Top 10 things to do in Ecuador
Monday, 10th August 2009
Ecuador lies across the equator, from which it got its name, in the north west of South America between Peru, Colombia and the Pacific Ocean.
The climate is tropical along the coast and in the Amazon rain forest, and temperate up in the Andes. There are plenty of things to see and do there, and there a few suggestions below in no particular order.
1.Go on a tour of the Amazon rainforests
Within a day’s drive of Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, you can find the Amazon rainforest, or at least part of it. The forest covers about half of Ecuador and is home of a huge variety of species.
2.Visit the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands lie about 600 miles off the west coast of Ecuador. They are classed as a World Heritage site, and comprise over 50 islands that have a great diversity of wildlife and flora, much of which is found nowhere else. The islands are a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers, and also a good place for water sports. There are daily flights from Quito and Guayaquil which take about 3 hours.
3.Visit Quito
Quito, also a World Heritage site, is one of the highest capital cities in the world. It sits on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active volcano, and is home to numerous fine Spanish colonial buildings in its historic centre, which has changed little since it was found in 1534. There is also a vast array of interesting churches, museums and other attractions.
4.Visit Cuenca
Cuenca, in the south of the country, also contains a historic centre, parts of which, such as the Old Cathedral (Iglesia de El Sagrario) dates back to 1557, when the city was founded by the Spanish. As well as being home to many interesting buildings, Cuenca is a good place to learn Spanish with a good choice of language schools.
5.Explore the Andes
A good place from which to explore the Andes is Baños, a small city in the north of the country. From here you go mountain trekking, rafting, mountain biking, and/or go on rain forest tours.
6.Learn Spanish in Guayaquil
The large port city of Guayaquil in the south of Ecuador has numerous Spanish language schools offering a range of courses, as well as a variety of other attractions.
7.Go bird watching in Mindo
In the foothills of the Andes and to the west of Quito is the small town of Mindo, where you can see many rare and exotic birds.
8.Take a train up the mountains
From Riobamba you can travel to Alausí via el Nariz del Diablo (the Devil’s Nose). The route takes you via spectacular scenery as it zigzags up the mountains.
9.Trek through the Avenue of Volcanoes
A good trek to make is along the Avenue of Volcanoes to the south of Quito where you also can see isolated villages where people live the way they have for centuries, as well as an amazing array of wild flowers.
10.Relax on the beaches
The most popular beaches in Ecuador can be found in Esmeraldas in the north west of the country. The warm tropical climate, beautiful beaches and lively nightlife attract numerous visitors, especially young people.
Tags: cuenca, quito, language course, language, course, ecuador, spanish
Posted by Simon Ager 2009-08 under Experience Cultures,
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