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Ecuador

From sweltering rainforests to massive volcanoes, modern cities to palm strewn beaches, Ecuador is a microcosm of life all crammed into a country roughly the size of the state of Nevada. Much of the indigenous cultures remain from the ancient days of the Incan empire, giving the country a colour and life unlike anywhere else. This is a place not only rich in culture, but rich in biodiversity as well. Ecuador is home to more species of birds than any other South American country and more orchids than any other country on Earth.

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands scream out for nature documentaries to be made on their dramatic volcanic terrain about their history of piracy and unique wildlife. Vast numbers of unusual animal species, including the Land and Marine Iguanas, the Galapagos...

Go for: Islands, Wildlife, Beaches, Astronomy, Learning

4 experiences: Galapagos Islands, Tortuga Bay, Stars over the Galapagos: Finch Bay Hotel, Charles Darwin Research Station.

Quito

Quito

'Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, at an altitude of 2,850 m, the capital of Ecuador has, despite the 1917 earthquake, the best preserved and least modified historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco...

Go for: Rainforests and Jungles, Colonial Towns, Volcanoes

3 experiences: The Cloud Forests of Ecuador, Quito, Cotopaxi.

Manta

Manta

Not far from the capital, Quito lies an intensely bird-rich area that is starting to attract birder from the world over. With over 50 species of hummingbirds, many toucans, tanagers and antpittas, this forested part of the Andes is exceedingly rich...

Go for: Birdwatching

1 experiences: Birdwatching in the Tandayapa Valley.

Riobamba

Riobamba

Go for: Going Places, Mountains

2 experiences: Chimborazo, Nariz del Diabolo (Devil's Nose) train journey.

Cuenca

Cuenca

Go for: Colonial Towns, Archaeological Sites

2 experiences: Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, Ingapirca.

Los Frailes

Los Frailes

This beach is considered one of Ecuador’s most idyllic and with its sweeping white bay, densely forested cliffs, bright water, huge crabs and lack of...

Go for: Beaches

San Rafael Falls

San Rafael Falls

This is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Ecuador. The San Rafael Falls are over 500 feet high and carry a huge volume of water in an...

Go for: Waterfalls

San Martin Ecological Center

San Martin Ecological Center

The San Martin Ecological Center is a refuge for Amazonian wildlife. Accessed by a narrow bridge over a dizzying slot canyon, a variety of native...

Go for: Wildlife

Snorkeling Los Tuneles

Snorkeling Los Tuneles

In a destination known for impressive wildlife, this snorkeling spot is one of the best. Part of the Galapagos marine sanctuary, the water is...

Go for: Snorkelling

Birdwatching at the Napo Wildlife Center

Birdwatching at the Napo Wildlife Center

Napo Wildlife Center is located in the tropical rainforest of Ecuador's Amazon. The lodge sits on Añangu Lake inside Yasuní National Park, and is run...

Go for: Birdwatching

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