Quito, the capital of Ecuador, lies on the slopes of the Andes’ mighty Pichincha volcano in the Guayllabamba river basin. The city’s Old Town is its main attraction - one of the most well preserved in Latin America and the first-ever UNESCO heritage site. Wander among ancient, colourful streets; pop into glorious historic churches; or spend an afternoon browsing the vibrant Mercado (markets) and learning about the unique, traditional Ecuadorian Sierra culture. Numerous gorgeous public parks and a thriving and exciting culinary scene complete the package.
Located in the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito, the Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve stands out as a unique and extraordinary destination. Encompassing an expansive area of 2800 hectares, this reserve encompasses both cloud forest and rainforest, contributing to the globally-significant Choco biodiversity hotspot. Mashpi serves as the habitat for various wildlife, including pumas, kinkajous, hundreds of amphibian and reptile species, thousands of insect and arachnid species, and over 500 species of birds.
Visitors to Mashpi can indulge in days of exploration, encountering a diverse array of flora and fauna while immersing themselves in the rich ecosystems of the reserve. A highlight not to be missed is the two-kilometer-long aerial tram that gracefully glides visitors through and above the lush rainforest canopy, offering breathtaking views and unparalleled access to the reserve's natural wonders.
As previously described
In the center of the archipelago, we have Santiago Island. Historically, this island was one of the most exploited by buccaneers, whalers, and tortoise catchers; it even had a salt mine, which can be visited from Puerto Egas.
The devastation caused by humans would be felt for the better part of two centuries. The giant tortoise population was all but decimated by man, who also introduced rodents, goats, donkeys, and swine to the island, each of which had a disastrous effect on the ecosystems. It would take nearly 200 years for rodents, pigs, and other invasive species to be removed from Santiago Island finally.
This small island is located just off the southeast of the island of Santiago and, as the name suggests, is shaped like a traditional Chinese hat. From here visitors can follow a trail where they are likely to spot Galapagos penguins, Galapagos sea lions and crabs. The trail leads to the western part of the island, which features volcanic debris, sharp cutouts, and lava formations.
Located in the northeastern quadrant of the Galapagos, Genovesa Island is fairly removed from the central hub of Santa Cruz. The island holds an attractive contour, given that a side of the lip of this massive shield volcano collapsed at one time and, in doing so, submerged part of the island and formed Darwin Bay in the process. These days, it is home to many seabirds, including swallow-tailed gulls, Galapagos storm petrels, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, mockingbirds, finches, and more!
In keeping with the theme of Genovesa Island, the south-facing Darwin Bay, is a world of seabirds unto itself. If you consider the bay a ¾ crescent, most are rocky shores and cliffs, and only a tiny fraction is the beach; it is one of the places to visit in the Galapagos islands. However, it is here where a serene walk along the small white sands is an opportunity to observe frigatebirds, Nazca and red-footed boobies, herons, gulls, finches, mockingbirds, and more against the backdrop of prickly pear cacti and palo santo trees.
Santa Fe Island, located in the heart of the Galápagos Archipelago, is famous for its stunning landscape and unique wildlife. Home to the Santa Fe land iguana and the Galápagos hawk, the island offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities in clear waters, where you can observe sea lions, rays, and a variety of tropical fish. A visit to Santa Fe guarantees an unforgettable natural experience.
South Plaza is an extraordinary world of natural wonder. This is the only place on earth where Galapagos hybrid iguanas can be seen. Visitors will also spot land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, and an impressive number of several different seabird species.
Located in the central part of the Galapagos archipelago, the small, flat island of Baltra (also known as South Seymour island) is home to the local airport. As the island has been designated as a non-visitor site, travelers who arrive in Baltra will be taken to one of two docks where they will either board a cruise ship or a ferry that will take them to the island of Santa Cruz.
