15 Hidden Places to Visit in Ecuador That Locals Keep Secret (2025)

Ecuador sits perfectly between the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon rainforest.  This small country of 283,562 square kilometers offers more attractions than many countries double its size.  Giant tortoises draw tourists to the Galápagos Islands, while others capture photos of Quito’s historic streets at 9,350 feet above sea level.  Yet this country holds a wealth of hidden gems that await exploration.

The majestic Cotopaxi volcano and vibrant Otavalo Market attract visitors regularly.  However, Ecuador’s true essence shines through its undiscovered corners.  Pristine waterfalls hide deep in the Amazon rainforest where 450 species of fish thrive in crystal-clear waters.  Cuenca’s 52 historic churches stand as hidden colonial treasures, untouched by the surge of mass tourism.

This piece showcases 15 secret locations that highlight Ecuador’s pure, untamed beauty.  These special places attract local families on weekends and preserve ancient traditions far from the usual tourist paths.

Hidden Waterfall Paradise of Cascadas de Manuel

The Cascadas de Manuel sits nestled in El Guabo, where eight stunning waterfalls tumble through thick green vegetation.  Nature lovers looking for peace and adventure will find this hidden paradise a perfect getaway.

How to Find This Secret Waterfall

Your experience starts with a bus ride from Machala or El Guabo that costs about 75 cents per person.  Look for a prominent sign near a banana plantation at the highway entrance.  You’ll need to cover 5 more miles to get to the waterfall entrance.  Local pickup truck taxis run back and forth on this final stretch.

Best Time to Visit the Cascadas

The park stays open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM and charges USD 3.00 per person.  In fact, the most peaceful time to visit is early morning.  The sunlight creates magical patterns on the water’s surface at this time.

Local Swimming Spots

The second and eighth waterfalls are the best spots to take a dip.  Each cascade has natural pools that let you:

• Cool off after your hike
• Swim in crystal-clear water
• Wash away the trail dust
• Relax to the sounds of the forest

Photography Tips

The flowing water creates beautiful photo opportunities all day long.  Bring a cloth to protect your camera from water spray.  The light works best early morning or late afternoon as it plays across the water.  A tripod will help you get sharp images, especially for those long-exposure waterfall shots.

The trails are easy to follow but get steep in some places as they lead you through this natural wonder.  You can camp overnight for USD 5 per person if you want to stay longer.

Secret Hot Springs of Baños de San Vicente

San Vicente Hot Springs stands as one of Ecuador’s most remarkable thermal retreats in the heart of the Andes near Baños de Agua Santa.  These mountain springs offer a perfect blend of natural healing and scenic beauty with their mineral-rich waters.

Getting to San Vicente

The springs are just 10 minutes from Baños de Agua Santa, close to the majestic Tungurahua Volcano.  Visitors can take private transfers or shared minibusses that run from nearby cities.  The site features six distinct thermal pools surrounded by lush vegetation and mountain views.

Local Healing Traditions

The springs’ therapeutic waters maintain temperatures between 32 and 43 degrees Celsius.  The mineral-rich waters contain beneficial elements including:

• Chlorine, iodine and sodium
• Calcium and magnesium
• Iron, aluminum and silica

Local healers suggest 15-minute soaking sessions to get the best therapeutic benefits.  The complex also offers specialized mud treatments that combine volcanic minerals with natural elements to improve healing properties.

Best Times for Bathing

The most serene experience comes in the early morning hours, before crowds arrive.  Moreover, the thermal pools keep their therapeutic temperature throughout the day and are available from opening until closing.  The surrounding mountains create a natural shelter that protects bathers from harsh weather.

Both indoor and outdoor pools make the springs accessible all year, whatever the weather conditions.  Private thermal baths are a great way to get extended soaking sessions for those wanting a more intimate experience.

Underground Caves of Jumandi

Deep within Ecuador’s Amazon basin, the Jumandi Caves stretch across two miles through the Cotundo Valley.  Water erosion carved this massive cave system through volcanic rock millions of years ago.  Visitors can experience its natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

Cave Exploration Guide

The cave system has three main branches filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.  Pure water springs and small swimming pools dot the natural chambers inside.  Your journey starts with a 45-minute guided tour at the cave entrance.  Adventurous explorers can extend their trip to four hours for a deeper cave experience.

Indigenous History

These caves honor Jumandy, a brave indigenous leader who united tribes against Spanish control in the 1500s.  His story took a tragic turn when Sierra tribes betrayed him, forcing him to hide in these caverns.  These caves remain proof of indigenous resistance and cultural preservation.

Safety Tips

You must have professional guides for all cave explorations.  Your essential gear should include:

• Three light sources with backup batteries
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Waterproof clothing
• First-aid supplies

Local Legends

Nearby communities consider this cave system deeply spiritual.  The local Kichwa people still perform ancient rituals in specific chambers.  Pre-Inca civilizations also used these caves as sanctuaries.  The caves now host diverse wildlife – from bat colonies to fish, shrimp, and unique cave-dwelling creatures.

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Hidden Beach of Los Frailes

Los Frailes Beach sits along Ecuador’s pristine coastline as a protected paradise within Machalilla National Park.  This mile-long crescent of fine sand gives visitors a unique experience away from commercial development.

Access Instructions

The park entrance requires visitors to register with a passport copy and pay a USD 5.00 entrance fee.  You can reach the beach in three ways: walk a scenic 2.5-kilometer trail, drive to the parking area or catch a tuk-tuk at USD 1.00 per person.  The hiking trail winds through dusty paths and reveals two smaller beaches before Los Frailes comes into view.

Best Snorkeling Spots

You’ll find excellent snorkeling spots on both sides of Cabo Frailes and near the Turtle Sanctuary’s southern reef.  Snorkeling gear costs USD 5.00 to rent.  The protected waters teem with marine life, ranging from tiny nudibranchs to larger species.

Local Marine Life

Los Frailes’ crystal-clear waters host an array of aquatic species:

• Whale sharks and manta rays
• Sea turtles and stingrays
• Various fish species
• Dolphins and sea lions

Sunset Viewing Points

Mirador Las Fragatas sits atop the north cliff and offers panoramic views of surrounding beaches and the Islote Sucre.  It’s worth mentioning that park hours restrict sunset viewing opportunities.  Mirador Islote Sucre provides another viewpoint to see both the islet and Machalilla beach.

The parking area has simple facilities including bathrooms and showers, which cost USD 0.25 and USD 1.00 respectively.  Parasols rent at USD 6.00 to protect from the sun.  The beach’s steep inclines and breaking waves make it unsafe for small children.

Secret Valley of Intag

The biodiverse Intag Valley nestles on Ecuador’s Andes’ western slopes, forming part of the South American Chocó Biological Reserve.  Nature shows off its finest features in this pristine destination through cloud forests that sit between 900m and 2500m above sea level.

Hidden Hiking Trails

The Asequia loop trail takes you on a 1.5-hour trip through secondary forests where orchids and tree ferns grow abundantly.  The high-forest trail offers a more challenging route that winds through primary cloud forest with mature trees and epiphytic plants.  A scenic River walk leads down to crystal-clear waters in just 20 minutes, and you can return through abandoned pastures in about 40 minutes.

Local Coffee Plantations

AACRI, a cooperative of more than 300 members, manages the valley’s coffee production by growing organic Arabica coffee between 1,500-2,300m elevation.  The perfect growing conditions help these shade-grown beans develop unique flavors that have earned international recognition.  Local farmers grow both coffee and organic vegetables alongside traditional crops to encourage ecological health.

Bird Watching Spots

The Intag Cloud Forest Reserve’s impressive roster includes over 225 bird species.  Bird enthusiasts can spot:

• Andean-Cock-of-the-Rock in their year-round active lek
• Toucan Barbets and Crimson-Rumped Toucanets
• Golden-Headed Quetzal and Plate-billed Mountain Toucan

You’ll find the best viewing opportunities at different elevations, from the Siempre Verde road to the Neblina Reserve, where the black-and-chestnut eagle and plain-tailed wren make their home.  Local lodges’ outdoor dining areas provide perfect vantage points to watch feeding birds.

Lost Ruins of Ingapirca

Ingapirca, Ecuador’s largest and most important archeological site, sits 3,100 meters above sea level.  This remarkable complex shows how Cañari and Inca civilizations merged their distinct architectural styles.

Lesser-Known Sections

The famous Temple of the Sun is just the beginning of Ingapirca’s wonders.  An intricate underground aqueduct system once carried water throughout the compound.  The complex has ancient grain storage facilities with circular holes in the ground.  The House of the Chosen, where selected young women lived, teaches us about their social structures.

Ancient Mysteries

The site’s astronomical features tell an amazing story.  The Temple of the Sun lines up perfectly to capture sunlight through its central doorway during solstices.  Near the temple lies a mysterious stone with 28 holes of different sizes.  Scientists now think it served as a lunar calendar – water filled these holes to reflect moonlight.

Local Archeological Findings

Recent digs have brought amazing treasures to light.  A team found a Cañari priestess’s collective tomb where ten servants took poison to join their leader.  Thousands of spondylus shells in the burial suggest the deceased’s high status.  Studies of the elliptical wall show four distinct building phases that reveal the site’s development over time.

Two different building styles mark these ruins – Cañari’s rough stone walls with mortar and Inca’s precisely cut stones that fit without mortar.  The Temple of the Sun stands unique with its elliptical shape, making it one of a kind across the entire Incan empire.

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Hidden Cloud Forest of Mashpi

The Mashpi Cloud Forest stands out as one of Earth’s most biodiverse spots in the Chocó Bio-Region.  This untouched sanctuary is home to over 500 bird species and all but one of these species are native to the area.

Secret Trails

The reserve has four trail difficulty levels that welcome visitors of all abilities.  Indeed, Copal Waterfall trail takes you on a two-hour round trip through lush vegetation.  The Life Center trail guides visitors to a butterfly sanctuary where you can watch different species transform through their life cycles.

Rare Species Spotting

You’ll find remarkable wildlife in the forest, including:

• The recently found Mashpi Torrenteer tree frog
• The vulnerable Pristimantis ornatissimus amphibian
• The rare gaudo guan bird that faces extinction

Photography Locations

A 100-foot observation tower with 162 steps rewards climbers with sweeping views of the cloud-covered canopy.  The hummingbird viewpoint sits at one of the highest spots and lets photographers capture 32 different hummingbird species.  The Life Center doubles as an ideal spot to photograph butterflies and birds in their natural habitat.

Local Guide Contacts

The core team at Mashpi consists of 85% local guides who bring unmatched knowledge to every expedition.  Each trip pairs a naturalist guide with a local assistant to ensure detailed wildlife spotting and safety.  You can book overnight stays with local guides starting at USD 85 per person for double occupancy.

Secret Lagoon of Mojanda

The Mojanda Lagoon system sits at an impressive altitude of 3,720 meters above sea level.  This natural wonder has three pristine crater lakes nestled in Ecuador’s Andean páramo grasslands.

Hidden Access Points

You’ll need to climb 16 kilometers with a 1,200-meter elevation gain from Otavalo to reach Mojanda.  The cobblestone road guides visitors through spectacular mountain scenery, though it gets rough in spots.  Most people use private transport or taxi services to get there.  Note that public transportation isn’t available and taxi fares cost around USD 15.00 one way.

Camping Spots

The main lake’s surroundings have perfect grassy spots for camping.  These locations give you stunning views and easy access to the lake’s fresh water.  Nights can get bitterly cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, so good camping gear is a must.  Local outdoor enthusiasts flock here on weekends, but if you come during weekdays, you might have the place to yourself.

Local Flora and Fauna

Mojanda’s páramo ecosystem covers 71% of the area and works like a natural water factory.  It soaks up rainfall and slowly releases it to lower regions.  The wildlife here is amazing and includes:

• Endangered royal sunangel hummingbirds
• Long-tailed sylph birds
• Andean foxes
• Cougars

The landscape shows striking contrasts, from rough, sparsely covered rocks to smooth, yellow-green hills covered in native grasses.  Local healers suggest trying the indigenous Sunfo tea that grows only at high altitudes.  This special tea helps fight altitude sickness.

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Underground River of Chonta

The Chonta River flows beneath Ecuador’s rugged terrain through an extensive underground cave system.  This creates one of South America’s most challenging subterranean adventures.

Cave Navigation

The experience starts at a massive sinkhole called El Chonta that requires a 30-meter descent down a vertical wall.  Visitors must traverse through large boulders to reach the underground river system.  The cave passage has wading sections, swimming holes and waterfall jumps.

Equipment Needed

Safe exploration depends on the right gear.  These essential items include:

• Waterproof headlamps with backup batteries
• Neoprene suits for temperature regulation
• Sturdy water shoes with non-slip soles
• Protective helmets and gloves
• Waterproof bags for personal items

Local Guide Recommendations

Cave explorations require professional guides.  Several operators provide guided tours with transport and equipment.  Tours last eight hours and guides rate them as simple difficulty despite the challenging terrain.  The best time to explore is between March and April.  Early February works too, as summer rains make the underground passages impassable later in the season.

Hidden Volcano of Altar

El Altar stands as one of Ecuador’s most striking destinations within Sangay National Park, reaching 5,319 meters in elevation.  A massive eruption over 500 years ago shaped this majestic formation that features nine dramatic peaks surrounding a crater lake.

Secret Hiking Routes

El Altar’s trek presents two main options.  The yellow lagoon crater lake demands an overnight experience, while adventurers can choose a challenging three-day expedition to explore the valley’s waterfalls and multicolored glacial lagoons.  Steep ascents through muddy terrain mark the trail’s beginning and rubber boots become essential for navigation.

Best Viewpoints

The highest available viewpoint sits at 4,800 meters and rewards visitors with panoramic vistas of silver, orange and blue lagoons.  Visitors can spot five distinct water bodies from this elevation: the star lagoon, mandur lagoon, blue lagoon, black lagoon and green lagoon.  Laguna Amarilla, the crater lake, creates a stunning turquoise-green spectacle with glaciers forming its natural frame.

Local Weather Patterns

Two distinct seasons define the region: a rainy period from October to May and a dry season between June and September.  Higher elevations maintain temperatures consistently below freezing, ranging from -1°C to -4°C.  Pacific and Atlantic systems influence the weather patterns, particularly affecting the western and eastern slopes.

Trekkers need these essentials to explore successfully:

• Multiple light sources with backup batteries
• Waterproof clothing
• High-quality hiking boots
• Emergency supplies

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Secret Beach of Ayampe

Playa Ayampe sits along Ecuador’s coastal region, away from the tourist crowds.  The beach captivates visitors with its natural beauty and perfect surfing waves.

Local Access Points

Dirt paths connect the beach that lies between the jungle and coastal road.  Most visitors come through Las Tunas village and can take walking trails that stretch northward for up to two hours.  The beach terrain varies, and smoother sand surfaces can be found away from the main village.

Surfing Spots

The beach break at Ayampe creates powerful waves that sometimes form legendary barrels during north swells.  Both beginners and experienced surfers enjoy the waves that come from north and south directions.  Otra Ola surf school provides detailed lessons throughout the year and teaches theory, technique and safety.

Wildlife Viewing

The area has become a haven for wildlife, especially rare birds.  The Río Ayampe Reserve protects several endangered species including:

• The critically endangered Esmeraldas Woodstar hummingbird
• Gray-backed Hawk
• Gray-cheeked Parakeet
• Guayaquil Woodpecker

This once-quiet fishing village has evolved into a vibrant community of 400 people from different cultures.  The Estrelita Esmeraldeña ecotourism trail, named after the world’s second smallest hummingbird, helps preserve the area’s ecological importance.

Hidden Valley of Llanganates

The mysterious Llanganates mountain range sits at the eastern edge of Ecuador’s central highlands, where misty peaks meet Amazon rainforest.  This remarkable wilderness spans altitudes from 2,500 to 4,500 meters and offers some of Ecuador’s most challenging yet rewarding destinations.

Lost Trails

Sharp barriers of tall grass, reaching 6 meters in height, make this rugged terrain exceptionally difficult to traverse.  The arrow-grass, which locals once used to make weapons, creates natural obstacles that make finding routes a real challenge.  Adventurers must battle through trickling wet mud and deadly sharp vines while enduring persistent ant bites.

Local Legends

The valley’s mystique revolves around Atahualpa’s legendary Inca treasure.  General Rumiñahui reportedly hid massive amounts of gold and silver in these mountains during the 16th century.  A compelling story comes from Valverde, who married a local indigenous woman.  He claimed to have seen the treasure and left a cryptic map before his death.  The harsh environment has taken the lives of many treasure hunters, including David Groover who died from exposure during his search for gold.

Camping Locations

Setting up camp requires meticulous preparation due to extreme weather conditions.  The constant rainfall makes pitching tents in soft mud particularly tricky.  Campers should be ready for:

• Rapid weather changes from hot sun to snow or hail
• Dense mist that limits visibility
• Quaking bogs and deep mud
• Relentless rain that affects shelter stability

This challenging terrain matches SAS training grounds and suits only seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

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Secret Waterfalls of Girón

El Chorro de Girón waterfall cascades from towering cliffs near Cuenca.  The water drops 70 meters through a lush cloud forest.  You can reach this breathtaking waterfall system by taking a one-hour bus ride from Cuenca.

Hidden Paths

Your adventure starts at the entrance station with a small USD 2.00 fee.  Hikers can take on the upper falls through a challenging 5-mile round trip trail.  The path weaves through steep farmland and leads to a beautiful cow pasture that shows off amazing views of the falls.

Swimming Holes

The waterfall system creates natural pools at different levels where you can swim.  In addition, the main pool at the bottom makes a perfect spot to cool off.  The middle tier takes about 90 minutes to reach.  You’ll walk through different types of terrain:

• Shaded forest paths
• Rocky creek beds
• Grassy meadows
• Ridge-line trails

Local Guide Contacts

Guides from Cuenca are a great way to get complete tours with transportation and expert navigation.  These guided trips give an explanation about the area’s rich biodiversity and secret viewpoints that you might miss on your own.  The site also has fun extras like a USD 10.00 zipline adventure and a USD 3.00 Tibetan bridge experience.

The falls stay open all year.  Weekday visits are quieter than the busy weekends.  Remember to pack hiking gear and water-resistant clothes – the powerful cascade creates lots of spray near the viewing platforms.

Hidden Lake of Quilotoa

Quilotoa Lake sits at 3,900 meters above sea level, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater.  The electric-blue caldera lake came to life after a massive eruption 800 years ago.  Today, it ranks among Ecuador’s most breathtaking destinations.

Secret Viewpoints

Wooden viewing platforms at the main crater give you amazing views of the shimmering lagoon.  The Toachi River Canyon viewpoint lies 7 kilometers from Quilotoa towards Zumbahua and shows off stunning views of the surrounding area.  You’ll get the clearest views during early morning visits since afternoon clouds tend to block the view.

Local Hiking Routes

A steep, sandy path leads down to the crater and takes about 30 minutes to descend. The rim trail stretches 7.5-miles around the crater with narrow paths and dramatic elevation changes. The high altitude makes hiking much more challenging, so you’ll need proper time to adjust.

Photography Spots

You’ll need specific gear to capture Quilotoa’s beauty:

• Wide-angle lenses for full crater shots
• Tripods for stability in varying conditions
• Protective gear for equipment against spray

The lake’s color changes throughout the day, creating amazing photo opportunities.  Morning light works best for photography, especially before clouds gather around the crater.  Kayak rentals cost USD 3.00 per 30 minutes, letting photographers capture unique shots from the water.

Secret Hot Springs of Papallacta

The majestic Andes Mountains cradle Papallacta’s thermal springs at 3,250 meters altitude, creating a natural sanctuary of healing waters.

Hidden Pools

Several pools with temperatures from refreshingly cool to very hot make up the spa complex.  The exclusive spa circuit provides pressurized water jets, hydrojets and air injectors that deliver therapeutic massage.  Visitors can choose between two areas – the public Balneario at USD 9.00 and the premium spa pools at USD 22.00 per person.

Local Remedies

The springs’ healing properties come from their rich mineral content:

• Calcium and sulfates
• Chloride and magnesium
• Sodium and boron
• Selenium and iron

These mineral-rich waters boost blood circulation, ease muscle pain and heal skin conditions without doubt.  Visitors can enhance their thermal soak with spa treatments that cost between USD 40.00 to USD 60.00, including facials, body wraps, and deep-pressure massages.

Best Visiting Times

The complex opens daily from 6 AM to 9 PM.  Early morning hours give visitors the most peaceful experience.  The high elevation creates ideal soaking conditions with cool, humid weather that amplifies the therapeutic benefits.  Nature lovers can explore the La Isla Nature Trail, which showcases a high Andean cloud forest filled with mosses, bromeliads and rare bird species.

Comparison Table

Enjoy the Places to Visit in Ecuador

Ecuador’s hidden treasures lie in a variety of landscapes, from El Altar’s 5,319-meter peaks to Los Frailes Beach’s pristine shores.  These 15 secret locations tell their own stories through ancient ruins, thermal waters and untouched wilderness.

Local preservation efforts and limited tourist traffic help these destinations keep their authentic character.  Travelers can find the mineral-rich waters at Papallacta’s thermal springs or wander through Jumandi Caves’ mysterious underground passages.  These spots offer adventures far from the usual tourist paths.

Most hidden locations stay available throughout the year and early morning visits give the best experience.  The costs remain budget-friendly.  Visitors pay from USD 2.00 at Girón Waterfalls to USD 85.00 for guided tours in Mashpi Cloud Forest, making these secret spots perfect for travelers with different budgets.

Ecuador’s raw beauty shines through these lesser-known destinations that preserve local traditions and natural wonders.  Careful planning and respect for local customs let travelers experience these hidden gems just as locals have for generations – untouched, authentic and truly extraordinary.

FAQs

Q1. What are some of the most unique hidden places to visit in Ecuador?
Ecuador offers several hidden gems, including the Cascadas de Manuel waterfall system, the underground Jumandi Caves and the secret beach of Los Frailes.  These locations provide unique experiences away from typical tourist routes, showcasing Ecuador’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty.

Q2. How can I access some of Ecuador’s lesser-known attractions?
Many hidden locations in Ecuador require local knowledge or guides.  For example, reaching the Chonta underground river system needs professional guidance, while accessing the Mojanda Lagoon often involves hiring a taxi.  It’s best to research each location thoroughly and consider hiring local guides for the most authentic and safe experience.

Q3. What’s the best time to visit Ecuador’s secret spots?
The best time varies depending on the location.  For instance, the Chonta River is best explored between March and April, while the dry season (June to September) is ideal for visiting El Altar volcano.  Generally, early mornings offer the most serene experiences at most locations, such as the Quilotoa Lake and Papallacta Hot Springs.

Q4. Are Ecuador’s hidden locations suitable for all types of travelers?
While many hidden spots in Ecuador cater to various travelers, some require a certain level of physical fitness or adventure spirit.  For example, the Llanganates Valley is suitable only for experienced outdoor enthusiasts due to its challenging terrain.  However, locations like the Papallacta Hot Springs are more accessible and relaxing for a broader range of visitors.

Q5. What unique wildlife can I expect to see in Ecuador’s secret locations?
Ecuador’s hidden spots are home to diverse wildlife.  The Mashpi Cloud Forest boasts over 500 bird species and rare frogs.  In the Mojanda Lagoon area, you might spot royal sunangel hummingbirds and Andean foxes.  The Ayampe Beach region is known for the endangered Esmeraldas Woodstar hummingbird.  Each location offers unique opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.