Ecuador Travel Guide

Think Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands come quickly to mind. This cluster of 13 islands is host to a large range of endemic species, including numerous iguanas and tortoises and many more birds, including even a penguin species.

Add to that the Amazon and the Andes and you’ve got a unique biological and geologically diverse country with lots to explore and do. In the Amazon, you can find the world's longest snake, the anaconda; or the world's smallest monkey, as well as myriads of bird and plant species.

Stop at Quito and Cuenca for historical sites and to see colonial architecture including numerous plazas, baroque churches, and more. Go to the Ingapirca ruins near Cañar to see a major inn and later station for Incan troops. Go on an archaeological expedition near the village of Salango to see examples of Valdivia culture from 3000 years ago. Head to Otavalo for artisan work, or towards Oriente for a taste of the Amazon and the people who inhabit it. Hike, river raft, or trek through the thick of the jungle, participate in an eco-tourism project if it sparks your interest, or learn about the rich traditions of the Shamans who live there.