Neighbouring Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a relatively small country that nevertheless offers an enticing array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife species and interesting cities.

From the lush Amazon, through the Cloud Forest of the Andean slopes, along the Avenue of Volcanoes and over the Pacific to the other-worldly Galapagos Islands, Ecuador offers a nature lovers paradise and some of the best travel experiences in South America.

Galapagos cruises are undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of travel to Ecuador. Spending a week cruising the Galapagos and getting so close to the wildlife is one of the world's great travel experiences.

Eco-lodges in the Amazon, birdwatching in the Andean Cloud Forests, shopping for artefacts in Otavalo's colourful market, discovering the twin colonial-era jewels of Quito and Cuenca, or riding the Devil's Nose railway - Ecuador is diverse and surprising and one of the most exciting destinations for a holiday to South America.