Ecuador’s small size makes it a perfect destination for travellers with limited time but keen for a wide range of quite different experiences. Distances are relatively short, with few places more than a day's trip from Quito. There is a good choice of guided tours and treks, rainforest lodges, and opportunities for horse-riding, mountain-biking and climbing. Ecuador’s chronic political instability (in 1997 there were 3 presidents) produces occasional road blocks and protests, but are typically not violent.
Galapagos Islands Ecuador’s most famous attraction, located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000km east of the Ecuadorian mainland. The amazing Galapagos Islands are home to unique, abundant and almost fearless wildlife including giant tortoises, marine and land iguanas, dolphins, whales, sea lions, boobies and penguins. Each island differs in appearance and in wildlife, stimulating Darwin’s evolutionary theory that transformed the way we see the world. Visiting the Galapagos is not cheap, but seeing one of the most astonishing natural destinations in the world is a trip of a lifetime.
Quito Set in a valley at the foot of various mountains including the occasionally-active Pichincha volcano, and at an altitude of 2,700m, this is one of the most attractive capitals in Latin America. On clear days snow-capped mountains can be seen on the horizon. Quito’s beautiful and recently-restored colonial quarter, with its narrow streets lined with exquisite gold-encrusted churches, monasteries and mansions is worthy of lengthy exploration. The modern part of the city, with its hotels and good restaurants, is a convenient base for trips around the surrounding country.
Avenue of the Volcanoes South of Quito the two parallel chains of the Andes that run right down South America rise to very dramatic and spectacular heights, forming a double row of beautiful soaring, snowcapped peaks. In the valley between these is the indigenous heart of the country, with traditional market towns and farming communities.
Cotopaxi The awesome snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, 5897m high, is the highest active volcano in the world and is about one hour south of Quito. It is an integral part of the Avenue of Volcanoes. Around the volcano is the beautiful Cotopaxi national park, with many hiking trails and mountain refuges that facilitate exploring the pristine ecology and harsh landscape of the high Andean grassland, the ‘paramo’.
The Amazon Ecuador’s Amazon region, known as the Oriente, is much easier to reach from the Andes than the Amazonian regions of Brazil, Peru or Bolivia, and there are attractive lodges such as Kapawi, Sacha, and the Napo Wildlife Centre as well as river cruises to appreciate the jungle. It is best to avoid those areas where oil development has made an impact.
Cuenca Perhaps Ecuador's most enchanting city, graced with attractive colonial architecture, lovely churches and monasteries, and surrounded by gentler mountain scenery. A good base to explore the surrounding area and particularly the dramatic wilderness of El Cajas national park, and the ruins of Ingapirca, Ecuador's only major Inca site.
Banos The spa town of Banos is worth a visit, but more rewarding is the surrounding region with its pleasantly warm subtropical climate, lush green hills dotted with waterfalls, and the currently-active Tungurahua volcano that looms over the town.. Lodges in the area offer a good base for horse riding, hiking, biking and whitewater rafting in the surrounding mountains. Banos is also one of the gateways into the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Otavalo 96 kms north of Quito, Otavalo has the best-known indigenous market in Ecuador. Saturday is the main day, but the market is active every day and is marvellously colourful. 45,000 Otavalenos are involved in the textile industry, whether as weavers, knitters, spinners, or vendors, and head down from the mountains for the market. As they have done since colonial times, but they have developed a strong and proud indigenous heritage. Their costumes - the men in black ponchos and ponytails, the women in elaborately embroidered white blouses – are very distinctive. Otavalo is however just one of several very attractive markets worth visiting in the Ecuadorian Andes.
Machalilla Ecuador's Pacific coastline is lined with some attractive beaches, dense mangrove swamps, peaceful Afro-Ecuadorian fishing villages, and several lively towns. A highlight is Machalilla national park, north of Guayaquil, where there are attractive unspoilt beaches, virgin tropical forests and an offshore island, Isla de la Plata, where boobies, frigate birds and albatrosses can be observed.
EI Nariz del Diablo A dramatic train ride, even on the roof if desired, from Riobamba down a near-vertical wall of rock known as The Devil's Nose. |
