Things to do & places to visit in Zamora-Chinchipe Province, Ecuador

Zamora-Chinchipe Province #21 destination in Ecuador 2023. The average rating score is 4.52 based on 87 traveler reviews, of 4 attractions. Timezone: America/Guayaquil, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 19:03.

Top things to do

• Parks
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Bodies of Water
• Ancient Ruins

Top destinations in Zamora-Chinchipe Province 5

• Panguintza
• Zamora
• Yantzaza
• Palanda
• Zumbi

Top places to visit

1. 5.0 Nangaritza River (2 reviews)
   - One of the most spectacular rivers in Ecuador
   Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water
   
   
   The upper part of the Nangaritza river offers incredibly scenery of nature, birds and fossils. The river runs thru the narrow Miasi and Shaime canyons See more..
   
2. 5.0 Santa Ana La Florida (1 review)
   - A hidden gem by the side of the road
   Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins
   
   
   On a recent birding trip to Ecuador, we were on the Palanda road going to a birding site when I saw a discreet sign by the side of the road: Sitio Arqueologico Santa Ana - La Florida. Neither my guide nor my driver had any idea of what it was (they had passed by it countless times, but had never stopped). Being an archaeology buff (I really enjoy ancient history and old stuff), I asked that we stop and take a look around. I was completely floored: this is a 5,500-year-old site spread around in about a hectare of land! Work on it began only in 2003, and its importance can't be underscored: the site represents the discovery of a new ancient culture in the area, now called Mayo-Chinchipe-Marañón (MCHM), stylistically and technologically distinct from any other culture, and it extended from modern Ecuador into southern Peru. Researchers have unearthed a whole village with a central sunken plaza, a temple and a ceremonial hearth; also tombs with elaborate objects made of polished stone and ceramic, malachite and turquoise beads and even statues. Also documented was the use of agriculture and of functional objects like bowls and ceramic bottles. Knowledge gathered so far indicates this was a complex culture that had trade relations with other cultures, since many materials found at the site aren't native to it. Research goes on, and to preserve crucial parts of the site from the wear and tear of weather and erosion, an open, covered construction has been raised above them. Anyone can come in and visit at leisure, walking around the site and reading the many helpful, informative signs (in Spanish only) along the way. Walk down a bit and you will have a lovely view of the Palanda River (there was a family finishing a picnic when we arrived, and it does seem like a great place for that). We spent about an hour at Santa Ana, and I could definitely have been there longer. It is a worthwhile visit for anyone with an interest in ancient cultures. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Nangaritza River (2 reviews)
   - One of the most spectacular rivers in Ecuador
   Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water
   
   
   The upper part of the Nangaritza river offers incredibly scenery of nature, birds and fossils. The river runs thru the narrow Miasi and Shaime canyons See more..
   
4. 4.5 Podocarpus National Park (70 reviews)
   - Fantastic views and walks
   Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Parks
   
   
   I loved this place! You have to take a taxi(5usd) in Zamora that will drop you at the entrance, do not forget to set the pickup time with the taxi driver because you won't have signal at the park. Once you arrive, you will walk for around 20 minutes until the park information office, there, the staff will give you information about the trails and the park. We did the trek to the Mirador, which is kind of exhausting if you do not have the physical conditions because you have to go up and up and up hahahhaha, and when you descend, you have to be careful of the slippery ground (but only if it had rained). Anyway, the trek worths. We also went to the waterfall "La poderosa" (The powerful) you will see why it is called like that, it is definitely a must!. Also, the river is wonderful. I think it is recommended to stay there at least 4 hours and do not forget to bring your own food and water. It is completely free and I recommend to go with someone, at least the day we went, we didn't find any other tourist along the way. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Yantzaza (14 reviews)
   - Views!
   Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Incredible views and worth getting out of the town to go to. Folks were friendly and the place was very clean. See more..