From the lush tropical jungles of Ecuador’s Amazon region to the popular hot springs of Papallacta, Ecuador has so many options for an exciting vacation rental that you just won’t know what to do first! Should you visit the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands or the Tungurahua Volcano? The best thing about an Ecuador vacation is that you don’t have to decide – you can experience all of this and more, and often within the space of a day!
 
Perhaps the most famous destination in Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands first gained notoriety through Charles Darwin's publishings. The wildlife there is astounding, in both their beauty and in their seemingly laidback attitudes towards humans. This archipelago of islands is home to sea lions, penguins, tortoises, and countless species of birds. With the animals so willing to be approached, a trip here with camera in hand is an absolute must!
 
Tena, a town located deep in the heart of the Amazon region, is a popular spot for adventure tours. Those wanting a little excitement in their Ecuador vacation can make this their home base for various kayaking, rafting, or jungle tours. If you’ve never seen a rainforest in person before, one trip to Tena will convince you that all the uproar about saving them is truly justified. Their lush, green beauty is absolutely astounding.
 
If you’re looking for a busy, bustling metropolitan city for your next vacation rental, Ecuador may not be the best choice for you – but the South American country has plenty of laidback, little villages that will give you a true taste of what life in Ecuador is truly all about. Mindo is located among the Andean foothills and is surrounded by a gorgeous cloud-forest. Canoa is a slow-paced fishing village where you can practice your beginner surfing. Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, was one of the first UNESCO Heritage Sites ever named and was founded on the ruins of an ancient Incan city. And Banos sits at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano – this volcano is still active and provides a dramatic smoky backdrop for the village on a regular basis.
 
For a depiction of what Ecuador is all about, just take a trip down the road from Quito to Papallacta. This scenic route takes you through several different ecosystems and villages, and you can experience both alpine mountains and tropical jungles without ever leaving the road. That pretty much defines Ecuador – as a country that just can’t be defined.