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Ecuador is small and big - small in size and big in bio-diversity. It has a huge selection of the world's living species. This puts Ecuador amongst just 16 other countries blessed with such a title.

Such diversity of life is found through Ecuador's tropical rainforest (the Amazon basin), up to the peaks of the Andes, across the pacific coastline and out to sea, on the volcanic islands of the Galápagos, an ecological wonder of the world. As diverse in geography as it is in nature, this is a country for enthusiasts of wildlife, scenery and adventure.

“I had so many experiences there that I could NEVER have gotten anywhere else. Ecuador is a beautiful country andIi met so many people from Ecuador and all over the world. A couple of my friends and I went to the Amazon rainforest for a weekend and it was an experience that I can NEVER forget! We went to a lake in the Amazon and we swam around and none of us have ever felt more free and in touch with the nature around us. At the Jamu Lodge we did not have electricity which was cool because we did everything by candle light and that was perfect for when the tour guide would tell us his jungle stories. That was an experience that I thank god everyday that I had the chance to have.” Sarah Murphy, Ecuador care

QUITO:
Ecuador's capital, Quito, lies in the north of the country, some 15 miles from the equator and with the Andean Mountains and valleys as a backdrop. It's 10,000ft altitude keeps it cool, with spring like temperatures year round. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in the 1970's for its preserved historic Latin quarter.

The city also contains a thriving 'new town' popular with younger generations for its restaurants, shopping and nightlife. There are lots of restaurants and "Patio de Comidas" where you can pick up an excellent value lunch or dinner. 

"Quito is full of markets brimming with all the produce from Ecuador‘s fertile hills and valleys. The capital enjoys the best of all worlds: fish and seafood from the coastal regions; the fruit and vegetables from the lowlands; Amazonian products; and the cornucopia of vegetables and fruit from the country‘s highlands. You can find it all in Quito.

Visiting one of the "popular" markets of the capital is a great way to find out more about how Ecuadorians live, and the way to their hearts: through their bellies. In the markets you‘ll also come across small restaurants run by feisty señoras selling lunches for the stall-holders and shoppers, so you can also try some local dishes on a visit."

Art and Culture is everywhere. Artists, painters, writers, playwrights, musicians and poets have all made the Ecuadorian capital their home, and Quito one of the most vibrant capitals of the continent. Things to see include the Middle of the World Monument on the Equatorial Line and, of course, haciendas rich in history and tradition!

THE AMAZON:
The Amazon is the worlds largest remaining tropical rainforest, occupying about one third of Ecuador. To get some idea of its scale, first you need to know that Ecuador's share of the Amazon represents just 2% of the whole rainforest; most of it belonging to Brazil (60%) followed by Peru (13%). Important nevertheless as the Amazon in Ecuador remains relatively untouched, has good infrastructure to make for easy visitation and is home to numerous indigenous settlements which welcome outsiders. As writer Cherise Miller describes;

"One Amazonian tree can host more ant species than all of the British Isles put together, one hectare of forest boasts about as many frog species as all of North America, and the great expanse of the jungle contains more than twenty percent of the earth's vascular plant species. Here you can find a monkey small enough to sit on your fingertip, an eight pound toad, a spider that eats birds, and the world's largest snake, the 30-foot anaconda."

THE ANDES:
One of the greatest mountain ranges in the world, they split Ecuador in two running from the north of the country down. Indigenous communities have cultivated the land in the Andean Highlands for thousands of years, selling their produce in bustling market towns. Catch a glimpse of the abundantly colourful markets, showcasing traditions of ancient civilizations and Inca descendants.

Mountaineers will love the peaks of the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' an area in the central highlands with a number of active volcanoes. Whilst each climb is different and most are incredibly challenging, the rewards along the way are numerous. Dense forest, waterfalls and spectacular views across the valleys below await the intrepid few. Other hot pursuits in this region include walking, rafting, biking or camping.

PACIFIC COASTLINE:
This 2000km coast is fringed with pristine sand beaches, sweeping bays, mangrove forests, crashing waves and tranquil fishing villages. The ports and fishing villages are an important part of Ecuador's economy, delivering fresh sea food and imported goods. At certain times of the year you can see Humpback whales arriving from Antarctic waters to mate; splashing their fins and exhaling gushes of water. Marine birds are also in abundance along the pacific coastline, with sightings of the albatross, one of natures largest birds, being common.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS:
The Galápagos islands lie some 600 miles from the coastline of Ecuador. Formed by volcanic eruptions into the sea, they contain species found nowhere else on the planet and are one of the most significant sites in the world; most notably because this is where Charles Darwin's theories of evolution were inspired and shaped. This rocky and at first glance inhospitable terrain is home to giant tortoise, swimming iguanas and fearless blue footed boobies.

The marine reserve here is equally impressive, boasting encounters for divers and snorkellers with penguins, marine turtles, manta rays and sea lions, amongst others. Around 90% of the islands are protected areas, with visitor numbers restricted and some sites off limits altogether to ensure conservation.