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Blog posts on Ecuador

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At the northernmost reach of the ancient Inca Empire, Ecuador is small, accessible, and epitomises the best of Latin America from magnificent scenery to elegant old Spanish towns and wonderful wildlife.

High in the Andean sierra, two great chains of volcanic mountains run from north to south. The fertile valley between them - Humboldt’s ‘avenue of the volcanoes’ - is dotted with beautiful haciendas. If you’re feeling intrepid, you can ride a rickety steam train that descends through the Andes in a series of zigzags and switchbacks known as ‘the devil’s nose’, crossing dramatic gorges on the way.

Both Quito and Cuenca’s cobbled streets have some of the best-preserved colonial architecture anywhere in the Americas. Ubiquitous hats, ponchos and woven rugs are sold in colourful craft markets. You can combine a trip to hot springs or rose gardens with a night at a historic hacienda, or saddle up with the chagras for some superb riding.

East of the Andes the terrain drops through cloud forest - teeming with exotic bird life - into the Amazon basin. Nearly half the country is covered in humid jungle, best explored by dugout canoe. Here indigenous people still live as they have for thousands of years, scarcely touched by the outside world.

Highlights

Here are some of our Ecuador highlights

Historic cities

Historic cities

Although Quito is Ecuador's capital, the colonial city of Cuenca is also well worth a visit. Both have historic centres with beautiful buildings, 17th century churches and monasteries and picture postcard cobblestone streets.

Traditional haciendas

Traditional haciendas

Ecuador has many haciendas at which visitors can enjoy a unique stay. Hacienda San Agustin near Cotopaxi National Park was partly built (by the Spanish) on an Inca palace, the original stones of which can still be seen.

Bustling markets

Bustling markets

Ecuador is a country awash with markets and Otavalo's Saturday animal market is arguably the most famous, but there are equally interesting (and cleaner!) markets in Cotacachi, Quito and further south in Cuenca.

The mighty Amazon

The mighty Amazon

Much of the country is covered by Amazon rainforest, although the Ecuadorean Amazon is much-less visited than that of its Brazilian neighbour. Indigenous tribes live along the river banks and there are lodges offering wildlife or cultural stays.

Open QuoteWhat a holiday!! I had a marvellous time in Ecuador. The itinerary you put together met all my expectations and more.

The Napo valley was very special, I wish I had had more time there. The three guides Pedro, Abel and Roger who were with me the whole time were brilliant. They went out of their way to ensure I was able to observe and experience the magnificence of the national park. Their knowledge and expertise is second to none.

It’s not just the things you do and the places you visit that make a holiday but the people you meet along the way. Marco Toscano, my guide for most of the holiday, was exemplary. One of the best guides (if not the best) I have ever had and a great companion.Close Quote - RH

When to go to Ecuador

Ecuador Useful Information

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