Is your ideal travel destination a place equally rich in nature and culture? Then look no further than Ecuador, on South America’s Pacific coast. Offering an enticing combination of breathtaking scenery and historic treasures, the “country of the four worlds” promises an unforgettable stay.

From the Andes to the Amazon Rainforest, head off to discover Ecuador’s natural wonders

The Amazon, the Andes, the Pacific coast and the Galápagos Islands… four natural environments, each unique in their own way, await you in Ecuador! In the heart of the country, adventure lovers will be wowed by the sheer majesty of the Andes and their active volcanoes, such as Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, where the opportunities for hiking are endless. Further east, be prepared to marvel at the splendours of the Ecuadorian Amazon in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, 1.5 million acres of dense rainforest, lakes and swamps. At the coast, when you’re not trying your hand at surfing, kiteboarding or sea kayaking, you’ll probably want to be out among the coral reefs exploring the fascinating underwater life. Then you have the Galápagos Islands, a paradise on Earth for wildlife enthusiasts. There, expect to see rare animals the likes of giant tortoises and marine iguanas in their natural habitat. Incredible!

From Quito to Cuenca, experience Ecuador’s rich culture

A prime nature spot, Ecuador also prides itself on being a country steeped in culture. Nestled high up in the slopes of Ecuador’s mountains, the country’s capital Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, gives you a flavour of the olden days with its extraordinarily well-preserved historic centre and sumptuous colonial churches. Cuenca, another charming colonial gem, is all cobbled streets and bustling markets. In the Andes, the Indigenous communities are proud to share their ancestral customs and festivals, offering tourists a priceless peek into their traditional ways of life. Of course, the local cuisine is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a culture; in Ecuador that means trying its fresh ceviche (fish marinated in citrus) and typical dishes like locro de papa (Ecuadorian potato soup) – a feast for all the senses!