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"The land that lies in the middle of the... " a Ecuador Travel Page by SanguiniA

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"The land that lies in the middle of the... " a Ecuador Travel Page by SanguiniA

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SanguiniA    
Normal people scare the f*** out of me!


Real Name: Alison
Lives In: Espoo, FI
Member Since: May 28, 2003
VT Rank: 253

 

Page Views: 8,128            Last Visit to Ecuador: September, 2005      

The land that lies in the middle of the world ...

by SanguiniA - last update: Nov 25, 2005

Cotopaxi - the highest active volcano in the world
ECUADOR - land of the equator boasts stunning and unexpected variety. The smallest of the Andean countries, Ecuador unfolds around a mountaneous backbone, with snow capped peaks and an avenue of volcanoes. To the east the land drops down, and within lies El Oriente, Ecuador's part of the Amazon Basin. To the west of the Andes lie the lowlands of the coast.
A Sea Lion soaking the sun on a Galapagos Beach
As if this weren't enough, 1000km off the Pacific coast, Ecuador jelously posesses the most prized of natural and wildlife possessions - the GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. These charmed fragments of volcanic rock rise from the ocean and host the earth's most fearless and friendly wildlife. These islands, and particularly their curious inhabitants inspired Charles Darwin's revolutionary "Origin of the Species", and continue to awe visitors to this very day.

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Check out my Galapagos Islands pages

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People of Andean Ecuador
Despite the wealth of natural wonders the country is in dismal shape and plagued with problems. The political turmoil rips through every layer of the society - Ecuador has had 7 presidents since 1996, protests (sometimes seemingly violent) are a common occurrence, corruption is a way of life. Half of the population is very poor and violence is getting out of hand in certain cities. Considering that its neighbour is Columbia, it is no wonder that Ecuador has problems and disputes over drugs and immigrants. The oil industry rapes the Amazon rainforest and leaves little in return to the country. Deforestation is like a disease stripping the country of its former lush vast expanse of forest.

Neverthless, it is an inspiring place to visit. The people brave all the problems with courage and are friendly and helpful to tourists; and what nature is left is truly stunning. Tourism is much needed, both to boost the economy of the country as well as to help preserve nature; and I am glad to have visited as I know I have contributed something, no matter how insignificant; and in return I got wonderful memories of this beautiful corner of South America.

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Pros:"Sheer beauty and stunning wildlife"
Cons:"Polotical turmoil, violence, crime"
In A Nutshell:"One of the most captivating places, but plagued with problems."
SanguiniA's Ecuador Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 29 - Photos: 30
 
Restaurants
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 4 - Photos: 4
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
Tips: 1
 
TransportationLocal Customs
 
Packing Lists
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Shopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

SanguiniA's Ecuador Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
Images of Nature in the Amazon [1]September, 2005 8
Images of Nature in the Amazon [2]September, 2005 8
The Beauty of the AndesSeptember, 2005 8
Ecuadorian PeopleSeptember, 2005 6

Comments for SanguiniA about Ecuador
zlatiq Fri Apr 10, 2009 03:21 UTC
 thanks for the great tips! how much time did it take you to explore all these places? I am so excited to visit ecuador!!!
laughingsun69 Sun Aug 24, 2008 05:11 UTC
 Hi i thoroughly enjoyed viewing your experience here , you have a way with words thats somewhat captivating , happy travels :)
South-America Thu Feb 21, 2008 18:28 UTC
 I went to mitad del mundo in quito but found it a little tedious and artificial
elsadran Thu Sep 20, 2007 23:52 UTC
 Very nice pages..nice writing ! I was carried away...Thanks for the information
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