Quito - The capital of Ecuador is arguably the most beautiful city in South America. Quito is the capital of Ecuador and of Pichincha, the country's most populous Andean province, is situated 116 miles from the Pacific coast at an altitude of 9,350 feet, just south of the  equator. It has a pleasant climate that can be described as "permanent spring". The city, one of the oldest in South America, is built in a small basin on the lower slopes of Cerro Pichincha. It was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Quitu and for several decades, prior to its occupation by Spaniards in 1534, was a second (northern) capital of the Inca empire. The city official name as given by the Spaniards, is Villa de San Francisco de Quito, it is Ecuador's second largest city. It is the political, administrative, and cultural capital of Ecuador.

Quito, more than any other South American capital, has preserved its colonial atmosphere, with squares, fountains, public buildings, and houses built in the typical Spanish style. Most attractive is the main square, Plaza Mayor, with its seventeenth-century cathedral, government palaces, municipal hall, and other buildings. Quito is well known for its many small workshops producing native arts and for its outdoor Indian markets.

Otavalo: Every Saturday, this small town of the province of Imbabura ( 100 kilometers north of Quito), get full of colors and get suffocated of agitation, when the natives begin to exhibit in the Poncho square, the carpets, blankets, belts and a great diversity of objects, created with the skill of their hands and the creative impulses of their inspiration. Town of Otavalo    Otavalo Day Trip

Guayaquil: Guayaquil holds Ecuador's economic position.

Volcanoes - Chimborazo / Cotopaxi National Park Cotopaxi  Ecuador's "Avenue of the Volcanoes" is a 325 km. long valley between  the major Cordillera ranges. Massive and standing alone, the volcanoes provide brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. They also provide mountaineers a rare opportunity to achieve very high altitudes without technical difficulty. Volcano climbing offers an exciting, unforgettable challenge.

In the Indian language, Chimborazo means "mountain of snow". It is an enormous mass of overwhelming scale. Alexander Von Humboldt mad an unsuccessful attempt to climb the Chimborazo in 1802, and believed it to be the highest mountain in the world (6,526 feet). This distinction lasted until the discovery of Mt. Everest fifty years later. Chimborazo was finally climbed by Edward Whimper in 1880. Today it is climbed fairly frequently, but less than Cotopaxi, which is the highest active volcano of the world (6,005 meters). Read about The Cotopaxi National Park.

Ecuador Archaelogical Sites - Ecuador has several ruins left by the Incas or other Amerindians. The principal Inca site is Ingapirca. Others include Rumicucho, near Quito; La Tolita, near Esmeraldas; and Tomebamba in Cuenca (most of the ruins in this old provincial capital have been built over, but some can be seen at Avenida Todos Santos). The ancient Valdivia culture (dating from 3200 BC) left remains at Real Alto, San Isidro (excavated mounds) and Santa Elena—all of which are located in the coastal area northwest of Guayaquil. Santa Elena is notable for having the world's oldest known cemetery (dating from 5000 BC). Inside Machalilla National Park is the Agua Blanca site. (Artifacts from most of these places are best seen in museums in Guayaquil and Quito. Ingapirca Inca Ruins

Ambato, Ecuador - This modern city (pop. 140,000) south of Quito was rebuilt following a 1949 earthquake—little evidence of the colonial era remains. Ambato, however, is a good place to buy Salasaca Amerindian tapestries and other handicrafts (Monday is the main market day, with smaller ones on Wednesday and Friday). Sights include the Quinta de Mera (historic home), the local museum and the relaxing Parque Juan Montalvo (named after the Ecuadorian political essayist). The city hosts the Fruit and Flower Festival during the last two weeks of February (fruits, flowers, bullfights, street dances and festivities). Visitors can take excursions to Chimborazo (at 20,700 ft/6,310 m, it's Ecuador's highest peak); the Fauna Production Reserve (15,000 acres of native flowers and plants); and nearby town of Banos. Ambato is 75 mi south of Quito.  "Tigua Art"

Baños, Ecuador - Is located in the middle of a mountainous region = It is a place for relaxation while exploring the Andean Highlands. It is very well know for its natural springs. There are many locations that can accommodate a good long dip.  The lovely scenery around Banos is the area's other main attraction, and there are several ways to enjoy it. Good hiking trails, horse back riding and even riding a bike in the mountains. White-water boating is also possible in the area. Please have these all pre-arranged by your travel agents. "It's a Must"

Cuenca, Ecuador - Panama hats are the trademark of Cuenca, Ecuador's third-largest city. Panama hats were first made in the Cuenca area and are still produced there. The city still maintains is Andean Small town aura. In town you can immediately sense and feel what it was living 100 years ago. The year round spring like climate is a tremendous draw to Cuenca. The town has an Old World, Spanish colonial feel—flower boxes on windows, wrought-iron balconies, red-tile roofs, cobblestone streets and a lively market (open Thursday, with a smaller market on Saturday). It's also a center for arts and crafts—many of the things sold in Quito and Guayaquil come from this area. Among the sights are several cathedrals and convents. Home of the original Panama hat.

Galapagos Islands - The Galapagos Islands are a group of twelve volcanic islands and numerous islets an rocks 650 miles off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. The area of the islands is 3,086 square miles. Only two are inhabited: Isabela, the largest of the group, and San Cristobal. Current estimated population in the islands is 20,000. The islands are hilly, rising to a height of 5,000 feet, and there are several active volcanoes.

The Galapagos Islands are famous for their unique fauna and flora, which include species not found elsewhere. Best known are the huge tortoise (galapago) and some species of lizards. Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1830. It was here that he made the major portion of his observation that led to his theories on evolution and the Origin of the Species. Many scientists have since carried out research on the islands. Ecuador Hotels