Ecuador is one of the most rural countries in South America, and this is very evident in its Highlands region, where the pace of life is slow, the way of life simple, and the scenery beautiful. The two Andean mountain ranges that run parallel and cross Ecuador from north to south create everything from volcanoes and snow capped mountains to green valleys, lakes and rivers.
Dotted about this landscape are impressive colonial cities like Quito (which is second highest capital city in the world and was the first city to be named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) and Cuenca, quaint Indian villages and markets, farmlands and traditional haciendas, many of which are boutique hotels, making a lovely trip out from the city.
As well as this 16 miles north of Quito, the Equatorial Monument 'Mitad del Mundo' marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. This makes for a memorable holiday destination.
