Intro to Visit Ecuador
When you visit Ecuador, one of the first features you notice is its diversity. Two cordilleras run from north to south through the country. On both sides – west & east – falling away to sea level. And sea level over here means ending up in tropical areas.
On the eastside of the Andes highlands you end up in the Amazon. When you have the honor to travel that way, you’ll notice that every hour – or even, every half hour – your surroundings are transforming.
Heading down, it gets greener & greener. The landscape changes, the sounds, the colors, the inhabitants, the houses they live in, the clothes they wear, the rhythm of life.
And, of course, the climate changes too. The blue skies of the Andean region little by little make way for clouds, feeding the hot & humid rain forest.
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In the west, it’s the same. On that side, sliding down the flanks of the high Andes peaks, you’ll end up at the Pacific ocean.
And from the coastline – a 1000 kilometers/ 620 miles further westwards – you’ll find the unique Galápagos Islands. As if three very diverse regions weren’t enough already.
In short, Ecuador harbours 4 very diverse regions – the Highlands, the Pacific coast, the Amazon-jungle & the Enchanted Islands.
Ecuador is a friendly, amazingly beautiful country, where I – the writer of this blog, Better call me Art – now live for over 30 years!
Post Ecuador – Travel blog
In this Travel blog, I will inform you about this unique country regularly. Impressions & inside tips about things to see & do.
Northern province of Imbabura
Because I’ll live in the northern Andes, my posts will mostly tell you about that region. Specifically the province of Imbabura, recently named GeoParque Imbabura by UNESCO.
Imbabura is mainly known for its many lakes & volcanoes like the Mt. Imbabura & Mt. Cotacachi. As well as for the small indigenous towns of Otavalo – famous for its market – and Cotacachi. The last one was recently named as one of Ecuador’s first Pueblos mágicos/Magical places.
The market town of Otavalo
A journey through Ecuador isn’t complete without a visit to the friendly Andean town of Otavalo. Not only for its Historical & World famous market, but also for many other Things to Do around.
To name just a few:
- A climb to the top of the Fuya Fuya volcano, standing high above the Mojanda Lake area.
- Hiking around the magical Cuicocha crater lake.
- Or else, a visit to the Condor Park just above Otavalo.
Other destinations within Ecuador to visit
Besides the Visit Otavalo – Imbabura segment, I recently wrote posts about other worthwhile destinations within Ecuadors’ borders. I’ve named it: The Yes or No-segment on visiting Ecuador.
Besides a general post on the country itself – so far – I’ve published specific posts on:
- Papallacta’s Thermal Springs
- Ecuador’s capital Quito
- The Chimborazo and Cotopaxi National Park
- Cuenca (under construction)
- Baños (under construction)
- Mindo (under construction)
Post Ecuador – A little history
When you visit a fascinating country like Ecuador, it’s a good idea to gather some background information.
Not only about its currency, its climate or the state of the roads. Also about the political system, its social problems, or its past.
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I’ve started this segment with a remarkable history. Almost three centuries ago a French scientific expedition visited the area to “Measure the Earth”. A serious “world-size” experiment for the men involved, but also an adventurous one, full of drama. In the end, the French presence would give the country its future name.
After a short Introduction to this French mission, I prepared 4 posts to tell & show you all about it. I can promise you that reading these posts will give you a completely different impression of the country you may choose to visit, beautiful Ecuador.
Facebook Group: Visit Ecuador
* Besides the blog post on Ecuador I administer a Visit Ecuador FB group. A group you can freely join & is open to all Ecuador fans. That is:
- People who live here & want to share their experiences.
- As well as people who want to come over for a visit, get to know Ecuador & have questions to answer.
Here’s a link to: The Visit Ecuador FB-group
Hotel Doña Esther/Restaurante Árbol de Montalvo
Last, but not least, I – together with my wife Wendy – run a hotel/restaurant in Otavalo:
Hotel Doña Esther/Restaurant Árbol de Montalvo.
One of, if not, the best in town (…uhm!). A humbly meant opinion, happily shared by many international guidebooks, travel web sites & many guests.
For more info, go to: Hotel Doña Esther, or if you like write to us directly through WhatsApp (use button below):
For an overview of all travel posts of my blog, go to: the Home Page.
