Ecuador

Ecuador is often called “South America in miniature” because it actually can offer everything—mountains for climbing, jungles and rainforests, offshore islands, the Galapagos, eighteenth-century colonial towns, Inca ruins, Indigenous communities, oil, snowcapped peaks, beaches for surfing, deep sea fishing, and even penguins.

Ecuador is known as having four ‘sections' – La Costa (beaches), La sierra (mountain regions), La Selva (jungle) and, of course, the Galapagos. However these regions offer much more than meets the eye, and the real beauty of Ecuador can be found all over the country, once you know where to look!

As far as the beaches go the choices are very diverse. If bustling beaches with parties, interesting cocktails and dancing all day and all night are your ‘thing' then head for Atacames in Esmaraldas, the beach party capital of the country! However if relaxing on the hot sands next to the sea all day every day is more your style try the little exotic haven of Canoa. And if you want to try your hand and surfing or other beach sports head for Montańita, whilst tranquil Puerto Lopez boasts the wildlife packed ‘Isla de la Plata,' maybe better known as the poor man's Galapagos, and it certainly lives up to its name!

La Sierra offers many hidden treats to the tourist eye! Aside from tackling the soaring heights of volcanoes such as Cotopaxi and the like there are many interesting sights for the less ambitious of us! Be sure to visit the famous Indian Market at Otavalo, the biggest in Ecuador, to pick up all sorts of treats and presents for loved ones. The volcanic crater lakes of Quilotoa and Latacunga are a truly amazing sight, and be sure not to miss the Quilotoa trail – by far the most interesting road in Ecuador which leads you on a winding trail through indigenous communities and traditional lifestyles.

La Selva region hosts a huge variety of flora and fauna, as well as adventure activities such as white water rafting and long treks into primary, untouched areas of the rainforest. Or if you just want to relax and chill out take a book, lie in the hammock and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and the break from the smoggy, smoky city life! For the nature lovers among you be sure to take binoculars, guide books and cameras as you are guaranteed to enjoy a whole host of new and varied species.

The Galapagos Islands need little introduction or explanation. Made famous by Charles Darwin's investigations, little has changed in the islands since the day the man himself was there! Still untouched, natural and largely uninhabited the Galapagos can be fairly described as a paradise on Earth, separated from the hustle and bustle of daily life anywhere, a trip back in time to a magical unknown land. The islands themselves are very diverse, each one hosting its own speciality of treats and surprises. Visit sealions, crabs, lizards, brightly coloured exotic fish, sea turtles and sharks, all living in their natural environment and happy to come and say hello and find out about you! And of course, who can speak of the Galapagos without mentioning the giant tortoises? Either visit them at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz, where you can get so close to the tortoises you can actually touch them (although you shouldn't!) Or alternatively take a trip up to he highlands and see the tortoises in their natural environment, happily enjoying wandering around, eating leaves and occasionally emitting the odd snort of breath!

All these treasures and treats and more can be found within the small, but hugely diverse country of Ecuador. Come and find out for yourself, in a country where you can do anything and everything, can see all types of wildlife, lifestyles and climates. In Ecuador you can truly find something for everyone, and whatever your interests and passions, you can be sure to indulge them whilst in this amazing and beautiful South American country!

Whilst in Ecuador be sure to drop into our clubhouse in Quito, where you can drink free tea or coffee, check out the trip reports and plan your travels, browse in the library, peruse the map collection, talk to our knowledgeable staff, store equipment, and find out about volunteer opportunities. Also, don't forget to ask about our events and activities programme which changes on a weekly basis.