"The land that lies in the middle of the world ..." Top 5 Page for this destination Ecuador by SanguiniA

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

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Sheer beauty and stunning wildlife
Cons:Polotical turmoil, violence, crime
In a nutshell:One of the most captivating places, but plagued with problems.

Last visit to Ecuador: Sep 2005
Intro Updated Nov 25, 2005
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Reviews (36)

For Ecuador you have to pack a bit of... What to Pack (1)

Backpacks are by far the most comfortable - especially if planning to go to the Amazon and to the Galapagos. Also the... more travel advice

Simply tasty! Restaurants (1)

Whilst I was in Mindo I used to visit the Don Pan Panaderia (Bakery) like three or more times a day ... they have... more travel advice

Blue Footed Booby on the Galapagos - Ecuador

Galapagos - The Enchanted Islands Things to Do (29)

These are the islands that ispired Charles Darwin's revolutionary Origin of the Species Jutting out of the ocean,... more travel advice

Me with the owners' family dog in the garden - Ecuador

Cute place in Mindo Hotels (4)

This is a small family run pension style accomodation in Mindo. Accomodation is in cabanas or the hostel - spotlessly... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Pickpockets, mugging

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Comments (21)

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MalenaN Sep 26, 2010 at 3:10 AM

Great tips about Ecuador! There are so many beautiful places and I will have less than seven weeks to explore the country when I visit next year. It will be hard to choose.
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zlatiq Apr 9, 2009 at 7:21 PM

thanks for the great tips! how much time did it take you to explore all these places? I am so excited to visit ecuador!!!
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laughingsun69 Aug 23, 2008 at 9:11 PM

Hi i thoroughly enjoyed viewing your experience here , you have a way with words thats somewhat captivating , happy travels :)
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South-America Feb 21, 2008 at 10:28 AM

I went to mitad del mundo in quito but found it a little tedious and artificial
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elsadran Sep 20, 2007 at 3:52 PM

Very nice pages..nice writing ! I was carried away...Thanks for the information
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calcaf38 Jul 1, 2007 at 2:48 PM

Hi Alison. I'm going to Ecuador in August, and I'm going through your pages again...
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richiecdisc Mar 17, 2007 at 5:21 PM

I'll try to lick a parrot but taking a pass on the Stinky Turkey. The real equator and the real Ecuador, you showed me both. Thanks.
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Pakistaniguy Jul 5, 2006 at 2:05 PM

Where to buy the cheapest one way ticket to Ecuador ? Pls. help as i wanna leave in the 1st week of August. Greetings from SWitzerland, Umer.
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la_beba May 31, 2006 at 1:02 PM

Chocolate cake for sure gal!!! I've been eating some, and it isn't even my birthday! I have to hit the gym later on tonight for sure! hahaha
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Gili_S Dec 23, 2005 at 2:04 PM

Wonderful page and beautiful photos. I was just disappointed a bit you didn’t try the canoe at the El Pailon del Diablo ;-)