{"id":3812,"date":"2021-01-26T09:00:55","date_gmt":"2021-01-26T09:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tripfuser.com\/blog\/?p=3812"},"modified":"2021-12-16T12:18:11","modified_gmt":"2021-12-16T12:18:11","slug":"your-travel-guide-to-ecuador","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/your-travel-guide-to-ecuador\/","title":{"rendered":"Galapagos Cruises & More: Your Travel Guide to Ecuador"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Straddling the Equator, tucked in between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is one of the smallest countries on the continent and the smallest Andean country. However, this is merely a label; rest assured, this country packs a punch. Often described as a microcosm of South America, Ecuador jams everything that\u2019s fascinating about this continent into its compact borders.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Not despite, but because of its size, Ecuador has thrived. Nowhere else in the world can you spend a morning in the Amazon rainforest, an afternoon ascending the slopes of an active volcano and hit the beach in time for dinner with your toes in the sand. It\u2019s no wonder that Ecuador served as inspiration for Darwin\u2019s theory of evolution; it is anything but boring.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ecuador\u2019s startling contrasts of scenery, outstanding biodiversity and fascinating historical legacy are divided amongst its three mainland regions: Costa, Sierra and Oriente. Costa, as you would expect, is where you\u2019ll find the Pacific Coast\u2019s hot, sandy beaches and the vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian towns. Sierra covers Ecuador\u2019s mountainous heart and brings you charming Andean villages, colonial towns and abundant adventures. Finally, Oriente is where you\u2019ll find Ecuador\u2019s treasured piece of the Amazon, where wildlife thrives in innumerable species.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ecuador\u2019s pride and joy are the famous Galapagos Islands; the wildlife-rich archipelago of otherworldly landscapes, magnificent volcanic views and unusual species. Often described as an open zoo, here you can get up close and personal with huge tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue foot-footed boobies and more. The best way to experience all there is to offer is a Galapagos cruise. With cruises varying in length, you can split your time between this must-visit destination and Ecuador\u2019s other jewels.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

At the heart of the country is Ecuador\u2019s capital, Quito, with its well-preserved Spanish colonial historical centre, 16th-century palaces and beautifully ornate churches. You\u2019ll likely begin and end your Ecuador tour wandering Quito\u2019s cobblestone streets, admiring architectural treasures and getting a taste for the country\u2019s cultural diversity and penchant for social eating.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

They say good things come in small packages and that is certainly true of Ecuador. Read on to find out more about Galapagos Islands cruises, meeting shamans in the Amazon and so much more;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Best Time to Visit Ecuador<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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