BACKGROUND INFORMATION

This country is bordered bi Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south,
and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Galapagos islands situated about 965 kilometers west off the mainland are also part of the country.

• Quito

Quito, proclaimed a heritage of the mankind by UNESCO is a quiet city perched 9,000 feet high, a harmonious combination of old and modern architectural styles. Its historical center is a repository of the finest examples of the colonial architecture: palaces, churches, convents, cathedrals. The modern areas boast an array of hotels rising from modest to deluxe, gourmet restaurants, bars and night clubs to satisfy the most demanding traveler. The middle of the world (La Mitad del Mundo) monument is a mere thirty minutes drive. Quito ’s surrounding mountains and volcanoes form a wonderful green background of lighter and darker shades that give the city a unique atmosphere of quietness and peace.

• Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuador ’s largest city and sea port. “Las Penas” district displays a number of wooden houses. Here we can get an impression of the colonial Guayaquil . Along the riverside Guayaquil features the “Malecon 2000” with a mall and some historical monuments. The city also boasts some historic churches. Like “La Merced” and “ San Francisco ”, museums, gardens and botanical gardens.

• Cuenca

Cuenca, dates from the XV century, and is Ecuador ’s third largest city, and a prominent center of culture and history. Cuenca was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. Its charming historical centre features narrow cobbled streets, colonial houses with wrought iron balconies, two cathedrals, the old and the new one, and a number of monumental churches.

• Gualaceo and Chordeleg

Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two smaller Cuenca neighboring cities are well worth a visit. Gualaceo is a charming place with breathtaking scenery and Chordeleg is an important handicraft center for silver, pottery, gold, filigree and wood as well as for the famous Panama hats.
The Indian Markets, are open air events routed in the local culture with distinct features. Some sell clothing and gift items, others sell produce, but all have a festive mode and a pleasant mixture of colors and smells that lure locals and visitors alike. They are good outings to mingle with the locals and discover a little about their culture. Bargaining is part of the fun.

• The Galapagos

The Galapagos are an enthralling group of islands situated about 960 kilometers from Ecuador mainland. The islands became famous after Charles Darwin visited them, and when back in England , he first wrote about the origin and evolution of the species.
Galapagos are an untamed world with marvelous creatures that you may not find anywhere else.
Everyone should visit the Galapagos at least once, for an experience of a life time. Here you can find iguanas, giant tortoises, seal colonies, sea lions, and a myriad of birds that make the Galapagos a unique wonderland.