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PICTURE CAPTION CRAB, GALÁPAGOS SALLY LIGHTFOOT
MASHPI LODGE IN THE CLOUD FOREST
explains: “Ecuador’s newly restored rail network now allows you to discover the verdant beauty of rural Ecuador and its tiny traditional hamlets. However, if your clients is short on time or the dates don’t fit, fans of rail travel and spectacular scenery should at least do the worldfamous Devil’s Nose section of railway that zig-zags its way impossibly down a near-vertical Andean mountainside.”
The Coast Ecuador borders the Pacific and has more than 1,000 miles of coastline, where you’ll find the country’s biggest city, Guayquil (see below). The coast is largely unspoilt and is popular with backpackers and surfers, many of whom are drawn to the party town of Montanita. The coast varies in terms of geography and climate: lush and wet in the Esmereldas province in the north, to more arid and humid in the southern part.
The Galápagos Islands There are not many places in the world that can truly be described as unique, but the Galápagos is such a place. Lying a two-and-a-half drive from Guayquil, the Galápagos Islands are top of many people’s bucket list and a must-
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COLONIAL CUENCA
visit for anyone touring Ecuador. This pristine natural wilderness is one of the few places in the world where animals are genuinely unafraid of humans. They are either indifferent to your presence or, in the case of the sealions, will naturally interacting with you. Tourism is strictly monitored and controlled and the only way to see the islands is by boat. There are a large number of operators offering different tours and routes, the longestestablished is Metropolitan Touring (metropolitantouring.com), which also owns the Finch Bay Hotel. It operates the Isabela 2, Santa Cruz 2 and La Pinta ships.
The Cities Quito is the capital of Ecuador and famously lies right on the equator, allowing you to step from one hemisphere to another. It’s chilly up here, lying some 9,350 feet above sea level and has a year-round temperature of just 16C. It’s small, too, with just 1.4m inhabitants, but has an abundance of architectural heritage and is, in fact, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It takes a day or two to get acclimatised to the altitude so be careful not to walk too far or too fast when you first arrive.
Guayquil is the biggest city in Ecuador, with around 2.5m inhabitants. Founded in 1538, the city played a key part in the history of the region: it was here that Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin met to map out the future of an independent South America. It is the nation’s most important port, but it’s not really a tourist spot despite attempts to spruce it up. For most visitors it’s the jumping off spot for a trip to the Galápagos or to the party town of Montanita in the north. In the south of the country you’ll find the beautiful whitewashed university city of Cuenca. Sitting at a lofty 8,400 feet above sea level, the city centre has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its colonial heritage and many historic buildings.
Where to book it LATIN TRAILS A nine-day Ecuador and Galapagos trip is from £6,744.65pp based on two sharing. The price includes transfers, a Quito city tour with English-speaking local driver and guide, three nights at Illa Experience Hotel in the city and five nights onboard the Sea Star Journey with meals, excursions and a Naturalist Guide. latintrails.com
10/05/2019 16:29