Only In Ecuador

As if being located on the equator wasn’t extraordinary enough, this one small country boasts four extraordinarily distinct regions: Amazonian rainforest, Andean mountains, tropical coastline, and the Galapagos Islands. So much nature, all in a short time.

Only in Ecuador can you: feel Quito’s colonial heartbeat… stroll down the Avenue of the Volcanoes… follow in Darwin’s footsteps and meet the giant tortoises of the Galapagos… straddle two hemispheres at the Mitad del Mundo… and surf the Pacific waves in Canoa.

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Ready to travel? Suggested itineraries here >

Meet Our South America Insiders

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  Andrea Minarcek

  When it comes to Argentina, Andrea has the answers. While stylish Buenos Aires is her home base, she’s trekked through Patagonia, ridden with gauchos, sipped wine in Mendoza… and everything in between.

  Favorite Buenos Aires café: Musetta Caffè
  Favorite Tango Spot: La Catedral
  Favorite Natural Wonder: Iguazu Falls
  Favorite Winery: Pulenta Estate

  Latest Question

  Is a trip to Ischigualasto Provincial Park worthwhile? What is the best way to get there from Mendoza or Santiago?
  
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  Eileen Smith

  Since moving to Santiago eight years ago, Eileen has sat with huasos at a rodeo in Futaleúfu, eaten chancho en piedra near the river in Talca and bought olives in Punta de Choros. As a travel writer, she dispenses advice for a living, so feel free to ask a question!

  Favorite beach town: Pichilemu
  Best hiking near Santiago: Parque Mahuida, or Aguas de San Ramón
  Favorite spot for lunch in the Vega Chica: Tía Ruth’s
  Best place to buy souvenirs in Santiago: Pueblo Los Dominicos

  Latest Question

  We are planning a trip to Chile next February and were wondering if there is any good offshore fishing such as bill fish or rooster fish?
  
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  Karina Davila

  A Lima native, Karina eats Peruvian adventure for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A travel guide in the Amazon and elsewhere, she loves helping people discover and appreciate what makes Peru, Peru.

  Favorite Amazonian flower: lobster claw (heliconia rostrata)
  Favorite type of ceviche: sea urchin
  Favorite place to surf: Los Organos

  Latest Question

  We're visiting Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu in May. What type of weather can we anticipate? What should we wear? Do we need to bring a sunscreen?
  
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  Kevin Raub

  Co-author of Lonely Planet’s Brazil guide and coordinating author of the Brazil section of South America on a Shoestring guide, Kevin has–not surprisingly–traveled extensively across Brazil. He learned to dive in Fernando de Noronha, sought after the perfect moqueca from Espírito Santo to Bahia and swam with pink dolphins in the Amazon.

  Favorite São Paulo Restaurant: Maní
  Favorite Beach: Praia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha
  Favorite Bar Snack: Coxinhas at Bar Veloso, São Paulo
  Favorite Ecotourism Destination: Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul

   

  Latest Question

  In which stadium will the May 5 soccer (futbol) match in Rio be held?
  
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  Lance Andrew Brashear

  Having lived in Quito since 2003, Lance knows Ecuador inside and out, from the jungle to the coast to the Galapagos. When he’s not out there exploring, he’s relishing the joy of being a husband and dad.

  Favorite place to get lost: Quito historical district
  Favorite museum: City Museum in old town
  Favorite Galapagos animal: Blue-footed boobie

  Latest Question

  What's the best way to get from Quito to Cuenca without flying?
  
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  Natalie Southwick

  This Boston-raised and Chicago-educated journalist never felt so at home as she does in Bogotá. In just over a year, Natalie swam in the jewel-blue Caribbean near Santa Marta, chowed on ceviche in Cartagena, hiked through misty wax palms in Salento, ogled dinosaur fossils in Villa de Leyva and danced salsa into the wee hours in Cali.

  Favorite food: Ajíaco
  Favorite coffee shop: Juan Valdez Café
  Favorite hidden gem: José Celestino Mutis Jardín Botánico in Bogotá
  Favorite place to spend all my money: Usaquén Sunday market

  Latest Question

  What to wear in Colombia?
  

Our Top Picks

La Mitad del Mundo: Want to straddle two hemispheres? Head to the Mitad del Mundo, where the equator marks the world’s halfway point, and take the tour – it’s amazing!

Ruta de las Cascadas: Adventure hungry? Head to Baños and bike the Waterfall Route, which takes you through a dozen different waterfalls, then relax in the thermal baths (a product of the very active volcano looming above the town!).

Galapagos Coral Reefs: Dive into one of the most beautiful coral reefs of the world – snorkeling and scuba diving allows you a glimpse of the huge diversity of marine life, from turtles and sea lions to marine iguanas and giant mantas.