What’s Ecuador like?

Ecuador is a great place to go if you like the outdoors and nature. It’s only a tiny country (109,000 sq miles) compared with other South American counties but boasts volcanoes, mountain trekking, horseback riding and surfing and a host of wildlife.

Ecuador also includes the Galapagos Islands that are about 600 miles west of the mainland. The Galapagos Islands contain some of the worlds rarest species and were studied by Darwin on the Beagle. The islands are a national park and marine reservation with a human Spanish speaking population of about 23,000.

The capital city of Ecuador is Quito. A stunning city recognised with a World Heritage Status. The old town has recently had a complete refurbishment, bringing back to life old theatres and buildings. It’s teeming with interesting characters and life, smells and noises.

Twenty minutes walk from the old city will take you to the modern city which is like all modern cities dominated by multi story buildings and hotels, government buildings, modern shopping centers and cafes and restaurants.

Ecuador is rich in history like most South American countries, with association to the Inca going back to 1400 and domination by the Spanish conquistadors. Ecuador didn’t receive independence from Spain until 1820.

(Quito – Old Town)