Reasons To Visit Ecuador
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Set in an Andean valley with the verdant Pichincha volcano rising to the west, Quito is the capital of Ecuador.
Vieja Cuba is an enormous converted colonial house located in the heart of the vibrant Mariscal area of Quito. There are 28 standard and superior rooms all with en-suite bathrooms and hot...
Located in the heart of Quito’s commercial district, the Dann Carlton offers 212 well-appointed rooms,a restaurant, fantastic swimming pool and spa facilities.
Hotel El Relicario del Carmen is located in the heart of Colonial Quito. This hotel is deceptively very quiet (an uncommon trait with old town hotels) and provides a great base for exploring the historical centre.
Situated in the very heart of the historic centre of Quito, this newly converted colonial house has been restored to a high standard, carefully retaining the style and elegance of its...
This 31-suite boutique hotel occupies a grand house on the corner of Plaza San Francisco, the capital's most iconic square.
The Hilton Colon is one of Quito's hotel traditions, a fine hotel set at the end of the main Amazonas commercial street by the Parque El Ejido.
The luxurious Swissotel has 240 tastefully-appointed guest rooms and is located within easy reach of the Mariscal area of Quito and the airport.
The recently opened Hotel Plaza Grande aims to become the jewel in the crown of Quito's luxury hotels and has been designed specifically for the most demanding guests. It is...
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Further reading:EcuadorWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout EcuadorCountry Guides
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