Paul Bird
From quaint Andean villages and colourful markets to staggering volcanic landscapes and the Amazon Rainforest, Paul has explored the length and breadth of Ecuador.
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The Province of Loja offers a unique combination of paramo, cloud forest and jungle.
Loja’s capital city of the same name and the area’s natural wonders remain unsullied and largely undiscovered by travellers because they are tucked away in the southernmost portion of the country. Travellers willing to make the trip south can look forward to breathtaking vistas, indigenous markets, the amazing Podocarpus National Park, colonial architecture and unparalleled hospitality.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Bring a picnic along to Jipiro Park, filled with architectural replicas, perhaps hiring a paddle boat to float past the swans.
Stop for lunch at one of the busy eateries, being sure to try the favoured “tamales lojanos” and creative empanadas.
Travel to the extensive Botanical Gardens that sustain native pine trees and orchids, a working farm and a collection of meticulous gardens.
Walk to la Puerta de la Ciudad, the castle-like gate that houses an archaeological museum and offers lovely views over the city.
Our Ecuador experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
From quaint Andean villages and colourful markets to staggering volcanic landscapes and the Amazon Rainforest, Paul has explored the length and breadth of Ecuador.
John rode the railways of Ecuador on the carriage roof before it was outlawed, but still recommends a jaunt along the Devil’s Nose – an engineering marvel that can still be enjoyed from inside a carriage.
I love to squeeze as much out of my day as possible. An outdoors fanatic, I love to delve into harsh environments having summited numerous mountains and trail running into the unknown whenever I get the chance – whether at home or overseas. Funnily enough, it didn’t start like that. It took a few years for the burning fire of adventure to truly take light with my eyes opened by the adventures travel could afford.
As usual all aspects of this trip went like clockwork, even thought we were in South America where timings can be different to other parts of the world! This we put down to the work done by Paul and his knowledge of the country.
Destination: Ecuador
Travel Expert: Paul
Two hours' drive south from Quito is the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a road that winds its way between Andean foothills dotted…
It is a birders' paradise. Without counting the seemingly endless species of hummingbirds, the list of bird species seen here would rival…
Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador and considered by many to be the most attractive. Founded on the Inca site…
In stark contrast to the cool snowcapped Andes mountains are the humid lowlands known as El Oriente. This is an area of…
Welcome to Darwin’s playground, where a delicate collection of fearless wildlife and idyllic landscapes awaits.
South America’s second highest capital is sprawled along the slopes of the surrounding mountains at an elevation of 9,350 feet.
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and home to the country’s chief seaport with major industries focused on petroleum refining, shrimp fishing, and…
The Machalilla National Park offers a fascinating variety of flora and fauna and covers an area of 55,000 hectares including Salango and…
Otavalo and the surrounding villages are famous for their dazzling textiles and intricate handicrafts, which are on proud display at the famous…
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