Ecuador and Galapagos
Ecuador is naturally blessed with great diversity and abundant wildlife; as if many countries had been condensed into one. Thanks to its diminutive size it is easy to travel from imposing Andean volcanic scenery, through virgin tracts of tropical cloud forest and onto the wildlife-rich paradise of the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Islands
Made famous by Charles Darwin, the Galapagos Islands are a protected heritage site 960 km off the coast of mainland Ecuador. The 18 volcanic islands and 40 islets host an abundance of wildlife and natural wonders not found anywhere else in the world. You can swim with sea lions, visit a tortoise breeding centre and snorkel over the partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano.
HIGHLIGHTS: Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking.
Quito
San Francisco de Quito, shortened to Quito, is Ecuador’s beautiful capital positioned in the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. The city is watched over by the Virgin of Quito statue, which stands proudly atop the hill of El Panecillo. The old town’s cobbled streets, colonial buildings and monasteries have deservedly earned it protected status from UNESCO.
HIGHLIGHTS: Guided tours, visit the equator.
Avenue of the Volcanoes
The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a 325 km-long valley in central Ecuador, flanked on either side by the snow- capped volcanoes of the Eastern and Western Cordillera. The most imposing of these is Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes; its perfect cone reaches 5897 m and dominates the skyline. Surrounded by Cotopaxi National Park, the scenic area is littered with lakes and glaciers.
HIGHLIGHTS: Walking, cycling, horse-riding.
Otavalo
Otavalo sits in the highlands to the north of Quito and is internationally acclaimed for its textiles and crafts market. The trade dates back to pre- Inca times with indigenous people from nearby villages who have produced hand-crafted goods for many centuries. Markets pack the streets every day of the week but Saturday offers the biggest choice of souvenirs and gifts typical to the region.
HIGHLIGHTS: Shopping. Mindo Cloud Forest
High in the Andes lies the protected Mindo-Nambillo Forest: hillsides lined with dense and wildlife-rich cloud forest. A true nature lovers’ paradise, the forest is home to a myriad of colourful hummingbirds and unusual birds. Specialist guides are on hand to point out the array of endemic plants lining the banks of the crystalline rivers. You can also visit the orchid garden and butterfly farm.
HIGHLIGHTS: Nature walks, bird- watching.
60 Cuenca
The historic city of Cuenca is located 2500 m above sea level in the Ecuadorian highlands. Founded by the Spanish in the mid 16th century, the architecture is predominantly European with pretty colonial churches and houses. It is possible to explore the cobblestone streets, colourful plazas and arched colonnades on foot. In the surrounding mountain villages, women still weave the famous panama hats on street corners.
HIGHLIGHTS: Hiking, village visits.
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