First, maybe you weren't aware that the Galapagos Islands were part of Ecuador. Here are some other things you might not know: Ecuador is the second-smallest country in South America, its Colonial capital of Quito was the first to be named a UNESCO World Heritage City, its currency is the U.S. dollar, and its position on the equator gives it “spring all year” (and also gives it its name).

The city of Quito, in a valley at the foot of a volcano, is coming into its own as a meeting destination, with technological improvements and many architectural treasures recently opened as venues, including convents, monasteries, the grand national theater, and Plaza Belmonte, a Colonial bullfight ring. The city of Guayaquil has a historic center spiraling up a hill surrounded by a modern commercial river port, including a newly renovated river walk. Cuenca is a city of cobblestone streets, lovely squares, and historic churches.

And there is incredible variety outside the city as well, in this country with the greatest diversity of plants and animals per square mile in the world. Rodrigo Salas of the Ministry of Tourism describes the “four worlds in one country”: the rain forest of the Amazon Basin, the Andean Highlands, the beaches of the Pacific Coast, and the legendary Galapagos. “Where else can you follow a jungle adventure with a philharmonic concert?” he asks.

Ecuador, in the Central Time Zone, has direct flights from New York, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta.

One other thing you might not know: Panama hats come from Ecuador. (And there's your golf giveaway.)

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