Despite its small size, Ecuador is an incredibly diverse country. The country has some of the world's oldest rain forests, the highest active volcano in the world, and the amazing Galapagos Islands. You will find Amazonian tribes clinging to their traditional way of life, a thriving Andean culture, and Latin America's oldest Indian market. From an ecological standpoint, Ecuador is one of the most species-rich nations on earth. Throughout Ecuador you will have the opportunity to discover exotic birds, plants, insects, and fish. The highlight of any eco-tour is a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Each island has a distinctive ecosystem, and at least half of the approx. 58 species found on the islands are endemic.

The schools and programs offered by A2Z Languages in Ecuador are located in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Quito is the second highest national capital in the world at an elevation of 9,000 ft. (La Paz, Bolivia is the highest at over 12,000 ft.). Without a doubt, Quito is one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The city winds through a narrow valley, surrounded on all sides by towering, snow capped volcanoes. The view of the area around Quito is dominated by the majestic, cone-shaped Cotopaxi (approx. 19,000 ft.), the highest active volcano in the world. Due to the altitude of the city, and its location just south of the equator, Quito has a wonderful spring like climate throughout the year.

Quito is a modern city with every comfort and convenience readily available, yet retains a large historic district which has been declared a UNESCO cultural-heritage site. The new town contains numerous modern office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, banks, and much more. In the colonial part of Quito you will find Spanish colonial churches, whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and old plazas. Overlooking the historic district stands the imposing statue of the Virgin of Quito, know as the Panecillo. For the language student or traveler, Quito is a very comfortable and interesting place to spend some time.

If visiting small villages and markets is something of interest to you, Ecuador has much to offer. Otavalo, located a few hours north of Quito, has a famous Saturday Indian market which dates back to pre-colonial times. Visitors have the opportunity to buy pottery, rugs, jewelry, etc. However, purchasing one of the high quality rugs which the inhabitants are famous for, should be a top priority.

To the south of Quito lies the Avenue of Volcanoes. This impressive valley is surrounded by two mountain ranges containing nine of the ten highest peaks in Ecuador. Driving through this valley on a clear day will offer the traveler absolutely spectacular views. Throughout this area are scores of tiny Andean villages nestled in some of the country's wildest mountain scenery. The inhabitants' of these villages still cling to their centuries old traditions. Some of the larger towns such as Saquisili, Zumbagua, and San Miguel de Salcedo are well known for their market days. At the end of the valley you will find Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador. It is a beautiful city full of historic churches, colonial buildings, and cobblestone streets.

Just over the Andes, a few hours away from Quito, lies the Ecuadorian Amazon basin (known as the Oriente). This area is a must see! The Ecuadorian Amazon, which represents just two percent of the whole basin, contains one-third of all the bird species in the entire Amazon region, and 10 percent of all the tree species on earth. Massive flows of water from the Andes collect in the Napo and Aguarico river basins, creating the foundations for the Oriente’s teeming bio-diversity. The Napo is one of the Amazon River’s principal tributaries, and included in its fauna are sloths, caymans, jaguars, monkeys, tapirs, pink dolphins, and over 1,000 species of birds. Any trip to Ecuador should include a trip to the Oriente.

Without a doubt, the feature Ecuador is most well known for is the Galapagos archipelago. Today these islands are extremely popular with natural history enthusiasts. The islands are located in the Pacific approx. 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The archipelago consists of 13 large and 6 small islands. These islands are known for their unique marine and bird life, which include boobies, turtles, iguanas, dolphins, and albatrosses. Plan at least a week to explore these islands. Each one offers the visitor something unique. These islands truly are something special that should not be missed!

Whatever your interests may be, Ecuador has something to offer for you!