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Holidays in Ecuador  -  Travel information Ecuador .

Republic of Ecuador. 

Provinces in Ecuador [ provincias [: Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Pastaza, Pichincha, Sucumbios, Tungurahua and Zamora-Chinchipe

Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru.

Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean highlands. With its array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well preserved colonial architecture, worldly volcanic landscapes and rainforest, it has more points of interest than many countries. rafting, trekking, volcanoes, and Humpback Whale Watching.

Capital City of Ecuador: Quito


hostels, hotels, travel agencies, travel guides, transportattion / travelling to ecuador

links


Hotels in Ecuador

  -  Hotel in Quito

  -  Find a great deal
Expedia.co.uk has room for everyone to relax on their perfect trip.

Hostels Equador / Hosteria

 
Hostelbookers.com is one of the worlds largest online booking services for hostels. All hostels you see here are offering realtime prices and availability.

Travel Agents / Tour Operators

Travelsphere  
Travelsphere is the UK's No. 1 operator of escorted holidays.

Kuoni Holidays -  Equador and Galapagos  -  Cruise
A cruise holiday allows you to visit a whole host of different places without the hassle of having to pack and unpack your suitcases each time. A popular choice among Kuoni travellers is to extend their holiday in the region they are visiting. Unwind on a tropical beach stay or explore a lively city for a great start or end to your journey.

Adventure holidyas in Equador & the Galapagos Islands 
Do you want to see wildlife, go trekking, discover fascinating cultures and ways of life, experience life in a tribal village, see the stars from a desert wilderness... Try one of the activity holidays, travel experiences not to be missed! Adventurecompany.co.uk.

 -  Create your perfect trip  -  Flight, Hotel and Car



 Andean Trails 
Andean Trails is a specialist tour operator offering challenging small-group trekking, mountain biking and jungle expeditions in the South American Andes and Amazon.
 Austral Tours  -  Latin America specialists  -  Ecuador & Galapagos
 Tribes Travel Ltd
Tribes, the Fair Trade Travel company, aims to offer you holidays which are not only second to none in terms of quality and excitement, but which are also of benefit to the local people, environment and wildlife of the destination you choose to travel to.
 Guerba World Travel Limited - Adventure Holidays & Discovery Tours
Find the best selection of culture, adventure activity, safari, overlanding and trekking holidays
 JLA - Journey Latin America
Active Adventures, Tailor-Made - Bespoke Holidays for Individuals, Escorted Group Trips [journeys and tours].
 Last Frontiers - a small, specialist Tour Operator for Latin America
 Latin Odyssey - Latin America Specialist
Latin Odyssey specialises in personalised itineraries, creating private tours based on your interests and budget, with an emphasis on service.
 Preston Reid  - Tailor Made Travel to Ecuador
 South American Experience - one of the leading specialists for Latin America.
All their tailor-made itineraries which involve flights and ground arrangements are ATOL protected.

 Darwin Adventure
Galapagos Islands Galapagos tours cruises vacation travel
 Explorers' Corner  -  Galápagos - Kayaking in Darwin's Paradise
 Inka Empires Tours  -  Luxury Ecuador Tours

 Travel Guides Ecuador / Related Books

Travel Guides Ecuador [ Amazon.co.uk ]

The Rough Guide to Ecuador -  Harry Ades, Melissa Graham
This guide to Ecuador examines this fascinating and dramatically diverse country and includes complete coverage of the unique Galapagos islands. A colour introduction gives an insight into the country's highlights from snorkelling in the Galapagos to exploring Quito's colonial churches. Detailed accounts are given of these attractions as well as all the others from the unspoiled jungle of the Oriente and the highland farms of the central sierra to partying at the capital's latest nightspots. There is also practical advice on a range of activities from learning Spanish in Quito to shopping in Otavalo's bustling markets or climbing Volcan Cotopaxi. There are up-to-the-minute reviews of the best places to stay, eat and drink, plus the pick of the cyber cafes and shops. Finally there are over 50 maps and background on Ecuador's history, culture, indigenous peoples and environmental issues.
Paperback 592 pages (January 2003); Publisher: Rough Guides; Language: English; ISBN: 1843531097
Ecuador and Galapagos - Footprint Travel Guide -  Robert, Daisy Kuntstaeter
From the islands that inspired the theory of evolution, to a valley where people live forever; from the centre of the earth to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador excites and amazes at every turn. Footprint's highly acclaimed guide is essential for all free-spirited travellers wishing to get to grips with this small but perfectly formed country. This in-depth and fully researched and updated guide also includes a comprehensive background section with Spanish words and phrases, to introduce you to its rich and diverse culture.
Paperback 528 pages (May 27, 2005); Publisher: Footprint Handbooks; Language: English; ISBN: 1904777384
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - Lonely Planet 
Rob Rachowiecki, Danny Palmerlee (Editor)
Special section on the Galapagos' unique wildlife - adventure-travel goodies: from scaling mountians to running rivers & jungle treks - up-to-date briefing on responsible tourism, conservation issues & eco-tourism efforts - Practical, region-specific Spanish language guide helps travellers get chatty - Ecuador offers the traditional sights of South America - jungle, mountains, wildlife, indigenous culture and colonial cities - in an area roughly the size of Nevada or New Zealand. - Ecuador is an incredibly popular bird-watching destination - half of all South American bird species can be found here, and the country has twice as many birds as all of North America.
Paperback 448 pages (August 2003); Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; Language: English; ISBN: 1740594649

Transportation / How do I travel to Ecuador

 Quito Airport  -  Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre en Quito
 Guayaquil Airport  -  El Simón Bolívar en Guayaquil

  -  Flights to Ecuador
Book cheap flights to Ecuador at ebookers and benefit from discounted airfares. View their latest offers and book your flights, accommodation, car hire and insurance online

  -  Flight tickets Ecuador / Flight tickets Quito

Flight.co.uk  -  Flight tickets Quito, Ecuador [ UIO ]

  Airline Tickets / Bargain Flights  -  price comparison possible

 Bus / Coach  -  Compañías de transporte Interprovincial

 Trolebus Quito  -  operation, servicios

 Trains in Ecuador
More a tourist attraction rather than a transport system. The train system was known as one of the hardest in the whole world because it runs through the Andes between huge cliffs, canyons and rivers. If you are in a hurry don't count on it because it is too old and slow, but is one of the greatest ways to know Ecuador. It's hard to know the departure and arriving schedules of the train and you must inform yourself about which lines are working. In any travel agency will help you in this adventure over rails.
The Ecuadorian railroad routes are: Railroad North and Railroad South.

 Maps International  -  Maps of Ecuador   
Mapsinternational.co.uk is one of the largest map shops online.
 Online Maps of Ecuador [ Uni Texas  -  Perry-Castañeda Library  -  Map Collection ]


Links 

 Travel Insurance  -  online travel and holiday insurance for UK and Irish residents

 Ecuador Travel Information  -  Ecuador Ministry of Tourism
Ecuador [ culture, nature, economy, history, climate, geography, and more ], Trip Planning [ visas, money, health, packing, calendars, transportation, & more ], Destinations [ Guides to the Amazon, Andes, Coast, and Galapagos Islands ], Activities [ Insider's info on birdwatching, hiking, climbing, biking, archeology, indigenous markets ]

 Vive Ecuador
Ecuador [ Culture, nature, economy, history, climate, geography, and more ], Trip Planning [ visas, money, health, packing, calendars, transportation, & more ], Destinations [ guides to the Amazon, Andes, Coast, and Galapagos Islands ], Activities [ insider's info on birdwatching, hiking, climbing, biking, archeology, indigenous markets, and more ].

 Government Ecuador  -  Gobierno Nacional de la Republica de Ecuador

 Quito - World Heritage  -  Quito Tourist Portal
Enjoying a privileged position in the high Andes, surrounded by beautiful valleys and cupped by spectacular mountains, Quito is so close to sky you can almost touch it.
As the city's official tourism portal, they invite you to discover Quito's historical, cultural and contemporary heritage, its World Heritage wonders, and its warm and friendly people.
 Quito City  -  Government Quito
20 km south of the Equator in a 2850 m high area

 Azuay Province
 Bolivar
 Canar
 Carchi
 Chimborazo
 Cotopaxi
 El Oro
 Esmeraldas
 Galapagos Islands - inhabited by animals not found elsewhere in the world
An archipelago of 13 major volcanic islands and more than 40 small islands, is a treasure chest of plants and animals -- many found no where else in the world. The islands are situated on the equator 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador.
 Guayas  -  Cámara de Turismo del Guayas  -  Tourist Office Guayas Province
with Guayaquil [ capital city ]
 Imbabura
 Loja
 Los Rios
 Manabi
 Morona-Santiago
 Napo
 Pastaza
 Pichincha
 Sucumbios
 Tungurahua
 Zamora-Chinchipe

 Ambato
 Azogues
 Babahoyo
 Cuenca
 Esmeraldas
 Guaranda
 Guayaquil
 Ibarra
 Loja
 Latacunga
 Macas
 Machala
 Nueva Loja
 Portoviejo
 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - Hauptstadt Galapagos
 Puerto Francisco de Orellana
 Puyo
 Riobamba
 Santa cruz  -  Galapagis Islands
 Tena
 Tulcán
 Zamora

 Amazon Rain Forest - exotic jungle, rivers and wide range of plants and animals
 Highlands of the Andes - Snowcapped mountains, volcanoes, Indian villages, and colonial cities
 Isla de Plata - Silver Island - Pearl of the Ecuadorian Coast.
Alternative for the larger, but very expensive Galapagos Islands. Birdwatching etc.
 Pacific Coast - with great beaches

 Galapagos Conservation Trust
Since 1995, the Galapagos Conservation Trust has been working to protect and conserve the Galapagos islands. We believe that if we protect the Galapagos, its unique flora and fauna – inspiration to Charles Darwin – will continue as a place of enlightenment and inspiration to future generations.
 San Martin Zoo
Ecozoologico San Martin is located in Banos, Ecuador and houses many species of animals found in the Amazonia Cloud Forest of Ecuador's central highlands. Banos is approximately four hours from Quito and is the primary gateway to the Amazon basin. The City of Banos and the Zoo sit at the base of Tungurahua Volcano in a series of canyon walls next to the beautiful Pastaza Rio.
 Radio  -  JC Radio
 TV Ecuador  -  Ecuavisa
 News from Ecuador  -  El Telegrafo [ Guayaquil ]
 Press  -  Hoy Online [ Quito ]
Opinión | Política | Dinero | País | Deportes | Cultura | América | El Mundo

 Inca
The Central highlands of the Andes was the seat of the Inca empire. It stretched from the south of Colombia to the north of Chile, over an area of more than four thousand square kilometers, across a land known as Tahuantinsuyo. The Incas were thus made up of a vast population of dozens of different ethnic groups with their own languages, customs and economies based on cultivation of the land. In Ecuador, these people spread out along the Andes, occupying some coastal regions and exercising a significant influence on Quito.
 Railroad North
Approximately three hours by bus from Quito, the picturesque city of Ibarra holds the train station. There, one may enter to a journey from Ibarra to Primer Paso, in a memorable context. Starting at 8h00 a.m., the route goes from the Andean highlands towards the coast, as the vegetation and climate change gradually. The train goes by the amazing Blanco and Mira rivers, and between them it passes through 18 tunnels. Then it continues through the tropical forests and banana and palmate plantations. It reaches Primer Paso at 10h30 a .m.aprox, which is its final destination until reparations permit the train to enter to San Lorenzo. Every saturday and sunday days.
 Railroad South
The train leaves every saturday and sunday days at 8h00 a.m., from the Quito train Chimbacalle station (Sincholagua and Maldonado Street No. 315) to the "Boliche" Recreational Area in the Cotopaxi National Park. On the way, the magnificent sight of the Andes, parallel to what Humbolt called the "Avenue of Volcanoes", presents a panorama that makes it difficult to decide which side to look. It runs for approximately three hours, allowing a view of the Ecuadorian Andean Range where the snow capped Cotopaxi dominates the scenery.

Cuisine  -  Ecuadorian Recipes

Ecuador cooking is known for its fabulous exotic fruits, high quality fish and seafood, and the countless varieties of Andean potatoes. Across the country you'll find a broad spectrum of national and regional dishes, including lemon-marinated shrimp, toasted corn, and pastries stuffed with spiced meats. If you' want to be courageous, you can put your culinary bravery to the test with roasted cuy [ guinea pig ] or tronquito [ bull penis soup ].

 EcuadorExplorer.com  -  Ecuadorian Food & Recipes
On this page: Traditional Foods, Seafood, Vegetarian,Food Preparation Vocabulary, Drinks, Table Etiquette

 Ecuador For The Gourmet Traveler
Popular Foods & National Cuisine [ Ceviche De Camarones, Tortilla De Papa ], Popular Beverages & National Drinks [ Aguardiente ], Best Dining Destinations [ Guayaquil, Quito ]

South American Food and Cooking: Ingredients, Techniques and Signature Recipes from the Undiscovered Traditional Cuisines 
Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood, Marina Filippelli
This exciting guide presents over 70 recipes capturing the rich, exotic culinary culture of the South American continent which enables readers to explore the ingredients, techniques and signature recipes from the undiscovered traditional cuisines of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Mexico, Columbia and Venezuela
Paperback 160 pages (November 2005); Publisher: Southwater; Language: English; ISBN: 1844761797

History of Ecuador

Independence: 24 May 1822 [ from Spain ].

The first phase Ecuador's history began somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 BC with the rise of indigenous societies in what is now Ecuador. These peoples had developed social organizations with their own beliefs, rites, and ceremonies and an economy based primarily on hunting, gathering, and agriculture. Traces of their existence can be found in archaeological sites located all across Ecuador. This era, which can be divided into four periods (Paleo-Indian or Pre-ceramic, Formative, Regional Development, Integration, and Incan), lasted until the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadores in the XVI century.

In 1532 the downfall of Tahuantinsuyo began with the imprisonment of Atahualpa. Heavy fighting took place between the Europeans and the Incas, who resisted the conquest. For the Spanish, America represented a land full of riches, taken in the name of the Crown. Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro were the main protagonist of the time and conquered the native people in a bloody manner.

 Centro Historico de Quito  -  Historic Centre Quito
La Empresa de Desarrollo del Centro Histórico de Quito (ECH) es una entidad de economía mixta, creada en 1994 con el objeto de promover la rehabilitación integral de un área de 154 manzanas, correspondientes al núcleo central de la antigua Ciudad de Quito, para así contribuir a la preservación de este legado histórico reconocido internacionalmente como "Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad".
 Ecuador's History  -  Wikipedia
Pre-Colombian times and colonization, Independence of Ecuador, Ecuador after WW II, Recent times
 History Index Ecuador [ University Kansas ]
 Museo de la Ciudad Quito  -  City Museum Quito
El Museo de la Ciudad es un centro de expresión de la cultura de Quito, que propicia la reflexión y la recreación de su memoria cotidiana en busca del reconocimiento y la apropiación de valores de los habitantes de la ciudad

Music, Art & Culture, Events & Entertainment

 Culture of Ecuador
The culture of Ecuador is as diverse as the landscape of the country itself. The majority of the Ecuadorian population is mestizo, a mixture of both European and Amerindian ancestry, and much like their ancestry, the national culture is also a blend of these two sources, along with influences from slaves from Africa. 95% of Ecuadorians are Roman Catholic...
Ecuador in Focus: A Guide to the People, Politics, and Culture (In Focus Guides) 
Wilma Roos, Omer Van Renterghem
Paperback 100 pages (November 2000); Publisher: Latin America Bureau; Language: English; ISBN: 1566563852
 Inca Son  -  Music & dance of the Andes
Inca Son plays music from the Andes of Peru and all of Latin America. The group performs traditional songs, which the musicians rearrange to create a unique style, as well as original compositions.
Musica De Ecuador -  Music from Ecuador; ASIN: B000000UK6
2 discs; To hear a song sample, click on the song titles
La Música de Ecuador  -  Mallku De Los Andes (Artist)
To hear a song sample, click on the song titles
Audio CD (August 5, 2003); Label: ANS; ASIN: B0000AKY3X; Catalogue Number: AN013011

Web Portals / Search Engines / Ecuador Directories

 Ecuador.us
Ecuador.us is an online guide which addresses the needs of Ecuador travelers. Owned and operated by Ahorre Marketing Connecticut, USA.
 EcuadorExplorer.com  -  lots of info
 Exploring Ecuador
Online Guide rund um Ecuador und Galapagos: Reisen, Kultur, Geschichte, Nationalparks, Museen, Politik, Abenteuer und Erlebnisreisen, Hotels, Tourveranstalter in Ecuador und den Galapagos Inseln.
 Galapaguide
Comprehensive list of hotels, travel agents, boats, tours, cruises, and diving possibilities in the Galapagos Islands.
 Ecuador.com
 Ecuador Travel Info
Ecuador-Travel-Guide starts ordering with background, then sights, places to stay, entertainment, getting in and out of there; this way helping the traveler to explore and understand their country better.
 Destination Ecuador


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