Ecuador one of the most beautiful countries in South America . The smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador has an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest. And all that in a nation no bigger than the US state of Nevada.

Ecuador is a wonderful destination for travelers who are interested in the outdoors and nature-related activities. (For many nature lovers, a trip to the Galapagos is a pilgrimage.) Those who wish to visit the coast, the high mountains and the rain forest will find them very near one another. One can experience almost any climate they are looking for. Be prepared for all types of weather. It may be sunny and then a sudden downpour is possible. It may be very warm and then a cool breeze may blow in. The best time to visit Ecuador is all year round. The highlands' dry season (the best time for hiking and climbing) is June to August, which coincides with the wettest months in the Oriente. Trekking in the Oriente is best done in the dry season, from late August through February.

As for crowds and costs, the high season both on the mainland and in the Galápagos tends to be mid-December through January and June to August, when most of the vacationing foreign visitors arrive. A happy time of year. If you're visiting the Galápagos, you'll find the warm rainy season from January to April is the best time for snorkeling; the rest of the year the water is cooler, typically around 20°C (68°F). The mainland coast has similar weather patterns, and its beaches fill up from January to May during coastal Ecuador 's school holidays. June through August sees gringo vacationers descend, though the weather's generally gone chilly by then. Not too chilly, but comfortable.

Some of the country's finest climbing and trekking is found about 60km (37mi) south of Quito in Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, whose cone-shaped centerpiece, 5900m (19,350ft) Volcán Cotopaxi, is the world's tallest active volcano. Don't attempt to climb higher than the Jose Ribas refuge (at 4800m/15,750ft) without a guide, proper equipment and a good deal of previous snow and ice climbing experience. Further south, the town of Baños makes a good base for short walks and ambitious climbs, and it has the added bonus of having toasty thermal springs nearby. Great to comfort the body.

Near Cuenca in the southern highlands, the Area Nacional de Recreación Las Cajas offers rugged hiking in bleak terrain scattered with beautiful lakes. Ecuador 's highest peak, the 6310m (20,700ft) Chimborazo , is not for daytrippers - if you're not an experienced climber, stick to the area around the mountain, which is great for less strenuous treks. Better safe than sorry. Ecuador has warm coastal water year round. There are decent swimming beaches at Atacames, San Vicente, Bahía de Caráquez, Bahía de Manta, Salinas and Playas. Beware of the strong undertow at Atacames, which claims victims every year. Always swim with friends. Scuba diving is possible in the Galápagos Islands , but you must have your own equipment and book a tour in advance. Snorkeling in the archipelago is less of a hassle - you may even find baby sea lions approaching to stare at you through your mask. Again, bring your own gear and book ahead.

Jungle excursions in the Oriente can be arranged at Misahualí, Coca, Baños, Dureno, Tena and Quito. Excursions often include walks, swims and dugout-canoe trips. Birdwatching is best on jungle tours or while visiting Area Nacional de Recreación Las Cajas, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi or the Galápagos Islands If you're visiting the Galápagos, you'll find the warm rainy season from January to April is the best time for snorkeling; the rest of the year the water is cooler, typically around 20°C (68°F). The mainland coast has similar weather patterns, and its beaches fill up from January to May during coastal Ecuador 's school holidays. June through August sees gringo vacationers descend, though the weather's generally gone chilly by then. Still is is beautiful and pristine, and worth a visit anytime. Go for it.

The "Republic of the Equator" was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador marked 25 years of civilian governance in 2004, the period has been marred by political instability.

Nine presidents have governed Ecuador since 1996. Although there has been some recent political termoil. However with the President now in excile to Brazil, things have calmed down. Luckily the violance was brief and not too severe. Hopefully tourists won't be scared, as the country truely is beautiful. And it is generally safe as long as you use your head. Ecuadorians are extremely polite and helpful. The country is largely undiscovered by tourists. Which is good as it allows visitors to see another culture. One can still see indigenous traditions. Quite an experience for those not familiar with this. The best way to visit is to hire a guide to show you the local specialties. Especially to trek Cotopoxi.

Make sure you leave early enough in the day, as it is a full day trip. And stop for gas when you can. As there are not to many gas stations in that region, and youdon't want to get stuck out there as it can get chilly at night. There are not many passing cars at night either. So it could get quite lonely out there. 

First Geodesic Mission 

The First Geodesic Mission arrived to Ecuador in 1736 conformed by the French Pedro Bouger, Luis Godin and Carlos Maria de la Condamine, the Spanish Jorge Juan and Antonio de Ulloa and the Ecuadorian Pedro Vicente Maldonado to verify of scientific way the Earth roundness. The studies mission lasted nine years and after this long period of time, it began to call the territory of Quito "Territories of Ecuador" taking the reference to the parallel that divides the planet in two hemispheres. One second mission arrived to Quito in 1802, headed by the French Charles Perrier and it settles down in the country and it corroborated the data collected by the first group of investigators. In 1836, the Ecuadorian geographer Luis Tufiño, located the landmarks left by the First Mission and to commemorate the visit of the scientific expedition, an obelisk of 10 meters high in San Antonio de Pichincha was erected, which was later transferred to Calacalí by the Provincial Council.

The City Half of the World The Honorable Provincial Advice of Pichincha, HCPP, initiated in 1979 the construction of the present monument of 30 meters high, to emphasize the importance of the work of the First Geodesic Mission. Next to this block, the tourist villa was built "City Half of the World", using classic colonial architectonic outlines: the church, the greater park and the town hall. Surrounding to these constructions is a bullring, several artisan warehouses, restaurants, cafeterias, post office. The location of the Half of the World is city is 13 kilometers to the north of Quito. Equinoctial or parallel imaginary line zero (0°0 ' 0") crosses east valley, dividing the planet Earth in two hemispheres: North and the South. From the terrace of the monument reminder to the scientific expedition of century XVIII the Andean surroundings of Half of the World can be contemplated. And in their interior are nine levels that conform the Ethnographic Museum, where the variety of ethnic groups that live in the four regions of Ecuador are displayed. At the entrance of the City Half of the World, the tourists can find the 13 busts that represent the scientific members of the French Geodesic Mission.

This street is called the Geodesic Avenue Towards the north, the City Half of the World is the sample characteristic of the colonial style, tourist can appreciate the Central park, scene of the cultural and artistic programming which happen every weekend. The only church in the world furrowed by the Equatorial Line, residences of colonial architecture where the national art are exhibit, crafts, textiles and jewelry shops. The following route is in the South hemisphere where is the Planetarium, the Solar Museum, installed in the Germany Pavilion; this is an exhibition of the archaeological sites and investigations that are taking place in the Equinoctial Valley. In the France's Pavilion is the exhibition of the history of the exact measurements of the Earth, through instruments, photographers, illustrations and scale models are showing in detailed to the tourists.

The Philatelic Museum is another attraction that City has. Here are exposed thematic educational, ecological, sports, culture; philatelic, numismatic presentations and currency and paper money. The Foundation "Quito Colonial" presents and displays in its rooms the Scale models of the Historical Center of Quito, Guayaquil, and in the future it will be present Galapagos Island and Cuenca City.