Two-minute guide to Ecuador

One of South America’s tiniest nations, yet boasting more biodiversity per square kilometre than any other country on earth, Ecuador packs a real travel punch. Responsible Travel’s two-minute guide unearths some of the country’s most underrated experiences.

Although most famous for the collection of rocky isles lying 1000km off its coast, for travellers looking for a chance to immerse themselves in the real diversity of South America, there is much more to a trip here than a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. 

Ecuador is a real microcosm of Latin America; with swathes of pristine Amazon Rainforest, a coastline of pounding Pacific surf, colonial cities, Incan ruins, Andean mountains and active volcanoes.

But despite its diversity, its size is manageable; travel distances between mountain and rainforest, volcano and surf, cities and Quechua communities are reassuringly moderate. And it means that even on a shorter holiday, it is possible to truly immerse oneself in the vibrant cultures, colours and communities of the country.  

Ecuador’s Amazon doesn’t need an introduction. Areas such as the Yasuni National Park are amongst some of the most biodiverse in the world. Although threatened and precarious, this is the Amazon of myth and legend, with jaguars, howling monkeys and traditional communities living isolated from the modern world.

It may be small in comparison to neighbouring Peru & Brazil, but Ecuador’s jungle-clad Oriente offers world-class rafting, macaw-covered clay-licks and a host of community-run eco-lodges working hard to protect traditional ways of life, as well as giving value to the preservation of tracts of forest vulnerable to logging.

Discovering more about the unique knowledge of local guides, who have lived their lives in the forest, is fascinating and for a truly unusual way to experience the Amazon take a guided night-hike with them. In the darkness senses are heightened, and the experience offers complete immersion into the sounds, smells and strange sensations of the largest rainforest on earth.

Closer to Quito, Ecuador’s equally inspiring cloud forest should not be underestimated. Morag Presser, from Responsible Travel member, ROW Adventures, said: "People go to the cloud forest because it’s cheap and easy, but they come away saying it’s one of the best experiences they had."

Its appeal outwardly lies in its proximity to Quito and Ecuador’s main airport, just a couple of hour’s drive from the spectacular wildlife, birds and butterflies of the forest. However, the cloud forest deserves dedicated time for discovery. David Horrock, of Responsible Travel member, Pura Aventura, said: "One of the great mistakes one might make is to go to the cloud forest on a daytrip from Quito… however, the whole point is to be there at dusk and dawn because that’s when everything’s happening".

Overnight stays at local community-owned lodges not only support local people but often key conservation efforts, as well as giving travellers the opportunity to experience the cacophony of noise as the forest comes alive at night, or bright red or orange Cock of the Rocks start up their mating calls to attract females at sunrise.

In the highlands, homestays are a unique way to make a deeper connection with Ecuador’s famously colourful Quechua culture. In some rural communities ways of life remain little changed since the arrival of the conquistadors. A smile, some words of Spanish and a desire to learn a little Quechua can open doors into the real every-day Ecuadorian life.

To truly get off the beaten track consider a few days exploring the Quilotoa Loop. This little-visited highland region near Cotopaxi volcano is peppered with remote Andean villages, vibrant traditional markets, crater lakes and ravines. Public transport is minimal but multi-day village-to-village hikes, culminating in the spectacular Quilotoa Lake give a glimpse into highland life with other tourists few and far between.

_{Photos by Vicki Brown}

For more tips on uncovering underrated Ecuador visit http://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/ecuador