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.
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.
Occupying roughly seven million square kilometres of surface area, the Amazon Basin is a lush wilderness that encompasses the planet’s largest rainforest and the world’s second longest river. Extending across sections of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, it is a region of thriving biodiversity and striking beauty. The basin features a staggering array of plant and animal life, and the intrepid travellers who visit here have the chance of encountering such exotic creature as anacondas, piranhas, sloths, capybaras, and – if you’re lucky – even elusive jaguars, pumas and ocelots.
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Running along most of the length of the country, Ecuador’s subtropical Cloud Forest is a wonderland of phenomenal nature, thrilling adventure sports, and fascinating traditional villages. Set at around 2000 metres above sea level, the forest lives up to its name with sky-scraping trees decorated with brightly coloured orchids and bromeliads. It boasts more than 20 percent of the world’s bird species, including 35 species of hummingbirds, among other showstoppers. Animal lovers may catch glimpses of the endangered spectacled bear, as well as puma, Andean coati, and tayra. Activities on offer include sky-biking - pedalling over the canopies - as well as zip lining, mountain biking, rappelling down waterfalls, horse riding, and cable car rides. Discover the area’s unique culture in the village of Mindo, or visit one of the local chocolate farms.
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