Ecuador - Experiencing Archeological Wonders
Ecuador, the South American country that gets its name from its proximity to the Equator, is the smallest of Andean countries with a spectacular topography that attracts tourists from all over the globe. The country is known for its natural beauty and makes for an interesting vacation destination for tourists who desire to experience the best that nature has to offer which includes a variety of plant life, birds, and wildlife.
Ecuador is a place to experience a close encounter with exotic species of fish and sea lions around the Galapagos Islands. In terms of culture, the country is offers you the opportunity to be a participant in colorful cultural events and experience life as the locals do. You can take home pictures of the world's highest active volcano, your nights out at some of the country's hottest entertainment centers, its splendid beaches, majestic buildings with stunning architecture, and much more.
Many locals and tourists call Ecuador the 'Miniature South America' because of its diversity. One of the most charming destinations is Quito, the colonial capital that has some of the most stunning architectural wonders in the Americas. Guayaquil is another booming cosmopolitan city with art galleries, museums, and fine dining options. The city is located west of the Andes in the coastal lowlands. To experience the very best of Ecuadorian cuisine a trip to Cuenca will allow you to sample some of the most gastronomical delights. Many restaurants serve up some of the most delicious traditional dishes that you may not find on the menu in many other parts of Ecuador. The sacred site of the Incas and Canaris are located just outside Cuenca in the region of Ingapirca. The Spanish demolished a lot of these sites along the Calle Larga and Avenida Todos los Santos. However, there is still an interesting amount of stonework that still remains. Parque Calderon is the Cuenca's main plaza which is home to the Catedral de la Inmaculada or 'New Cathedral' with its majestic blue domes and El Sagrario, the Old Cathedral on the other side. Museo del Banco Central is also an excellent place to visit with a huge collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
You may want to plan your vacation to Ecuador between June and September or late December to January. These are the peak seasons where the Galapagos Islands are the hottest destination when cruise liners are the busiest. While lighter clothing may be apt for a tour of Galapagos, you will need warmer clothing when heading for the Andes Mountains. Trips to the jungles of the Oriente region can get chilly at night so make sure you are prepared for all types of weather.
Ecuador is an excellent place to embark on tours of the tropical rainforests. Some of the popular attractions are the Sangay National park, Cuyabeno Reserve, Yasuni National Park, and Limonacha Biological Reserve. You can also enjoy trekking and hiking around the Andes. Some of the popular trails are Trek de Condor across the Cotopaxi volcanoes, and an Ingapirca trek that takes you the Incan ruins. Ecuador is a bird watcher's paradise as well with a chance to spot the Condor, the country's national bird, and over 1800 other species including the hummingbird. There is much more to Ecuador so just make sure to get ready for a long and exciting vacation.