A holiday to Ecuador really does have it all. For a relatively small country Ecuador boasts an astonishing variety of landscapes from mighty volcanoes and lush rainforests to lofty cloud forests and beautiful beaches. The cultural attractions are no less wonderful with colonial cathedrals cheek by jowl with Inca fortresses, fascinating indigenous tribes still living a traditional lifestyle and colourful markets that are renowned as the best on the continent.

The historic heart of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts some of the best preserved colonial architecture in South America. With ornate churches and cathedrals, and grand historic houses all framed by a stunning mountain backdrop it’s one of the most charming cities in the Americas. Just two hours away, is the centre of the earth, the equator, and Otavalo Market, perhaps the most famous market on the continent.

Following the Andes southwards, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, you’ll be travelling in the footsteps of the conquistadors. This is a remarkably beautiful landscape of rich forests, tiny farmsteads clinging precariously to sheer slopes and, of course, towering snow-capped volcanoes. The landscape is dotted with historic haciendas and spectacular national parks, not to mention the odd relaxing thermal springs to take a dip in.

Who could forget the astonishing wildlife of Ecuador? On the mainland you’ll find magical cloud forests with some of the highest biodiversity on earth whilst far out into the Pacific lies the astonishing Galapagos Islands, a naturalists heaven of fearless wildlife, unique animal, bird and sea life, and such an astonishing diversity of species that it changed the way we view the world!