Ecuador

Ecuador has the biggest biodiversity per area on Earth. The richness of Ecuador lies in its diversity, both natural and cultural. Ecuador has four diverse and unique regions: The Andes, the Coast, Amazon Rain Forest and the Galapagos Islands. These four regions are subdivided into 22 provinces. Besides its exuberant biodiversity, Ecuador is home to an impressive variety of ethnic groups, including communities who still practice ancient cultural traditions.

"Those who reach the peaks and shores of Ecuador, who watch and listen, will never again be the same. Some will rediscover what it means to be alive; some will try not to leave; none will ever forget; all will change. Perhaps it is the effect of the Line itself-ecuador, equator, latitude zero, the pathway of the sun. Who crosses it? Whom does it touch?"

www.oolichan.com about W.H. New,Touching Ecuador, 2006

In the Andes/Highlands live most of the indigenous people. Many of them speak Quechua. Amongst them we have the Otavalos, Saraguros, Salasacas, etc.

Even if you only have two weeks' vacation, you can see a lot of Ecuador and really feel you are getting to know our country, its people and natural history. With three to four weeks we can offer you a much deeper experience - truly the holiday of a lifetime. We can plan your tour to your exact specifications, because we know Ecuador so well. Check out a sample itinerary, then contact us with your specific requirements. Any of our mainland Ecuador tours can be combined with a cruise in the Galapagos.

Memories are made of this - Ecuadorian indigenous children