Ecuador is a tourists' paradise:
there are literally hundreds of different activities catering
for the tastes of all different types of holidaymakers
- from hiking, scuba diving, skiing, climbing, and trekking,
and so on, and so on... However, if you have limited time,
the following, in no particular order, are the top ten
things you can do when you're in Ecuador:
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands
(Archipelago de Caolon) are a World Heritage site comprising
of 13 major volcanic islands (and more than 40 smaller
islands) some 500 miles off the west coast of Ecuador.
Located exactly on the equator, these wonderful islands
are home to some of the rarest and most spectacular animals,
plants and fauna in the world. If you love water activities,
then the sailing,
snorkeling and scuba diving
here are superb. Land-lovers, however, can avail themselves
of some of the best bird-watching
available anywhere in the world today. For the more adventurous,
there is also the chance to catch-up with some land iguana.
So, why not take a step back in time and relax in the
part of the world that inspired Charles Darwin to change
the way that man saw his natural environment. Flights
to the Galapagos Islands leave from both Quito and Guayaquil
daily and flying time is approximately 3 hours.
Amazon Tour
If you think you need to take a trip to Brazil to see
the Amazon Rain
Forest, think again! Although Ecuador's share of the
Amazon Rain Forest only accounts for some 2% of the forest's
total size, that 2% is also home to one-third of its total
species diversity! As you can no doubt imagine then, a
trip to Ecuador's part of the Amazon Rain Forest means
that you'll be visiting one of the richest places in the
world for species diversity. Within a day's drive of the
capital Quito, a trip to the Amazon is not only a natural
splendor, but a must-do!
Avenue of Volcanoes - Banos
The Avenue of
Volcanoes is a valley to south of Ecuador's capital
Quito bordered by twin mountain ranges. Here you'll not
only see some of the most isolated indigenous Indian villages
in South America, with tribes of people living the same
way as they have done for centuries, but you'll also be
lucky enough to take-in some of the world's most spectacular
wild flowers.
Quito
As the capital of Ecuador, you're most probably thinking
that Quito is a typical modern
city and the cultural center of the country. On the one
part, you'd be correct. However, the splendor of Quito
is that it is so much more than this. In Quito you'll
have the chance to meet traditional Quichua-speaking women
shopping in their traditional clothes and going about
their daily lives as they would anywhere else in the country.
What's more, Quito's hugely diverse collection of churches,
monasteries and convents, such as the Neo-Gothic
church built in 1892, will simply take your breath
away.
Those of you looking for a more sedate pace can take
advantage of the wonderfully scenic views on offer from
one of the many cafes found in the city. The art-lovers
among you should not miss the chance to see the Guayasamin
Museum.
The Devil's nose train
Surrounded on all sides by a corridor of snow-capped volcanic
mountains, The Devil's
Nose train is one of the world's most famous train
rides - and a spectacle sought out by all train aficionados!
The track zig-zags down the mountain passing small indigenous
villages on the way. Also seen on the way down the mountain
are the lakes of the Andean Sierras.
The Devil's Nose train is also another magnificent way
to see one of the most important historic sites of Ecuador
- the Ingapirca archaeological
complex.
Cuenca
Ecuador is a historian's paradise and Cuenca,
a colonial town with many of the splendors of colonial
life still prevalent, is the exemplification of this!
This splendid town still retains its cobbled streets,
ironwork balconies and red-tiled roofs. With its vast
array of churches, museums and art galleries, there is
literally something for everyone here. However, the highlight
of any visit to this town will be having a coffee in the
town center as you take in the sight of the Catedral Nueva,
with its large blue domes and magnificent stain-glass
windows. All of which make Cuenca a pleasurable sight
for sore eyes!
Otavalo Markets
If local handicrafts are high up on your shopping list
then a trip to the Otavalo
markets is a must-do!
Otavalo is a small town located a few hours drive from
Quito. The town has some of the most magnificent indigenous
shopping you'll find anywhere in Ecuador and to miss it
would be a great shame. The Otavalo markets have been
selling their ware for centuries. These days, Otavalo
market day is Saturday. Be warned though, this is a social
event, as well as a commercial one, so be prepared to
have a chat with the locals at the same time as looking
for that special item for your home!
Riobamba
A visit to Riobamba is a must
for all those looking for a little more of an adventurous
holiday. From Riobamba it is possible for you to take
a hiking tour, or even a mountain biking tour. However,
if physical exertion is not your thing, the old colonial
charm and various shopping options, especially at the
Saturday market in the town's stately square, should help
to keep you entertained!
Riobamba is also where you come if you want to avail
yourself of the sights on the famous Nariz
del Diablo train ride - which will take you on a journey
from the cool highlands of Ecuador, through the clouds,
until you end up at the coastal jungle. All in all, the
journey should take around 5 hours.
Cotopaxi Mountain Climbing
The Cotopaxi Mountain rises
spectacularly above the Andean mountain-range and is one
of the most sought-after sights in all of Ecuador. Cotopaxi
Mountain is volcanic and is distinguished by its almost
perfect cone-like shape. Indeed, the mountain is so famous
that pictures of Cotopaxi Mountain can be found in every
picture-book of Ecuador.
If mountain climbing is your "thing", there can be few
greater exhilarating feelings than reaching the peak of
Cotopaxi Mountain - with its spectacular view of the surrounding
snow-capped Andean landscape. The center of the mountain
is an 800 meters wide, sulphur, crater.
Note, however, that whilst you do not need to be a mountaineer
in order to make this climb, you will need to be in good
physical condition; but for those of you who can make
it - this really is a climb of a lifetime!
Paraque Nacional Sangay
Paraque Nacional Sangay contains two active volcanoes
and the entire spectrum of ecosystems found in Ecuador
- from tropical rainforests to snow-capped mountain ranges,
and even glaciers! Today the park is a World Heritage
Site and of particular concern to the World Wildlife Fund
(WWF) due to its huge diversity, some of which is being
eroded away by tourists and locals looking to cater to
locals. Consequently, if you come to Paraque Nacional
Sangay, and if you have the chance you really should,
then please pay attention to the numerous warning signs
that you'll find here so that a future generation may
take advantage of all the splendors you're sure to find
here.
