Ecuador

From rainforest-clad mountains to the endemic wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has a surprise in store for every visitor. Discover the fragile future of the indigenous Kichwa villages and pause in wonder at the beautiful landscapes on a mountain hike or horseback ride. Enjoy the culture and architecture of colonial towns, but spend at least one night at a simple house-stay and “see how the other half lives”. Trawl markets for handmade souvenirs including woven textiles, colorful shawls and the softest sweaters made from alpaca wool. Go whitewater rafting on rushing meltwater rivers or head to the coast for some respectable surfing breaks. Nothing quite prepares you for the peace and other-worldliness of the Galapagos Islands with their endemic blue-footed boobies, massive tortoises and flightless cormorants that have quietly evolved on these castaway islands. Return to the “developed” world with a healthy mindfulness of the diversity of our planet and the lessons it imparts.