The Top 50

Cities in Ecuador

The most important cities in Ecuador at a glance – from the bustling metropolis to the charming small town. Each city links to a detailed page with map, attractions and travel tips.

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Saquisilí
city

Saquisilí

Saquisilí is an authentic Andean town famous for hosting one of the most vibrant and expansive indigenous markets in Ecuador every Thursday.

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Salango
city

Salango

Salango is a tranquil fishing village in Ecuador's Machalilla National Park, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.

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Montañita
city

Montañita

Montañita is a bohemian coastal town renowned for its world-class surfing waves, energetic nightlife, and free-spirited beach atmosphere.

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Canoa
city

Canoa

Canoa offers one of Ecuador's longest beaches, providing a relaxed, uncrowded alternative for surfing, paragliding, and dramatic ocean sunsets.

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Ballenita
city

Ballenita

Ballenita is a historic fishing village offering scenic ocean views, rich cultural heritage, and traditional coastal charm.

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Santa Elena
city

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is the provincial capital, serving as a cultural and commercial hub near some of Ecuador's most beautiful beaches.

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Vilcabamba
city

Vilcabamba

Known as the Valley of Longevity, Vilcabamba is a peaceful Andean retreat popular for its healthy climate and stunning mountain hiking trails.

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Atacames
city

Atacames

A bustling coastal town famous for its lively nightlife, expansive sandy beaches, and vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian culture.

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Muisne
city

Muisne

Muisne is an island town surrounded by mangroves, famous for its pristine beaches and eco-friendly, car-free environment.

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Manglaralto
city

Manglaralto

Manglaralto is a quiet coastal town known for its expansive beach, authentic local vibe, and proximity to Montañita.

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Olón
city

Olón

A tranquil beach town boasting one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the country, ideal for families and digital nomads.

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Archidona
city

Archidona

Archidona is a historic colonial town in the Amazon, surrounded by spectacular stalactite caves and rich Kichwa culture.

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Ayangue
city

Ayangue

A picturesque fishing village set in a horseshoe-shaped bay, known for its calm waters and excellent scuba diving opportunities.

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Ayampe
city

Ayampe

Ayampe is a tranquil, eco-friendly beach town nestled between lush jungle and the ocean, ideal for surfing and yoga.

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Puerto Cayo
city

Puerto Cayo

Puerto Cayo is a beautiful coastal village favored for its wide beaches, surfing spots, and humpback whale watching.

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Gualaquiza
city

Gualaquiza

Gualaquiza is a charming Amazonian town known for its lush rainforests, rivers, and gold mining history.

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Ventanas
city

Ventanas

The economic center of corn production in Ecuador, often referred to as the capital of yellow gold.

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Vinces
city

Vinces

Known as Paris in miniature due to its architectural influence from the cocoa boom era.

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Cayambe
city

Cayambe

An agricultural city at the foot of the mighty Cayambe volcano, known for its flowers and cheeses.

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Tonsupa
city

Tonsupa

A rapidly growing beach resort destination known for wide sands and modern high-rises.

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San Gabriel
city

San Gabriel

A historic city in the Carchi province, forming part of Ecuador's National Cultural Heritage.

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Velasco Ibarra
city

Velasco Ibarra

Commonly known as El Empalme, it is a strategic transport hub between three provinces.

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Tena
state-capital

Tena

The heart of Amazon tourism, known for world-class whitewater rafting and jungle tours.

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Tulcán
state-capital

Tulcán

The northernmost city in Ecuador on the border with Colombia, known for its unique cemetery.

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Manta
city

Manta

One of the largest port cities in Ecuador, famous for tuna fishing and beautiful beaches.

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Crucita
city

Crucita

A scenic fishing village celebrated as a premier destination for coastal paragliding.

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Nueva Loja
state-capital

Nueva Loja

Also known as Lago Agrio, it is the most important oil city in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

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La Maná
city

La Maná

A canton where the tropical climate meets the foot of the Andes, known for its waterfalls.

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Quito
state-capital

Quito

The high-altitude capital of Ecuador, known for its well-preserved colonial historic center.

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Cotacachi
city

Cotacachi

A peaceful Andean town globally famous for its fine leather goods and stunning crater lake.

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Calceta
city

Calceta

A traditional agricultural town in Manabí, characterized by rivers and cocoa haciendas.

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Cuenca
state-capital

Cuenca

A picturesque Andean city famous for its cobblestone streets and historical churches.

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Huaquillas
city

Huaquillas

A bustling border town serving as the main commercial crossing between Ecuador and Peru.

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Jipijapa
city

Jipijapa

The Sultana of Coffee, historically famous for coffee cultivation on the Ecuadorian coast.

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Sangolquí
city

Sangolquí

A quiet suburb of Quito, famous for its traditional pork dish Hornado.

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Gualaceo
city

Gualaceo

The gateway to the east from Cuenca, known for hand-woven ikat textiles and leather goods.

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San Lorenzo
city

San Lorenzo

A port city near the Colombian border, surrounded by pristine mangrove forests.

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Esmeraldas
state-capital

Esmeraldas

An important coastal town known for its Afro-Ecuadorian culture and oil refineries.

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La Troncal
city

La Troncal

The sweetest city in the Cañar province due to its huge sugarcane fields and mills.

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Catamayo
city

Catamayo

The sunny valley of Loja, known for its sugarcane fields and regional airport.

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Montecristi
city

Montecristi

The true home of the Panama hat and the birthplace of Ecuadorian president Eloy Alfaro.

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Otavalo
city

Otavalo

The indigenous capital of Ecuador, known worldwide for its colorful craft market.

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Bahía de Caráquez
city

Bahía de Caráquez

One of the first cities in the world declared ecological, featuring a beautiful bay.

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Puerto Francisco de Orellana
state-capital

Puerto Francisco de Orellana

Also called El Coca, it is a gateway to the deep Amazon and the Yasuní region.

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Macas
state-capital

Macas

The Emerald City of the East, an Amazonian settlement that was isolated for a long time.

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Milagro
city

Milagro

The sweetest city in Ecuador, named after its extensive sugarcane production.

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Puerto Villamil
city

Puerto Villamil

A relaxed, sandy-street coastal village surrounded by spectacular Galápagos wildlife.

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General Villamil Playas
city

General Villamil Playas

A very popular beach destination that flourishes due to its proximity to Guayaquil.

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La Libertad
city

La Libertad

The economic center of the Santa Elena Peninsula and an important coastal hub.

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Piñas
city

Piñas

The orchid city of the Andes, famous for its floral diversity and foggy forests.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the largest cities in Ecuador?

This page lists the most important cities by population – each with its own detail page, map and attractions.

How do I find attractions per city?

Click a city – the detail page lists the top attractions, a map and travel tips.