The only country to be named after a geographical feature, Ecuador straddles the equator on South America’s west coast.

Its diverse landscapes spread across the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and Galápagos Islands.

In the Andean foothills, the capital of Quito sits at an elevation of 9,350 feet and is known for its preserved Spanish colonial center, home to 16th and 17th century palaces and religious sites.

Nearby towns are packed full of diverse wildlife, tasty cuisine and lush mountains where you can expect to hike through cloud forests, learn the truth about the Panama hat, discover local chocolate makers and visit butterfly farms.