Ecuador arguably has the most intensely varied landscape in South America. You get it all here: the colossal Andes, the Amazon, Pacific beaches, and of course the naturalist's paradise of the Galapagos Islands.

If an argumentative group of travelers sat down to design a shared destination, they would be hard put to come up with a place that would best Ecuador. Packed like a knee-cap between Peru and Colombia, Ecuador contains within its borders an improbable variety of landscape and culture.

For the mountaineer, it is bisected by an epic stretch of the northern Andes. For the jungle explorer, there is a biological mother load within the Amazonian Oriente.

The sea-minded are rewarded with miles of Pacific coastline, to say nothing of the living wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Not only are these regions highly defined, but excluding Galapagos they are also wonderfully contiguous. The entire country is about the size of Washington state, and it is home to some of the world's most extraordinary national parks.

In a matter of two hundred miles, the traveler can penetrate all of the mainland's defining regions--the coastal lowlands in the West, the volcanic central highlands, and the rainforests of the East, or Oriente.

Achupallas to Ingapirca Ruins
Trekking from Achupallas to Ingapirca provides the adventurer with a close look at a significant native American culture, reflected in the ancient ruins, as well as the contemporary lifestyle of the Indians and an opportunity to travel on foot through nearly untouched landscape of great beauty.

Nature and Bird Watching Tours
Ecuador is a nature lover's paradise. The wide variety of vegetation, from high paramo to tropical rain forests and mangrove swamps, make it the home to a greater number of species than any other country in Latin America.

Over 1,500 species of birds and 3,000 species of orchids have been recorded - twice that of continental USA. Some of the best parks include; Cotapaxi National Park, Tinalandia, Papallacta Pass, Pasochoa Nature Reserve and the lesser known but equally impressive Nono-Mindo and Chiraboga Roads.

Otavalo Countryside
Visit the colorful artisan villages as well as enjoying the exceptional countryside and dramatic terrain. The snow covered volcano Cayambe (5.790m), rises. You can pass through highly varied vegetation zones including paramo wilderness, on the journey from 'La Esperanza, then on to the areas of Mariano Acosta. Make sure you time it to see the Otavalo market on Saturdays.

Cotopaxi Volcano
The highest active volcano in the world, the 2nd highest in Ecuador, located 60km South of Quito.

Is Ecuador Safe?
The people throughout Ecuador are very friendly and are always willing to help. Do however be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. Pickpockets are a menace and never let someone you do not know watch your luggage. Never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers..

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
The official currency is the "Sucre". Notes available: 100, 500, 1.000, 5.000, and 10.000. Coins available: 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50.

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Important: Please Read!
U.S./ Canadian Citizens traveling to Ecuador require a valid passport. Visas: Citizens of virtually all countries can stay a maximum of 90 days without a visa. Immigration officials may initially validate a stay of only 30 days in your passport, but this is easily extended in Quito.

No inoculations are required for entry. However, because of the high altitudes in parts of Ecuador, travelers with heart conditions or high blood pressure should check with their doctors.

How do you get there from here?
Quito has a international airport. There are frequent direct connections to Miami, Los Angeles and Houston; nearly all flights from Europe and Australia go via these US cities or via Venezuela or the Caribbean. There are also direct flights to a handful of Central and South American countries. There is a hefty US$25 departure tax on international flights. There is also a 10% tax on international flights originating in Ecuador.

How do I get around Ecuador?
Rail: The Quito-Guayaquil railway line is one of the most spectacular in the world. The Riobamba-Alausi section has been closed for several years, so check which parts of the line are open.

Trolley Bus: is a system of electric articulated buses now running in Quito. This electric bus runs the length of the city, generally following Av. 10 de Agosto in the northern half, going through the historic center, then proceeding to the south.

Buses: This is the most popular method of transport.

What is the weather like?
The Ecuadorian territory has a varied climate thanks to its peculiar geographic characteristics. The Coast's climate is warm with temperatures ranging from 25 and 31C during the year, there are two seasons: a rainy and a dry one. The first one is warm and humid extended for a period of 6 months approximately (from December to May) The dry season lasts for the rest of the year.

The climate of the mountains range area varies according to the altitude; during the year, a subtropical climate prevails on the Andean valleys, at higher altitudes it is tempered spring like, at nights it is cold. On urban centers the average temperature is from 13 to 18C. The Amazon Region normally has a warm, humid and rainy climate. The average temperature varies from 23 to 26C. This region shows a dry season for a period of 3 months.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Electrical current in Quito is 110/220 volts AC, 60 Hz. Visitors from abroad who wish to operate personal small electronic items should bring a plug adapter and a transformer.

What is the best way to phone home?
It is smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Ecuador at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.