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Ecuador

7

Reasons To
Visit Ecuador

  • Amazon rainforest

    Easily accessible from Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon offers some of the best run eco-lodges in the whole of Latin America. Whether it is Sacha, Napo or Haourani Lodge, you are best placed for some excellent wildlife vieiwing as well as learning about the indigenous population that manage and run the lodges.

    Amazon rainforest
  • Colonial Architecture

    In addition to the traditional farmhouse haciendas, the cities of Quito and Cuenca offer fine examples of Spanish Colonial architecture. Both are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the fabulous historical centres are complimented with lovely cafes and great restaurant options.

    Colonial Architecture
  • Colourful Markets

    Markets form an integral part of Ecuadorian life. Ranging from vast colourful textile markets geared towards tourists around Otavalo to local markets in the central highlands selling everything from corn and bananas to refrigerators and satellite dishes - there is a market that will engross visitors, no matter what their age or interest.

    Colourful Markets
  • Haciendas

    Traditional farmhouse haciendas are dotted across the high Andean countryside but are concentrated around the town of Otavalo and the Cotopaxi National Park. Dating back as far as the 16th Century, they are full of character and offer guests an opportunity to step back in time. They make for a great base for walking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

    Haciendas
  • Panama Hats

    Even thought it isn't widely appreciated, the fact remains that the Panama hat wasn't in fact invented in Panama, but instead originated in Montecristi, northwest Ecuador! The name was derived when the hats were shipped to Panama to protect the canal construction workers from the sun in the early 1900s. Today a number of factories continue to produce hats around the southern city of Cuenca.

    Panama Hats
  • Rainforest

    The Rainforest in Ecuador offers a wealth of options to the visitor. Yasuni National Park is home to some of the best run eco-lodges in South America, each boasting comfortable accommodation and great wildlife viewing opportunities. In the southeast of the country, some eco-lodges provide the added cultural experience of living with the indigenous Amazonian population.

    Rainforest
  • Volcanoes

    Due to its location on the Pacific 'Ring of fire', Ecuador boasts no less than 28 volcanoes, many of which are active. 10 of Ecuador's volcanic mountains are over 5000m in altitude and best viewed along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' between Quito and Cuenca. Here there is a wonderful mix of local farming communities and National Parks all overlooked by snow-capped peaks - great for the outdoor enthusiast.

    Volcanoes
 
 

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Ecuador Travel Specialists

Our Ecuador specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Ecuador inside out.

Practical Information

Ecuador is a wonderfully welcoming place, and travelling around the compact mainland is an easygoing, entertaining and scenic experience.

Based on your preferences and budget we can provide full time drivers and guides, or just provide you with a vehicle and driver.

However you decide to travel we will ensure that you get the most from your trip, whether you are making something of a road trip and are moving on each day, or staying at one of the haciendas for a few relaxing days.

Extended stays

We like to take clients with sufficient time on a journey down the length of the country, dispensing with the need for internal flights and ensuring you see the most of the magnificent scenery of the country.

Language

The official language is Spanish, although it is not the first language of the majority of the indigenous population. English is understood and spoken by many in the tourist industry.

Food and drink

Ecuadorian food is based around meat or fish, rice and plantain, and is generally cheap, tasty and plentiful. There are dozens of exotic fruits such as naranjilla, maracuya and guanabana that are made into delicious ice creams and juices.

Money

In September 2000 Ecuador abandoned its century-old currency (the Sucre) and began using the US$. Change is always scarce, many places will not accept notes bigger than a US$20, nor will they accept any notes that are ripped or dirty. ATM's are available in the major cities and towns. Visa and Amex are widely accepted (Mastercard to a lesser degree).

Tipping

Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. Amounts are discretionary.

Under The Skin

Read

'Savages', by Joe Kane. Testimony of how one small band of Amazonian warriors defended their territory against hell-bent oil companies, dogged missionaries, and starry-eyed environmentalists.'End of the Spear', by Steve Saint. Memoir of Saint growing up with the Ecuadoran Waodani tribe whose members killed his father in 1956, and about taking his wife and teenage children back to Ecuador in the 1990s to live among them again. He tells the story of the 1956 murders from the Waodani perspective. Most of the book is devoted to his latest experiences with his Waodani family.

Listen

'A Quito, a Quito'. Everywhere you go there is a bus heading to Quito!

Watch

'Master and Commander'. Hollywood Blockbuster staring Russell Crowe. See if you can spot the factual inaccuracies when on Galapagos!

Eat

Ceviche - a tasty seafood salad traditionally containing raw fish which is marinaded in lemon and lime. This cooks or pickles the fish without heat.

Drink

Canellasso - a piping hot mix of strong sugar cane liquor with fruit similar to mulled wine. Very energising at higher altitudes.

Trademarks

Markets, volcanoes, mountain villages.

Shopping

Handicrafts of all types, especially in Otavalo market - artwork, hammocks, wooden sculptures, leather goods.

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