COUNTRY PROFILES
Ecuador I
f there's one country in Latin America that encapsulates the
best of the continent, Ecuador is probably it. Only slightly larger than the UK, it is neatly divided into four very different regions: the steamy Amazon rainforest in the east; the soaring mountains of the Andes run through the centre of the country from north to south; there are long stretches of beach and the country's largest city, Guayaquil, along the Pacific coast; and then there's the weird and wonderful wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador's small size – at least by
South American standards – mean that getting around the country is straightforward. The three mainland regions can all be combined in as little as a week, before capping off a good overview of the country with a visit to the incredible Galapagos Islands – it is therefore a country to recommend to clients short on time but not so restricted by their budget. Ecuador's capital city, Quito, lies
high in the Andes, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. Its historic heart features a wealth of Spanish colonial architecture and its many fine buildings and cobbled streets enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status. Pretty Cuenca, in Ecuador's south, also boasts UNESCO status thanks to its attractive colonial architecture.
Capital city: Quito | Languages: Spanish, indigenous languages | Currency: US dollar | Visa: Not required by British citizens | Time zone: GMT -5hrs RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH
WWW.VIVECUADOR.COM
■ Hitting the road in the Andean highlands The equator – from which
Ecuador takes its name – lies just 15 miles north of Quito and a trip to Mitad del Mundo, the monument that marks the spot, is a popular half-day outing. North of Quito lies the Andean
town of Otavalo, is best known for its colourful arts and crafts market. South of Quito, meanwhile, is
the awe-inspiring Valley of the Volcanoes where some of the country's highest peaks create the perfect environment for hiking, climbing and adventure sports. Quito, which has been named
SAMPLE PACKAGE Rainbow Tours' nine-day Wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos itinerary takes visitors to Quito, the equator and Otavalo in the highlands, before flying to the Galapagos Islands to enjoy three days of excursions from Santa Cruz island.
24 | Latin America
Cultural Capital of the Americas for 2011, is both a gateway to the delights of the Andes and to Ecuador's share of the Amazon rainforest. A 45-minute flight takes visitors within a motorised canoe ride of impressive jungle lodges and a plethora of wildlife experiences and expeditions. The coast is home to Ecuador’s biggest city, Guayaquil, a modern, bustling destination that has been
TIPS FROM
THE TOP “Ecuador is most famous for its remote archipelago of wildlife-rich islands, the Galapagos, but the mainland also offers visitors a chance to explore the Amazon jungle, the snow-capped volcanoes and indigenous communities of the highlands, and the dramatic scenery of the Pacific coastline. The capital Quito was the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and its Old Town is the largest and least- altered historic centre in the Americas – while the charming colonial city of Cuenca, also in the highlands, has a relaxed pace of life. Ecuador is a country popular with those seeking new adventures, wildlife and scenery, and looking for something beyond the ordinary holiday experience.”
Brian Hawe, Product and Purchasing Manager for Latin America, Travel 2
HIGHLIGHTS The Galapagos Islands Amazon rainforest Valley of the Volcanoes Picturesque Cuenca Quito’s Old Town
subject to major government investment in recent years, helping it become more than just a departure point for trips to the Galapagos Islands. Flights to the islands from both
Guayaquil and Quito are frequent and take around 90 minutes. Cruises are the most popular way of experiencing the archipelago but can be expensive. Wildlife enthusiasts will be in their element in the Galapagos Islands – the inspiration for Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution – whose teeming wildlife population is generally undaunted by the presence of humans. Divers and snorkellers will marvel at the abundant marine life, including penguins, seals, rays, sharks and iguanas, while 'twitchers' will be dazzled by the array of bird species.
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