Ecuador is a small Andean country sandwiched in between Peru and Colombia. Colonized by the Spanish empire until 1821, it was subsequently part of Gran Colombia (along with Venezuela, Colombia and Panama) until it became a sovereign state in 1830. Along with Spanish, Ecuador has 13 other indigenous languages. It is a strongly indigenous country and this is reflected in its demographics. More than 70% of the population are Mestizo (mixed indigenous) and only 6% consider themselves from European descent. Ecuador is currently a middle income country that is supported by a strong tourism industry.
BackPacking
When you backpack Ecuador, there is a wide variety of places to visit. You can travel to towering volcanoes such as Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, to the beautiful beaches of Montanita, the vast Amazon Basin, the quaint colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca (both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and most importantly, you can visit the world famous Islands on any Galapagos trips. Coupled with exquisite food delicacies and intriguing cultures and customs, the South-American country of Ecuador has firmly established itself as a tourist destination.
Galapagos Islands
If you decide to backpack Ecuador and most particularly the Galapagos Islands, you can choose among a wide range of Galapagos Trips. You will be able to discover this beautiful archipelago of volcanic islands through diverse fun activities, such as snorkeling among marine iguanas, sea lions, and reef fish, exploring great lava formations and active volcanoes, walking among giant tortoises in their natural habitat, kayaking and biking through beautiful landscapes. Get to know the incredibly diverse marine life endemic to the Galapagos Islands and hike one of the world’s largest active volcano in out-of-this-world landscapes!Take a boat ride to nearby islands to see native birds and get the opportunity to swim next to seals and turtles. The Galapagos trips on offer are numerous and will not deceive you!
Galapagos Islands
Apart from the Galapagos Trips, you can discover many other beautiful sites like Cuenca which are really worth visiting. Cuenca is blessed with colonial architecture and sprawling plazas that rival Quito’s ‘Old Town, ‘quaint restaurants and cafes, universities, and museums all within a walkable downtown. Learn about Ecuador’s rich cultural diversity and see shrunken heads at Museo del Banco Central “Pumapungo”. Outdoor enthusiasts should be sure to visit the nearby Parque Nacional Cajas. For the real adventurers who backpack Ecuador, they can go to the Amazon jungle, or El Oriente, as it is referred to in Ecuador. It is unlike any other place in the world. You can paddle through the Amazon, spot howler monkeys, and many other fascinating local species. It is better to arrange a package with a jungle lodge, which provides air or boat transportation, food, guides, and accommodations.
Cuenca, Ecuador
Source: EzineArticles, Aaron Clarkes
