Pretty as a painted masterpiece, this is one South American country that truly does justice to the legendary vibe of the region that road trippers and backpackers swear by. Situated in the northwest of the continent, the name Ecuador is the Spanish term for ‘equator’. This small but incredible country is one of the three nations in the continent which is intersected by the equatorial line. Unbelievably diverse and blessed with the choicest bounty from nature, Ecuador deserves to be placed high atop your bucket list of places across the globe that must be explored. And what better way to do so than behind the wheel of your very own 4×4, with nothing but unending asphalt and clear blue skies sprawled ahead of you.
Where nature amazes
This South American nation is a veritable treasure trove when it comes to natural wonders. Although quite small in area, Ecuador enjoys the 17th spot on the list of the most biodiverse countries across the world. Home to thousands of vascular plant species, mammals, birds, marine animals, reptiles, amphibians and gorgeous butterflies, Ecuador’s location on the Tropic of Cancer makes it an ideal home to a wide variety of animal and plant life. Galápagos Islands, with their surreal volcanic topography, are a must-visit for wildlife lovers. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions are some of the many rare animal species that greet you here.
The Amazon rainforest, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience with emerald river trails offering a glimpse of cavorting monkeys, sloths, colourful toucans and river dolphins. If bird watching is where your interest lies, Mindo’s Cloud Forest is a paradise where scores of avian species take wing under the nurturing care of Mother Earth. Cuyabeno Wild Life Reserve and Yasuni National Park also deserve to be visited for an unparalleled experience in the lap of nature. Apart from the above, a delightful mix of landscape zones like lush Mangrove forests, salt marshes along the tropical ocean coastlines which boast of the most stunning beaches, the mighty Andes mountain range which impress and awe, inter-Andean valleys and alpine tundra areas make Ecuador an absolutely striking destination for lovers of all things natural. This mind-boggling range of geographical features also makes this vivid country a haven for adventure sport enthusiasts. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, surfing and river rafting are some of the adrenaline-inducing activities that are available here for those who seek to satisfy the daredevil in them.
Where culture reigns
Belying its compact size, and wonderfully so, Ecuador awes one and all with its immense artistic and ancient riches. Certified by UNESCO as the first Cultural Heritage of Humanity in the year 1978, Quito houses the largest and undoubtedly best-preserved historic centre in entire Latin America. This stunning cultural nerve-centre enjoys the distinction of being the second tallest capital in the world, and is located on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano. Splendid mountains surround this heritage city, which presents gorgeous panoramas all around, and is widely considered to be one of the finest destinations from where to discover the world.
Both Quito as well as the colonial centre of Cuenca host plenty of picturesque plazas, dreamy cobblestone streets, vintage churches, museums and monasteries amidst other architectural gems that offer a unique glimpse into the rich historical tapestry and diversity of Ecuador. Add scintillating nightlife and delectable culinary options to the above, and what you have is basically a panoply of dazzling wonders all clustered into this one absolutely fascinating country.
So, if you seek to explore this lovely place in your own distinctive way, reach out to Adventures Overland and we will make sure your South American retreat is as engrossing as it can be. Prepare for a dream vacation wherein everything is tailored to your precise requirements, with utmost ease and luxury at your behest.
