Straddling the equator on the Pacific coast of South America, tiny Ecuador is a gem that remains largely undiscovered by the tourism industry.

Ecuador facts: the equator passes through the picturesque town of Mitad del Mundo, on the outskirts of Quito

Four distinct regions are packed into an area about the size of the state of Nevada. Each offers its own distinct attractions for the visitor:

the Andean Highlands with colorful Indian markets and snow-caped volcanoes

the exuberant Amazon Rainforest

the Pacific Coast with beautiful beaches

the Galapagos Islands with their unique fauna and flora.

Ecuador facts: Mount Cotopaxi, at 19,350 feet, is the highest active volcano in world

From the capital of Quito, perched high in the Andes and undoubtedly among the most attractive Latin American cities, you are just minutes from snow-capped volcanoes, two hundred year-old haciendas and colorful indigenous markets, and no more than a one or two-hour flight from 800 kilometers of pristine beaches, the Galapagos Islands, and the Amazon rainforest.

Ecuador facts: South America’s first cry for independence was raised in Quito in 1809

The Galapagos Islands –six hundred miles off the Pacific coastline – are Ecuador’s most popular attraction. Pristine red- and white-sanded beaches, coastlines dominated by giant mangroves, ocean waters filled with multicolored life forms, and animals that still behave as though man were no enemy, truly make the Galapagos the enchanted islands.

Ecuador facts: Charles Darwin visit to the Galapagos Islands in 1835 spawned the theory of evolution

Ecuador facts: The ideal time to visit the Galapagos Islands are in March, April and May, when the weather is ideal and there are relatively few tourists

Ecuador offers probably one of the world's best developed infrastructures for rainforest tourism, and most destinations are accessible within a day's journey from the capital Quito.

Whether you're looking for an adventure tour, canoe and rafting trips, rainforest hikes and expeditions, birdwatching and wildlife observation tours, community-based ecotourism programs, an eco-lodge or a luxury Amazon lodge with hot water and pool, Condor Travel has a program to meet your needs.

Ecuador facts: Ten percent of all tree species on earth are found in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Ecuador facts: Ecuador is home to over 1,500 of the world’s 9,000 known bird species

Many of the finest beaches of the Pacific Coast region are within Machalilla National Park, as are important archaeological sites. Ecuador’s rich sea life is in full view here; whale watching is a favorite.

Ecuador facts: The world’s finest Panama hats are hand crafted in caves near Montecristi, in Ecuador’s coastal region

Condor Travel, with 30 years of experience in Andean travel, makes vacation planning to Ecuador easy.

Ecuador facts: Travelers from the United States, Canada and most European countries do not need a visa to Ecuador for a stay of less than 90 days

Ecuador facts: Ecuador's electrical current is 110 volts 60 cycles – the same as in North America

Ecuador facts: Ecuador’s official currency is the US dollar

Ecuador Facts: There are no official vaccination requirements for entry into Ecuador