If epic views and majestic scenery are what you seek in South America, then no place is more suited to your poetic needs than the country of Ecuador. This tiny country boasts some of the most diverse ranges of animal and plant species on the planet, and is also famous for straddling the equator, from where it takes its name. This country also includes the famous Galapagos Islands.
You will not need a visa to travel to Ecuador. As a British citizen you can simply travel here on your passport, provided that you include a return ticket and are here for the express reason of tourism.
The best place to start is the capital city of Quito, which also doubles as the cultural centre of the country with its large population of “Indigenas”, or local indigenous Andean people. From handcrafted memorabilia in the streets to their rickety street-corner shops selling hand-woven clothing, these people make up a large portion of the overall population, and their influence on the way of life is evident in almost all areas of the country.
The beauty of Quito is without par. The city itself is around 3k meters and is surrounded by the beauty of snow-capped mountains and the Pichincha Volcano. While your stay can be as luxurious as you desire, heading out into the mountains on a daily basis can provide a welcome escape from the busy centre and its mixture of modern and indigenous cultures.
Travel and accommodation is extremely cheap and extremely accessible, making this stop one of the more cost effective in South America.
I love places where you can just use your British passport to travel, as it saves hassle of getting visas