picturesque colonial centers quichua
villages amazonian rainforest and the
breathtaking heights of the andes
ecuador may be small but it has a
dazzling array of wonders
the famed galapagos islands with their
volcanic otherworldly landscapes are a
magnet for wildlife lovers
combine this with amazonian rainforest
the historic centers of quito and cuenca
and fascinating indigenous culture and a
trip to ecuador can seem like stepping
into a fairy tale
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keto's vibrant spanish colonial centro
historico is packed with elaborate
churches and monasteries with bustling
plazas and looming bell towers history
lurks around every corner of this
well-preserved center
there aren't many places that can beat
the galapagos for close encounters of
the prehistoric kind the marine iguanas
bask in the sun and go about their slow
moving business with little concern for
clicking cameras
every saturday the world seems to
converge on the bustling indigenous town
of otovalo in the andes this huge market
offers some incredible bargains among
the traditional crafts rugs and striking
folk art
this vast tract of unspoiled rainforest
contains dazzling biodiversity that's
matched almost nowhere else on earth
excitement filled canoe trips and hikes
across the jungle reveal flowers plants
and creatures of all kinds
this unesco world heritage site has been
charming visitors since the 16th century
with its cobblestone streets and
remarkable cathedral the town also
offers museums galleries great nightlife
and some of ecuador's best eateries
december to may offers warm temperatures
on the coast and is also the most
popular time to visit the galapagos
travel costs in ecuador and the
galapagos can range from less than
thirty dollars a day if you choose dorm
beds and set meals to over a hundred
dollars a day for top lodges and guided
tours
local buses are cheap and frequent
hiring a boat will let you make a diy
trip around the four main inhabited
galapagos islands
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this country seems to have it all andean
peaks amazon rainforest sun-drenched
beaches and a famous chain of volcanic
islands full of fascinating wildlife but
the best of all are the ecuadorians
themselves kind-hearted and generous
they are the nation's greatest treasure
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