ECUADOR’S MAJOR TOURIST DESTINATIONS
The Andean Sierra
The Andean highlands, formed by two mountain ranges separated by a long valley, has some 30 volcano peaks (15 of them over 15.000 feet high!) offering spectacular scenery. Many small cities and Indian towns dot the famed “Avenue of the Volcanoes” and provide excellent bargains at outdoor Indian markets.
Quito: at 9.000 feet altitude, Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It was originally an Inca city and then was refounded in 1534 by a lieutenant of Pizarro. There is an “old” city with cobblestone streets, parks and plazas, and colonial architecture –several of the 86 churches are notable for their interiors, including the famed La Compañía with its ornate richly sculptured façade and altar. There are a variety of hotels, most in the downtown area. Avenida Amazonas, the main street, is lined with shops, businesses and sidewalk cafes. In addition to the basic city tour and shopping, a half day excursion will take you to the Equatorial Monument –to the discoverers of the Equator in 1735- the center of a park with restaurants and shops. Have your picture taken with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern, for a photo unsurpassed anywhere else on earth! Quito, a charming city in itself, serves as the base from which to discover the many small towns in the picturesque Andean highlands.
Traveling the Galapagos
Located 600 miles into the Pacific Ocean, these remote volcanic islands provided Darwin the basis for this Theory of Evolutions. Connected to the mainland by two air strips served by modern jet air service, the Galapagos National Park’s 13 main islands, 42 smaller ones and innumerous unnamed specks of land, have wildlife that has no fear of man. Visitors walk on marked trails –uphill, cross-country and over lava bolders- to view an incredible array of birds, land and marine iguanas, and frolicking sea lions. Among the unique species found no where else on earth is the swallow-tailed gull, the only nocturnal feeding gull and the marine iguana, the only ocean feeding iguana on earth. The waved albatross nests only on one island in the world, Hood in the southern archipelago. The giant tortoises after which the islands are named can be viewed at the Charles Darwin Research Station or during a full day excursion into the highlands on Santa Cruz island.
Getting around the islands: there are three 90-passenger “cruise ships” offering 3, 4 and 7 nights itineraries to the major visitor sites in the islands. All offer air-conditioned cabins with private facilities and ample on-board services, but can not be called a “cruise ship” in the same terminology as in the Caribbean. The ships provide a comfortable, safe method of moving between the islands. There is also a fleet of small boats which provide 7 night itineraries –most offer minimal comforts but there are now some new super-deluxe luxury yachts as well. What passengers give up in comfort and privacy by traveling on the yachts is gained by a closer intimacy with the animal themselves. Most yachts are for “charter” only, with accommodations for 4-16 passengers. The method of travel will be greatly determined by the travelers routing, lenght of stay and desires.
A few travel hints: all visitors to the islands must meet two qualification: they must be physically capable of the often challenging terrain and they must love nature, for the solitary reason to visit the Galapagos is to experience the wildlife. The “garua” or “rainy” season is from May through November and provides relief from the equatorial sun beating against the volcanic islands, while December through April is considered the dry season. Any time is the right time to go (unless you are scientifically interested in a particular species) as the animal are abundant and active on a year round basis. Appropriate clothing is casual. Swimming suits and shorts-jeans-teeshirts are predominant. Absolute musts are sun protection, a hat and a fanny or small backpack. Bug repellent is recommended though often not necessary.
The coastal lowlands
Along the Pacific coastal lands are several towns of importance. Warm and humid, the area is rich in tropical agriculture.
Guayaquil: is the country’s largest city and the main port and commercial city. Dotted with parks and plazas, Guayaquil sits on the west bank of the Guayas River 56 kilometers from its outflow into the Gulf of Guayaquil. There are several excellent centrally located hotels and many fine restaurants with outstanding seafood! Visit the oldest district of the city, Las Peñas, at the foot of Cerro Santa Ana with the city’s oldest church, Santo Domingo is built in 1548. Walk along the riverwalk “Malecon” and stroll along the bustling streets lined with outdoor vendors. Guayaquil has several interesting museums. There are three main shopping centers (Policentro, Unicentro and Albán Borja) and street vendors along the downtown streets. Handicrafts abound in the shop and at the airport shops.
Amazonia
East of the Cordillera begins Amazonia, often referred to as the “Oriente”, a vast tropical area that covers 36% of the country’s territory with only 3% of the population! Though accessible by several roads during rather ardurously long day trips via edge of the jungle towns, most take the convenient short flight to the air strip at Lago Agrio from where penetration of the legendary Amazon Basin begins. While tourist facilities are limited, several lodges offer clean, comfortable accommodations and excursions into the jungle that can range from easy to challenging. Limoncocha, a frontier jungle town, and the nearby lagoon with over 460 species of birds, are visited during the cruise. For the truly adventurous, private camping expeditions penetrating deep into the jungle can be arranged. The National Reserve Cuyabeño, Mishualli on the upper Napo, La Selva and the area of Puyo all offer jungle opportunities. Necessary gear includes rain and sun protection, good walking shoes and bug repellent –malaria shots are recommended.
Why should I sell Ecuador?
Ecuador’s varied topography offers varied travel experiences, from the Amazon to the Andes to the coast. Combined with ease of accessibility and reasonable costs, Ecuador adds up to “something for everyone, even on a budget”.
Who can I sell Ecuador to?
For vacation travelers, Ecuador is an excellent single destination country and it is often included within “Andean itineraries” and also within “Around South America” programs.
Ecuador abounds with special interest opportunities –birdwatching, nature, diving, trekking, mountain climbing.
How do you get there? How do you get around?
Ecuador has daily flights from Europe (direct from Amsterdam and Madrid), USA (direct flights from Miami, New York, Houston, Atlanta) and has good connections with other countries in South America.
City Codes:
UIO = Quito
GYE = Guayaquil
CUE = Cuenca
GPS = Galapagos (Baltra & San Cristobal)
OCC = Coca (Amazon)
HOW TO OVERCOME POSSIBLE SALES OBSTACLES?
Ecuador rarely suffers from pre-conceived expectations, making it easy to sell.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.vivecuador.com/
