The diverse topography of Ecuador within a small territory makes the country an ideal setting for outdoor activities: mountain climbing, trekking, rafting, biking, horseback riding, paragliding, diving – among others. Besides the fact that Ecuador has a mosaic of terrains: snow-capped volcanoes in the Andes, cloud forests in the slopes of the mountains, rainforests at the “Oriente”, beaches and tropical forests in the Coast… the climate in all of these environments is favorable for almost year-round excursions.

Trekking is one of the most popular adventure activities and there are several places in the Andes and tropical forests to explore. In several trails one feels as the discoverer of pristine and remote lands. Some of these terrains are also available for horseback and mountain bikes. Several national parks within the highland region of Ecuador are especially popular with trekkers because of the ease of accessibility, established trail systems and marvelous scenery. Such is the case of Cotopaxi, Cajas and Podocarpus National Parks in the Andes.

For mountaineers, Ecuador comprises one of the largest concentrations of volcanoes in the world. It is possible to reach high altitudes on moderate routes that do not require technical ice climbing skill. Huts or “refugios” have been built on many of the higher and more popular climbs. High altitude acclimatization is an important factor that is often underestimated due to the short length of many climbs. Good climbing weather is possible almost year-round, but normally the best months are June through September and during a short dry spell in December and January.

The massive Andean mountain range also gives birth to scores of rivers. These rivers wind their way through spectacular gorges, canyons, valleys and jungles, and leave behind hundreds of miles of breathtaking world-class whitewater that feed into the mighty Amazon River. Ecuadorian rivers, especially those in the east, have warm, tropical waters and excellent accessibility. There are a variety of rivers to choose from, with varying grades of difficulty.

Another adventure sport that is becoming increasingly popular is Scuba Diving, especially in Galapagos and Machalilla National Parks, where you have excellent opportunities of encounter with dramatic underwater wildlife. Between June and October, in both of these sites, the temperature of the water drops due to the influence of the Humboldt cold current, giving place to a better visibility.

Adventure travel has significantly grown in the country with the development of specialized agencies. Highly qualified agencies offer the highest standards in outdoor adventure, immersed in the natural beauty of Ecuador.

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