dispatch | departures


ECUADOR dispatch:


FAST FACTS: Capital: Quito Size: 109,483sq miles Population: Approx.


15.6 million Currency: US dollar Language: Spanish and


native Quichua, with English widely spoken in tourist industries


TELL ME ABOUT IT…


ECUADOR MAY BE the baby of Latin America but it’s big on sights, with distinct and diverse regions brimming with historical, cultural and natural splendors. Climb one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes, cross two hemispheres, explore the Amazonian jungle, relax on balmy Pacific beaches and have close-up encounters with marine life, all in the space of one vacation. The wildlife wonderland of the Galapagos


— made up of 13 major islands and seven smaller isles — are Ecuador’s best-known and most visited destination. The isles are home to giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas and penguins, and divers can swim in the company of dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and large shoals of fish. However, mainland Ecuador, with its legacy of ancient civilizations and Spanish conquests,


also has much to offer. The Ministry of Tourism has launched its new marketing campaign Four Worlds, showcasing the biodiversity and attractions in the Galapagos, Pacific Coast, Andes and Amazon regions. These range from the Cruise Train, a historic railroad running through the country from Quito to Guayaquil, and activities such as birdwatching — Ecuador has more than 1,600-recorded species, twice as many as North America.


Last year the country welcomed 1.5 million


tourist arrivals, an increase of 14% on 2013, with the US its top international market. Major trade investments this year have included a $750 million cash injection in 23 tourism related projects, including hotels. On the transport front, American Airlines has submitted plans for a five- times-a-week Dallas-Quito route from December. With land and cruise-based itineraries, there are many options to discover Ecuador. u


The Galapagos Islands may be its star attraction but there are plenty of mainland sights to shout about in Ecuador, says Jeannine Williamson


Ecuador is big on sights, with distinct and diverse regions brimming with historical, cultural and natural splendors


fall 2015 | ASTAnetwork | 113


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