With its magnificent Andean spine lined with a staggering 30 volcanoes, Amazon rainforest, colonial cities and a splendid coast line it is incredible just how much this tiny South American country can cram inside its borders. 
 
Quito
 
First and foremost, visitors come to Quito in order to straddle the equator hopping between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere at the very site where the French Geodesic Commission first measured the equatorial line in 1735.  However, to us a visit to the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) is nothing more than an aside.  The real glory in the country capital lies in the Old Town section which is filled with beautiful ornate Spanish-colonial churches and monasteries from the 16^th and 17^th centuries along with fascinating museums and monuments.  This spectacular city was one of the first to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site way back in 1978.
 
Cuenca
 
With an elevation of 2,500 metres, the colonial city of Cuenca is built on top of a large rock, and by large we mean height-wise as the space on the rock was smaller than the required space so many of the houses partly hang over the cliff top.  Filled with dozens of churches and one monumental cathedral, Cuenca is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the preservation of its historic buildings.  Other attractions here include beautiful rivers and lakes for fishing and a fascinating hike at the Huecar Canyon where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery on offer.
 
The Amazon
 
If you were to visit the Amazon in Brazil or any other South American country you could perhaps get away with exploring the region as a lone ranger.  Over in Ecuador, the tropical rainforest elevated 400 metres above sea level is a different kettle of fish.  Take a guided tour through the jungle, embark upon canoe trips and go fishing for piranhas.  With 46 different ecosystems, Ecuador is one of the most bio diverse countries in the world, stay at a jungle lodge and go bird-watching early in the morning and see how many of Ecuador’s 1600 bird species you can find.
 
The Galapagos Islands
 
Ecuador’s most beloved and popular national park lies in splendid isolation around 1,000 kilometres away from the South American mainland.  The inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is still a frequented venue for nature travellers over 150 years on and due to its almost total lack of human inhabitants the flora and fauna of these islands have evolved in a very special and unique way.  The animals are more than happy for you to get up close and personal, while rare species include the marine iguanas, tropical penguins, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies.
 
Round Up
 
Indigenous heritage, colonial architecture and natural beauty combine to spoil you.  As the second smallest country in South America you can afford to make it up as you go along – so get yourself to Ecuador and follow your hearts desire.
 
WHERE TO EAT: Mama Clorinda
In most countries a guinea pig is nothing more than a family pet.  However in Ecuador it forms the main staple meat among Ecuadorian indigenous people.  Visit Mama Clorinda in Quito to try the ‘Cuy Apanado’ - deep fried guinea pig battered or breaded and served with cooked potatoes, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce and peanut sauce.

WHERE TO STAY: La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa
Spend both day and night in the Amazon rainforests with a visit to La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa. T he lodge combines jungle expeditions, canoe ride and night excursions – priding itself as one of the most unique wildlife experiences in all of South America, when combined with a Galapagos Islands tour.
 
WHAT TO DO: Volcano Tour
Choose between one day excursions through to five day tours of the Volcano Avenue in Ecuador.  It is composed of 73 volcanoes, 18 of which have erupted in the last 10,000 years and 7 of the 18 in the last 500 years.  Take a tour with Larc for the option of hiking, cycling and horseback riding.

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