The smallest of the Andean countries with a population of 14.5 million, its very size makes Ecuador the easiest South American country to navigate. Visit one or more of its distinct and unique regions: the Amazon rainforest, the highland Andes, the coast and the unrivalled Galápagos Islands, all within 3 hours of the country’s capital, Quito.

Highlights include Otavalo with its colourful and famous handicrafts market, Cotopaxi National Park, to climb or admire this active volcano, the beautiful colonial centres of Quito and Cuenca, the buzzing city of Guayaquil, the Oriente for a fascinating jungle trip full of plants and indigenous communities and the Galápagos Islands, for spectacular wildlife.

Ecuador is also home to an impressive and fascinating variety of native cultures, including some communities who still practise ancient cultural traditions to this day.

Ecuador has a tropical climate along its coastal areas, becoming much cooler inland, especially in the higher elevations of the Andes. The jungle-covered plains of the eastern lowlands are hot and very damp throughout the year, with copious amounts of rain.  The most significant climate variations occur in the Andes, where in general terms, mornings are cold and afternoons warm.

The lower levels of the mountains are tropical and experience heavy precipitation. Somewhat typical of any mountainous country, the higher the altitude, the lower the temperatures fall, and rainfall decreases. In the upper elevations here, the Andes are snow-capped, and temperatures are very cold.  In Quito highest temperatures are in August and September, where daily highs approach 72° F, the rest of the year high temperatures are generally in the low 60s.

The months of June and July are the coldest, with highs in the 40s. The climate can be unpredictable: sunshine and showers often follow in quick succession.

Bus
The best way to get around the country is by bus as every major city has a bus station called terminal terrestre. Buses are frequent to and from the major cities. You can purchase a ticket at the bus terminals. Many of the journeys are beautiful rides as you pass through mountains and valleys. There are a few first class buses and these are a little more expensive but more comfortable and safer.  

Train
The country's most popular rail trip begins in the picturesque city of Riobamba. travelling south through a few small towns and large expanses of open country before arriving at Alausi, where it begins a hair-raising descent of the Devil's Nose. Most travelers sit on top of the rail cars to take advantage of the spectacular vistas. The Quito-Cotopaxi excursion is a full day trip, offering fantastic scenery that culminates with the towering, perfectly symmetrical Cotopaxi volcano. On clear days travellers can see Cotopaxi looming in the distance from the moment they leave Quito. 


Plane
Flying within Ecuador, with the exception of the Galapagos, is quite affordable. There is a two-tiered system depending on what city you are going to; foreigners going to the Galapagos or the Amazon can expect to pay more than double what nationals pay. You can fly almost anywhere within the country in about a half-hour. Expect incredible views, particularly if you are passing over Ecuador's breathtaking "Avenue of the Volcanoes" on the Quito-Cuenca flight.