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.
The largest and post populous city in Ecuador is also its main port and economic hub, but Santiago de Guayaquil has carved a rich identity for itself with a number of urban renewal projects that have transformed it into an extremely appealing destination. While visitors can still enjoy the colonial grandeur of sites like the Guayaquil Metropolitan Cathedral and the historic Las Peñas quarter, the city’s modern offerings include The Malecon, a bustling 2.5km riverfront walkway and the Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo – a must for art lovers. The protected area of Santay Island offers a taste of local village life. Guayaquil is also a departure point for trips to the Galápagos Islands.
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.
Starting at the crest of the Andes Mountains and stretching towards the coast and Peru, Ecuador’s Loja Province boasts magnificent nature reserves, beautiful historic towns and a rich traditional culture. The Parque Nacional Podocarpus boasts incredibly diverse nature (as it is a meeting point of four ecological systems: Northern Andes, Southern Andes, Amazoniana and Pacific) and is home to numerous endemic species, among its 560-odd species of birds and 46 mammal species. Several towns each offer unique destinations. The capital, Loja, is filled with wonderful plazas, churches, hotels, museums, and parks. Enjoy near-perfect eternally spring-like weather, pure air and mineral-rich water in Vilcabamba, and hike to a multitude of waterfalls. In smaller villages like Yangana, surrounded by mountains, watch see double rainbows decorate the cliffs.
As previously described
As previously described
