Like a conjuring act Ecuador produces surprise after delightful surprise for those lucky enough to visit.
Though relatively tiny this astonishing country, straddling the equator, manages to accommodate four different geographical zones.

Visit Ecuador and you can follow in Darwin’s footsteps to view at close quarters the unique and fascinating wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago, definitely one of the worlds great travel experiences.

Spend some time lotus eating on warm sunny Pacific beaches, before venturing away from the coast to trek in the green twilight world of the lush verdant cloud forests teeming with butterflies and orchids.

Climb higher and explore the indigenous cultures,colourful markets and the silent landscapes of the High Andes
Then for a finale, journey down river into the steamy, mysterious Amazon Rainforest; all in the very same holiday!

Now if that’s not magic, what is?

Like most of South America, Ecuador is a great activity and adventure destination and its rich biodiversity holds plenty to occupy nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts too.
Hike or zip line through the National Parks and Reserves which lie just a couple of hours from Quito, Ecuador is world-renowned for its myriad species of hummingbirds and butterflies and home to more orchids than any other country on Earth.

For the experience of a lifetime scuba amongst the lava flows of the Galapagos. Join sea lions, sharks and whales and inquisitive groups of sea turtles who will be more than happy to swim alongside you.

For close encounters with animals and one of the wildest experiences of your life, go deep into the Amazon jungle to stay in the remote setting of an eco lodge. Managed by indigenous local communities they will share with you their incredible knowledge of the wildlife, plants and medicines to be found in the Rainforest which they call home.

Daredevils can try their luck at tubing down fast flowing tributaries, or conquering the continuous whitewater rapids tumbling down from the high Andes. Holding the headwaters of the Amazon, Ecuador is the world's best extreme river sport destination.

Look no hands! Be brave, clamber up onto the roof to get the best view of Ecuador’s imposing volcanoes and majestic lakes as you ride the Devil’s Nose train, which drops impressively from high altitude to cloud forest via a series of thrilling switchbacks on a track carved from the sheer rockface.

Throw on a poncho and mount up to explore the ever changing landscape of the Andean Sierra on horseback. Follow ancient Inca routes as you canter across grassy plains beneath the snow-capped peaks of active volcanoes, then relax in the evenings in a gracious traditional hacienda.

The vocanic black giant Tungurahua’s frequent night time pyrotechnic shows are guaranteed to thrill. In its shadow, the town of Banos is a great base for for rafting, hiking and mountain-biking. Soothe aching limbs from all that activity in the local hot springs and thermal baths.

The beautiful honey beaches, turquoise water, and vibrant party atmosphere of Ecuador’s Pacific coastal resorts are an enchanting option for travellers sensitive to the effects of high altitude and offer an ideal stop off before or after a visit to the Galapagos.

If you venture off the coast to Isla de la Plata you may not find the treasure that Sir Francis Drake supposedly buried there, but you will be rewarded with sightings of humpback whales from June to September.

Well-preserved colonial towns, vibrant and colourful indigenous markets and  UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ecuador has more than enough to provide any visitor with a cultural feast.
Quito and Cuenca, Ecuador’s prettiest city, offer fine examples of Spanish Colonial architecture. Even better, both have lovely cafes and great restaurants when you need a breather from having so much to see. Cuenca is also the birthplace of the Panama Hat –so don’t go home without buying one.

Nearby at Ingapirca, wonderful pre-Incan architecture is still being excavated.

A visit to one of the traditional indigenous markets is a delight. Otavalo is the biggest, dating back to pre-Incan times. Go on a Saturday when stalls spill out of the main sqaures into surounding streets in an explosion of noise, colour and activity. Pan pipes and PA systems, locals in their very distinctive traditional costume, handicrafts and exotic produce, tanatalising smells and sizzling food, all too good to be missed..

Ecuador is the Mecca of soup, with some weird and wonderful combinations on offer. Sea food at the coast is amazing and if you can get past the cuddly associations then guinea pig (Cuy), usually served roasted or grilled, is also to be enjoyed .

Straddle both hemispheres at ‘Mitad del Mundo’ where a monument marks the equatorial line and a local museum houses an array of fascinating facts. Be there during the equinoxes of March 21st and September 21st and you won’t even cast a shadow.

When to go
Ecuador is a year-round destination. The weather nevertheless varies greatly depending on the altitude.

The Galapagos Islands are dry with a steady year-round average temperature of 77°F.

The coast is hot all year, with a humid rainy season between December and May.

The Amazon is always hot and humid, though the drier season in the Amazon (November to March) is perhaps a more advisable time to visit this part of the country.

Despite being on the equator, temperatures in the Sierra or Andean Highlands depend on altitude, becoming cooler the higher you go. Quito and other main towns enjoy mild spring-like conditions year-round although it can be very cold at night.

Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK to Ecuador. Flights to Quito from Heathrow with KLM via Amsterdam, LAN and Iberia via Madrid, Continental BA/ American Airlines via USA.

Flying time fro UK 15 hours plus 2 hours to the Galapagos.

What to Buy
Ecuador is a paradise for shoppers. Buy genuine Panama hats, pottery, filigree jewellery, wool sweaters, baked dough sculptures, wood carvings, ponchos, Amerindian weavings, hammocks and handcrafts. The Otavalo region is world renowned for its superb textiles and Cuenca for silver and gold goods.