Ecuador: the best things come in small packages.

Read more about Ecuador activities and destinations

Being the second smallest country in South America, you would think that there wouldn’t be much for you to see and do in Ecuador; however this is not the case! It is the natural diversity in the country that will make your gap year fun and exciting!

There are so many things that you can see and do in just one day in Ecuador. Journeying from the Amazon Basin to the Andean Volcanoes to Otavalo, there is going to be plenty for you to experience on your gap year. Your friends and family will not have concerns about you being in such a large place on your own, and if you are travelling around the world, Ecuador is going to be the perfect place to add to your list.

The Amazon jungles are there for you to explore and see wildlife. You can easily just watch David Attenborough on the TV is you wanted to, but how exciting would it be to be there yourself? Seeing the animals there right in front of you whilst you take in your surroundings, there will be nothing like this that you will be able to experience anywhere else. So now if your chance to grab the opportunity. Whether you are a passionate nature lover or want to experience something extraordinary, Ecuador is not going to disappoint. With exotic birds, insects, paramo and plats, it is a dream location to visit. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more active gap year there are more choices for you to do.

Mountaineering, trekking, horseback riding and surfing all ensure that you’re not going to get bored! It may be surprising to learn this when you think of Ecuador being so small, but you must remember that the best things come in small packages! If you are more interested in the cultural side of things the country’s heritage is going to be perfect for you. Traditional costumes and markets are going to enable you to experience the history of the country and what life is like for the people that live there. It will make a change from your usual trip to Tesco and outfits of shirts and jeans, that’s for sure!

Architecture is also very popular in Ecuador/ Cuenca and Quito are the places for you to see some of the most amazing buildings and features that Ecuador has to offer. There is nothing that is going to disappoint and you will be able to have the experience of a lifetime that will be like nothing else.

Banos is also going to provide you with the experience of the Ecuador nightlife. You are not going to have to stop going out simply because you are in another country! Your gap year is for you to enjoy, and Ecuador is the place for you to go. Explore the whole country and make the most out of your opportunity, as you may not have another chance to!

Ensure that you can have the best year possible when you choose Ecuador as the destination for your gap year.

Map

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Ecuador a Country of Contrasts.

Ecuador is a country of many contrasts; It is divided by nature, but strongly held together by a common cultural heritage. It is a four-in-one deal offering an awesome wealth of cultural and natural diversity. You can trek through the Andes, surf along a tropical coast, and explore the mysteries of the jungle and the Galapagos Islands, all in one trip! Xtyreme Gap offers this in 2 programmes in Ecuador. This one is best to begin with as it offers Spanish lessons combined with surf lessons, 2 very important things to learn before really start hitting the road in South America.

About Montañita, the town you will stay in.

Montañita is a funky cool place with excellent surfing and a charming atmosphere. The town has grown constantly over the last few years and is now THE place to hang out on the coast. Although it’s still small it is a booming beachside retreat attracting international travellers as well as an alternative Ecuadorian and crowd and lots of South America’s natives like travelers from Chili and Argentina. The atmosphere makes it a great place to learn Spanish on the beach in Ecuador, meet other travelers and practice and perfect your Spanish with the local community.

Montañita is the best location in Ecuador and holds many international competitions. Playa Frailes is known as the most beautiful beach in Ecuador, and perhaps on the planet! But this coastline stretches on forever! There are dozens of stunning beaches close by to walk, swim or ride horses! Puerto Lopez is a great traditional fishing port and is world famous for its whale watching. The activities are endless. Hopefully you’ll have enough time to see it all!

A traveller on Montañita:

What a town! Hung out here for a while...A beach town with a rocking night life. Turns out it's a destination for Chilean and Argentinean youth during their summer vacation. Didn't get to bed before 4am the 5 nights I was there...Including a night of dancing outside in the pouring rain and mud until the joint closed after 4!

The small town is mostly only foot traffic. By day an easy going beech town, by night, party in the streets. Drink whatever you like, $3. And fresh sea food (ceviche). I've encountered so many great people traveling in South America.