Ecuador, Galapagos and more
Located in the Andes, Ecuador is a land of intrigue for travelers. Travel to Ecuador and you can trek the Amazon, climb volcanoes, or loaf on beautiful beaches. Perhaps the biggest reason to travel to Ecuador is a visit to the famous Galapagos Islands. Regardless of your preference, the following attractions are all worth a look.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos island wildlife is unique in the world due to its exotic animals that can only be seen in this group of beautiful and enchanted islands. These islands are a living museum of evolutionary changes, a wide variety of exotic species, penguins, sea lions, Red-billed Tropic Bird, flamingos, giant tortoise, and the galapagos finch (Darwin's inspiration), all of these exclusive to this Archipelago. Animals in the Galapagos are unafraid of man and so different from any others found elsewhere, this make visitors wonder about their very existence on our planet. Galapagos wildlife is one of the major attractions these islands have to offer to its thousands of visitors each year.
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of some 13 volcanic islands and associated islets and rocks located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometers west of the coast of South America. The Galápagos archipelago is politically part of Ecuador. The oldest of the islands are about 4 million years old and the youngest are still in the process of being formed. Indeed, the Galápagos islands are considered to be one of the most active volcanic areas in the world.
They are famed for their vast number of endemic species and the studies conducted by Charles Darwin that led to his theory of natural selection. The islands are distributed to the north and south of the equator. The equator crosses the northern part of the largest island, Isabela.
Quito
A hot bed of colonial architecture, Quito is the capital of Ecuador. The city is considered one of the most beautiful in South America with architecturally masterpieces of white washed buildings with red tile roofs. For those living in large cities, you will be shocked by the lack of neon in Quito.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the climate is an eternal spring throughout the year. The Avenue of the Amazons, “Avenida Amazonas”, is a bustling area with outdoor cafes and good people watching.
Avenue of the Volcanoes, South of Quito, the Avenue of the Volcanoes is a must see. Running down each side of the valley are mountain peaks dotted with dormant volcanoes. Small villages throughout the valley give the area an old world vibe.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, known throughout Ecuador as the "Pacific Pearl", is the country's largest city and the most important seaport. It is the focus of the Ecuadorian economy.
The name Guayaquil originates from an old legend about an Indian chief Guayas who had an Indian wife called Quil who according to folklore both killed themselves through pride in preference to surrendering to the Spaniards.
Public transport is the most popular way to get around in a big city like Guayaquil. Most hotels are in the city center close to the Malecón. At rush hours, local buses are very crowded. Minibuses (furgonetas) are also available, which have their routes posted on the windscreen. All buses run along the Malecón. For example: Bus #15 will take you from the Malecón to Urdesa, Bus #13 to Policentro. Buses are a good cheaper alternative to taxis (out of rush hours).
From December through April, Guayaquil is hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 35º C. The rest of the year is nice and cooler with temperatures between 20º and 25º C.
San Lorenzo Railway
If you’re looking for a new experience, try a ride from San Lorenzo Railway to Ibarra. The trip runs through picturesque scenery, but about the train that is most interesting. The train is actually a bus converted for the tracks! Only in Ecuador!
Manta
The province of Manabi is home to over three hundred kilometers of peaceful and relaxing Pacific Ocean shoreline.
Manta is a picturesque and important port on the Pacific Ocean, located in a dry tropical forest area with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (77° F). Because it has some of South America's most breathtaking beaches, Manta was selected as the site of the sixth South American Windsurfing Championship. It is known for its diving and sport fishing. It also serves as the primary industrial port of Ecuador's tuna industry.
Montecristi, Ecuador - Panama Hats - This village is internationally renowned for the high quality of the “Panama Hats” that they produce (yes, you red it correctly, Panama Hats have been always from Ecuador and not from Panama). Lying at the foot of a large hill called Montecristi, the small town of the same name has many attractions such as Eloy Alfaro’s (an ex-Ecuadorian President) house, the Hermanas Largacha Museum, and the Monserrate Sanctuary, where thousands of Ecuadorian and foreign pilgrims traditionally flock, especially on the weekends.
Salinas beach
Salinas is considered the best tourist beach resort in Ecuador and the Pacific coastline by many visitors. The sandy moon bay arcs around the resort with dozens of high rising apartment blocks belonging to the wealthier Ecuadorian and foreigner overseas residents overlooking the main road fronted by colourful shops, restaurants, bars, discos, an historical marine museum and major hotels with casinos encased in the latter. Salinas, is also the main starting point to the scenic Pacific "Route of the Sun" with many tourist resorts and attractions to drive through. The high season in Salinas (December - April), is party time with plenty of night life and nice bars to enjoy along the main frontage of the bay. Later this year a water theme park with giant shoots, whirl pools and wave machines will also be a further attraction. Salinas, offers the most developed tourist infrastructure (regarding to accommodation, beaches, resorts and other attractions) together with the most exiting whale watching tours with luxurious yachts and professional guides. The closest and finest location witnesses the wonder of these amazing creatures in the wild. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed...
The weather in Salinas has great temperatures all year round. The major season is warmer with temperatures between 80s-90s, while the quieter season (Mid-May to early December) has lower temperatures (between 60s-70s).
Amazonic region
The Amazon or jungle region, located to the east of the Andes, is one of the most accessible and traveler-friendly areas of the upper Amazon basin, the biologically richest area anywhere on earth. There are innumerable varieties of flora, including many of Ecuador's 4,500 species of orchids, and many plants with medicinal value.
Wildlife such as butterflies, bats, monkeys, sloths, parrots, macaws, river dolphins and caimans are all relatively easy to view. The Ecuadorian Amazon offers a wide range of activities including swimming, canoe journeys, rain forest walks, bird watching, animal spotting and visits to local jungle communities. The Amazon accounts for little more than 5% of the total population but here there are small communities of Indians such as the Huaorani, Cofan, Shuar, and Siona-Secoya who live in jungle villages and carry on with many of their ancient traditions. The Amazon also has some of the finest white water rafting routes in the country.
About the Author
Martha has written many articles about luxury travel, you can find her website at Luxury Travel
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