Quito
In 1978, Quito was the first city nominated as a Cultural World Heritage Site. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in South America, and it is located at 2850 meters (8550 feet) above sea level. You will enjoy a spring like climate with an amazing blue sky and incredible views of mountains and snowcapped volcanoes all year round.

Besides visiting great museums and churches, you can enjoy a visit to El Panecillo which is the home of the beautiful and magnificent Virgin of Quito. From here, you will also have fabulous views of the old town and modern city.

Discover another amazing view from the Teleferico (cable cars) reaching up to 4100 meters (12300 feet). While here, you can also enjoy your time at the amusement park (Volcano Park), or at the food court, the gourmet restaurants, and the handicraft plaza. You can also choose to just be part of this experience, exploring from the sky the charm of this cozy city surrounded by dominant snowcapped volcanoes!

Otavalo
You should not miss a visit to this traditional Indian marketplace which is the largest indigenous market in the world! You will find all sorts of handicrafts ranging from alpaca sweaters, scarfs, shawls, tapestries, rugs, toys and slippers to ceramic chess sets, vegetable ivory ornaments silver jewelry. All these items can be purchased for a fraction of the price that you might pay elsewhere! Upon arrival to the market, you will be hosted with the Otavaleños traditional dress before setting off on your shopping adventure. Besides visiting Otavalo, you will also visit the world famous leather handicraft village of Cotacachi, the wood handicrafts village of San Antonio de Ibarra, and to the beautiful Cuicocha Lake.

Avenue of Volcanoes
The long valley south of Quito up to Cuenca is divided by two mountain ranges which contain some of Ecuadors most magnificent scenery and nine of its ten highest peaks. In this area you will also find isolated Indian villages with traditional lifestyles: Saquisilí, Pujillí, Zumbagua, Sigchos and San Miguel de Salcedo.

Cuenca
Cuenca is the third-largest city in Ecuador, and it is also one of the prettiest. The old center has churches and homes dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. When you've experienced enough of the colonial atmosphere, you can take a trip north to the Inca fortress of Ingapirca which is Ecuador's best preserved precolonial ruin.

Guayaquil and Route of the Sun

Guayaquil is known throughout Ecuador as the "Pacific pearl". It is the country's largest city and it contains the most important seaport. Here you can enjoy a visit to El Malecon and the old town which is well illuminated at night.

Guayaquil is the perfect city in which to start the Route of the Sun. Together with charming fishing villages, this route features sun, sea and lots of fun! The beautiful coastal scenery will take you all the way up the coast to Esmeraldas which is in the far north. From Guayaquil, you will go to Salinas which has excellent hotel infrastructure. Afterwards, enjoy visiting Santa Elena or La Libertad, and relax in colorful resorts and visit amazing beaches and villages such as Ballenita, Punta Barandúa, Punta Blanca, Monteverde, Palmar, Ayangue, Valdivia, Manglaralto, Montañita, Olón, Ayampe, Puerto Rico, Piqueros, Salango, Puerto López, Machalilla National park, Puerto Cayo Manta and Esmeraldas. During the course of this whole route, you can enjoy surfing, diving, fishing, whale watching, birdwatching and much more! Please book in advance to get the greatest benefits of this unforgettable experience!

Jungle
Located in the lowlands of the Amazon Basin, the jungle region contains huge areas of primary rainforest. You will be marveled by the interesting natural history, ecology, tropical habitats, indigenous tribes, birdwatching, and jungle treks.

The main towns in this region are Puyo, Tena, Coca, Lago Agrio, and Macas which is in the south.

Galapagos
More than a World Natural Heritage Site, the Galapagos is a unique lifetime natural experience! Swim with sea lions, stand beside a blue-footed booby conquering its lover, watch the flight of a waved albatross, or relax with the inspiring pristine Nature!

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