ECUADOR
Ecuador, with a population of over 15 million warm and eager people, is considered one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse nations on Earth. Its four stunning geographical regions: Pacific coastline, Andes Mountains, Amazon rainforest, and Galapagos Islands turns this country into the precise hotspot environment for the development of more than 50% of the world's biodiversity.
Within this dynamic country, more than 14 ethnic groups neighbor each other, some of which still speak ancient Inca languages and many of which are distinguished through the preservation of artisanal skills which remain central to Ecuadorian art and culture. Cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca decorate the country with magnificent Spanish colonial architecture and complement the country’s natural beauty, with its volcanic peaks and untouched beaches. Quito, the capital, was the first city to be declared a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, was the winner of the award for “Best Tourism Destination” by the World Travel Awards in 2013 and has been declared “Top destination to travel in 2013” by National Geographic. Meanwhile, International Living Magazine has highlighted Cuenca, located in the south of the country, as a “Paradise for Retirees.” Most recently the United States Tour Operators Association categorized Ecuador as the third most important destination of the world.
The World Economic Forum named Ecuador as the number one country of Latin America in quality of life. This includes a reduction in crime from 16.9% in 2000 to 6.4% in 2005, a steady growth in GDP higher to the average in Latin America, a 4.3% unemployment rate being the lowest in South America.
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GALAPAGOS
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The Enchanted Islands, one of the most renowned destinations in the world offer a one of a kind nature experience.
Picture yourself walking amongst giant turtles, sea lions, and exotic birds or swimming alongside whale sharks and giant manta rays who have no fear of man and are just as curious about you as you are about them. This unique opportunity is only possible in the Galapagos Islands. Located 1.000 kilometers (600 miles) off the Ecuadorian Pacific Coast, the islands are a living museum and showcase of evolution. Declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, the Galapagos have also been recognized as the first destination to visit before you die by the readers of USA TODAY.
Weather:
The weather in the Galapagos Islands is divided into two seasons, the warm wet season with temperatures around 30°C (86°F) from January to May / June, and the cool dry season with temperatures around 22°C (72°F) from June / July to December.
Gastronomy:
Galapagos cuisine is diverse, fresh and abundant. It is well-known for its seafood, in particular, shrimp and lobsters, as well as its choice of freshly caught fish. Not to be missed are the Island’s delicious “ceviches”.
PUERTO AYORA
The second largest island in Galapagos Islands is Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora hosts the biggest population with over 15,000 inhabitants in its 986 square kilometers of the surface. In this large dormant volcano, it is too casual to find multicolor crabs, iguanas, sea lions, and Galapagos turtles; just human and nature coexisting in harmony.
Home to both the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park, Puerto Ayora is the center of the Galápagos conservation efforts. Puerto Ayora has the best-developed infrastructure and communication facilities in the archipelago. The population is smiled and warmful, they are dedicated mainly to artisanal fishing, agriculture and livestock.
