Spanish-speaking Ecuador is located in South America on the Pacific Ocean. Peru also includes the Galapagos Islands and the Andes Mountains run from north to south. Ecuador’s neighbors are Peru and Colombia. Ecuador is a country with many faces. For example, snow occurs in the Andes Mountains, there are still several active volcanoes and the Amazon rainforest in eastern Ecuador has very tropical and warm jungles. The capital Quito is located more than twenty-five hundred meters above sea level. From this height you can suffer from altitude sickness. If you suffer from respiratory problems or are generally not in good shape, this is something to take into account. The city of Quito has a distinctive historic center with beautiful ancient architecture. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Ecuador.
Ecuador ‘s Top 10 Attractions
#1. Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most important destinations in the world for nature lovers. This is where Charles Darwin spent years of research proving his theory of evolution. A visit to the Galapagos Islands means that you are, as it were, following in Darwin’s footsteps and entering a world of unparalleled beauty.
Think snow-white beaches, a bright blue sea, volcanic rock formations, turtles and a mountainous landscape and the accompanying pictures will soon be in your photo album. The Galapagos Islands is a wonderful holiday destination west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Because mass tourism is not yet applicable here, you can enjoy the nature, the animals and the peaceful life on the islands exceptionally well. The Galapagos Islands consist of Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Española, Pinta, San Salvador, Floreana, San Cristóbal, Marchena and a few other very small islands. The most famous of the bunch is Isabela. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Ecuador.
#2. Cotopaxi National Park
The symbol of Cotapaxi National Park is the snowy peak of the Cotopaxi volcano. The volcano is also known as ‘The Neck of the Moon’. This still active volcano is therefore a picture to see. Enthusiasts can climb the Cotopaxi mountain. You must be in good condition and well equipped with warm clothes and good shoes. In the Cotapaxi National Park, all kinds of active tours are offered in different levels of difficulty.
#3. Otavalo
Although Ecuador has several Indian villages, we would especially like to recommend Otavalo. Otavalo is a city in the north of Ecuador. The original inhabitants of Ecuador were Indians and so in Otalvalo that was the Indian tribe Otavaleños. This Indian tribe used to live very frugally and in small communes. Nowadays you only encounter the Indians on the market or in the Indian village of Peguche, just outside the city. They often still wear traditional clothing and sell all kinds of items such as pan flutes, ponchos and hats.
#4. Quito
The high-altitude capital of Ecuador, Quito, is a busy city. In addition to a historic center, the city also has a very large city park, called Metropolitano and the Amusement Park ‘VulQano Park’ with a cable car that takes you up about four thousand meters. Once at the top of the Pichincha volcano you will be treated to an amazing view over the city.
The historic center of Quito has been part of UNESCO since 1978. In particular, Basilica del Voto Nacional and Carondelet Palace are the most favorite among the visitors. The historic center of Quito is considered the most important historical area of Latin America.
#5. Machalilla National Park
The tropical forests, the Sulfur lagoon and beautiful beaches such as Playa de los Frailes in Machalilla National Park, are places that you should definitely see. Machalilla National Park is located in Manabi Province and even has an island that falls within the park’s boundaries. In addition to some monkeys and armadillos, there are more than two hundred species of birds. And from the coast you can regularly spot humpback whales.
#6. Quilotoa crater lake
Where large volcanic eruptions took place for hundreds of years, today a beautiful crater lake remains. The westernmost crater lake Quilotoa can be admired from Mirador del Quilotoa or by descending from very close by. The green color of the water comes from minerals. Various organizations offer all kinds of cycling and walking tours in the region.
#7. Las Cajas National Park
At more than four thousand meters above sea level is the Las Cajas National Park. It was not recognized as a national park until 1996. The highest point of the park is at four thousand four hundred and fifty meters, at Cerro Arquitectos. Cajas National Park is especially popular for its lakes, bird species such as the Andean condor and hummingbird and the beautiful landscapes.
#8. Tortuga Bay
On the island of Santa Cruz you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador. A protected beach indeed. At the Tortuga Bay of Santa Cruz you can start a walk within the domain of the animal life on this island. You will also come across some iguanas, crabs, pelicans and maybe even a Galapagos tortoise. Tortuga Bay is not called tortuga for nothing, which means turtle.
#9. Cuenca
The southern city of Cuenca is located in the immediate vicinity of the Tomebamba River. This river originates from El Cajas National Park and runs all the way into the Amazon. At the beginning of the sixteenth century, a city called Tomebamba was founded on this spot by the Incas. Cuenca has meanwhile also been given the nickname ‘Athens of Ecuador’. The center of Cuenca has been included in the UNESCO list since 1999. The many historic architecture, such as the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción de Cuenca cathedral and the many colonial buildings, give the city a particularly romantic atmosphere.
#10. Ingapirca
The most important Inca ruins of Ecuador are located in the province of Cañar. The city of Ingapirca, which is located in the province of Cañar, has a very important and valuable landmark in its hands. You can admire the ‘Templo del Sol’ temple of the sun, priestly residences such as ‘Aposentos’, structures of houses and ceremonial spaces from the Inca civilization.
