Ecuador is a part of the world that has it all, from fertile rainforests and powder-white sandy beaches through to indigenous wildlife and colonial towns. From the mountains to the cities, Ecuador is a fascinating place to visit, if only to meet the welcoming Ecuadorians themselves, who are undoubtedly the nation’s proudest treasure.
The Andes
For those of you who like hiking, pull on your walking boots and head to the Andes where one can expect to explore a host of landscapes with flowing streams, rolling fields and charming villages found dotted in the foothills of the towering mountain range. Activities such as horse riding and mountain biking are popular. Hiking the beautiful mountains themselves is perfect for anyone with a sense of adventure and a head for heights.
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is a massive tourist draw, where visitors can explore a variety of environments from the flowing rivers to the deep forests themselves. See monkeys swinging in the trees, river dolphins making their way in the fresh water and sloths slowly going about their daily business, while listening to the call of the rainforest’s toucans and parrots.
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos cruises are among the must-do things for visitors to Ecuador. These volcanic islands are world-famous for their inhabitants that range from gigantic lumbering tortoises and dancing blue-footed boobies to doe-eyed fur seals and scurrying lava lizards. These creatures are accompanied on the isles by whales, dolphins, marine iguanas, flamingos and penguins – many of which are native to the area
Cities
Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, with its endless high-end shopping centres and five-star hotels is where visitors can experience life as a modern Ecuadorian. In comparison, Quito is a World Heritage Site and its must-see destination is the charming Old Town with its Colonial architecture.
The roads throughout Ecuador are readily accessible, which makes this relatively small country easy to explore. However, it is also a place that can take a long time to discover, as it is home to so many interesting nooks and crannies ranging from the famous Galapagos Islands to culturally-rich cities like Quito. One thing’s for sure, you will never run out of exciting activities to enjoy, especially for those of you who revel in natural and historical locations.