Must See

Amazon Basin

El Oriente is the local name for Ecuador's Amazon region, inhabited by indigenous Indian tribes. This primeval world of exotic flora and fauna and virgin forests is best explored as part of an organised tour, which can be booked with local operators that can provide tailor-made itineraries and experienced guides.

Banos

Located in a valley of hotsprings and waterfalls, Baños has become a haven for travellers looking a base for exploring the great Ecuadorian outdoors. Situated four hours by bus from Quito, Banos offers rafting, horseback riding, climbing, trekking and mountain biking, or visitors may simply take advantage of the thermal springs and hot pools from which the town gets its name. Banos also offers easy access to Riobamba, the starting point of the exhilarating train journey down the Devil's Nose to the coast, and to Puyo, one of the gateways to the Amazon.

Cotopaxi

With its mighty cone-shaped peak, Cotopaxi volcano stands at 5,900 metres, making it the world's tallest active volcano. It is located to the south of the capital in the Parque National de Cotopaxi, and is popular with experienced climbers seeking to reach its summit.

Galapagos Islands

Made famous by Charles Darwin's 19th C scientific voyage aboard the Beagle, this island group 1,000 kilometres west of the mainland is home to rare and unique animal species. Named for the giant tortoise that inhabits the island, the Galápagos Islands offer an exceptional opportunity for wildlife viewing, including lizards, iguanas, penguins and sea lions. About half of the islands' species are found nowhere else in the world. In 1959, the islands were declared a National Park, and visitors must now have a guide to tour the islands. There are only very few areas where visitors are allowed without a guide.

In addition to the wildlife viewing on land, the waters around the Galápagos are popular for adventure tours, either in large cruise ships or in smaller ships and yachts. Diving conditions in this area are considered more challenging and may be more suited to experienced divers.

Of the 13 large islands, six smaller islands, and 42 islets which comprise the Galápagos, only five are inhabited.

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and is the focus of the nation's economy. Located just 70 km from the Pacific Ocean and a few hundred kilometres from the Equator, the city is the country's chief port and commercial centre. Guayaquil's most historic landmark is the Rotonda, which faces the beautiful garden promenade of Paseo de las Colonias. The Government Palace and city hall are across the Malecón Simón Bolivar, whilst at the northern end, visitors will find the ancient fortress of la Planchada.

Otavalo

Otavalo's beauty lies in its people, the Otavaleño Indians, and their market, undoubtedly one of the most important and spectacular in all of Latin America. The colourful Saturday Indian market, which dates back to pre-Inca times is a festive affair and the local Otavelenos wear their traditional dress. By 6am, the animal market is already busy and by 7am, much of the day's business has already been done, and the focus turns to the artisan market around Poncho Plaza, where you'll find everything from armadillo shell guitars to jumpers, ceramic fried eggs to wall hangings. On Plaza Copacabana by the local train station and small fun fair, there's a smaller, but still interesting, food market.

Quito

Nestled in a long, narrow valley between the precipitous canyon of the river Machángara to the east and the lush base of the Volcano Pichincha to the west, Quito enjoys an unmatched natural setting. The city, set at 2,850m (9,348ft) above sea level, is only 22km (14 miles) from the equator.

One of South America's most beautiful cities, with a pleasant spring-like climate, Quito is the perfect place to begin exploring Ecuador. The Old City remains much the same as it did at the end of the colonial period, with its plazas, churches, museums and palaces, but the New City bears no marks of its colonial past, and is a modern centre that bustles with businesses and street cafes.

Visitors may want to climb to the top of El Panecillo, a hill affording great views of the colonial old town and topped by a giant statue of the Virgin of Quito. On the approach to Quito, there is a granite monument that marks the equator.