Ecuador, one of the smallest Andean countries, surprises us with a wide range of scenery, cultures and activities.
Quito was the first city named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located 2,850m above sea level at the foot of the beautiful Pichincha volcano. Its blue skies, its lively streets frequented by locals who come down from the mountains, making it a desirable market town for walking around and talking with people.
Travelling northwards, we explore its beautiful mountains and contemplate the impressive chain of volcanoes, many of them covered by Andean cloud forest with its rich biodiversity.
To the east, we find the Amazon River, only 30 minutes by plane from Quito. The forest that flanks it is one of the richest and most pristine in all of South America. We explore it from inside, staying at any one of stupendous Eco-Lodges, or from the great Amazon River itself aboard the exclusive Anakonda.
And as a finale of the trip to the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago in the middle of the Pacific, which we discover on board our comfortable expedition boat or staying in one of the camps.