Ecuador

natural abundance, Ecuador s cities still offer the appeal and charm expected by travellers venturing to South America. Quito is Ecuador s capital and exudes a genuine personality that recedes from the pretense often experienced in other major cities. It has a hustle and bustle that emanates from both the style of the locals and its interesting mix of modern development and fascinating past.

The city s character also stems from its expansive Old Town that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. It is described as being the best-preserved and least altered historic centre in Latin America, and is a feature of the city that continues to influence its people and culture, despite the inevitable growth of the 21 ^st century. With centuries old architecture, cobbled streets and a splash of colour that creates visual appeal, there are numerous fine local eateries and bars to quell the weary travellers hunger and thirst.

For something a little quirky and kitsch, visit Mitad del Mundo, or Ecuador s Middle of the World; a theme park of sorts where you can have your photo taken straddling the equator, enjoy views from the top of the Middle of the World monument, explore the Ethnography Museum or Planetarium, learn how to make a shrunken head and participate in some entertaining activities. Despite the fact it s actually located 240 metres north of the equator, it still makes for a fun daytrip from Quito and you ll be rewarded with a certificate of attendance which you can keep as a memento to remember the adventure

For an immersion into the daily culture of Ecuador, head three hours north of Quito by bus to experience South America s largest and finest market, Otavalo. Delightfully charming, Saturday is the time to go when the market is at its biggest, offering everything from clothes and jewellery to local produce and artwork be sure to practice your haggling skills A rainbow of colours, the Otavalo Markets are a place of history and tradition where centuries-old artisan practices continue to thrive in the surroundings villages around the town. Head to the outskirts of the city where you ll discover a large animal market. Watch as locals trade llamas, sheep, chicken and guinea pigs.

Who needs persuading to visit the Amazon Jungle With some of the cheapest options available, Ecuador is a great place to explore the wonders of the largest and most mysterious jungle on Earth. The Amazon is brimming with some of the most diverse, colourful and fascinating wildlife found anywhere in the world it simply is a must do on anyone s bucket list. Explore your inner David Attenborough on a range of different tours that won t break the budget. Ecuador is also blessed with many accessible cloud forests which occur on the slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Drenched in rain and moisture from the clouds formed by the warm, humid air as it hits the mountains, the result is a lush habitat with enchanting moss covered trees, crystal clear waterfalls and exquisite orchids.

Likewise, if in Ecuador you cannot go past a visit to the Galapagos Islands. Although 1,000 kilometres offshore, Ecuador is the closest land mass to the islands and as such, is the ideal place to make a departure from. The islands are the world s biggest volcanic archipelago whose geographic isolation and ideal climate has allowed nature to thrive in its most pristine form. Crystal clear blue waters, sparkling white sand and lush green flora are trademarks of the islands while ultimately, it s the wildlife that calls them home, which the Galapagos are most famed for. In particular, the Galapagos tortoise after which the islands were named is the largest living tortoise and is native to the islands.

The Galapagos Islands have drawn the attention and wonder of countless visitors over centuries, not least of who was Charles Darwin. It was the observations he made on his visits here that provided the basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. The Galapagos Islands are also home to a number of other reptiles, birds, seals and marine life that are not found anywhere else in world. A range of tours provide the opportunity to get up close and personal with these locals as well as, of course, enjoying the sun, sand and water that make this such a beautiful destination.