Welcome to Ecuador.

Home to the highest Andes and deepest jungles, Ecuador is an awesome place to visit. It also extends to the Galápagos Islands, a unique cluster of Islands in mid-ocean with wildlife you have only seen in documentaries.

Ecuador may be the smallest country in the Andean highlands, yet it has an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes, dense rainforest and sublime islands.

Ecuador has the stunningAmazonian jungle, breathtaking wildlife reserves, ancient sites, remote indigenous villages, and, of course, world-famous tropical beaches.

Tungurahua Volcano, overlooking the town of Baños, 120km (74.5mi) south of Quito, has recently started erupting, causing nearby villages to be evacuated.

Travellers should keep a close eye on the news for any developments and heed any local advice regarding the mountain.

Ecuador has two seasons, wet and dry, but local weather patterns vary greatly depending on geography.

In the highlands, the dry season is between June and September and around Christmas, but even the wet season isn't particularly rainy.

The central valley is spring-like all year, with temperatures no higher than 24°C (66°F).

The Oriente experiences rain year-round; July and August are the wettest months, September through December the driest.

The mainland coastal areas and the Galápagos Islands are sweltering and wet between January and April.

El Nino hits hard about one winter every decade, playing havoc with road and rail connections.

Every city, town and village in Ecuador has local festivals, which are celebrated with a generous dose of fireworks, alcohol, music and dancing. Some of the biggest include the Good Friday processions in Quito, Corpus Christi in Pujilí or Salasaca, and Fiesta del Yamor in Otavalo.