Ecuador: Updates & Travel

Travel in Ecuador?
Updates Ecuador

Travel in Ecuador?

In Ecuador you will find the colorful markets, the Amazon area where you can make beautiful jungle trips, and the coastal areas with quiet, traditional fishing villages. There are also very lively seaside resorts where you can really let loose. You can also visit the Galapagos Islands: this costs a penny extra, but the beautiful surroundings are worth it. You can swim with dolphins, and also see other animals such as sea lions, penguins, large turtles, pelicans and iguanas. The underwater world is beautiful
In Ecuador you will find the colorful and now world-famous Indian markets, nice for souvenirs and a cultural experience.
Between Quito and Cuenca in the valley you will find many mountains and volcanoes. The most famous volcano with eternal snow is the Cotopaxi (5,897m). The Cotopaxi National Park is also located here. The snow-capped Chimborazo (6,310m) is a challenge for mountain climbers.
From Cuenca you can go to the Inca Pirca, the most important and best preserved ruin from the Inca era.
In the east, the Oriente, lies the Amazon region with many species of flora and fauna. There are various options for an Amazon trip. Make sure you are well informed when choosing your trip.
By train you can go from Alausi to Huigran along the scary, but fantastic, Devil's Nose Route.
On the Galapagos Islands you can snorkel with sharks, swim with sea lions and penguins, admire the many iguanas, see the famous Darwin finches and experience what it is like when animals have little fear of people. Because this comes with a hefty price tag, the number of boats that sail you and your fellow passengers along the islands remains somewhat limited. You are certainly not the only one, but you do not have to queue. If you can't afford the Galapagos, there is a reasonable alternative in the form of 'little Galapagos' (Isla de la Plata, near Manta on the coast of Ecuador) known as the Galapagos Islands for the poor.
The capital Quito is located in the Andes Valley. Here you can visit the old city center, the Casa de la Cultura museum, stroll through the crowded market, visit the colonial churches or play volleyball in the city park.
In Baños, a very relaxed village in a beautiful area, you will find hot springs, an ice-cold waterfall on the edge of the Tungurahua volcano, beautiful horse riding routes through the mountains for experienced and inexperienced riders, hiking trails and mountain bike trails. If you have trouble with the altitude in Quito, you can easily get used to it in Baños, which is located a bit lower.
North of Quito lies Otavalo where the famous Saturday market is held, the meeting place for the colorful Indian population. Pan flutes, sweaters, caps, scarves and bags change hands and eventually end up in Europe. If you travel a little further, you can make the unforgettable trip from Ibarra to Esmaraldas.
There are also very lively seaside resorts where you can party, for example in Montañita.
Be prepared that on the night buses that travel long distances, the drivers sometimes drive like crazy. People are also often robbed on these night buses. So be on your guard.
If you are going on a jungle tour through the rainforest, the rainy season can sometimes spoil the fun.
If you do not speak Spanish, it can be difficult to find your way. English is not spoken everywhere and even Spanish is sometimes difficult for the native population!
Be prepared that the Galapagos Islands are fantastic and at the same time a drain on your wallet.