Everything about Quito – from its setting along the slopes of Pichincha volcano to its having the best preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America – makes it a capital city worth visiting. (The ‘old town’ as the center is known was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.) Stroll along its narrow streets and enjoy the buskers, vendors, and locals going about their everyday business. Visit the monasteries of San Francisco and Santa Domingo, the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañia, the Cathedral of Quito or the hill of El Panecillo where you can view the 45m high statue of the Virgin Mary. Mariscal Sucre (Plaza Foch) offers a taste of modern Quito with its trendy bars, restaurants and nightlife.
The village of Mindo lies just two-and-a-half hours east of Quito in northern Ecuador. In addition to being one of the country’s most celebrated areas for bird watching (with more than 400 species to view), geographically unique Mindo has recently been branded the ‘Ruta de Cacao’ and offers supreme rafting, tubing, trekking, canyoning and even chocolate-making experiences in an invigorating cloud forest setting. Hike to pristine waterfalls (via the Ruta de las Cascadas), enjoy gentle woodland trails, visit butterfly farms (Mariposario de Mindo) and orchid gardens in this spectacularly beautiful region, which is also home the activity-rich Nambillo River.
As previously described
Situated on Santa Cruz Island of the Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands, the tourist town of Puerto Ayora is famous for its striking natural scenery, breathtaking beaches, and unique history. As the biggest town in the archipelago, it is from here that many excellent cruises, diving expeditions and land-based tours depart. Tortuga Bay, which rivals any South American beach, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing and also offers the chance to spot sharks, marine iguanas, pelicans, and the occasional flamingo; while the Charles Darwin Research Station is home to giant tortoises. Lava tunnels and two idyllic lagoons provide further opportunities to explore.
The small port town of Puerto Villamil is located on the edge of Ecuador's Isabela Island. This quiet town features sandy roads and strong agricultural and fishing businesses. Surrounded by beautiful natural areas, Puerto Villamil is home to a number of birdlife species such as flamingos, Bahama pintails, gallinules, and whimbrels which can be found around the saltwater lagoon. Tourists can explore nearby attractions such as the Wall of Tears, the Tortoise Breeding Center, gorgeous white sand beaches, and a boardwalk that leads to a mangrove environment. There are also several fine restaurants offering authentic traditional cuisine as well as some wonderful local markets.
As previously described
