Measured by square mile, Ecuador is the most biologically-diverse country on the planet. It harbours some 25,000 plant species (compared with 17,000 for all of North America), more than 2,000 varieties of orchids (11% of the world's total), and nearly 1,600 bird species. The country’s geographical diversity means that just about any climate of the world can be found within a three- or four-hour drive from Quito. On any day of the year, you can reach glaciers, snowy slopes, moorlands, Alpine-like valleys, temperate forests, cloud forests, tropical rainforests, deserts, mangrove swamps, lush tropical lowlands and deserted beaches. Sampling any of Ecuador’s amazing 46 eco-systems and habitats couldn’t be easier from Quito.

Somewhere not to miss is the Mindo-Nambillo cloudforest on the western slopes of the Andes, under two hour’s drive from the capital. It’s an incredible environment to explore, replete with dawn choruses of birds and the peace and tranquillity of tumbling forests and waterfalls. The area has a number of first-class lodges and reserves, as well as attractions such as butterfly and orchid farms.