Volcanoes, cloud forest and islands where the wildlife walks up to you.
Ecuador is compact enough to cross from the Andes to the Amazon in a day. Quito's colonial centre is one of the best preserved in the Americas, and the snow-capped cone of Cotopaxi dominates the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Cuenca charms with cobbled streets, Mindo's cloud forest is thick with hummingbirds, and the Galápagos Islands bring sea lions, giant tortoises and marine iguanas.
The pace is easy and distances are short, with buses linking most towns. Expect hearty soups, fresh fruit juices and ceviche on the coast. The Galápagos are good all year, though seas are calmer and warmer from December to May. The Andes are driest from June to September, the best time for hiking and clear volcano views.
Best time to visit Ecuador
June, July, August.
Places to visit in Ecuador
Galápagos Islands: A volcanic archipelago far off the coast of Ecuador, with fearless wildlife including giant tortoises, marine iguanas and sea lions.
Quito: Ecuador's capital, set in the Andes at 2,850 metres, with one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centres in the Americas.
Cuenca: A graceful colonial city of blue-domed cathedrals, riverside walks and Panama hat workshops in Ecuador's southern highlands.
Baños: A small town below the Tungurahua volcano, known for waterfalls, hot springs and adventure sports on the edge of the Amazon.
Cotopaxi: A national park around one of the world's highest active volcanoes, with a near-perfect glaciated cone above high moorland.
Essentials
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Language: Spanish; Kichwa spoken in the highlands
Plugs: Type A / B, 120 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC−6 to −5
Tipping: A 10% service charge is often included; tip guides separately
Getting around: Buses link most towns cheaply; the Galápagos are reached by flight from the mainland
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking