Connect with nature on a journey through Ecuador

From high-altitude hikes to following in Darwin’s footsteps, immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wildlife of Ecuador

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Where else can you savour fresh, zesty ceviche in a sun-drenched coastal plaza one day and trek through misty cloud forests the next? Or wake up in the Andes surrounded by volcanoes, then glide down an Amazonian river, spotting monkeys and toucans? Ecuador packs the wonders of an entire continent into a country the size of the UK.

With four distinct worlds — the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and the legendary Galápagos Islands — Ecuador offers travellers an astonishing variety of landscapes, cultures and wildlife, all within easy reach of one another.

Mountain magic

Quito, Ecuador's beautifully baroque-styled capital in the Andes, presides over the country at an altitude of 7,155ft — making it one of the highest capitals in Latin America. It’s an excellent entry point to Ecuador; visitors can settle in by wandering through Quito’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre, stepping under the arches of Spanish-era churches, including San Francisco Church and the Basilica del Voto Nacional, or paying a visit to the Middle of the World Monument, marking the location of the Equator, which passes through the city.

When visiting Quito, be sure to check the FCDO’s latest travel advice prior to your trip.