Mainland Ecuador – A Place worth Visiting

Ecuador might be known for the Galapagos island which is one of the best tourist destination on the

country. But, there are more to Ecuador than the Galapagos Island, and some of them are found on the

mainland.

Haciendas. Step back in time by staying a tone of the

colonial haciendas that dot the Ecuadorian

Highlands. Some of the character properties date

back to the 16th century and offer a unique

experience, as well as generally being a great base

for walking and horse riding. The family-owned

Hacienda Zuleta near Otavalo is a particular

Wanderlust favorite. Once the home of a former

President of Ecuador, it’s a working farm that also

boasts one of the country’s best preserved Caranqui

archaeological sites (dating back to around AD 700)

as well as great birdwatching and a condor project.

Train ride. Ecuador’s rail tracks are gradually being

restored and serviced by heritage trains, making for

a unique experience within Latin America. The Devil’s

Nose is one of the world’s greatest stretches of

railway, tackling a series of hair-raising switchbacks

through the Andes. This is part of the route covered

by the recently launched Tren Crucero trip from Quito to Guayaquil. The newest route is the Tren de la

Libertad, which links Ibarra with the remote Andean township of Salinas, home to a community of Afro-

Ecuadorians who came to the country to build the original rail track in the early 20th century.

Guayaquil & the coast. Ecuador’s second city (and main port) is a jumping-off point for the Galápagos, but

is worth a visit in its own right. The Pacific coast has sandy beaches, some particularly good for surfing –

such as Montañita. Humpback whales are seen along the coast from June to October; go whale-watching

from Puerto Lopez. Isla de la Plata (Silver Island) is often described as the ‘poor man’s Galápagos’ due to

its prolific fauna including blue-footed boobies, land iguanas and waved albatrosses.

Indian Markets. There are lots of colorful and busy Indian markets on the mainland Ecuador, among these

are: Zumbahua and Saquisili Market. Zumbahua which situated in Panamerican highway. Although it is

not the well-known rural market, but some consider it to be interesting and unique. Some factors that

contributes on its uniqueness are the way good, products, horses and even llamas are still being traded.

On the other hand, Saquisili market which can be found along Avenue of the Volcanoes past Mt. Cotopaxi

on south of Quito. Each street have different things to sell from fabric, furniture, housewares and their

plaza or street’s specialty which only happens every Thursday. This once-a-week Indian Market is never to

be missed. Some other indian markets that are worth visiting are: Latacunga and Pujili Indian markets.

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