Why Not Visit Equador? Or, Ecuador

It's correctly spelled both ways… everywhere. I've chosen to use the "Equador" spelling. This article will mainly mention Equador but very little about the Galápagos Islands.

It's a small country but it has much geographical, cultural and physical diversity. Going westward, you would have to cross the Amazon Jungle and climb the Andes before reaching its magnificent Pacific coastline. Then you would have to sail to reach the Galápagos Islands. Imagine what Charles Darwin would think if he were able to watch thousands of tourists disembarking from their cruise ships or flying in and out of his much loved Galápagos. Due to its small size, you'll often hear this adage, ""you can see the sun rise over the Amazon, have lunch in the Andes and finish the day by watching the sun set over the Pacific."

Equador's "Middle of the World" location (i.e. on the equator or in the tropics) means it enjoys a vastly greater diversity of vegetation than more temperate areas. It's biological diversity is greatly enhanced by the range in altitudes that the Andes mountain affords and this very mountain range crosses Equador smack down the middle dividing the country into three distinct regions:

The Sierra has huge mountains like Chimborazo (6,319meters), Cotopaxi (at 5,897m), the highest active volcano in the world) and Cayambe (5,790m), the only place with snow at the equator) and active volcanoes including Tungurahua. The Littoral (Pacific Coast) includes the most fertile land in Equador and is home to expansive banana plantations. Its coastline is well known for its pristine tropical beaches, quaint fishing villages and unique wildlife.

The official languages of Equador are Spanish and their indigenous language, Quechua. The importance of Quechua in Ecuador and other Andean countries is best illustrated by the fact that Microsoft™ is planning to release its popular Office software in Quechua in 2006.

Ecuador's primary religion is Catholic, but in recent years there has been a resurgence of native belief-systems as the indigenous people reclaim their identity and voice. Native "religions" revere Pacha mama (Mother Earth) and emphasize the harmonious coexistence with nature.

There is virtually no limit to the activities you can do while you're in Equador - hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hang-gliding, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, whale watching and many other fun things to do. You can find tours of the Amazon Jungle, the Galápagos Islands, treks into the Andes, spiritual and Shamanic tours and white water rafting trips. In addition to tours of the Galápagos, there are also cruises of varying lengths that travel there.

While you're in Equador you'll want to visit some of these attractions. An excursion on the Chiva Express to see Cotopaxi National Park is one. Their trains are old-fashioned and uncomfortable but it's all part of the fun. Lots of the passengers ride on the roof to see the great views, but it can be a bit cool on a cloudy day. (This runs from Quito.) Then there is the bustling port, Guayaquil, the Amazon and the Andes.

Quito, the capital, lies at an elevation of 9000 feet in the province of Pichincha ,surrounded by the Andes mountains. The city was founded as San Francisco de Quito in 1534 by the Spanish conquistadors. Its historic center, the "Old City," features narrow, winding cobblestone streets, open squares and magnificent churches. The buildings reflect Spanish colonial influence with their balconies, thick columns, tile roofs and central patios. European influences, combined with the inspiration of indigenous art, has created a very unique Quiteño style. Because of its artwork, Quito has been termed the "Florence of America." In Quito's historic center there are an increasing number of excellent hotels, fine restaurants, casual cafes, theaters and night clubs and interesting shops.

Guayaquil, nestled on the right bank of the Guayas River in Equador's litoral (Pacific Coast), is the main port city and the economic capital of Equador. The new Malecón (Boardwalk) 2000, is an enormous riverfront project that with shops, eateries, art galleries, museums, etc.

Salinas is a beautiful beach and resort about 141 kilometers from Guayaquil. It's the vacation spot for the upper class and a favorite beach destination for foreign visitors. Large skyscrapers, towering against the blue sky and ocean, have grown up as well as shopping centers, hotels and other businesses.

Additional resources to check out before traveling to this country are-
Gotoday.com
Exitotravel.com
Pacificholidaysinc.com