Ecuador - land of Evolution, Diversity & the Equator - & The Galapagos!

​Nestled between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is officially listed* as one of the 17 most biodiverse countries in the world. With over 20,000 different plants, and some 1,500 bird varieties, it also hosts over 1,200 species of mammal or reptile.  Yet it is just over half the size of France** or California***. 
(** Metropolitan France - 550,000 km2; *** California - 424,000 km2)
(* Ecuador is one of 17 "megadiverse" countries recognized globally by Conservation International in 1988 for hosting the greatest number of Earth's plant and wildlife)
Divided into FOUR distinct climate zones; these include tropical coastal Mangroves, cold and high Andean Montane (or Páramo), cool and lush Cloud Forests​, and the hot and humid Amazon interior.  Last but not least is Ecuador's greatest gem, the wonderful Galapagos Archipelago lying some 2 hours by air out into the Pacific.
Most visitors to Ecuador head for the Galapagos Islands, accessed by air from the capitol, Quito, or Guayaquil on the coast.   But there is so much else to be seen, be it the exquisite variety of flora and fauna in the Paramo/Montane and Cloud Forests, or in Amazonia.  ​Ecuador's rich history is also not to be ignored, be it in Quito or Cuenca, Classical Ecuador.  Now also featuring a rejuvenated rail network, this is a GREAT way to experience continental Ecuador, from capital to coast!
(NB.  Sadly, due to the COVID-19 crises, the Ecuadorean Government had to make drastic budgetary cuts in June 2020 that closed 7 State-run companies, including Tren Ecuador.  But we keep showing this item for historic interest, in the hope that the company and its excellent, unique services will be restored in 2025/6).
TRAVEL ADVICE & HEALTH   Despite very high levels of crime, most visits to Ecuador are trouble free, but it has still been accorded a Level 2 rating from the US State Department - Exercise Increased Caution!  Petty crime is common, such as pickpocketing or targeting tourists at ATMs, but there are also increasing cases of armed robberies from cars and hotel rooms.  There are also increased risks to be found along the northern border with Colombia, and in the NW state of Esmeraldas.  The UK FCO site shows a map illustrating "safe" and more dangerous areas.    For CURRENT DETAIL click HERE (UK) for current UK FCO advice, or HERE (US) for State Department guidance.   There are also some health risks when visiting "hot" Amazonia, particularly from Yellow Fever and Zika.  Both links above give advice on HEALTH issues, and additional information can be obtained from the (US) Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - click HERE.  Health Insurance (ie. for medical costs, hospital bills, medicines, emergency evacuation from Galapagos - up to US$ 60,000 min recommended) is MANDATORY - since 1st May 2018; Travel Insurance (ie. for lost flights, hotel, bookings, lost luggage, theft, etc) is ADVISORY.