Ecuador is a small South American country straddling the equator.

Despite its modest size, Ecuador is among the most megadiverse countries on Earth and the most biodiverse destination per square kilometre.

Its diverse landscape encompasses Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands.

With its location crossed by the equatorial line, Ecuador hosts 10% of the world's species of plants and more than 1,680 species of birds.

Quito, the capital, in the Andean foothills is known for its largely intact Spanish colonial centre.

Ecuador is a leader in sustainable, adventure and community-based tourism in its Costa (coast), Andes, Galapagos and the Amazonia regions.

Ecuador has 2,237km of Pacific coastline, with sandy beaches, rolling waves for surfing and the fresh seafood.

The Machalilla National Park has tropical dry forest leading directly onto pristine beaches.

Isla de la Plata, 25 miles off the coast sees humpback whales converge on these waters between June and October, after their 4,000-mile voyage to the warm pacific waters, which is the longest migration made by any mammal.

A deepwater scientific expedition has found a previously unknown coral off Ecuador's Galápagos Islands.

Andes

Two distinct chains of mountains form Ecuador's Andean highlands, with lush green valleys between flourishing with alpacas and llamas.

Travellers here can enjoy vast landscapes with lakes, volcanic lagoons and natural sources of thermal waters.

The mountains have the World Heritage Quito and Cuenca, and the snow-capped Chimborazo Volcano.

This is one of the highest mountains with non-technical routes, making it good for less seasoned climbers. Visitors can choose between a 2,4 or 5-day trek.

Galápagos

The 19 Galápagos islands and islets are located on both sides of the equator at a point where three ocean currents collide, around 1,000km west of the mainland Ecuadorian coast.

The climate is hot and humid in the north, with fertile land and plentiful vegetation, whilst the southern islands are harsh and arid, and, due to the differing island habitats, several species, including tortoises, finches and land iguanas, have evolved in a different way.

This is what Charles Darwin discovered when he visited the islands in 1835, inspiring his Theory of Evolution.

Tourists are recommended to visit with a naturist guide to learn about the wildlife and conservation – highlights include marine lizards, sea turtles, giant tortoises, and Galápagos penguins.

Amazon

Ecuador's rainforest is regarded as the most species-rich section of the Amazon, and is home to more than 300 species of mammal, 800 species of fish and 350 species of reptile.

The Yasuní National Park, embraces 9,820 square kilometres, and has as many as 100 different species of tree per acre.

Jaguars, caimans and marmosets and 600 species of birds are found here, including macaws, toucans and hummingbirds.

The Taromenane and the Tagaeri tribes live in deliberate isolation in the Yasuní National Park, eschewing all contact with the modern world.

They are instrumental in protecting the land, and their rights, including the right to be left alone, are protected by Ecuador's constitution.

Useful links

​ www.ecuador.travel