Ecuador

Ecuador may be a small country, but all the richness in color, history, and adventure that it can offer is astounding. This country in South America is a haven for bustling cities, diverse wildlife, and ancient ruins— one of the must-see attractions for tourists and scientists alike.

Ecuador holds the distinction as one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, according to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. It is also best known for the Galapagos Islands, which is widely recognized as the birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Travelers can experience nature at its best with a visit to the Amazon basin and a glimpse of the glaciated Andean Volcano, after paddling through virgin tropical rainforests where diverse flora and fauna hold permanent residence.

Cultural attractions also come in long abundant supply in Ecuador. Visits to Inca ruins, art galleries, and handicraft shops to see how the famous Panama hat is made are only some of the activities that travelers can enjoy. Cuenca and Quito are among the the most popular destinations for those looking for classical and colonial architecture, while adrenaline junkies can head to the Quilatoa Loop for world-class mountaineering and trekking.

Gustatory explorations also reveal wonderful surprises in Ecuador, where food is as varied as the wildlife. Food explorations in the mountain regions showcases dishes of grains and rice. Travelers can munch on a popular Ecuadorian street food known as hornado, a delicious combination of potato and pork. For a different twist, the coast offers a multitude of seafood choices. Prawns, shrimps and lobsters make for everyday feasts in the coastal regions.

For Canadians and Americans, no visa is required for entry to Ecuador, where the maximum allowed time for visits is 90 days. This is true for vaccinations, although shots for yellow fever, tetanus, polio, and malaria are recommended for those planning to visit the Amazon basin.