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 Galápagos archipelago in the Pacific, about 1,000 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.
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. Other bucket list items in Quito include a visit to the impressive Casa Museo Guayasamín; the Museo de la Presidencia which provides insight into Ecuador’s history; and a climb up the iconic towers of the Basilica. Numerous gorgeous public parks and a thriving and exciting culinary scene complete the package.
Situated in the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito, the Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve is a unique and magnificent destination. Spread over 1,300-hectares of untouched wilderness, it harbours both cloud forest and rainforest, and forms part of the globally-important Choco biodiversity ‘hot spot’. Mashpi is home to pumas, kinkajous, hundreds of amphibian and reptile species, thousands of insect and arachnid species, and over 500 species of bird. Visitors can spend days exploring, spotting a vast variety of fauna and flora, and immersing themselves in the biodiverse ecosystems of the reserve. Don't miss the two-kilometre-long aerial tram gliding visitors through and over the rainforest canopy.
As previously described
As previously described
The island of Santa Cruz is home to Puerto Ayora, the largest and most developed town in the Galapagos. While many visitors use this island as merely a springboard for the more remote surrounding islands, those who dig a little deeper will discover that this island has plenty to offer. With numerous visitor sites, easily accessible beaches and remote highlands in the interior, Santa Cruz makes an excellent base for adventurous activities. The most popular attraction is undoubtedly the Charles Darwin Station which offers an impressive turtle breeding area and interesting information about the conservation of the unique biosphere of the Galapagos. Don’t miss the opportunity to swim or snorkel at one of the island’s magnificent beaches where you will find white sand and turquoise waters as well as an abundance of fascinating wildlife including: pelicans, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas.
San Cristóbal is the easternmost island in the Galapagos archipelago as well as the most populated. Famous for its natural attractions, the island also boasts some wonderful shopping and dining opportunities as well as a local airport. Take a break from snorkeling and hiking to enjoy the best Ecuadorian cuisine, or admire some of the exquisite artwork and designs at local galleries and markets. Must-see attractions include the Galapaguera Tortoise Reserve; the Interpretation Center (which provides important background information on the Galapagos); and Puerto Grande, a protected cove on the north-western side of the island boasting a magnificent white sandy beach - ideal for a peaceful walk, swim or photography sesssion.
The scenic Ecuadorian islet of Isla Lobos is set off the northwestern coast of San Christobel Island, just a few kilometres from the fishing town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This tiny flat island serves as a beautiful sanctuary and is an excellent destination to spot an array of protected species and wildlife including the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, marine iguanas, fur seals, tortoises and sea lions. Tourists can look forward to close encounters with several aquatic species such as manta rays, red crabs, schools of fish, and hammerhead sharks while snorkelling. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, snorkel through the underwater wonderland off the shores of the beautiful Playa Ochoa, and discover the botanical and ecological wonders of Lobos.
Also known as ‘Hood Island’, this small, flat island is the southernmost island of the Galapagos group. Dues to its secluded location, Española is home to an impressive number of endemic wildlife. Gardner Bay on the island’s eastern shore is renowned for its magnificent beach where visitors can swim or snorkel among the remarkable marine life including a large, transient colony of sealions. Visitors can follow a trail from Gardner bay towards Punta Suarez on the western tip of the island which considered to be one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the entire archipelago. Here you will find a startling variety of exotic birdlife and reptiles including brightly colored marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard, which are unique to this extraordinary little island.
As previously described
Resting approximately eight miles southeast of Santa Cruz, the relatively small island of Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago with rock formations below the water’s surface dating back almost four million years. The island is best known for its endemic Barrington Land Iguana as well as its towering prickly pear cacti which have been known to reach remarkable heights of up to 20 feet. The magnificent Barrington Bay is the only visitor site on the island. There are two hiking trails that start here. One leads to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff and the other wends through a forest of gigantic opuntia cacti. The beach is popular with sea lions and is an excellent spot from which to snorkel the radiant blue-green waters. You may even spot a Galapagos green turtle gracefully swimming by.
Set off the east coast of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, the Plazas Islands are a phenomenal haven of wildlife. Formed from lava bubbling up from the ocean floor, the ancient islands are home to prickly pear cactus trees, and brightly coloured Sesuvium, which changes from green to orange to purple, depending on the season. Visitors can marvel at the strange animals such as Red and Yellow Land Iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The channel’s shallow waters provide a wonderful nursery for seal pups, which can be seen frolicking in the waves and playing on the shores. See famously impressive birdlife including Swallow-tailed Gulls, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Audubon’s Shearwaters, Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, Frigates, and a variety of nesting seabirds. Tours and hikes are around two hours and suitable for all ages.
