Despite its compact size, Ecuador comprises a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from lowland tropical rainforest in the east to snow-capped volcanic peaks in the central highlands. The Pacific coast boasts some beautiful stretches of white sand as well as superb opportunities for activities such as whale watching and scuba diving in variety of both cool and warm dive locations. For naturalists, Ecuador is a country teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Its reserves of fascinating wildlife range from brightly coloured parrots and screaming monkeys in the jungle to courting blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions on the Galápagos Islands.


Climbing
Ecuador offers some superb high-altitude climbing with easy access. Nine of its ten peaks over 5,000m (16,400ft). have glaciers. Routes range from easy snow-plods to technically challenging climbs. Among the most popular of the "big ten" are Cotopaxi (technically easy), Tungurahua and Chimborazo (both require ice axe, crampons and rope). From the rim of Cotopaxi, you can have the unforgettable experience of looking down into its crater while Chimborazo is Ecuador's highest peak. The climbing seasons are June to August and December to February.


Trekking
Hiking in the mountains usually takes in high-altitude plateaux, neat patchworks of agricultural land and traditional indigenous villages. You will find stunning views of glaciated peaks in the north and fascinating pre-hispanic ruins in the south. The rainforests of the Oriente provide some wonderful hikes. Accompanied by an expert naturalist, you can learn about the jungle's vast reserves of exotic flora and fauna. While the Oriente is wet all year round, it tends to be slightly drier from December to February.


Horse Riding
The colourful foothills of the Tungurahua volcano in the beautiful Sangay National Park provide an idyllic setting for horse riding in Ecuador. The spa town of Baños is a good starting point for exploring this area. Other areas which offer superb horse riding terrain include the Machalilla National Park on the Pacific coast. Further opportunities include riding from colonial hacienda to hacienda along ancient Inca trails in the foothills of the Andes.


Ornithology
From the smallest of hummingbirds to the majestic Andean condor, opportunities for birdwatching abound in Ecuador. It is a country, which is, recognised worldwide for its biodiversity and which boasts some 1,500 bird species. The Maquipucana reserve, near Quito, supports over 300 species while the Manu Biosphere reserve is one of the largest conservation areas in the world, home to 850 species.


Nature Safaris
For animal lovers, a trip to the Galápagos Islands is one of the most magical experiences around. Choose from a variety of sailing vessels, from elegant schooners to comfortable motor yachts or cruise ships. Here, birds and animals have no fear of man. Cruising between the different islands, you will have the opportunity to observe a host of fascinating wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, iguanas, sea lions and giant bi-entennial tortoises at close quarters. Another amazing experience is to stay in one of the country's top jungle lodges and explore the steamy depths of the rainforest where parrots, macaws, monkeys, capybara, caiman, armadillos, tapirs and, if you're very lucky, jaguars, are among the sights.