Your Complete South America Gap Year

Ecuador is a relatively unexplored country located in the northwest of South America between the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon jungle. Ecuador was named after its position on the Equator and is bordered by Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean.

The capital is Quito. The ancient capital of the northern realm of the Incan Empire, Quito lies at 2,800 metres above sea level in a high valley at the base of Mount Pichincha approximately 15 miles south of the equator. Also known as Luz de América: the light or beacon of America, Quito was the first Latin American region to declare its independence from Spain. Quito is surrounded by mountains with three snow-capped volcanoes visible on clear days.

Travel by land and air is easy from Quito. Its central location means you can easily access different areas of the country including beaches, mountains and the Amazon basin. Mountains, valleys, volcanoes, river and varied plant life provide spectacular scenery in the area of Quito.

Bolivia is sandwiched between Peru, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Chile, and straddling the Andes, Bolivia is known as the "Tibet of the Americas" due to its altitude and stunning scenery.

About twice the size of Spain, Bolivia encapsulates nearly every possible climate and terrain from the snow capped peaks of over 21,000 feet, to the semi-tropical lowlands, through to the steaming jungles of the Amazon Basin. The country became landlocked in 1880 during the “Pacific War” when it lost its seacoast to Chile. Offsetting this one missing element is Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, boasting crystal blue waters, reed boats and islands known for pre-Colombian ruins.

Besides great scenery, you have the opportunity to see various exotic birds, plants, insects, and animals due to Bolivia's relatively sparse population, lack of development and diverse geography.