MAIN Travel South America Ecuador

Of late, Ecuador has been in the headlines more for its political scandals and street protests than its reputation as a great travel destination.

Add to that volcanic destruction near the popular Bano beach resort, (along with a recent crime wave near the northern border it shares with Peru) and the travel outlook in Ecuador dims even more.

Even so, the country lying right on the equator (Equator = Ecuador) has much to recommended it for saavy travelers willing to stick close to the capital, Quito.

Here, on pleasant strolls in Downtown, a warm welcome is promised in many of its cafes, and history comes alive in its original colonial architecture. Also remember to take the camera for a trip on the "Teleferico" (cable car), transporting tourists to a nearby peak in the Andes for a birds eye view of the entire town and surroundings.

Of course, a trip to Ecuador would not be complete without an exursion to the stunning untouched natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands off the west coast, where memorable jungle safaris, exotic flora and fauna, and world-class diving and snorkeling await ...

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Guide - Extensive portal to hotels & restaurants, activities, attractions, practical tips, and a huge cache of related travel articles.

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Travel Information - Lonely Planet guide with insider travel tips on what to see and do, overviews of its culture & history, photos, maps.

Quito Tourist Portal - Colorful entry to the capital city with helpful guides on restaurants & Ecuadorian cuisine, searchable database of hotels, top attractions, suggested itineraries, maps, event calendar.

Ecuador Travel Blogs - Take your pick of recent travelogues with photos, featuring tips on what to see, where to go, what to avoid and other helpful been-there advice.

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