When one examines the history of the New World that encompasses North and South America, no country exemplifies the true path from indigenous to colonialist to modern-day like Ecuador. Once an important seat of the Inca Empire, it succumbed to powerful Spanish invaders, resulting in the decimation of its culture and peoples. Ecuador eventually threw off its colonialist rulers and began the domino effect that ultimately resulted in the expulsion of Spain from the Western Hemisphere. One can only imagine the treasure trove of historical riches that lie in this smallest of Andean countries, one of two that shares no border with Brazil in South America.

Whether one seeks the Amazon, the Andes or even the famed Galapagos Islands, you can explore it in Ecuador. As it lies on the equator and takes its name from the same, Ecuador is a complex mixture of indigenous and infused cultures. Visitors will find a wide choice in accommodation, and will find the country surprisingly easy to tour and explore, given its compact size. From the Avenues of Volcanoes to the charming vibe of Quito, its capital, and Cuenca, a colonial centre, Ecuador is truly a jewel of a holiday destination. With a geographical spine formed by the massive Andes Mountains, with rivers flowing through fertile valleys to the Pacific Ocean, the country is full of interesting places to visit and explore. From little mountain villages celebrating native cultures to the exotic flora and fauna one finds in the iconic Galapagos archipelago, one will not be disappointed at what this amazingly under-discovered nation has to offer. Whether you are an eco-tourist seeking Ecuador's unblemished natural wonders or the quintessential sun-worshipper looking for an exotic, unhurried, unspoiled beach getaway, you will find it- and just about everything in between- in Ecuador.