Some of the country's finest climbing and trekking is found about 60km (37mi) south of Quito in Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, whose cone-shaped centerpiece, 5900m (19,350ft) Volcán Cotopaxi, is the world's tallest active volcano. Don't attempt to climb higher than the José Ribas refuge (at 4800m/15,750ft) without a guide, proper equipment and a good deal of previous snow and ice climbing experience. Further south, the town of Baños makes a good base for short walks and ambitious climbs, and it has the added bonus of having toasty thermal springs nearby.

Near Cuenca in the southern highlands, the Area Nacional de Recreación Las Cajas offers rugged hiking in bleak terrain scattered with beautiful lakes. Ecuador's highest peak, the 6310m (20,700ft) Chimborazo, is not for daytrippers - if you're not an experienced climber, stick to the area around the mountain, which is great for less strenuous treks.

Ecuador has warm coastal water year round. There are decent swimming beaches at Atacames, San Vicente, Bahía de Caráquez, Bahía de Manta, Salinas and Playas. Beware of the strong undertow at Atacames, which claims victims every year.

Scuba diving is possible in the Galápagos Islands, but you must have your own equipment and book a tour in advance. Snorkeling in the archipelago is less of a hassle - you may even find baby sea lions approaching to stare at you through your mask. Again, bring your own gear and book ahead.

Jungle excursions in the Oriente can be arranged at Misahualí, Coca, Baños, Dureno, Tena and Quito. Excursions often include walks, swims and dugout-canoe trips. Birdwatching is best on jungle tours or while visiting Area Nacional de Recreación Las Cajas, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi or the Galápagos Islands.

Being a Roman Catholic country, many of the country's festivals are oriented to the liturgical calendar and are celebrated with a combination of great pageantry and elements of traditional Indian fiestas. Rural areas in particular lend a real party atmosphere to their celebrations. All Soul's Day on 2 November is especially colorful, when flower-laying ceremonies brighten the country's cemeteries and the ambiance is more celebratory than somber. Other holidays of historical interest are Simón Bolívar's Birthday on 24 July and Columbus Day on 12 October, though the latter is hardly universal in its appeal.

The pre-Easter Carnival features water fights and fruit and flower festivals. Corpus Christi is a movable feast in June and combines with traditional harvest fiestas in many highland towns. The larger cities' founding and independence days virtually bring them to a partying standstill. Some of the biggies are found in Guayaquil, Otavalo, Cuenca and Quito, though most towns and villages also have their special days. Shops, offices and services are closed during holidays and festivals, and accommodation and transportation options are often packed - book well in advance if possible.