SantPied

Wildlife-seekers, rejoice – this unspoilt part of the world is teeming with life. Get out to see what you can spot by hailing a taxi from Zamora (35 minutes) to the Podocarpus National Park, where the mix of highland and lowland areas has resulted in some of the planet’s best animal and plant diversity. More intrepid types might like to head further north for treks in the mountainous Cordillera del Cóndor National Park (an hour and 15 minutes), where the peaks climb up to 2,900 metres and there are still many species of plants that have yet to be documented by scientists. Skip away from the rainforests for a day trip to Loja (an hour and 45 minutes), a colonial city with a well-preserved centre. Head here for visits to the cathedral, the city gate and central park or take walks around the botanical gardens or along the banks of the Río Malacatos.