"Ecuador: A Place of Special Consideration" Ecuador by richiecdisc

Ecuador Travel Guide: 4,856 reviews and 16,785 photos

Andes life goes on largely unchanged - Ecuador

The phrase good things come in small packages seems to be particularly fitting with regard to Ecuador. The tiny wonder that straddles the equator has not only a great variety of geographical terrains but also a ridiculous amount of biodiversity. And when such things are crammed into this small of a space it makes for a dramatic landscape where tropical rain forest, enormous active volcanoes, and swaying palmed white beaches pass by like images from a bus window. It’s a magical place where you can still find penguins, vicuñas and a frog the size of your fingernail in the wild and not have to visit the local zoo. Squeeze all this natural wonder in between some beautiful World Heritage colonial cities and sprinkle generously with a wonderful open people, a few colorful cultures and a tasty culinary scene and you have the makings of one of South America’s most extraordinary treats. Is it changing? Sure. Political corruption abounds. Exploitation of natural resources continues to take a daily toll. Globalization is our nemesis. But Ecuador is well endowed and though tough choices are on its horizon, let’s hope its decisions allow it to rise above the commonplace. For Ecuador is anything but common and should hold itself to special consideration.

Last visit to Ecuador: Sep 2007
Intro Updated Nov 20, 2007
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Reviews (24)

A special place Favorites (2)

The Galapagos trip was better than even she imagined and though we had had an absolutely magical trip trekking around... more travel advice

The rewards of succumbing to my wife's... Favorites (2)

When I saw Cotopaxi perfectly reflected in Laguna Limpiapunga I was ready to go home. I figured there was nothing that... more travel advice

a family probably not together much longer - Ecuador

live animal trade alive & kicking Local Customs (1)

The Andes are still very much a barter society. The local markets are full of not only colorful images and intense... more travel advice

no shortage of great markets Shopping (1)

When it comes to indigenous markets, Ecuador takes a backseat to none. Though Otavalo gets all the fame there are many... more travel advice

Comments (14)

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JohnniOmani Jan 6, 2010 at 5:54 PM

Great writing here :) Happy New Years JZ
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dasbasti Dec 16, 2009 at 12:22 PM

how is it possible to go alone by myself there. did u rent hostel by hostel by hostel? arent there any problems with donig so? how do u know the path or did u went with a local guide. how many money can one safe. thanks basti
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gentlefacilitator Nov 7, 2009 at 10:31 PM

I have enjoyed reading your pages. I like your writing style We are planning a 7 day trip from Australia to Ecuador mainland and then 12 days in the Galapagos. Thank you for the making the effort to record your journey.
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MalenaN Jun 2, 2009 at 9:58 AM

So many beautiful and interesting places there are to visit in Ecuador! I hope to visit next year, or maybe the year after that. Excellent photos and tips!
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ExGuyParis Aug 12, 2008 at 9:57 AM

Looks like you've added quite a few amazing images into your travel brain! I was in South America for the first time last month (Buenos Aires), and I'm hooked.
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Gili_S Jan 7, 2008 at 1:33 AM

No doubt amazing country, your pages are amazing useful & beautiful. (yep "older and wiser" ;-)
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Florida999 Nov 29, 2007 at 9:50 AM

Glad you had a nice trip and great page!! I love the mountains and the volcanic lake, makes me want to go hiking there. Did you get altitude sickness at 21000 feet?
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toonsarah Nov 27, 2007 at 12:20 PM

Like Glenn I've just added another S. American destination to my wish-list. Fantastic page, and wonderful images such as that stunning shot of Cotopaxi and the iguana(?). Can't wait for more!
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b1bob Nov 27, 2007 at 8:18 AM

Nice overview on the whole of Ecuador. I wish I had the time to see more of Ecuador, but that gives me an excuse to come back.
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sandysmith Nov 27, 2007 at 4:43 AM

fabulous views - I see many blue skies here too!...and the Laguna Quilotoa loop esp looks great more more pages like this !!