Ecuador is one of the gems of South America. It may be a relatively small country, but it's hard to find a place with more diverse geography to surround yourself with. Visitors can explore the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, and the tropical coast and Andes mountains in between. Plus, it's a small enough country (about the size of the state of Oregon) for you to experience a little bit of each region in a short amount of time.

Many tourists visit Quito, the capital of Ecuador, situated high in the misty Andes. It's best to give yourself some time to rest and get acclimated when you arrive, because some people feel the effects of altitude sickness. Quito has numerous old churches and museums that you can tour. The famous artesan market of Otovalo is a bit of a drive from the city, but well worth it for the indigenous crafts and trinkets. La Mitad del Mundo is another nearby attraction, a monument situated right on the equator, with surrounding museums and shops.

Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador, located along the coast. In recent years it's been updated with some very nice, new tourist attractions. The Malecon, for example, is a long boardwalk that features shops and parks, plus there's an IMAX theater at one end. Nearby is a colorful walkway leading up to a lighthouse and church overlooking the city. Also, the new Parque Historico showcases some of the local wildlife like tapirs and toucans as well as recreations of cane houses and old-town Guayaquil building facades.

Just a few decades ago, the Ecuadorian Amazon was largely considered a dangerous place for tourists. However, a combination of oil companies and missionaries helped to pave the way along the outskirts of the rainforest, and now visitors can visit small resorts there or cruise down the river for an adventurous experience.

Nature lovers can also book a flight to the Galapagos Islands and enjoy the endemic species there. Although there are resorts on some of the islands, the best way to maximize your visit is to stay on a ship that will take you to multiple islands. Every island is different from the rest, from the color of the sand to the wildlife found there. Cruise ships provide naturalist guides to teach you about the islands as you tour them. Even the largest cruise ship is on the small side, as there are restrictions on the number of people who can be on certain islands at the same time.

All in all, Ecuador has a lot to offer visitors. One thing to keep in mind, of course, is that it's a developing country. This can be beneficial (as in the relatively inexpensive prices) or detrimental (don't consume any water that isn't bottled or boiled - watch out for the ice too). Just be sure to travel safely and smartly, and you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Learn more about this author, M. Sparga.
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