TOURISM

Located in northwestern South America, Ecuador offers splendid natural treasures, such as the Galapagos Islands, the exotic Amazon Rain Forest and magnificent volcanoes such as Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.

Ecuador is one of the countries with highest biodiversity in the world in relationship with its size. When you travel to Ecuador, you will meet warm and gentle people.

It is an extraordinary destination full of adventure, diversity, gastronomy, art, and a unique contact with ancestral cultures and nature. Ecuador is a country with a happy and generous spirit.

Each region has specific characteristics and a wealth of tourism opportunities for the traveller and investor alike. The following is a map of the country, followed by brief descriptions of each region.
We would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism for providing information and pictures for this section of the report.

1. THE ECUADORIAN RAINFOREST

In the eastern part of the country, commonly known as the Amazon Basin, heavy rainfall and high humidity are constant features. The vegetation of the Ecuadorian Amazon is exuberant as is its fauna. Within and around the huge protected areas of the Amazon Rain Forest several indigenous ethnic groups live side by side, still living traditionally, each group maintaining its distinct customs and traditions.

SUCUMBÍOS REGION

Sucumbíos, which borders Colombia to the north, is characterized by its humid, tropical climate. In addition to being home to some of the Amazon's most impressive and expansive ecological reserves, such as Cuyabeno, with their incredible flora and fauna, Sucumbíos was the first Ecuadorian province to be exploited for oil. Sucumbíos' capital, Lago Agrio, is a popular gateway to the Amazon region and has accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets.

NAPO REGION

Several indigenous communities, such as the Quichuas, live in Napo. The inhabitants traditionally have held on to and manifested their cultural identity by using native materials harvested in the rain forest to handcraft beautiful artisan products such as shigras (bags), ceramics, bows, and arrows. Located in northeastern Ecuador, Napo has a wet tropical climate.

PASTAZA REGION

Pastaza and its surrounding areas were known as the "Cinnamon Province" in colonial times. Today it is a must-see spot for tourists looking to get in touch with nature and live out an Amazon adventure. The area's exuberant forests and large variety of animal and plant species are its principal attractions. With a wet, tropical climate, the area's average temperature is 26 degrees centigrade.

MORONA-SANTIAGO REGION

Morona-Santiago, in southeastern Ecuador, is rich in natural beauty, with many rivers and a variety of trees species such as cedar, mahogany, canelón, and laurel. Like the other Amazonian provinces, several indigenous groups live here and adventure tourism is popular. The area has a typical wet, tropical climate with an average temperature of 21 degrees centigrade and a heavy rainfall.

ZAMORA-CHINCHIPE REGION

Zamora-Chinchipe, in southeastern Ecuador, is home to a variety of reserves such as Podocarpus National Park. The geography here is extremely varied due to the influence of the Eastern and Condor highland areas. The area's climate is wet tropical and its average temperature is 18 degrees centigrade.

ORELLANA REGION

Orellana, Ecuador's newest province, whose capital is Francisco de Orellana, has only existed since 1999 and has four cantons. Orellana is rich in oil and wood reserves and has beautiful scenery and a wealth of flora and fauna. It borders Sucumbíos to the north, Pastaza to the south, Peru to the east, and Napo to the west. The Province's principle indigenous inhabitants are the Huaorani, Schuar, and Quichua communities. Orellana has a total surface area of 20,652.6 square kilometers

2. THE ANDES

The Ecuadorian Andes are known worldwide for their impressive mountains, volcanoes, and snow-capped peaks, some of the most famous of which are Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. The ten Andean provinces are also home to cities and towns of historical interest and importance such as Quito and Cuenca and artisan centers such as Otavalo. The area is also home to several national parks with an abundant variety of flora and fauna. Because of the diverse geography of the area, the Andes consists of a variety of landscapes, each one with a unique microclimate. Moreover, the area is a place visited by almost all visitors who come to Ecuador as Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport is the nation's most frequented entry point.

CARCHI REGION

Carchi, home to towering mountains such as Volcano Chiles (4,768 m) and an alpine climate with an average temperature of 12 degrees centigrade, is Ecuador's northernmost province. The province is home to some of the nations most impressive protected areas, such as El Angel Reserve, and several interesting and colorful towns. One of its major attractions is the Gruta de la Paz (the Grotto of Peace). Carchi also has a domestic airport with connecting flights to various cities throughout Ecuador and a handful of flights to southern Colombia.

IMBABURA REGION

Home to an uncountable number of lakes and other bodies of water, Imbabura is a great place for fishing and adventure sports. Located in Ecuador's northern highlands, the province enjoys a pleasantly dry climate with an average temperature of around 18 degrees centigrade. Its production of handicrafts has made its indigenous population, principally those from Otavalo, famous worldwide. The province is also well known for its Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Imbabura's hotel facilities and tourist infrastructure are among the best in the country.

THE PICHINCHA REGION

Quito, the provincial of Pichincha and the nation's capital, is the departure point for Ecuador's main tourist destinations. Due to its strategic location and well developed tourist infrastructure Quito is an ideal place from which to start a trip and a great place to hold both national and international conventions and other events. The city lies at the foot of the western Andes range and enjoys a spring-like climate, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 24 degrees centigrade. Its Mariscal Sucre Airport, is one of Ecuador's international terminals.

Apart from its historical capital, Pichincha has an abundance of interesting destination: protected areas with extensive forests and towering volcanoes, archaeological sites, and villages indigenous markets that sell the finest in artisan crafts.

QUITO - Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Situated in an Andean valley at 2,850 m above sea level at the foot of Volcano Pichincha (4,794 m), Quito is a modern city with a living history. One of Latin America's most historically important cities, Quito has been declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity site by UNESCO. Noteworthy for its architectural beauty, Quito is home to numerous churches and convents built in the colonial period. The Metropolitan Cathedral, located in Independence Plaza, is one of the city's most impressive historical and architectural sites. Others worthy of mention are the following cathedrals and historical sites: San Francisco, la Compañía de Jesús, San Agustín, Santo Domingo, El Sagrario, La Merced, Carmen Bajo, San Sebastian, Santa Barbara, and San Blas. A large part of their interiors, especially the altars and pulpits, are gilded in gold and house innumerable works of religious art. Some of their museums hold valuable collections of paintings and sculptures belonging to the artistic genre which has been come to known as the Quito School.

Another important building is the Carondelet Palace, the seat of the Central Government. In Quito's historical center, with its steep, narrow, cobblestone streets, the artistic and architectural influence of Spain can be seen in the general architectural style of the homes, their balconies, their tiled roofs, and their interior patios. Another colonial area, outside the of Old Town, is the suburb Guápulo. Perched on the eastern slopes of the city, Guapalo's most impressive sight is its famous sanctuary to the Virgin of Guápulo, the oldest sanctuary of its kind in the country

However, despite its rich living history, Ecuador's capital is at the same time a modern metropolis with a variety of hotel facilities to chose from, including many of the world's major hotel chains. Quito also has countless restaurants (serving national and international cuisine, alike), shopping centers, theaters, convention centers, and everything else that the most demanding tourist could possible need

.The city has its annual festival in December, when festivities such as bullfights, the election of the Queen of Quito, national and international concerts, street dances, and fireworks turn Quito into the site of a national gala for an entire week. The celebrations are in honor of founding of Quito on December 6, 1534 by Sebástian de Benalcázar.

COTOPAXI REGION

The province of Cotopaxi's main attraction is Cotopaxi National Park. Located on the eastern plain of Patate, in the center of the country, Cotopaxi's climate varies from 12 to 17 degrees centigrade. In addition to Cotopaxi National Park, the province has major indigenous markets and is rich in popular traditions.

TUNGURAHUA REGION

With its temperate, wet, and cool climate, this province, lying to the south of Cotopaxi, is known for its towering peaks, its Carnival festivities, and its fruit and flower production. Handmade leather goods are another one of its riches. The town of Baños is one of the gateways to the Amazon.

BOLIVAR REGION

Located in the heart of the country, quaint Guaranda is the smallest provincial capital in the highlands. Its pleasant climate (22 to 25 degrees centigrade in the tropical regions) make it very popular with visitors, who are also attracted the area's cool paramo. The Carnival festivities of the area have gained fame throughout Ecuador.

CHIMBORAZO REGION

Home to challenging peaks and towering volcanoes such as Chimborazo, the province of Chimborazo is ideal for mountaineering which is one of the many reasons it has gained popularity among foreign tourist. The province is also rich in history, traditions, handicrafts, and natural beauty, with many lakes and beautiful paramo landscapes. The average temperature here is 13 degrees centigrade.

3. SOUTH ANDES

The country's oldest archaeological ruins are to be found in this region. The area is also home to several villages full of handicrafts as well as to a variety of protected areas, national parks, and nature reserves. Cuenca, the capital of Azuay (one of the three provinces of the Southern region) stands out as a historical and cultural city. This part of the country is also known for its hot springs and the traditional medicines which are used here. The climate differs according to the altitude. However, in general, the weather here is relatively cool.

CAÑAR REGION

Cañar, in the southern Andean region, is home to Ecuador's most important archaeological site - Ingapirca. Here, the Pre-Colombian finds and the Temple of the Sun attract hundreds of visitors year round. The province also has interesting indigenous markets and lakes. The climate here is relatively cool.

AZUAY REGION

Home to breathtaking protected areas such as El Cajas Recreational Area and the city of Cuenca, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Azuay is southern Ecuador's most important tourist center. Moreover, Azuay is a great place to shop for high-quality handicrafts and partake in festive celebrations throughout the year. The area also boasts an ideal climate, with temperatures ranging between 12 and 20 degrees centigrade. This province has a national airport with flights available to most any point in Ecuador.

CUENCA - Cultural Capital of the Americas

Surrounded by mountains, traversed by four rivers, and home to beautiful 14th- and 15th- century architecture, Cuenca surprised nobody when it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the Old Town, you will find Parque Calderón and other colonial parks and plazas, neighborhoods that date back to the first days of the Spanish conquest of the area, and religious art museums showcasing some of Ecuador's most impressive artwork. Also to be admired in this area are architecturally impressive buildings and churches such as the Old and New Cathedrals, Santo Domingo, San Sebastián, and San Blas, to name but a few. The city is also famous for hosting the International Art Fair. The most impressive of the city's many museums are as follows: Banco Central, Casa de la Cultura, Conceptas Convent, Remigio Crespo Toral, Artes Populares de América, Arte Moderno, and Instituto Azuayo de Folclore. With so much cultural heritage to offer the tourist, it's no surprise that Cuenca was chosen as the Cultural Capital of the Americas in 2002.

LOJA REGION

Located in southern Ecuador, Loja is most well known the Vírgen del Cisne religious festivals it organizes, which attract pilgrims from all over the country and from abroad, as well. Loja also has popular tourist attractions, the most well known being Vilcabamba Valley, famous for the longevity of the locals, most of whom live to the age of 100. The average temperature here is 16 degrees centigrade

4. THE ECUATORIAN COAST

ESMERALDAS

The Green Province, as it is called, is located on the country's northwestern coast. Here, the temperature ranges from 21 to 25 degrees Celcius. Its main attraction are the beaches in the southern part of the province as well as the Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve to the north. The city of Esmeraldas, the provinces capital, is one of Ecuador's main ports and terminal for the nation's petroleum pipeline. The city is also equipped with a domestic airport, with connecting flights available to Cali, Colombia.

GUAYAS REGION

Probably the most economically active province of Ecuador, the province of Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, is home to the country's main port, Guayaquil, and also to many important ecological reserves, such as Manglares-Churute. There are seaside resorts with plenty of hotels to choose from and small beaches where you can partake in a variety of sports. The province has an international airport and a well-developed infrastructure for holding national and international events. Several international hotel chains have branches in Guayaquil. With a humid, tropical climate, the temperature stays at around 25 degrees centrigrade throughout the year.

GUAYAQUIL - The Power of Progress

Located in western Ecuador on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city. Founded in 1938, Guayaquil was South America's most important port in colonial times. Nowadays, Guayaquil continues to be Ecuador's principle port as well as its economic center. Moreover, the city has become a modern metropolis with first-class hotels and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. The city's main attractions now include the historical Las Peñas District perched on the slopes of Santa Ana Hill, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Seminary Park (1895) whose trees offer a shady place to rest for the area's iguana population, the Civic Center with its modern auditorium, the General Cemetery with its Italian marble sculptures, the city's giant Clock Tower, and Guayaquil's latest attraction: its newly renovated boardwalk, Malecón 2000, which showcases Guayaquil renovation of its waterfront district with all of its houses, shops, restaurants, and museums.

Another attraction is the Guayaquil Historic Park. Located on the road to to Samborondón, the Park aims to rescue the region's cultural and ecological values. Guayaquil also has modern shopping centers and plenty of lively economic activity and is also the starting point for trips to the beaches located along the Santa Elena Peninsula.

THE COAST OF GUAYAS - Endless Beaches, Hotels, and Entertainment

Leaving Guayaquil heading towards the Pacific, we arrive in Playas, situated on Ecuador's Pacific coastline 100 km to the southwest of Guayaquil. Surrounded by shrimp farms and various types of palm trees, Playas offers a variety of tasty seafood plates.

Further to the north, on the tip of the Santa Elena Peninsula144 km from Guayaquil, is Salinas, a modern-looking beachside city full of quality hotels. Salinas is the ideal place to try your hand at water sport such as jet skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, and deep sea fishing.

Further along, we come to Punta Blaca, another resort town great for water sports; Carnero, which is internationally known for its amateur fishing; and Montañita, a surfing hotspot with a developed tourist infrastructure that has become a popular destination through the year with both national and internationals surf buffs.

Finally, Manglaralto, just to the south of Montañita, is another great place to relax, partake in all kinds of water sports, and go fishing. This town is also home to a rather interesting shrimp larva laboratories.

5. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Origin and Evolution

Save the best for last… The Galapagos Islands are a destination you will never forget. The islands lie almost a thousand kilometers off the coast of Ecuador's mainland. Biologically diverseg, they are one of the planet's natural paradises and one of the most visited national parks in the world. The flora and fauna you'll find here are truly unique. Here, you'll see unending beaches of marble white sand such as those of Tortuga Bay, tunnels of lava, spectacular diving areas, and a marine reserve, not to mention the prehistoric animals and colorful birds you'll get a chance to observe. There are thirteen main islands that make up the archipelago. The climate here is sub-tropical. The Galapagos Islands have two airports with flights to Quito and Guayaquil.

For more detailed information for travellers and to start planning your trip to Ecuador, you can visit the web page of the Ministry of Tourism,
http://www.vivecuador.com/index.htm