Ecuador

ADVENTURE, CULTURE AND HANDICRAFTS!

Straddling two hemispheres, the Ecuadorian diorama encompasses Andean cloud forests, the highest concentration of volcanoes and species rich islands in the Pacific. 300 years of Spanish rule, preceded by Inca hegemony, make it one of the most architecturally rich places on Earth as well.

Must Dos

Purchase a local Panama hat – this is where they are made.
Ascend the perfectly conical Cotopaxi volcano.
Cut across the equator and take the trendy ‘one foot in each hemisphere’ pic at Centro del Mundo (centre of the world).
Appraise the curious iconography of Quito’s Jesuit, Dominican and Franciscan monasteries and churches.
Satisfy your tastebuds at Quito where trendy chefs are giving Ecuadorian cuisine a makeover.
Try the Swing at the End of the World in Banos. Nestled in the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, it’s Ecuador’s go to place for bridge jumping, canyoneering, white water rafting and waterfall climbing. Surely ups your adrenaline levels!
Catch the Devil's Nose train ride in Alausi. The train climbs up a 330-foot cliff face to reach the Devil’s Nose, a giant rock jutting from the slope.
Go canyoning in Rio Blanco.
Get your cameras out at Ingapirca, the best preserved Inca ruins in the country.
Visit Montanita, a laidback seaside village where some of the hottest surfing happens.

You can go Darwinian only in Ecuador. Off its coast lie the Galapagos islands that led the naturalist to frame his definitive theory. A chain of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands and 107 rocks and islets, it bursts with some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world. See Blue Footed Boobies, huge Waved Albatross, vermillion Fly Catcher, Sea Lions, Lava Crabs, Iguanas, Dolphins, the iconic giant Galapagos Tortoises and more.

Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve is officialese for a mist shrouded, 3,200-acre orchid-filled, mysterious forest complete with giant anthuriums, ferns, mosses and towering trees. Ride a sky bike through the canopy, 60 m up in the air, while the birds, bees & beasts go on about their business below!

Called a ‘rainbow of textiles’, this Saturday market sees the Plaza de Los Ponchos festooned with blankets, wall hangings, handbags, table runners, alpaca wool sweaters and scarves. All created by the indigenous Otavaleño people, weavers from Pre-Inca times. Silver jewellery, Panama hats and wooden carvings are firm favourites.

The most dramatic volcanoes in Ecuador are now part of a 200 km stretch known as the “Avenue of Volcanoes”. The route takes you to Chimborazo, Cuicocha crater lake, Quilatoa Crater Lake, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua and Lake Amarilla (with its view of 9 peaks) among others. Geology aside, the trip winds its way into the heart of the Andean highlands, going past quaint villages and ancient markets. The more active can opt for treks, horse rides or mountain biking.

Supposedly created by star crossed Inca lovers, the 3 turquoise lakes sit in an ancient volcanic crater. The gentle slopes are covered by knee high grass and the occasional cactus plant. A 1.92 km stretch from the lakes takes you up to an altitude of 1,750 ft to Fuya Fuya (cold, cold). The trek is through Páramo or an alpine tundra ecosystem and the summit has vantage views of the lakes.

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