Ecuador © jpereira_net

Despite being the smallest country in the Andean Highlands, Ecuador is one of the world's most bio-diverse destinations. Visitors will experience dramatic changes in altitude, scenery and temperature while journeying between Pacific Coast beaches, the sweltering rainforest, the ice-covered volcanoes surrounding Quito and the windswept highlands of the Andes Mountains. They will also encounter an astounding variety of birds, wildlife and vegetation in these contrasting climatic zones.


This valley, or sierra, is the heartland of cultural activity, punctuated by dozens of remote communities. It is also home to the bulk of the population. Larger towns like Saquisilí and Otavalo swell on market days, with villagers coming to sell their produce and handiwork in a vibrant, colourful, and festive atmosphere.

Additionally, the sierra contains most of the old and historically important cities, including the aforementioned Quito. The country itself is beautiful, with colonial architecture, magnificent, panoramic scenery and a welcoming people blending together magnificently.


