Excursions:

There are many things to see and do in and around Quito:

• Explore Quito's history and art museums, including two dedicated to Oswaldo Guayasimin, Ecuador's most famous painter
• Relax in Quito's several large parks, where soccer, basketball, and volleyball matches take place every Sunday
• Hike through the Pasochoa National Park, or travel to the equator at Mitad del Mundo
• Explore a pre-Inca archaeological site
• Trek through a local forest reserve to see rare birds, plants, and pumas
• Take it easy on warm Pacific beaches
• Visit the animal market in Guamote
• Take a train to "Devil's Noose"
• Ride horses up Mt. Chimborazo
• Stroll around Riobamba and the snow-capped peaks of three volcanoes

Meanwhile, off the coast dwell the rare plant and animal species of the Galápagos Islands. Cruise by night from island to island, or snorkel in lava grottoes, home to sea lions and seals.

Or... take a trip through the Amazon jungle.

• Learn from naturalists about the fragile ecology and unique biodiversity

• Explore mangrove forests and flamingo lagoons

• Observe the courtship display of rare tropical birds

• Paddle into the heart of the jungle on a guided canoe expedition

• Visit a native village and learn about indigenous Ecuadorian traditions