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.
The most westerly of the Galapagos Islands, Fernandina (Narborough) is the youngest and most active volcanically, with eruptions occurring from its single volcano, La Cumbre, every few years. The island boasts an astonishingly pristine landscape which showcases various types of lava flows and some spectacular mangrove forests. This otherworldly environment is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife including the area’s famous flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, pelicans, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals and the largest colony of marine iguanas on the islands. Punta Espinosa is the island’s sole land site and is one of the best places to see the unique Lava Cactus as well as the island’s breathtaking mass of marine iguanas.
Situated on Santa Cruz Island of the Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands, the tourist town of Puerto Ayora is famous for its striking natural scenery, breathtaking beaches, and unique history. As the biggest town in the archipelago, it is from here that many excellent cruises, diving expeditions and land based tours depart. Tortuga Bay, which rivals any South American beach, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing and also offers the chance to spot sharks, marine iguanas, pelicans, and the occasional flamingo, while the Charles Darwin Research Station is home to giant tortoises. Other-worldly lava tunnels and two idyllic lagoons provide further opportunities to explore. The incredible Maprae Museum uses smartphone technology and augmented reality to tell the stories of ancient pre-Columbian artifacts.
Floreana Island is located in the far southern portion of the Galapagos archipelago. As the first of the islands to support permanent human habitation, Floreana boasts a rich heritage complete with tales of buccaneers, pirates, whalers, convicts, and colonists. Visitors are invited to follow in the footsteps of whalers in the 1700s and drop a postcard into the famous "post office" barrel. At the island's northern tip is Punta Cormorant, with its two beaches, one of which forms a nesting site for Galapagos green turtles and is aptly named "Flour Beach" for its soft, powder-white sand. Between these two beaches lies a salt lagoon frequented by long-legged greater flamingoes and other shorebirds. Floreana's unique human history, fascinating geology, remarkable wildlife, and the little village of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, offering excellent lodging and food, make an ideal base for visitors looking to explore these unforgettable islands.
