At the invitation of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism I recently travelled to
Ecuador,
for a tour of this small country on the east coast of South America. I had already been there and again I noticed the enormous variety: from snowy volcanoes to tropical rainforest and from colonial cities to the extraordinary Galapagos Islands.
The journey starts in the capital Quito; it exudes the atmosphere of the province, not least by the still large presence of indígenas (Indians) from the highlands coming to the city. No big urban antics, but a beautifully restored colonial centre. Top hotel Casa Gangotena on the Plaza San Francisco is a colonial gem.
Galapagos is one of the most unique must see nature destinations in South America and rightly so! Nowhere in the world are you so close to giant turtles, iguanas, sea lions and many endemic bird species. The most special thing I found was that everywhere you look something moves or happens. Don’t spend hours looking for wildlife, you’re tripping over it. Nature has the upper hand here!
And it is beautiful if you can admire like this special, from a very nice property; the Galapagos Safari Camp,also ideal for with children.
Don’t forget to visit the charming, colonial
Cuenca
in the south of the country at an altitude of 2500 meters. With its narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings with red roof tiles, beautiful squares and churches with domes, it is a nice mix of modern with Indian: interesting and colourful markets, but also good restaurants and entertainment options.
On the way along the Avenue of the giant Volcanoes in the highlands I look out my eyes. Here the couleur locale vibrates with colourful Indian cattle markets and authentic eateries.
Baños
is on the road to the Amazon and is known for its volcanic hot springs all around. I stay at the Luna Runtun spa hotel overlooking the valley and beautiful apartments. The area around Baños is beautiful and invites you on the hiking, rafting or horseback riding; the climate is delightful. I’d like to stay here. But the Amazon is calling.
On the edge of the vast
Amazon forest
there are many Indian settlements; it’s very nice to visit this one and learn more from how the people live here. We’ve been to Chilipunga. The Indians in these villages speak Quechua, but learn Spanish at school. Cassava is the most important agricultural product and is also widely used for the famous Chicha, a spattered welcome drink. We were invited for a meal with catfish and cassava (cassava) with as an extra delicacy live worms. Then there is dancing and singing and life seems beautiful and pure!
Furthermore, it is good to stay on the river with a truck inner tube. This tubben was new to me, but I want to… There is not much wildlife in this area around Puerto Misahualli, for that you will have to fly deeper into the Amazon forest, for example to Coca or Shell. For the local culture this is a nice place with open heartwarming people.
Back in Quito I sleep in a fairytale hotel Ruma Loma, just outside the city with beautiful apartments, colourful interiors and celebrities at the bar. The restaurant is one of the best in the country, I dream. Or is it because of the height difference?The last day quickly do some shopping on the market for home and then with a satisfied feeling on the plane.
Would you like to travel to Ecuador and experience what I have experienced? Be inspired by our offer to Ecuador and the Galapagos and request a travel proposal without obligation.
