Ecuador

You could spend months exploring Ecuador. But if you’re vacation-deprived or short on time, take heart: you can still see a lot in a single week.

The group – along with the trip itinerary – were amazing, but I firmly believe that without our local guide, the trip would not have meant what it did to me.

Here are seven totally amazing experiences that you shouldn’t miss once when you get there (having experienced them myself on Intrepid Travel’s 10-day Active Galapagos trip)!

About 97% of the Galapagos Islands are protected by national park, and within this park there are some important rules that everyone needs to stick to.

Coming right up: giant tortoises and adorable seals, new friends and magical places, and all manners of adventures on both land and sea…

Whether you’re in the mood for mulled wine and Christmas markets or in need of a beach escape in the tropics – these are the places you should be adding to your itinerary for December.

To make the most of your time in this amazing archipelago, you need to be prepared.

Artists from across the world look to South America as the perfect canvas for their work, and this varied continent is home to so much exceptional street art.

Ecuador, small as it is, is actually packed with unique things to do and see. And we’re not talking about the Galapagos, we’re talking mainland splendor.