Ecuador by Solar Tours | Travel Research Online

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Ecuador by Solar Tours

If you’re looking to vacation to a place whose history is just as rich as its natural beauty, look no further than Ecuador. This country’s geography is worth boasting about: magnificent beaches line its Pacific coast, part of the Andes mountain range stretches to the sky down its center, and the Amazon rainforest grows wild in the east, claiming nearly half the country’s physical area. However, Ecuador’s impressive flora isn’t its only draw. UNESCO named Quito, its capital city, a World Heritage site for being the “best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America” (UNESCO), and a number of indigenous groups still thrive in various areas of the country.

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60-Second Geography

Ecuador 

The eye-catching colors of Ecuador leap out from every corner of its diverse landscape. From fluttering rainbow-hued macaw wings in the Amazonian jungle to the calm, dazzling blue lakes of the Andean sierra and the fiery terracotta sands of the Galapagos Islands. Brooding snow-capped volcanoes provide a striking contrast to the roaring heat of the salsa-dancing coast. You’ll gaze in wonder at the sparkling gold interior of Quito’s baroque churches while walking in the footsteps of Spanish conquistadors and Incan warriors.
  • Ecuador is heaven for nature lovers. Snorkeling and diving in the stunning water allows up-close and personal interaction with sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas and dolphins. Hiking is almost a religious experience when traversing the many trails that run throughout the Cotopaxi National Park, which is the site of one of Ecuador’s many active volcanoes. An abundance of lakes and springs allow ample opportunities for water activities such as canoeing and kayaking.
  • Carnaval is a nationwide public display of concerts, parades, city fairs and heavy drinking. In many cities, water, egg, and/or flour fights are part of the tradition. The city of Guaranda is particularly famous for its Carnaval celebrations, as are Esmeraldas and Ambato. Carnaval is held during the week or so just before the start of Lent.
  • The Hispanic tradition Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), is celebrated on November 2 and honors passed love ones with flowers and joyful remembrances. Many head to cemeteries, but the vibe is far from somber.
  • In major cities such as Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil, you’ll find tons of Ecuadorean restaurants, as well as an excellent selection of international cuisines. In Quito, there is everything from cutting-edge fusion cuisine to Thai food and sushi. Throughout the country, you’ll also be able to find authentic pizza joints, as well as Chinese restaurants, known as chifas.
  • Local artisan traditions have been thriving here for thousands of years. Take a trip up to the market in Otavalo (one of the best local handicraft markets in all of South America) and you’ll find an amazing array of hand-woven goods, including alpaca scarves, gloves, sweaters, colorful bags, tapestries, and ceramics.
  • Flights to Ecuador are relatively inexpensive and the country has two international airports allowing for more flight options and the ability to organize a schedule and budget for every traveler.
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Fregat Bird - Galapagos Islands
 rainy season
 
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Special Offers to Ecuador from Solar Tours

Click Here!
Quito – Cuenca – Guayaquil: 6 to 9+ Nights from $1,574 w/air, hotel & air taxes* 
Quito – Galapagos: 6 to 9+ Nights from $2,887 w/air, hotel & air taxes*
Quito and the Amazon: 6 to 9+ Nights from $1,872 w/air, hotel & air taxes*See all of Solar Tours specials to Ecuador HERE
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