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Ecuador is one of the most geographically diverse countries on the planet; from the wild Amazon rainforest to the rural Andean highlands dotted with snow-capped active volcanoes and the wildlife-filled Galapagos Islands. And, compared to the rest of South America, it’s relatively compact — meaning visitors can easily experience many of Ecuador’s unique landscapes and also travel sustainably.

Come to explore 40 national parks and reserves and soak up the cultural heritage you’ll find in Andean capital Quito. At 2,850m above sea level, it houses well-preserved colonial architecture in the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), a notable Unesco world heritage site. Then there’s the bustling port city Guayaquil, where daily life is played out at street-food carts and on its numerous beaches; surfers should hang loose in nearby Montañita. Other destinations include Cuenca, a lovely city known for its year-round spring climate and a jump-off point for Ingapirca Inca ruins.

Main photo: women of the indigenous community of Santo Domingo dance during the fiesta of San Pedro in Cayambe (Getty Images)

Given that Ecuador’s name translates as “equator”, one of your first destinations to visit from Quito should be Mitad del Mundo* (the middle of the world), where you can hop between the northern and southern hemispheres. The capital houses a small yet flourishing fine dining scene and you can enjoy an abundance of culture, from theatres to art galleries. Anthophiles must visit Quito’s spectacular botanical garden* and arboretum — there are more than 17,000 flowering plant species in Ecuador. And, as the capital is relatively small and distances are short, you can be hiking, horse riding or gliding in the striking Andean outdoors in no time.

Motorways are well-maintained, so it’s well worth hiring a car in Quito* and road tripping. In two hours’ drive north of Quito, you can be in the Choco-Andean cloud forest taking in its cacao plantations and orchids or the Avenue of Volcanoes. Here, extreme sport enthusiasts take on the challenge of scaling all 5,897m of Cotopaxi.

Big spenders tend to check into luxurious boutique properties in Quito*, Guayaquil* and Galapagos*. Those on a budget, meanwhile, can find plenty of beds in shared hostel dorms, opt for rooms in an Airbnb run by an Afro-Ecuadorian family, or pitch up at a campsite in a national park to wake up alongside wildlife reserves and rainforests.

Most visitors to the Galapagos take a two-hour flight from Guayaquil and transfer to small cruise ships, yachts or catamarans to undertake land excursions during the day. Should you want to stay on land, however, you’ll find upscale five-star hotels, bed and breakfasts, as well as villa and Airbnb options to rent, though most come with a high price tag. 

Book well ahead if you’re visiting during the country’s biggest religious festivals: Semana Santa (Holy Week) at Easter or Inti Raymi, an Incan solstice celebration, in June.

Becoming acquainted with the world’s most incredible reptiles, birds, mammals and flora is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so spend as much time as possible exploring the Galapagos*, located around 600 miles from Ecuador’s mainland and inhabited by 9,000 land and maritime species, including the humpback whale and critically endangered pink iguana. Many are endemic, including the giant tortoise, flightless cormorant, marine iguana and Galapagos fur seal.

The archipelago is also a Unesco world heritage site and biosphere reserve, and there are 13 principal islands — the largest, San Cristobal, is home to capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno — although just four are inhabited by humans. 

The most exciting expeditions take place on water and visitors clamber onboard glass-bottomed ships to see what lies below the Pacific. Stay on the land to walk among dauntless boobies, giant tortoise and finches; you can see the taxidermy of Lonesome George, the last of the Pinta Island tortoise species to exist, at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, where you can also visit Tortuga Bay. Isabela Island is home to five active volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanically active places in the world.

The weather is mild between December and April, although there are often afternoon showers, given that it’s the rainy season. Dry season takes place between June and September; evenings can be cool.

What do I need to know before going to Ecuador?
Spanish is the official language although 20 other dialects are spoken, including Incan language Kichwa. Make sure you have your yellow fever jab before travelling. You do not need a visa to enter Ecuador but visitors to the Galapagos must buy a Tarjeta de Control de Transito (TCT), a transit control card, for $20 before travelling.

How many days do I need in Ecuador?
Two or three nights in the capital Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil are ample to get to know Ecuador’s main cities. For the Galapagos, it’s recommended you spend at least a week in the archipelago to really get up close with nature. For elevated Andean treks, allow a few days’ acclimatising in Quito before embarking on an expedition. 

Can you visit Ecuador on a budget?
Given the abundance of hostels and street food and the fact that many national parks and reserves cost between £4 and £6 to enter, those on a tight budget can still enjoy Ecuador’s sights and flavours (although the Galapagos retains a high price tag). It’s the most welcoming destination in South America after Bolivia for backpackers on a budget.

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Inspired to visit Ecuador but yet to book your trip? Here are the best hotels from Expedia*. These are the best tours of Ecuador from our trusted partners*.