I’m in Cuenca, Ecuador for the foreseeable future, on their digital nomad visa and recently took a little trip down to the small town of Gualaquiza. Gualaquiza is one of Ecuador’s Amazon gateways and is an underrated spot for thrill-seekers including a network of waterfalls and rivers, perfect for hiking, running and rafting.
It’s described as Aventura y Tradiciones en la Selva Mágica (adventure and tradition in the magic rainforest) and was recently added to Ecuador’s growing list of Pueblo Magicos; towns throughout Ecuador recognised as cultural, historical and natural treasures, celebrated for preserving their heritage while offering unique experiences to visitors.
One quirky thing I liked about the town was that to get a taxi to my Airbnb, I had to tell the driver the name of the person who owned the house rather than give a street address. Ecuador isn’t exactly known for having clear addresses or maps, and in many places, homes don’t have formal numbers. (Fun fact: Ecuador doesn’t have a nationwide postal delivery system.)
Gualaquiza is in Ecuador’s Oriente (eastern) region, which includes large parts of the Amazon rainforest. The town is connected by bus to several destinations across the country and is about a 4.5-hour journey from Cuenca. I travelled with Cooperativa 16 de Agosto, which cost just under $10 each way, and they’re pet-friendly too!
