Ecuador is probably best known for the stunning wildlife of the isolated Galapagos Islands which lie about 1000km from the coast, but the country has a vast array of climates and landscapes available to explore.

On our trip, we visited the pretty capital city Quito which is in a deep valley, overlooked by impressive mountains which light up at night with little communties living on the hillsides.

On the coast there are many beach options with Puerto Lopez and Montanita in particular which attract whale watchers and surfers respectively.

Inland, Cuenca is a compact and pretty little city with an academic arty feel (similar to Llubljana of all places). Riobamba didn't look to great from the one night we spent there, and Alausi was good to pass through just for the Ariz del Diablo train ride.

Getting around Ecuador is slow, but beautiful, with mountain passes taking you through lush Equatorial scenery.

Finally, Villcabamba is a fantastic place to hike or horse ride, take in the scenery and enjoy a slower pace of life.