Plan your trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador

The second-smallest country in South America, Ecuador was once part of the Incan Empire and officially gained independence from Spain in 1822. The country, which is bordered by Colombia and Peru, also includes the Galápagos Islands, the famous site where Charles Darwin studied natural selection.

Ecuador is known for its tropical surroundings and lush vegetation that not only attract a diverse range of animal life including 1,600 bird species, but also tourists from near and far, many of whom go hiking through the mountain terrain like the Andes mountains. Surfing and horseback riding are among the several other popular pastime activities in this tropical paradise.

Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great place to get a sense of the country’s history and culture—from the impressive architecture such as monasteries to the shops along Avenida Amazonas where locals sell handmade crafts to visiting tourists. To experience the country’s bustling city life, visit Guayaquil, where high rises, the humid climate and the trade business dominate the area.