The provinces of Imbabura, Pichincha, Tungurahua and Chimborazo in Ecuador, are famous for their sixteenth century colonial country estates, nestled in the mountains or on the edge of lakes. Some house Inca ruins and are witnesses to a number of historical meetings, as well as providing lodging for important people such as the Libertador, Simón Bolivar. There are also rustic inns, which are characterized by their production of milk and other dairy produce. The Haciendas can be an excellent lodging point for visiting some National Parks such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Sangay. And if you just want relaxation, walks and horse rides in the area are a good opportunity to wonder through Andean forests and waterfalls.

South of the Ecuador, in the Loja province, Vilcabamba, which means “Sacred Valley” in Quechua, is the Mecca for thousands of tourists and pilgrims who are drawn every year by the village’s natural beauty and by the longevity of its inhabitants. It has been proved that their life cycle is longer than in the rest of the world with some inhabitants surpassing one hundred years of age. This is attributed to the climate, the mild temperatures and the special properties of the pure water from the local Mandango mountain. As with many other regions in the country, medicinal plants such as cascarilla grow among the vegetation. The healing powers of the hot springs in Papallacta and Baños have also long been recognized in Ecuador.

Rafting and Kayaking
Ecuador has some of the most tumultuous rivers in the Amazon region. Rafting and kayaking are the most popular sports for visitors seeking thrills in this paradise of pure crystalline waters. Popular spots are located near Tena, in the Napo province and at the Upano River, in Morona Santiago, south of Ecuador. Here there are rafting and kayaking schools and instructors who can take you on excursions of varying difficulty