Picturesque colonial centres, Kichwa villages, Amazonian rainforest and the breathtaking heights of the Andes – Ecuador may be small, but it has a dazzling array of wonders.
The famed Galapagos Islands with their volcanic otherworldly landscapes are a magnet for wildlife lovers. Combine this with Amazonian rainforest, the historic centres of Quito and Cuenca, and fascinating indigenous culture and a trip to Ecuador can seem like stepping into a fairy tale. Quito’s vibrant Spanish colonial Centro historic oh is packed with elaborate churches and monasteries. With bustling clauses and looming bell towers, history lurks around every corner of this well-preserved Center.
There aren’t many places that can beat the Galapagos for Close Encounters of the prehistoric kind. The marine iguanas bask in the Sun and go about their slow-moving business with little concern for clicking cameras. Every Saturday the world seems to converge on the bustling indigenous town of Otavalo in the Andes. This huge market offers some incredible bargains among the traditional crafts rugs and striking folk art. this vast tract of unspoiled rainforest contains dazzling biodiversity that’s matched almost nowhere else on earth. excitement filled canoe trips and hikes across the jungle reveal flowers, plants, and creatures of all kinds.
Cuenca: this UNESCO world heritage site has been charming visitors since the 16th century with its cobblestone streets and remarkable cathedral the town also offers museums, galleries, great nightlife, and some of Ecuador’s best eateries.
December to May offers warm temperatures on the coast and is also the most popular time to visit the Galapagos. Travel cost in Ecuador and the Galapagos can range from less than $30 a day if you choose dorm beds and set meals, to over $100 a day for top lodges and guided tours.
local buses are cheap and frequent. Hiring a boat will let you make a DIY trip around the four main inhabited Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos is definitely the best conserved tropical archipelago in the world. It’s not just about its famous touristic place. It’s mainly about Galapagos’ unique functional ecosystem.
This country seems to have it all and green peaks, Amazon rainforest sun-drenched beaches and a famous chain of volcanic islands full of fascinating wildlife. But the best of all is the Ecuadorians themselves; kind-hearted and generous they are the nation’s greatest Treasure.
