Neighbouring Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a relatively small country that nevertheless offers an enticing array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife species and interesting cities. Dense Amazon rainforest, towering Andean mountain peaks, palm-fringed Pacific Coast beaches and fascinating historical sites are all part and parcel of Ecuador’s prolific charms. The former Inca town of Cuenca is the nation’s third-largest city and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This alluring city, with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and photogenic plazas, boasts a huge variety of museums and art galleries. The vibrant capital city of Quito is also worth a visit. Arguably the most dazzling jewel in Ecuador’s crown is the Galapagos Archipelago in the Pacific, about 1000 kilometres west of the mainland. Their magnificent, pristine landscapes and prolific wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin, have made this cluster of islands a world-famous travel destination.
The bustling hub of Tena is bounded by the Amazon Rainforest of northeastern Ecuador. While many use the city - known locally as the ‘Cinnamon Capital of Ecuador’ - as a gateway for jungle trips deep into the Amazon, it has also grown into a major whitewater rafting and kayaking destination, with enthusiasts traveling from all corners of the globe to take advantage of the incredible network of rivers and tributaries surrounding the city.
