Ecuador, which is home to stunning waterfalls, jungle land, and idyllic nature trails, is fast becoming the most popular backpacking destination on earth.
Internet searches for hostels in Ecuador rose by 556% between January 2015 and June 2016, compared to the same period the previous year, according to recent data from the hostel booking site Dorms.com.
Travel blogger Jessica Festa, the founder of Jessie on a Journey, shared a selection of photos from her trip to Ecuador with Business Insider to show what the country has to offer.
Here's a glimpse into Festa's experience of Ecuador, with her own quotes.
The travel blogger began her trip in Vilcabamba, a picturesque village in the south of the country that's known as the "Valley of Longevity." It is home to "one of the longest living populations in the world," Festa said, thanks to its "natural mineral water and fresh mountain air." There are also plenty of "budget-friendly spas, meditation and yoga centres, and healthy eateries in town."
An active traveller, Festa did plenty of hiking and cycling on her trip. On a hiking trip in Cajas National Park, near the city of Cuenca, she learned about Quinoa Forest, which is the world's tallest forest, perched at 13,124 feet. As well as beautiful scenery, the park is rife with myths. "Because many [people] have died here from getting lost or altitude sickness the woodland is also believed to be haunted," Festa said.
The nearby city of Cuenca, in the Andes Mountains, is known for its culture. "It's an extremely walkable city and is full of musicians playing in ambient squares, interesting museums and restaurants."
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