The Equator is located here, (Latitude 0)and a certain group of islands which gave birth to Darwin`s theory of evolution. Homestay Mussoorie time has not diminished the keen sense of adventure, this country induces and tourists can still write home about impenetrable jungles, weird and wonderful creatures and exotic peoples.
Highlights
The phrase small is beautiful could have been coined specifically with this country in mind. By South American standards it is tiny (only half the size of France) and dwarfed by its neighbors Colombia and Peru. But it is this relative compactness which is one of its main attractions. If you have only got a few weeks in which to explore a place, you really don`t want to spend half your time in an aircraft or on a bus. Here you can watch dawn break over the jungle canopy, have lunch high in the Andean mountains, then watch the sun slip into the Pacific Ocean, all in the same day.
Equatorial explorers
Ecuador also boasts great biological diversity , a fact that did not escape the attention of 18th and 19th century scientists and explorers, who came, saw and compiled large volumes extolling its many virtues. The first to put Ecuador on the map was French aristocrat, Charles-Marie de la Condamine, who determine the precise location of the equatorial line here, hence the country`s name. Homestay Mussoorie today, tourists can still write home about impenetrable Ecuador jungles, snow capped volcanoes, weird and wonderful creatures and exotic peoples. Two centuries of “progress” have not diminished the keen sense of adventure which this country inspires.
Capital Gains
The capital city of Ecuador is Quito, is the perfect base from which to explore the delights of the country. Although it stands a mere 23 kilometers south of the Equator, Quito`s mountain setting means it enjoys a pleasant, spring like climate all year round. The city has enough to satisfy the culture vulture and hedonistic night-owl, and you don`t have to be an architecture buff to appreciate its elegant and beautifully preserved colonial heart. In sharp contrast is its modern alter ego, boasting sleek contemporary buildings with shiny glass and concrete towers, making Quito one of the most attractive cities in the whole of Latin America.
Not content with admiring the volcanoes from a distance, adventure-hungry visitors are climbing them in search of the biggest natural high this little country has to offer.
Weaving and Dealing
During Inca times, textiles held pride of place, and things are no different today. Throughout the northern highlands beautiful woven textiles are still produced, often using techniques unchanged for centuries. A few hours north of Quito is one of Ecuador`s main weaving centers and most popular attractions, the market town of Otavalo, were local indigenous women dress in very beautiful traditional fashion. Homestay Mussoorie here it seems the world and his wife are busily engaged in producing beautiful wall hangings, handbags, pillow covers, ponchos, belts, and of course those ubiquitous sweaters.
A wildlife Paradise
The greatest natural show on earth. The reason many people come to Ecuador is to visit a group of 19 islands lying almost a thousand kilometers due west. The Galapagos Islands came to the world’s attention following a visit by a young Charles Darwin, whose short stay in the archipelago proved to be not insignificant for science and the study of evolution. Homestay Mussoorie the islands, which get their name from their giant tortoises,that live there, are home to numerous endemic spices of birds and reptiles, now this wildlife paradise has become a national park dedicated to the conservatioon of its many unique species.
Fearless fauna
But it is not just the scientific importance of this place that makes it so special. The animals here are also tame you could walk up and shake their hand (or flipper,wing or claw). This is nature in all its naked glory and in startling close-up. Each island also has its own particular main event, Homestay Mussoorie from the bizarre love dance of the blue-footed booby to the magnificent red balloon courtship display of male frigate birds.
Underwater magic
In the animals on land seem indifferent to the prying camera lenses of tourists, those beneath the waves are positively gregarius. Impossibly cute sea lion pups are always on the lookout for a new playmate, and the cheeky little Galapagos penguins dart around checking out the latest visitors. Slightly more reserved are marine turtles and graceful manta rays, while hammerhead sharks thankfully prefer to remain aloof.
Jungle Adventure
No visit to Ecuador would be complete without venturing into its steamy jungles. Only a few hours away from Quito by bus, the eastern slopes of the Andes give away to a vast green carpet stretching into the horizon. This is home to all manner of strange and exotic mammals,birds,fish, amphibians and reptiles. Parrots and macaws on the wing, and troops of screeching monkeys provide the noisy score for capybara (sheep-sized rodents), caiman, armadillos,tapirs, peccaries and, if you are really lucky, jaguars. There are also a million and one butterflies, some the size of your hand, and spiders as big as next door`s cat. Homestay Mussoorie it`s all part of the authentic jungle experience.
Wet and wild
Any trip to Ecuador rainforest is an adventure in itself, but those who crave even more excitement can ride. The rapids on some of Ecuador`s wildest and most spectacular rivers. White water rafting here is described as some of the best in the world. With the added advantage of warm, tropical water.
