The Andes Mountains are home to the capital city, Quito, which has some of the finest colonial architecture in the Americas. A great setting of natural beauty eclipsed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruca, Guagua and Guayaquil. Ecuador`s biggest city is also the chief port and commercial centre. The chief ports provide visitors with some of the best resorts for deep-sea fishing on the west coast. The Oriente is a primeval world of virgin forests and exotic flora and fauna, still inhabited by Indian tribes. Food specialities include llapingachos (pancakes stuffed with mashed potato and cheese) and the national delicacy of roasted guinea pig. There is modest nightlife except in Quito and Guayaquil where there are excellent restaurants and other attractions.

The mountains are a spectacle in themselves -- two chains of snow-capped peaks known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes. In the smaller towns and villages of the Sierra, you`ll see the descendants of Inca peoples, many of whom wear distinctive clothing and hats that identify them as residents of a particular area. East of the Andes is the Amazon basin. This interior jungle region, cut through with rivers and streams, ranks among the most accessible in South America and offers excellent opportunities to see the flora and fauna of the rain forest and to visit Amazonian tribes.

West of the Andes are the coastal lowlands and Ecuador`s largest city, the port of Guayaquil. The area is very hot and humid most of the year. Ecuadoreans flock to the beaches of the Pacific coast, but what peaks the interest to foreign visitors are the Sierra and the Oriente. Ecuador takes you on a journey through the high Andes to experience ancient cultures and magical lands. Travel to colourful markets, historical haciendas, volcanoes, Amazon and more. This small country offers immense diversity with captivating destinations.