Ecuador of old: markets, cathedrals & the Avenue of Volcanoes

Guayaquil is most well-known as the gateway to the Galapagos and it's the only place to catch a flight to the islands. However, the seaside city has plenty to keep you occupied. Spend hours on the golden beaches (up or down the coast), scanning the water for whales and finding the best Creole crab to dine on. Delve into the history books in Las Penas, where the original canons used to ward off pirates still stand, and walk the 444 steps to Santa Ana Chapel to admire the fantastic views it affords. Oh, and don't leave without tasting some of the best chocolate in Ecuador.

Surrounded by waves of hills and rolling pastures, Cuenca is a hub of history. The remnants of Spanish rule are embedded in its buildings, especially in the UNESCO-recognised centre: set off on your own to explore, or join a guide to really get under the city's skin. Highlights include the Pumapungo Museum and the blue-domed Cathedral Nuevo. Get to know the people and their traditions at the markets where weavings, ceramics and panama hats are sold. Outside the city, explore the Cajas National Park, the incredible Incan ruins of Ingapirca, or enjoy a soak in the volcanic springs of Banos.

Scattered throughout a verdant valley, the Avenue of the Volcanoes is made up of 70 ever-impressive volcanoes, reaching up to 5,000 metres into the sky. By day, hike into the countryside and discover waterfalls to swim in, lakes to kayak on and thermal springs to soak in. For a head-spinning experience, summit the impressive Chimborazo peak then cycle down the face, or ride the train down the Devil's Nose, where you'll descend nearly 1,000 metres in just 12km. And after all that, you'll more than certainly be looking forward to returning to any one of the charming hotels in the area to relax and admire the view.

One of the tallest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi watches over the Avenue of Volcanoes like a cloud-grazing guardian. The national park surrounding it is a maze of trails, which can be explored on foot, bike or horseback with a genuine Ecuadorian cowboy. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wild vicunas, Andean condors in flight and, if you're really lucky, puma. You could even make the trek partway (or all the way) to the summit of Cotopaxi, no mean feat considering its height at 5,897 metres above sea level. For something completely different, visit one of the park's glacial waterfalls or thermal pools for a dip, or take a boat ride on the Turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake.

In Ecuador, the wilderness is never far away and its capital city is no different. Surrounded by active volcanoes and the Amazon Basin, Quito presents one fabulous view after another as you stroll through the streets - and the best? Definitely atop the famous El Panecillo Hill or over a pisco sour at a rooftop bar, depending on your persuasion! The Old Town is one of the most well-preserved Spanish cities in Latin America and it's a feast for the eyes with 200 churches, plazas and museums, including the House of Praise which holds 5,000 pre-Columbian pieces. The city also has its share of bohemian neighbourhoods where you can delve into the arts scene and get to know Quito's modern side.

A pocket of villages set amongst a scene of towering volcanoes, Otavalo offers a window into Ecuador's highland culture. It's the gathering spot for people from all around, who bring their handmade wares to sell at the famous market. Visitors can easily lose many hours perusing the stalls and trinkets. Afterwards, head into the surrounds on foot, bicycle or horseback and marvel at lake-filled craters, sacred waterfalls and go wildlife-spotting in one of the nearby reserves.