5 favourite tours:

Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America and is named after the Equator upon which it straddles. There is an incredible variety of life and landscape in Ecuador ranging from the rainforest in the north and east to the majestic Andes mountain range right down to the Pacific Coast. There are active volcanoes, countless nature reserves and not least the unmissable Galapagos Islands for the nature lovers amongst you. For culture lovers the capital city Lima, along with Cuenca, is one of the best preserved cities in Latin America and both are UNESCO world heritage sites. The indigenous people are still very much part of the culture of Ecuador and add a colourful vibrancy to the villages and markets. If you fancy some adrenaline action then hiking, mountaineering and white water rafting are all excellent in Ecuador.

Lima – a UNESCO world heritage site – one of the best preserved cities in Latin America. In a beautiful location surrounded by the high Andes.

Otovalo Handicrafts Market – a good day trip from Lima and a great place to buy local handiwork and traditional crafts.

Galapagos Islands – you can take a cruise around these unique islands to see the wildlife and visit the islands which are all different to each other. Home to species found nowhere else in the world this is a naturalist’s paradise. It is also an excellent place for scuba diving due to its pristine marine reserves.

Cuenca – another world heritage site with beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture.

Cotopaxi Volcano – popular with hikers and mountain climbers and also accessible by scenic train.

Ecuadorian Rainforest – in the eastern lowlands there are a growing number of eco-lodges and jungle tours and a huge range of birds, mammals, reptiles and rare species to be discovered.

Avenue of the Volcanoes – this world famous trekking route takes in some of the worlds highest volcanic peaks (around 4-5,000m high) including Cayambe, Imbabura, Cotopaxi and the only glacier to exist over the Equator.

The north, the highlands and trekking – June – August.

The coast and Galapagos – Dec – May (the hot rainy season but less fog)

For the east – it is hot and humid all year round.