Ecuador is a mega diverse and multicultural country with a rich historical and ethnic heritage. It is a small country in the middle of the world and with a lot to show in its 4 natural regions: the Andean Highlands, Pacific Coast, Amazon Rain Forest, and the Galapagos Islands. In all of these regions are Ecuador´s warm and welcoming people.

The Ecuadorian Andes are a collection of beautiful mountains and snow-capped volcanoes just waiting to be seen and climbed. Mt. Cotopaxi, El Chimborazo, Reventador, Tungurahua, and the Illinizas are only a few examples. High above the Andes flies the majestic condor, one of Ecuador´s national symbols. Communities in the cities and towns in the valleys below combine their quest for a good life with their customs and traditions.

Ecuador´s Pacific Coast hosts modern cities, industrial centers, charming fishing villages, national parks and sunny beaches. It is peacefully inhabited by a fascinating ethnic mosaic made up of Afro-Ecuadorians, mestizos, mulatos, caucasian and indigenous peoples. Life here swings to a Caribbean beat with flavors from the sea and the warmth and friendliness of the people.

The exuberant vegetation of the Amazon Rainforest ranges from giant trees to miraculous medicinal plants. Monkeys, Guacamayos, rare species of birds and insects of every color and shape imaginable. The inhabitants of the Rain Forest are currently concentrating on the protection and conservation of their habitat and on preserving their customs and traditions.

The Galapagos Islands, also known as Enchanted Islands, are 1000 kilometers away from Ecuador´s mainland and are a World Heritage Site. Giant tortoises, seals, land and sea iguanas, birds and other unique species are the inhabitants of this living laboratory. It was in these islands that Charles Darwin visited and initiated his theory of evolution of the species.

Ecuador is very rich in biodiversity and exports of oil, coffee, cocoa, bananas, flowers, seafood and crafts.

Hike ancient Incan roads winding through pristine high mountain lakes mirroring the sky above. Buy old world, handcrafted art or weavings directly from the indigenous hands that created them. Swim with playful seals, schools of sharks, darting penguins and pre-historic marine iguanas. Stand in the jungle while peering up at a snow capped volcano dominating the skyline. Ride horseback across a lonely, mooresque páramo surrounded by Andean views. Visit an orchid farm that exports orchids to Hawaii. Take a photo of the world's largest hummingbird, the world's largest rodent-the Capybara, the world's largest snake-the Anaconda, or one of the world's largest tortoises-the 500 lb. Galapagos Tortoise.
Where else can you browse boutiques on cobblestone streets one day, climb a snow covered mountain the next day, laze on an isolated sandy beach the following day, and paddle down a remote jungle river afterwards all in one small country roughly the size of Colorado? Only in Ecuador, folks, only in Ecuador!