Introduction to Ecuador

Ecuador likes to boast that it is really four distinct destinations: the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon basin, the high Andean Sierra, and the Pacific coast. In fact, it's much more. Quito offers up both colonial gems and modern pleasures. Cuenca is yet another colonial treasure, with the Inca ruins of Ingapirca nearby. You can visit not only the rainforests of the Amazon basin, but also the cloud forests of Mindo and Bellavista, the dry forests of the southern Pacific lowlands, and the high-altitude paramo of the Central highlands. Active travelers can ride horses on the Andean plains, or mountain bike down the slopes of active volcanoes. Bird-watchers can add to their list from the more than 1,600 species found here. With so much physical and cultural variety, there are plenty of excellent experiences and adventures for any type of traveler.