UNIQUE ECUADOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

UNIQUELY ECUADOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Ecuador, although relatively small, offers an incredible range of touist attractions and activities, from the Galapagos Islands, mountaineering, white water rafting, thermal hot baths, indigenous markets, volcanic lagoons, volcanoes & lakes, the white sandy beaches of the Pacific coast, shopping, historic Colonial architecture, music and gastronomy, scenic panoramas, lush rainforest and the list goes on and on an on!

At the top of the list, without a doubt are the Galapagos Islands - a natural paradise of evolution in process. No visit to Ecuador is complete without a cruise in Galapagos.

Quito, nestled in the heart of the Andean sierra, is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. The historic Colonial sector of Quito is an historic and culural experience in itself.

Ecuador has a bit of everything for everyone ... culture, history, nature, adventure, gastronomy.

"Make Ecuador your next visit ... its charm and uniqueness will stay with you".

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK Deserves a whole site for itself! The best option is a 7-night cruise to experience the wonder and uniqueness of the islands - aboard a Galapagos boat that is comfortable, safe & reliable and with a good naturalist guide aboard. The onboard naturalist guide is one of the most important factors on a Galapagos Islands cruise. Highlights include the Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Blue-footed boobies, Waved Albatross, Marine Iguanas, Flightless Cormorants ..... See our Galapagos section for more details.

HISTORIC COLONIAL QUITO The historic (Colonial) sector of Quito is a wonder of Colonial architecture, from its churches, plazas and palaces. Highlights include Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande), Plaza San Francisco, Iglesia de la Compania, Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Igelsia de la Merced, San Agustin Monastry, the Basilica, Panecillo hill This is popularly combined with a visit to Mitad del Mundo (Equatorial Line village). (more details) Tours from $25 (additional cost not included).

OTAVALO INDIGENOUS ARTISAN MARKET Barter and trade for ceramics, wood carvings, textiles, paintings, musical instruments, jewelry, to name a few. This market operates every day of the week, with Saturday followed by Wednesday being the busiest (most tourist). Located 90 minutes north of Quito, this is a shoppers paradise. A visit to Otavalo isn't complete without a visit to Peguchi & Cotacachi (reknowned for its leather works). Tours from $45 (additional cost not included). For a deeper appreciation and experience of the art of hand weaving .... here

SAQUISILI INDIGENOUS MARKET (Thursdays) This working Andean market is a feast for your sense (sights, sounds, aromas). Opperating only on Thursdays, the town is filled with local campesinos selling their local products at the various markets scattered throughout the town - mainly fruits and vegetables. Located about 90 minutes south of Quito, a visit to this market is usually combined with a visit to Cotopaxi National Park or a visit to the Quilotoa Volcanic Lagoon. Tours from $45 (additional cost not included).

AMAZON JUNGLE RAIN FOREST Bio-diversity at its extreme! Top recommendations go out to the Napo Wildlife Centre, Sacha Lodge, La Selva & Kapawi Lodge. Other highly recommended options include the Manatee River Boat and Sani Lodge. Most tours run from Monday to Friday (4-nights) or Friday to Monday (3-nights), with the vast majority requiring round trip flights from Quito to Coca or Lago Agrio. See our Amazon rainforest section for more details.

COTOPAXI VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK The Cotopaxi National Park is located about 90 minutes due south of Quito. Visitors have two basic tour options: (1) a naturalist day trip; or (2) a 2 or 3 day climbing package. Mountain biking, horseback riding and a visit to a hacienda are alternative options in this Park. There are a number of interesting haciendas (working farms) in the area. Options: Private & shared-basis tours. Special section coming soon.

BELLAVISTA CLOUDFOREST 320 hummingbirds species are know to science & over 50% are found in Ecuador. The best place to get up close to these beautiful creatures is at the Bellavista Cloudforest Reserve. Other highlights include a myriad of orchids and other tropical vegetation. Options: Private & shared-basis tours. See our special Bellavista Cloudforest section for more details.

BAÑOS & surroundings Banos is perfectly situated as a jumping spot into the Ecuadorian Amazon rain forest (Tena / Misahualli region), or a travel spot to rest and relax while traveling north or south. Banos is known for its thermal baths, mountain biking (Banos to Puyo), horseback riding and white water rafting. Options: Private & shared-basis tours.

CUENCA & INGAPIRCA Cuenca is considered the craft center of Ecuador, with excellent ceramics and bronzework being produced by its craftsmen. Nearby, a visit to Cajas National Park and Ingapirca ruins are worth the visit. (Rates vary greatly depending on dates, guides etc).

CAFE GALLETTI COFFEE

other interesting facts

OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF ECUADOR THAT ARE OF INTEREST
QUILOTOA LAGOON Approximately 14 km to the north of Zumbahua lies the village and infamous volcanic crater of Quilotoa with a serene mysterious looking green lake inside. Quilotoa lagoon is a perfect example of one of the various extinct volcanoes that are now volcanic lagoons. The crystalline water in this lagoon is said to contain too many minerals to be purifiable. Options: Private & shared-basis tours. Special section coming soon.

HACIENDAS Ecuador is home to numerous haciendas [a Spanish word for an estate, usually, but not always, a vast ranch or farm. Some haciendas were plantations]. Some better known haciendas throughout Ecuador include: Abraspungo (Riobamba), Chorlavi (Imbabura), Cusin (Otavalo), Guachala (Cayambe), Hato Verde (Lasso), La Alegria (Aloag), La Andaluza (Riobamba), La Carriona (Sangolqui), La Cienega (Lasso), Leito (Patate), Manteles (Patate), Pinsaqui (Otavalo), San Agustin de Callo (Cotopaxi), San Jorge (via Nono), Yanahurco (Cotopaxi), Angamarca (Quilotoa) ... to name a few. Special section coming soon.

PAPALLACTA THERMAL BATHS Located about an hour east of Quito and perched on a high Andean valley at the entrance route to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle, the spa - resort offers its visitors health, recreation, adventure and rest. The hydrothermal value of Termas de Papallacta's Hot Springs is thanks to Papallacta's location between two volcanoes, Volcano Cayambe and Volcano Antisana. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odourless, colourless but have a slightly salty taste. Special section coming soon.

JACCHIGUA FOLKLORIC BALLET The permanent choreographic mounting of the National Folkloric Ballet Jacchigua, is a show with 86 dancers, musicians and ecuadorian technicians that put into scene a spectacular show of traditions and customs of Ecuador. 2.800 kilos of costumes and technique elements are utilized by the dancers in choreographies designed by the director. Special section coming soon.

PUERTO LOPEZ / MONTANITA This region is famous for the Humpback whales are present in the waters (epscially in the Machalilla National Park) between June and September. The Humpback whales (megaptera novaeangliae) migrate from the Antartic South Pole to tropical waters to mate and give birth to thier calves. The humpback whales are easy to recognize because of their extremely long pectoral fins. These whales can measure up to 16 m of length and weigh up to 40 tons. Humpback whales are the most acrobatic of the bigger whales. They like to breach out the water or hit the surface repetitively with their flippers or flukes. This is not to mention the pristine white-sand beaches, and spectacular beaches for surfing and parasailing that are present throughout the region. Another attraction in this region is Los Frailles National Park, with its peaceful and soft sand beach cove.

ECUADOR CULTURE / HISTORY TOURS

Ecuador is full of history, dating back to the pre-Spaniards. The old, Colonial Quito is full of Colonial architecture, from its ornate churches and plazas, to its cobblestone streets.

The Saquisili market, which operates on Thursdays, is filled with local campesinos selling their local products - mainly fruits and vegetables.

The world-famous Otavalo artisan market operates every day of the week, with Saturday followed by Wednesday being the busiest (most tourist).

Cuenca is considered the craft center of Ecuador, with excellent ceramics and bronzework being produced by its craftsmen.

Above photographs courtesy of Hacienda Angamarca.


TOUR:	"THE PASSION OF THE ANDES"
PROGRAM:	2 days / 1 night
RATE:	USD $150 per person (minimum of 3 people)
note: details & rates subject to change without prior notice

Transportation [Quito - Hacienda - Quito]
Spanish Guide
1 night in the HACIENDA ANGAMARCA
2 breakfasts / 2 lunches /1 dinner.
BONFIRE FIESTA, tipical music, FOLKLORIC BAND, dancing lessons..
Entrance to QUILOTOA LAKE
Rodeo, horse back riding in the ranch, chagreria lessons.
Trekking to The CHIVO ROCKS and TUCUA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE.
Free coffee, tea, andean cocktails
Milking

ITINERARY

DAY 1

We will leave from Quito at 6 a.m. and head south. Your journey will take you through the AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOS. Enjoy breakefast at Posada de Tigua Farm , from where you continue to the spectacular Quilotoa Lagoon, and reach the HACIENDA ANGAMARCA . Enjoy lunch, and in the afternoon you will have experience a typical rodeo, chagreria lessons & horseback riding on the ranch. Close the day with a well-deserved dinner & fiesta.

DAY 2

Learn & practice the art of milking a cow before enjoying a hearty breakfast. You will go trekking to visit the beautiful moor between mountains and abysses over the 3800m (12540ft). Wrap up your unique experience with a visit to the El Chivo mountain.

Other interesting facts & activities ...

Roses are quickly becoming one of Ecuador's major exports. Other flowers include: orchids and bromeliads.

Ecuador is home to over 20,000 species of vascular plants.

Tagua "vegetable ivory" is the ivory palm (Phytelephas aequatorialis) nut. Originally this material was used as buttons but today many other uses have been found (figurines, toys, massagers and other small ornaments).

Named by 16th century missionaries in South America, symbolizing the death of Christ. This woody vine climbs through the supporting vegetation using coiled tendrils.

Ecuador is one the globe's top 17 most biologically diverse countries and has about 10% of all plant species. Orchids alone amount to over 3,500 species! An ideal place in Quito to enjoy these precious flowers is in the Botanical Garden.

Ecuador's geography is one of the most diverse and can be divided into five distinct regions: Amazon rainforest, Andean Sierra, Pacific Coast, Cloudforest and the Galapagos Islands.

Andean music groups from Ecuador can be heard playing in many international cities. Pre-hispanic vocal & instrumental music was based on the pentatonic (five-note) scale, giving its haunting, melodic sounds.

One of Ecuador's most famous artisan products is the Panama Hat, which originated in Montecristi. Contrary to popular belief these hats do not come from Panama.

Shop for precious metal jewelry at the world-famous indigenous artisan market of Otavalo. Items include necklaces, earings, bracelets, and rings.

Ecuador's insect species number more than a million, including 4,500 species of butterflies. They can be found in the Amazon rainforest, Cloudforest, Sierra, Coast and in Galapagos.

Cayambe, just to the north of Quito, is famous for the short bread style biscuits known as bizcochos. These delicious pastries are usually accompanied by the local cheese (queso).