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.
Stretching towards the border with Colombia, over the Ecuadorian provinces of Napo and Sucumbios, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve covers more than 6000 square kilometers of the Amazon Rainforest. With its wide network of astonishing lakes and easy-cruising rivers and creeks, and set close to the Andes, the reserve is a favorite destination among travelers, offering excellent and optimal views of the forest and its animals from the waters. Visitors can trek through the jungle, canoe paddle, go on motorized canoe rides and swim in the lakes. There are night-time expeditions on offer, perfect for spotting nocturnal species such as crocodiles, and tours to meet the three indigenous communities: the Cofans, the Secoyas, and the Sionas. Flora species include orchids, bromides, and many others; and fauna includes all the large Amazonian mammals (including jaguars), ten species of monkeys, river dolphins, and many more.
