Historically, the Galápagos featured in Darwin’s controversial work of 1859, ‘The Origin of Species’. In 1959, to mark the 100th anniversary of the book’s publication, the Galápagos Islands became Ecuador’s first national park, and the non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation was established to assist in the preservation of the islands.

Although tourism is the mainstay of the island economy, it is also a threat to its fragile ecosystem. Nicknamed ‘the enchanted islands’, the Galápagos archipelago offers explorers many natural wonders such as coral reefs, newly forming islands, underwater volcanoes, mangrove forests and lava tunnels and flows. In addition to the giant tortoises, there are various other flora and fauna of all descriptions; diving, snorkelling and shore excursions are popular activities.

Cuenca is surrounded by four rivers and several monasteries. The most famous of these, El Sagrario (the old Cathedral), was built on former Inca foundations. It...

The city celebrates 24 July (Simón Bolivar’s birthday) and 25 July (the Foundation of Guayaquil) with a lively car...