ECUADOR HOLIDAYS   >   LATIN AMERICA  


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.

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

Capital City of Ecuador: Quito


hotels, tour operators - ecuador tours, travel guides, travel to ecuador

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Hotels in Ecuador

    -   Hotel in Quito

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

 
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

LAN UK  
Book an unforgettable holiday in Ecuador and visit Ecuador's volcanic Galapagos Islands.

 
*   Ecuador volcanos & Cloud Forest
Highlights: Explore small towns and villages of the Andes and immerse into local culture, learn about traditional handicrafts and folk art from local artisans, encounter volcanic ...
*   Galapagos [ 4 days to 10 days tours ]
Cruising and swimming the Galapagos Islands, visiting Charles Darwin Research Station, encountering totally unique wildlife, knowing your snorkelling gear is provided.



  -   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.

     



  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: Including the Galapagos Islands - 1848361912
Harry Adès 
The Rough Guide to Ecuador is the essential travel guide with clear maps and coverage of Ecuador's unforgettable attractions. Whether exploring the magnificence of Quito's colonial centre, haggling in its highland markets of Zumbahua or navigating the rivers of the Amazon rainforest, the Rough Guide steers you to the best hotels, restaurants, stylish bars, cafés, nightlife and shopping in Ecuador across every price range. You'll find detailed coverage on staying safe in Ecuador, practical advice on where to learn Spanish and how to climb Cotopaxi, as well as expert discussions for Ecuador's history, culture and environmental issues. The Rough Guide to Ecuador also includes an in-depth account of the Galápagos Islands that inspired Darwin, plus a full-colour wildlife guide. With handy information on how to discover Ecuador's best-preserved Inca ruins at Ingapirca or the windswept grassland wilderness of the páramo, the guide provides definitive information on all corners of this colourful and diverse country, relying on the clearest maps of any guide and practical language tips. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Ecuador.
Paperback: 552 pages; Publisher: Rough Guides; 4 edition (14 Jan 2010); ISBN-10: 1848361912; ISBN-13: 978-1848361911.

  Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (Lonely Planet Country Guides) - 1741048281
Regis St. Louis (Author)
Paperback: 432 pages; Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 8th Revised edition edition (1 Aug 2009); ISBN-10: 1741048281; ISBN-13: 978-1741048285.

Transportation / How do I travel to Ecuador

Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru.

  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.

LAN UK    -   Flight tickets Ecuador

  Airline Tickets Ecuador / Bargain Flights 
Flight tickets Ecuador, price comparison possible

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


Links

  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

  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


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