THE AMAZON, AN ENCHANTED ARCHIPELAGO AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

Some countries seem impossibly large, but Ecuador proves that greatness has very little to do with size. Tucked into the northwestern corner of South America, it contains one of the richest collections of environments on Earth.

Snow-capped volcanoes overlook beautifully preserved colonial cities, while ancient cloud forests festooned with orchids and ferns give sanctuary to a dazzling array of birds. The windswept páramo, (a unique high-altitude heath habitat) is home to spectacled bears and the rare mountain tapir. Then, there’s also the Amazon; a vast jungle full of countless creatures, from monkeys to manatees, and from parrots to Piranhas.

Wander the historic streets of Quito before ascending into the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. Stand quietly among hummingbird feeders as these tiny jewels hover within arm’s reach. Witness the spectacular display of the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, or venture deep into the rainforest where every tree whispers wisdoms of the wilderness.

But Ecuador's wonders don't end there...

Nearly 1,000 kilometers into the Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos Islands offer a wildlife adventure unlike anywhere else on Earth. Traveling by live-aboard vessel, you will visit numerous islands, and meet giant tortoises as they lumber across ancient lava fields. You will walk among colonies of albatross and sea lions, and you will snorkel or scuba with marine iguanas and tropical penguins. Having evolved in isolation, with few natural predators and little reason to fear humans, the wildlife is remarkably approachable. Add the Galápagos to everything mainland Ecuador already offers, and you have one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.