It may be small, but the Latin American nation of Ecuador is home to one of the most diverse landscapes travellers will ever have the privilege of witnessing.

From the volcanic islands of the Galapagos to the lush Amazonian rainforests, the country is a patchwork of culture, wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Many who travel to South America choose to take the well trodden tourists paths but Ecuador allows you to go a little way off the beaten track and enjoy a holiday away from bikini-clad beach lovers.

Perhaps one of the most appealing features of Ecuador is its eco-system which is widely considered to be one of the richest on Earth.

Weird and wonderful animals roam in habitats ranging from the mountainous peaks of the Andes to the humid Amazonian tropical forests which cover 12,000,000 hectares of the country.

The most familiar of these to travellers in South America are the armadillos, honey bears and sloths – which are a common sight to those living near the jungle.

Adventurers who delve a little deeper into the Ecuadorian rainforest will also have the chance to come face to face with some shyer creatures, such as jaguars, tapiers and wild boars.

Multicoloured birds can also be spotted flitting through the treetops – with parrots and macaws making their home here.

But it is not just this country's natural habitat which makes it such a popular spot for those looking for an adventure.

It is also home to some of the most fascinating manmade sights in the world – the most intriguing of these widely regarded as being the Inca ruins.

The most impressive evidence of the Inca civilisation in Ecuador is undoubtedly Ingapirca or The Inca Wall.

Here, visitors can bear witness to the might of one of South America's greatest empires, with the best example being Temple of the Sun or Castillo which remains intact.

It is a truly awe inspiring site and a must-visit for anyone who wants to get a taste of Ecuador's varied history.

But while the country's ancient culture can be appreciated in locations like these, its people are also proud of their own traditions and way of life.

There are 11 different indigenous communities which currently call Ecuador home, from those with colonial Spanish origins to others who descended from African slaves.

Although many of the nation's major hubs have been modernised, most towns and cities have also managed to remain true to their character and house some of the most welcoming people in the world.

Its capital, Quito, is now a buzzing metropolis with around 2.1 million currently residing there.

Built on the foot of an active volcano, the city is geographically the second highest capital in the world and its cool, mountainous climate makes it the perfect place to stay after exploring in the sticky heat of the jungle.

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