• A guide to the South Pacific islands
• Discovering Vietnam and Cambodia
• Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
• India`s Golden Triangle
• US travel security update

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands make a fantastic destination for travellers. This is a truly wondrous region, with awe inspiring scenery. Ecuador has significant biodiversity making it a paradise for nature lovers. The landscape is equally diverse from the delightful beaches lining the ocean to the lush rainforests of the Amazon and the dramatic mountains in the Andes.

A trip to the rainforest is an extremely popular excursion for those visiting the country. Also on offer are Amazon Jungle tours. These tours see you being guided around the rainforest viewing first hand dolphins, monkeys and the diversity of the ecosystem. These tours vary in duration, but typically range from 4 to 10 days. Clearly exploring the rainforest is not without its risks and it is vital that you have appropriate single trip travel insurance which will cover the destination in question and your planned activities.

Ecuador has plenty to offer each and every traveller. The Capital city of Quito is certainly worth a visit. The Old City of Quito is full of history and there are numerous museums, stunning sculptures, quaint narrow streets and architectural delights to marvel over. Try to visit San Francisco Church, City Museum and the Museum of Colonial Art.

Another city you should not miss on your travels to Ecuador is Ibarra. This vibrant city is located two hours drive from Quito and lies at the foot of a Volcano. Aesthetically pleasing, Ibarra manages to mix colonial and modern buildings to create a charming blend.

Finally, try not to miss the Vilcabamba Valley. This famous area is extremely rural and gives you a taste of authentic life in Ecuador. However, the valley is perhaps most of note due to the longevity of its inhabitants. This longevity has been attributed to properties of the environment here and its residents lifestyles. In addition, air quality in this valley is the highest in the world. There are also many activities available for you to make the most of your time here, although do check that they are covered by your single trip travel insurance. Enjoy horseback treks, hikes and alternative therapies such as massage and aromatherapy.

Ecuador is a fabulous place to go shopping. The country is full of handicrafts that can be found at local markets and in small stores. There are some stunning pieces of jewellery, paintings, ponchos and other items on offer. Ecuador is no more dangerous than many countries frequented by travellers, however make sure you have purchased single trip travel insurance before you leave to cover you for any lost or stolen items. Whilst in Ecuador you should also sample some of the delicious food. Meals revolve around ingredients such as meat, rice and potatoes. Be brave and try the delicacy of roasted guinea pig and other culinary delights. Seafood is also very popular here and is highly recommended. Try the lobster which is not only delicious, but also very reasonably priced.

To many, the Galapagos Islands are a magical place completely separate from the rest of the world. They are located in the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles from the Ecuador coastline. Entering the Galapagos Islands is like stepping into another universe. The Islands are brimming full of wildlife that makes you feel as though you are just a spectator in the animal kingdom. The animals are not afraid of humans which is a sharp contrast with many other destinations. UNESCO has declared the islands a natural heritage site and the islands have plenty of history, being visited by Charles Darwin and contributing to his theory of evolution.

To enjoy the Galapagos Islands you can explore by yourself, take a tour, or alternatively, a cruise. Tours vary greatly in both length of time and activities. Some tours allow you to chill out and to enjoy your surroundings, whilst others are multi sport adventure tours that involve really getting to grips with the environment by kayaking, horseback riding, snorkelling and more. Make sure you purchase single trip travel insurance that will cover the activities you take part in on your cruise. Cruises also range in price, duration and itineraries. What is common to all cruises, is that you will not spend all of your time on the ship. There are numerous exciting activities for you to take part in on your travels, ranging from wildlife walks to hiking and kayaking.

Scuba diving is one of the highlights of any trip to the Galapagos Islands. The Islands are one of the best diving locations in the world, making for an incredible experience. However, not all destinations are suitable for beginners. Diving can be risky, so make sure you dive with a school or instructor accredited by one of the major diving associations such as PADI and that your single trip travel insurance covers scuba diving.