Straddling the equatorial divide in the northwest corner of South America, the Republic of Ecuador is ideally located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world.  From the Galapagos Islands to the beaches of the coastal plain, and the soaring Andes to the Amazon jungle, Ecuador presents limitless opportunities for travel and adventure.  At the center of the world, Ecuadorian society is a patchwork of the traditional and modern, weaving together indigenous customs, Spanish colonial influence, and contemporary urban lifeways.

Its geographical and cultural diversity has won Ecuador the designation as the entry way to South America, with the capital city of Quito as its center of gravity.  Within a day, one can transverse all of the continent’s major regions within the small but beautiful country known as Ecuador.

Andes

The Andes and their foothills, running like a knobby spine from North to South through the center of Ecuador, create some of the most spectacular landscapes in South America.  The Eastern and Western Ranges of this majestic mountain chain boast more than 22 peaks over 4,200 meters, a climber’s delight.  Snow-capped active volcanoes mingle with multi-colored mountainside farms and cultivated valleys to complete the other-worldy aesthetic.

About half of Ecuador’s population resides in the Andes, as beautiful colonial cities such as Quito, Ibarra, Ambato, Riobamba, Baños, Cuenca and Loja dot its impressive terrain.  Rivers tumble down both sides of the chain, spilling westward toward the Pacific and eastward toward the Amazon, and creating wonderful opportunities for rafting, birding, and countless other outdoor activities.

Amazon

Without a doubt the most biodiverse and extraordinary region in the world, the Amazon Rainforest stretches from the eastern side of Ecuador’s peaks to the Atlantic Ocean.  With Ecuador’s rivers as its highways, the Amazon’s untamed beauty is equal to none.  Inhabited by crocodiles, piranhas, boas, monkeys, tropical birds and thousands of species as yet unidentified, the Ecuadorian Amazon gives visitors a taste of the wild.

Many nations of indigenous peoples maintain traditional lifeways and welcome visitors to discover unique and sometimes surprising customs in a world where shamans are still revered and ailments are cured by nature’s remedies.  The cities of Lago Agrio, Baños, Tena, Coca, Puyo, and Macas—which still retain the feel of the Wild West—serve as its primary entryways.

Pacific Coast

Covering 2,237 kilometers of unspoiled sandy and cliffside beaches, Ecuador’s coastline boasts quaint fishing villages, resort cities, an endless of watersports and sumptuous marine cuisine.  Friendly wind currents mean that Ecuador’s slice of the Pacific Ocean is always comfortably warm and filled with delicious treats—the country has the greatest shrimping industry in the world, as well as an outstanding variety saltfish and shellfish species.  Low rolling mountains, tropical vegetation, and lowland creatures including spidermonkeys complete the scene.

Ecuador’s coastal cultures are warm, friendly, inviting and laid-back.  The major port cities of Guayaquil, Manta and Esmeraldas, however, are bustling with life and offer enough cultural activities and vibrant nightlife to keep visitors coming.  The Ecuadorian coast is also a port of entry to the acclaimed Galápagos Islands.

Galapagos Islands

Huddled 2,000 kilometers off of the Ecuadorian coast, in an isolated bubble of life in the Pacific lie the Galápagos Islands, one of the greatest natural wonders of the planet.  Virtually unchanged since Charles Darwin set foot on the Galápagos almost 150 years ago, the bizarre and alluring wildlife of this archipelago can be described as nothing less than phenomenal.  Tortoises the size of cars, iguanas that swim, and birds with huge blue feet are all completely non-plussed by the presence of humans, and roam about the land as they did long before the human race appeared.  It is no wonder why a short visit to this little grouplet of islands sparked one of the most important scientific discoveries in all history.  As one of the world’s best preserved ecological reserves, it cannot be missed.

Quito

San Francisco de Quito, founded in 1534 by Spanish colonists, was built upon a city of great ceremonial and commercial importance to the Incan Empire, and to the indigenous Quitus who preceded it.  As Quito grew into its current form as 21st Century metropolis, it clung to its rich cultural heritage as a center of pre-Incan, Incan, and Spanish influence.  Today, the city is renowned for its stunning colonial architecture, well-preserved cathedrals and cobblestone plazas, historic museums, performing arts, colorful nightlife and bustling open air markets.

In the heart of the Andean Highlands, Quito’s natural surroundings are no less impressive.  Within a couple of hours of Quito, one can find the Mindo Ecological Reserve--world-famous for its endless variety of bird species--enjoy the natural hot springs of Papallacta and Baños, go horseback-riding in Machachi, or scale the towering Cotopaxi or Cayambe volcanoes.  Students are also invited to visit the indigenous artesan towns of Otavalo and Cotacachi, as well as the year-round agrarian market in Saquisilí.

Quito is also a natural portal to the Amazon jungle, Ecuador’s stunning Pacific coastline, and the acclaimed Galapagos Islands.  Moreover, it is the ideal place to begin a more extensive journey through South America.

Moreover, Quito and its inhabitants have the hard-won reputation as having cultivated a very clear and elegant dialect of the Spanish language, which has led it to become one of the most prestigious centers of Spanish language instruction in the world.

Baños

Ecuador’s premier resort town, Baños is a small city of great cultural, geographic and religious importance.  Nestled against the Tungurahua volcano, and surrounded by hot springs, lagunas, and the explosive colors of wildflowers, Baños offers nearly endless possibilities for sightseeing.  Moreover, it is the site of the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Water, one of the more important pilgrimage sights of the Ecuadorian Andes.  The church is always spilling over with pilgrims convinced that the nearby hot springs have curative powers.  Baños is also the natural gateway to the Amazon Jungle from the Andes, making it an irresistable destination for national and foreign travelers alike.

Cuenca

Surrounded by four rivers and considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country, Cuenca is the perfect place to relax, take it easy and soak up the sights and sounds of a colonial town that still clings to its roots.  Cuenca's cobblestone streets, winding rivers, graceful ironwork balconies, and beautiful gardens are all part of the pleasant atmosphere of this historic city. Cuenca was declared a Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1999 and it is located along the Inca Highway that joined Cusco and Quito during the pre-Columbian Empire, making it a perfect location for those who would like to learn more about local pre-Columbian and colonial culture.

Moreover, Cuenca is considered to be Ecuador’s intelectual and cultural center, boasting various universities and many of the country’s most impressive museums, theatres and cultural presentations.

Manta

With its precious beaches, delicious maritime cuisine, watersports and colorful nightlife, Manta is a favorite destination of visitors looking for a bit of tropical rest and relaxation.  As Ecuador’s principal international port, Manta boasts an impressive infrastructure of hotels and sites of cultural interest, yet retains the feel of a small town.

In the center of the Ecuadorian coast, Manta is nearby various destinations of cultural intrigue and natural beauty, such as the artesan village of Montecristi and the Machalilla National Park.  It is also the gateway to the famed Isla de la Plata, aptly termed “the poor man’s Galápagos” (tours start at $40) for its impressive array of flora and fauna, as well as seasonal whale watching.