Even in Latin America, where many countries feature splendid natural attractions, fascinating cities and ancient historic and archeological sites, few destinations can match Ecuador’s extraordinary diversity.

Begin with Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, whose historic center is one of the largest and best preserved in the Americas. Quito’s 130 historic buildings include ornate and art-filled 16th- and 17th-century basilicas, churches and palaces, connected by winding cobblestone streets leading to broad open plazas. The inspiring gathering of historic structures led to Quito being named (along with Krakow, Poland) one of UNESCO’s first two official World Heritage Sites in 1978.

Quito is a mountain city, located in the Andes at 9,350 feet above sea level. This positioning places Quito within close range of spectacular natural attractions. In fact, the city lies atop a long plateau on the eastern flank of the Pichincha volcano, and is surrounded by volcanoes that are visible across the city on clear days. The “avenue of the volcanoes,” extends east from Quito along the Guayllabamba Valley, features the Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes and Cotopaxi National Park.

In addition to its stunning natural attractions, Quito offers a wide variety of urban activities, from busy and colorful indigenous marketplaces, including the locally famous Otavalo market, to charming bohemian districts, each offering visitors opportunities to experience authentic Ecuadorean cuisine and culture.

The new Mariscal Sucre International Airport, 11 miles south of the city, replaced the old, outdated airport in the center of the city in February 2103. The new facility cements Quito’s status as a hub for flights across South America, but the city is also a fine base from which travelers can sample Ecuador’s varied attractions.

Here are three ways travelers can experience the various regions of Ecuador starting from Quito. The trips range from one- to two-day visits to excursions of a week or longer, all depending on the travelers’ preferences.

Tren Crucero

Tren Crucero, which is a high-end rail service that traces historic routes through the country’s Andes and coastal regions, began service in June. The railway offers one- to three-night steam and diesel locomotive excursions through 300 miles of Ecuador’s highlands, allowing travelers to visit indigenous communities and experience regional cuisine, creative arts and cultural customs.

Tren Crucero offers three routes that traverse Ecuador’s Andes from Quito to the country’s Pacific Coast: Quito to Guayaquil (three nights), Quito to Alausi (two) and Alausi to Guayaquil (one). Daily excursions visit Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes” and exotic cloud forest, and the Guamote indigenous market, one of Ecuador’s last authentic Andean markets. Itineraries also include visits to Cotopaxi National Park and a rose plantation utilizing fair trade practices.

Powered by steam and diesel locomotives, the four-coach train accommodates up to 54 passengers in sofa chairs facing dining tables. The coaches also offer personal lockers, a café serving beverages and snacks, and an outdoor terrace, from where travelers can observe the Ecuadorian landscape. The railway features bilingual service staff and guides. Each evening passengers will enjoy typical Ecuadorian feasts at local haciendas where they will spend the night.

Tren Crucero also visits Ecuador’s coastal regions via two routes originating from Riobamba. Tren del Hielo (or the Ice Train) journeys from Riobamba to Urbina, and the Senderos de los Ancestros (or Ancestors’ Trails) train travels from Riobamba to Colta.

The Tren del Hielo route passes scenic wonders such as Chimborazo, Ecuador’s tallest snow-capped volcano at 20,564 feet, and the Altar, Tungurahua and Carihuayrazo peaks. Upon arrival in Urbina, visitors can visit an eco-center featuring traditional agricultural activities. The train also offers typical Ecuadorian dishes from the Andean region, including ice cream made with shaved ice from the Andean peaks.

The route ends in Colta, a small Andean town where travelers will visit a local indigenous market, churches and archaeological ruins. Tours are available from local guides; visitors can opt for a boat ride around Colta’s lagoon while learning about the region’s history and native species. Other attractions include Balbanera church, the first Roman Catholic Church in Ecuador, inaugurated in 1534. Visitors also can sample relaxing natural therapies, including mud baths, available at nearby hot springs and spas.

Ecuador’s Cloud Forest

Traveling two hours by car from Quito, visitors can experience Ecuador’s cloud forest with a two- or three-night stay at one of the nature reserves in the region. The cloud forest offers a lush alternative to the soaring volcanoes around Quito and the city’s urban environment, and showcases another side of Ecuador’s diversity.

A cloud forest is characterized by a persistent low-level cloud cover, usually at the canopy level, and an abundance of moss-covered ground and vegetation. Indeed almost every inch of Ecuador’s cloud forest, from the standing and fallen trees to the very ground itself, is covered in parasitic flora. The cloud forest is home to more than 500 bird species, including 25 different types of hummingbirds, and a variety of orchids endemic to the region, many of them newly discovered. Monkeys, lizards, frogs, snakes and puma also make their home among the reserve’s lush green hills and plunging waterfalls, extending between 1,800 and 4,500 feet above sea level. Travelers exploring Ecuador’s cloud forest can stay at one of the area’s ecologically themed hotels. These include the Pachijal Reserva Ecologica (www.pachijalreserve.com) and the Mashpi Lodge (www.mashpilodge.com).

Mashpi is set among a 3,200-acre reserve and the property’s owners are involved in funding scientific research and providing sustainable opportunities through the environmental conservation of the biodiverse larger region known as the Choco hotspot.

Cotopaxi National Park

Travelers eager to experience a close-up view of one of Ecuador’s natural icons, the Cotopaxi Volcano, can visit Cotopaxi, set in a protected area of Ecuador’s Andes in Pichincha Province, about 30 miles south of Quito.

Ecuador’s Andes extend approximately 370 miles in length, with elevations ranging from 4,900 feet in the subtropical valleys to elevations in excess of 16,400 feet on the summits of the highest volcanoes.

Cotopaxi National Park features the snow-capped Cotopaxi along with two others volcanoes: the dormant Ruminawi Volcano and the Sincholagua Volcano, which last erupted in 1877. Cotopaxi is among the highest active volcanoes in the world; its last significant eruption took place in 1904.

Visitors to Cotopaxi can opt for hiking, horseback riding and mountain-bike excursions among the park’s awe-inspiring natural settings and distinctive Andean fauna. Travelers will find more than 100 species of birds as well as deer, foxes and even puma. Modern-day Andean cowboys even herd cattle within the park’s boundaries.

Travelers can select from day tours of the park or visit Cotopaxi as part of the eight-day Andean valley tours that end in Cotopaxi’s lower plains. Along the way, travelers can stay in historic estates built during the 17th century.

Cotopaxi National Park is located within a province whose capital city, Latacunga, is a cradle of Ecuadorean cuisine and culture. A particularly good time to visit Latacunga is during November, when the Mama Negra festival brings colorful parades of costumed characters to the streets in a festive tribute to the Virgin of La Merced.