Perched on South America’s western edge and straddling the equator, Ecuador may be small, but it’s vast in wonders. Here, the Pacific Coast, the snow-capped Andes, and the emerald Amazon converge, creating one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. In just a few days, you can wander colonial streets, hike among volcanoes, drift down jungle rivers, and stand face-to-face with wildlife found nowhere else.

Your adventure might begin in Quito, the high-altitude capital, and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. From its cobblestone plazas, you can set out toward the Galápagos Islands, the sunlit coast, or the dramatic Avenue of the Volcanoes. Along the way, browse bustling markets, explore the serene Lake District, and meet warm-hearted locals whose traditions run deep.

In the Andean highlands, rolling green hills cradle centuries-old haciendas, where history lingers in the stone walls and fertile fields. Many of these haciendas welcome guests, offering a rare glimpse into traditional Andean life — and a chance to wake to the sound of birdsong and the scent of fresh mountain air.

To the east lies the Amazon Basin, a realm of misty canopies and hidden waterways. Here, jungle lodges open the door to a world alive with the calls of howler monkeys, the flash of tropical birds, and the quiet hum of the rainforest at night.

And far offshore, the Galápagos Islands rise from the Pacific — a living laboratory of evolution where sea lions nap on beaches, giant tortoises roam freely, and curious seabirds waddle right up to greet you.

In Ecuador, distances are short, but the experiences are boundless — a country where every horizon promises a new world.