Big Gee in Action
What specifically is available to do in Ecuador?
The famous indigenous market of Otavalo, festivals. The list goes on.
Some of the country's finest climbing and trekking is found about 60km (37mi) south of Quito in Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, whose cone-shaped centerpiece, 5900m (19,350ft) Volcán Cotopaxi, is the world's tallest active volcano. Further south, the town of Baños makes a good base for short walks and ambitious climbs, and it has the added bonus of having toasty thermal springs nearby.
Near Cuenca in the southern highlands, the Area Nacional de Recreación Las Cajas offers rugged hiking in bleak terrain scattered with beautiful lakes. Ecuador's highest peak, the 6310m (20,700ft) Chimborazo, is located here.
I missed seeing the Amazon during my trip to Peru. Now I get my second chance! Excursions often include walks, swims and dugout-canoe trips.
Ecuador has warm coastal water year round. There are decent swimming beaches at Atacames, San Vicente, Bahía de Caráquez, Bahía de Manta, Salinas and Playas.
Of course the Galapagos Islands or the poor traveller's varient, Isla de la Plata.
Colonial Quito and Cuenca, Inca treasures, the Middle of the World monument marking the Equator...
