glimpse into Ecuador's past, showcasing the region's wildlife, architecture, and traditions. This 8-hectare park is divided into three distinct zones, providing an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Wed–Sun 9:00–17:00
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Tourist attraction4.8★7,895 reviews
La Chocolatera
La Chocolatera, located in Salinas, Ecuador, is the westernmost point of the country, offering dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and diverse marine life. The unique name comes from the chocolate-colored foam created when waves pound against the rocks, resembling a frothy hot chocolate. It's a must-see for its stunning views and natural beauty.
Daily 8:00–15:00
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Tourist attraction4.6★4,735 reviews
Playa Santa Marianita
Playa Santa Marianita, a tranquil fishing village near Manta, Ecuador, boasts a stunning kilometer-long beach known for its consistent winds, making it a prime destination for kitesurfing and a relaxing escape for beach lovers. The area also offers opportunities for whale watching and exploring nearby tropical forests.
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Catholic cathedral4.8★3,419 reviews
Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción
The Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, also known as the New Cathedral of Cuenca, is a stunning architectural masterpiece that dominates the city's skyline. Its neo-Gothic design, Romanesque and Renaissance influences, and striking blue domes make it a must-see landmark.
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi National Park, named for the towering Cotopaxi volcano, is a stunning protected area in the Ecuadorian Andes. It offers diverse landscapes, from high-altitude plains to glacial lakes, and a chance to witness unique wildlife and experience the raw beauty of the Andes.
Hemicycle De La Rotonda
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Guayaquil, Hemicycle De La Rotonda stands as a captivating historical landmark that seamlessly blends culture, art, and leisure. This picturesque spot offers tourists a unique glimpse into Ecuador's rich heritage while providing a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the waterfront promenade, admire stunning sculptures, and soak in the beauty of the surrounding gardens, making it an ideal destination for both history enthusiasts and casual explorers alike.
Daily 8:00–23:59
Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba
Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba, or 'stone plain' in Quechua, is a 32-hectare open-air museum in Quito, Ecuador, showcasing the remains of pre-Columbian cultures. Evidence suggests the site was inhabited from 1500 BCE to 1500 CE by groups including the Quitu-Cara. Visitors can explore uncovered ruins, replica huts, and an on-site museum displaying artifacts, offering a glimpse into Ecuador's rich ancestral history.
Wed–Sun 6:00–16:00
Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
The Catedral Metropolitana de Quito, gracing the southwestern side of Plaza de la Independencia, is a historical and architectural landmark. Its construction, spanning from 1535 to 1799, showcases a blend of Baroque, Gothic, Mudéjar, Neoclassical, and Romanesque styles, reflecting Quito's rich heritage.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00 · Sun 10:00–14:00
Quito Historic Center
The Quito Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the largest, best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. Explore its cobblestone streets, admire the Spanish colonial architecture, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Ecuador's capital.
Pearl Shell
Concha de la Perla, or Pearl Shell, is a stunning natural pool near Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, Galapagos, offering exceptional snorkeling experiences. Sheltered by mangroves and volcanic rocks, its calm, clear waters teem with diverse marine life, easily accessible without a guide.
Daily 6:00–18:00
Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado
The Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado is a tortoise reserve, breeding center, and sanctuary in the highlands of San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Established in 2002 by the Galapagos National Park Service, it's one of the best places to see the endangered Galapagos giant tortoises. Visitors can observe baby tortoises in breeding enclosures and adult tortoises roaming freely.
Daily 6:00–18:00
Reserva de producción de Fauna Cuyabeno
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, located in the Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces of the Ecuadorian Amazon, is a biodiverse protected area encompassing over 603,000 hectares. It's a realm of flooded forests, rivers, and lagoons, teeming with wildlife and indigenous cultures.
Wall of Tears
The Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas) on Isabela Island is a historical site built by prisoners between 1946 and 1959. This massive wall, constructed from volcanic rocks, stands as a haunting reminder of the harsh conditions and suffering endured by the inmates of the former Isabela Penitentiary Colony.
Casa de las Posadas
Casa de las Posadas is a restored heritage house in Cuenca, Ecuador, dating back to the 1760s. Once an inn for travelers, it now serves as a museum showcasing the city's history and culture through artifacts and art exhibitions.
Faro
Faro Las Peñas, a vibrant playground in Guayaquil's Las Peñas neighborhood, offers colorful structures and recreational fun. Located at the foot of the iconic Santa Ana Hill, it's a great spot for families and tourists seeking a playful escape with scenic views.
Pasaje Tobar
Pasaje Tobar, a historic shopping arcade in Quito's Old Town, offers a journey back to the 1920s with its neoclassical architecture and Parisian-style design. This pedestrian passage, adorned with a glass and iron roof, provides a unique blend of commerce and culture.
HITO LIMITROFE ECUADOR-PERÚ
The HITO LIMITROFE ECUADOR-PERÚ marks the geographical boundary where Ecuador and Peru meet, symbolizing their shared history and cultural exchange. Located in Palmales Viejo, it offers scenic views and a glimpse into the cross-cultural interactions between the two nations.
Entrada a Conferencia
Entrada a Conferencia, located in Quingeo, Ecuador, marks a significant historical landmark within this picturesque village. Quingeo, with its well-preserved adobe homes and rich cultural heritage, offers visitors a unique journey into Ecuadorian traditions and the natural beauty of the Andean highlands.
La Libertad Un lugar mágico - Huesos de Buda
Discover the vibrant street art of Huesos de Buda in La Libertad, Quito, Ecuador. This location offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and artistic expression of the city.
Open 24 hours
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