Visit Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Ecuador facts
The population of Ecuador is just about 13 million as at 205. The major ethnic groups comprise of mestizo (a combination of white and Amerindian) 7 per cent of the population comprises of Spanish and others while 3 per cent are blacks. Almost 95% of Ecuador’s population follow the Roman Catholic Church. Official language is Spanish though some Amerindian languages too are spoken. The population growth is of the order of 13% and life expectancy is about 76 years. The literacy rate is 93%. Ecuador got its independence from Spain in 1822, and is divided into 22 provinces. Industrial activity in Ecuador is quite pronounced and they have established a presence in a number of major segments. The attractions around Ecuador are:Quito
Ecuador capital is Quito. The City ranks among South America’s most beautiful cities. Architectural masterpieces of represented by white washed structured adorning red tiled roofs is a common sight. A prominent difference that travelers from larger cities would notice is the absence of neon signs in Quito. Snow capped mountains surround Quito and the climate throughout the year is spring. Ecuador has its share of economic problems and therefore, travelers should be overtly careful about their possessions.Avenue of the Volcanoes
This is a must see when you visit Ecuador. One each side of the valley, you will notice mountain peaks with numerous dormant volcanoes. The small villages in the vicinity give the place the vibes of an old world.Galapagos Islands
Charles Darwin and the Galapagos Islands are truly inseparable. A group of about 19 Islands full of exotic wildlife, as well as plant life is an alluring environment to be in. Entrance to the Island calls for a permit fee of $100. There are several rules the visitors are required to follow, both in letter and spirit to aid the administration in managing the delicate balance of the eco system.San Lorenzo Railway
A ride on this from San Lorenzo to Ibarra can be a rejuvenating experience. Though the train runs its entire distance through absorbing scenery, the train itself is amazing. It is in fact a bus that has been converted to suit the rail road. Something you may never see ever again elsewhere in the world.Unique characteristics
The second smallest country in South America is Ecuador. But, the natural diversity and all that it accompanies cannot be found elsewhere on this earth. Yet the place is so tiny in relative terms. Whether the Amazon rain forests, or the Andean volcanoes, or the warm waters of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has offerings that are large enough to be beholding for any visitor. Ecuador is indeed a dream for lovers of nature. Bizarre jungle plants, exotic birds and orchids, the fearless animals wobbling, hoping, and swimming around the Galapagos islands, fearless of the approaching human, Ecuador has it all.For those with high adrenaline, there is no dearth of choice either. In fact, there are outrageous choices from surfing to horseback riding with a guarantee of an aching body on your way back home. Indigenous heritage and costumes of the highland markets blend with perfect harmony. For colonial architecture, few other cities in the world can compete with Ecuador’s Quito or Cuenca and UNESCO has rightly declared them as World Heritage sites.
Getting there
Several flights operate from both European as well as American cities. You can visit Ecuador through two international airports. Domestic air travel is only by two airlines TAME and Aeogal. Using the domestic carriers can be a different experience altogether. The rules are not exactly the same as in most other developed regions. You need to put in some additional thoughts when planning international connecting flights too. Most people prefer to arrive or depart with a 24 hours time cushion. Ecuador is a tiny nation offering so much of unadulterated nature to its visitors. Small issues cannot diminish the value of these wonderful experiences.Permalink
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