They say that “the best perfume comes in small bottles,” and this is most definitely Ecuador’s philosophy. Although Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, it is one of the most diverse (and one of 17 worldwide labeled as “megadiverse”), both in terms of its people and its geography. With the first two UNESCO sites of the world and a wide array of nature, Ecuador offers something for every kind of adventure traveler.
Start your adventure travel in Ecuador in colonial Quito, the second-highest capital of the world. Visit the historical town centre, stand with one foot on each side of the equator, check out the weekend markets in Parque El Ejido, and eat one of its famous envueltos. Enjoy nights in La Floresta and fill up on all the pubs, because there’s not a lot of ‘em in the jungle.
Next up, the Galapagos Islands is the location for sea lovers. These islands are a heritage of humanity; the very same islands that inspired Darwin to form his evolution and coral atolls theories. Whether your interest lies in studying turtles or snorkeling, there are blue skies and even bluer water to keep you company. Take a dive in Los Tuneles or hike to the top of the Sierra Negra volcano, and if you stray off-path or dive a little bit deeper, you might even discover a new specie!
In The Amazon, adventure travelers can canoe along its waterways and discover the jungle life (even if you do not bump into Marsupilami, you will probably spot a scarlet macaw or two). If that doesn’t make your heart beat faster, consider rafting in the Amazon Basin, making new friends while visiting long-lost communities, taking night tours to search for nocturnal critters, or learning how to use a blowgun.
If you’d like to take your adventure in Ecuador one step higher, check out the Andes. The Andean region is one of the most visited in Ecuador and it’s the perfect place to find new adventures and climb every mountain; at the top of any of which, you will feel as mighty as Emperor Kuzco. Don’t forget to check out Chimborazo, the point of Earth closest to space (yee-haw, equatorial bulge!).
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