2013-2014 DESK REFERENCE - Travel Agent Academy · desk reference brought to you by. 1 2 3 ......
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2013-2014 DESK REFERENCE Brought to you by
Transcript of 2013-2014 DESK REFERENCE - Travel Agent Academy · desk reference brought to you by. 1 2 3 ......
2013-2014 DESK REFERENCE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Map .........................................................................................................2Hotels ......................................................................................................... 4I Discovered The Best Of South America in Ecuador ....................................5I Discovered Sales Success in Ecuador ...........................................................6I Discovered How Easy It Is To Travel To Ecuador .............................................8Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Ecuador ......................................................9I Discovered How to Share Essential Facts About Ecuador ............................. 10I Discovered Seven Perfect Days in Ecuador ....................................................11I Discovered The Best Way To Sell The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador ...........12I Discovered The Best Way To Sell The Pacific Coast in Ecuador .................14I Discovered The Best Way To Sell The Andes Region in Ecuador ..............16I Discovered The Best Way To Sell The Amazon in Ecuador ................... 18I Discovered 16 Special Interests Activities in Ecuador ........................20Tour Operators .................................................................................22
REG
ION
S
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593 Rancocas Road, Westampton, NJ 08060 P: (856) 727-0035 | E: [email protected]
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MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA
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ACCOuNT MANAGER, MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA
Maria-Antonieta (Toni) Aguirre
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jane Jamison
E–LEARNING EDITORIAL MANAGER, MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA
Jane Custer
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Although every effort has been made to guarantee the accuracy of information appearing within this supplement, we
cannot be responsible for typographical errors, omissions or changes since this
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Copyright © 2013. All rights reserved.
puBLIShED BY
Puerto Ayora
PuertoBaquerizo Moreno
OceanPacific
Galápagos
Nueva Loja
Tena
Puyo
Macas
ZamoraLoja
Cuenca
GuayaquilSanta Elena
Portoviejo
Esmeraldas
Manta
Baños
Quito
Ibarra
Tulcán
Francisco de Orellana
Latitude0º 00’ 00”
Baeza
Quevedo
Babahoyo
Azogues
Machala
Riobamba
Ambato
Guaranda
Latacunga
N
S
EO
www.ecuador.travel
ECUADORSOUTH
AMERICA
GALÁPAGOSISLANDS
PACIFICOCEAN ATLANTIC
OCEAN
This representation does not exactly correspond to a topographic cut of Ecuador in West - East direction
galápagos pacific coast andes amazon
Santo Domingo
4 www.ecuador-specialist.com
HOTEL NAME PHONE NUMBER WEBSITE STARS # OF ROOMS CITy
El Dorado (593-7) 2831-390 www.eldoradohotel.com.ec 51 Cuenca
Oro Verde (593-7) 4090-000 www.oroverdehotels.com 77 Cuenca
San Juan (593-7) 2840-870 www.sanjuanhotel.ec 30 Cuenca
Crespo (593-7) 2842-571 www.hotelcrespo.com 41 Cuenca
Italia (593-7) 2840-060 www.hotelitalia.com.ec 40 Cuenca
Pinar Del Lago (593-7) 4089-751 www.hotelpinar.com 34 Cuenca
Yanuncay (593-7) 2829-144 www.hotelyanuncay.com.ec 30 Cuenca
Continental (593-4) 2329-270 www.hotelcontinental.com.ec 89 Guayaquil
Grand Hotel Guayaquil (593-4) 2329-690 www.grandhotelguayaquil.com 182 Guayaquil
Hampton Inn Boulevard Hotel (593-4) 2566-700 www.guayaquil.hamptoninn.com 95 Guayaquil
Hilton Colon (593-4) 2689-000 www.guayaquil.hilton.com 294 Guayaquil
Oro Verde (593-4) 2327-999 www.oroverdehotels.com 230 Guayaquil
Ramada (593-4) 2563-036 www.hotelramada.com 75 Guayaquil
Unipark (593-4) 2327-100 www.uniparkhotel.com 139 Guayaquil
Sheraton (593-4) 2082-088 www.ghlhoteles.com 141 Guayaquil
Courtyard By Marriott Guayaquil (593-4) 6009-200 www.courtyardguayaquil.com 144 Guayaquil
Hm International (593-4) 2280-806 www.hmhotel.ec 41 Guayaquil
Sonesta (593-4) 2690-590 www.sonesta.com/Guayaquil 112 Guayaquil
Alexander (593-4) 2532-000 www.hotelalexanderecuador.com 61 Guayaquil
Americas Las (593-4) 2294-444 www.hotellasamericas.ec 61 Guayaquil
Sol De Oriente (593-4) 2325-500 www.hotelsoloriente.com 56 Guayaquil
Palace (593-4) 2321-080 www.hotelpalaceguayaquil.com.ec 95 Guayaquil
Hotel City Plaza (593-4) 2309-209 www.hotelcityplaza.com.ec 97 Guayaquil
Galeria Man-Ging (593-4) 2395-498 www.hotelgaleriamanging.com 94 Guayaquil
Grand Hotel Mercure Alameda Quito (593-2) 2994-019 www.mercurequito.com.ec 147 Quito
Colon Internacional (593-2) 2560-666 www3.hilton.com 323 Quito
Hotel Casino Plaza (593-2) 2445-305 www.hotelcasinoplaza.com 100 Quito
Sheraton (593-2) 2970-002 www.starwoodhotels.com 172 Quito
J.W. Marriot (593-2) 2972-051 www.marriott.com 258 Quito
Quito (593-2) 2544-600 www.hotelquito.com 225 Quito
Radisson (593-2) 2233-333 www.radisson.com 112 Quito
Swissotel Quito (593-2) 2566-497 www.swissotel.com 288 Quito
Akros (593-2) 2430-600 www.hotelakros.com 128 Quito
Ambassador (593-2) 2566-986 www.hotelenquito.com 59 Quito
Inca Imperial (593-2) 2520-519 www.hotelincaimperial.com 45 Quito
Reina Isabel (593-2) 2544-717 www.hotelreinaisabel.com 100 Quito
Republica (593-2) 2436-553 www.hotelrepublica.com 46 Quito
Rio Amazonas Internacional (593-2) 2556-666 www.hotelrioamazonas.com 74 Quito
Sebastian (593-2) 2222-400 www.hotelsebastian.com 55 Quito
Tambo Real (593-2) 2563-820 www.hoteltamboreal.com.ec 82 Quito
Barnard (593-2) 5406-290 www.hotelbarnard.com.ec 35 Quito
Howard Johnson Plaza La Carolina (593-2) 2265-265 www.hojo.com 90 Quito
Patio Andaluz El (593-2) 2280-830 www.hotelpatioandaluz.com 32 Quito
Casa Gangotena (593-2) 2583-417 www.casagangotena.com 31 Quito
Nuhouse (593-2) 2546-713 www.nuhousehotels.com 57 Quito
Le Parc (593-2) 2276-800 www.leparc.com.ec 30 Quito
ECUADOR HOTEL LIST
5
IT seems like everyone is con-cerned about the environ-
ment nowadays. But in Ecuador, environmental awareness has reached a new level, described as Conscious Tourism.
The creation of Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism, Conscious Tourism represents an even more dedicated approach to tourism. Based on ethical and sustainable principles, the campaign aims to promote the values of peace, friendship, respect and love for life as the essence of tourism practice. It’s an admirable way of thinking, and a great way for agents to show clients that Ecuador is a destination that truly protects and celebrates its natural and cultural treasures—and that visitors are encouraged to join in their efforts.
The Conscious Tourism philos-ophy translates into real action,
as the government and the pri-vate sector move to support stringent environmental and cultural protection guidelines, promote responsible investment in the sector and secure Ecua-dor’s role as a global hub for earth-friendly practices.
The concept goes beyond the environment to take into account
the human aspect as well—in fact, it’s an attitude that seeks to help travelers become better human beings by encouraging personal growth through travel. To sum it up briefly, Conscious Tourism is to “Love Life” accord-ing to tourism officials.
Three main elements form the foundation of this philosophy: Sustainable tourism, ethical tourism and life experience. So-cial and environmental respon-sibility will likely become even more important as Ecuador con-tinues to grow as a tourism des-tination. The government takes a serious approach to protecting its precious tourism resources; all public policy related to tour-ism must follow the guidelines of Ecuador’s Plan Nacional de Buen Vivir 2009-2013 (the Na-tional Plan for Good Living 2009-2013), a constitutionally based national development plan that lays out norms for planning and
execution and investment of public funds.
Using this new conceptual par-adigm, Ecuador is able to be an even stronger supporter of tour-ism management that aims to protect the environment, sustain local cultures and help humanity overall. Tourism strategies in the short, medium and long term
are being developed to further this. As part of its goal to iden-tify, encourage and increase the array of tourism services that go along with the Conscious Tour-ism philosophy, the government will evaluate and quantify the demand for tourism, recogniz-ing its source markets both do-mestically and internationally, in order to enhance the promotion of investment activities and sup-port worthwhile development.
Ecuador’s new approach draws directly from recommendations from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and other international organizations. Ecuador, in fact, has been playing an increasingly big role in shaping world tourism. In September 2012, the UNWTO, in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador and the Organization of American States (OAS), hosted the II International Congress on Ethics and tourism
and the OAS’ XX Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High Level Authorities, both of which took place within the framework of the 54th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for the Americas. The events, which took place in Quito, brought together an array of world leaders to discuss global and regional tourism performance
and preview tourism goals through 2030.
Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism plans to continue participating in various international conven-tions, workshops and meetings to further its goal of fostering Conscious Tourism. On-going series of congresses, symposia and other meetings in various regions of Ecuador will contrib-ute further to the discussion and development of the Conscious Tourism philosophy.
The Ministry of Tourism expects that the Conscious Tourism con-cept will become an increasingly important part of both the public and private sector approaches to developing the market. And it’s a philosophy that bodes well for travel agents and their cli-ents as well.
Encourage your customers to “Love Life” in Ecuador! �
IN ECUADORTHE BEST OF SOUTH AMERICA
In Ecuador, environmental awareness has reached a new level, described as Conscious Tourism
I DISCOVERED
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I DISCOVERED
IN ECUADORSALES SUCCESS
T here are lots of destinations vying for travel agents’ atten-
tion in Latin America, but few offer as many diverse experiences as Ecuador. Indeed, selling a destina-tion with as wide an appeal as Ec-uador is just a matter of qualifying and matching clients to the ideal experiences and regions. This guide will help you to do just that.
A relatively small country in South America, Ecuador packs a lot of excitement into its incredibly diverse geography. The destination continues to rank high on the list of “must-see” places. Lonely Planet includes Ecuador on its 2013 Top 10 list of the best places to visit, and ranks it best overall for off-the-beaten-track experiences, activities and food. The city of Quito is one of National Geographic’s “Top 20 Must-see Places” for 2013, and Trip Advisor listed both Quito and Cuenca in its Top 25 Best Destinations in South America. And, Conde Nast Traveller (U.K. edition) named the Galapagos Islands as one of the “Destinations to watch in 2013,” highlighting it as “one of the most fascinating places on earth and an evolutionary melting pot.” If these accolades seem to indicate that Ecuador has many selling points, it’s not by accident.
Each of the four primary regions of the nation has its own unique qualities and allure for different types of travelers.
SELLING GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITy AND A WORLD OF ExPERIENCESLocated on the equator in northwestern South America, Ecuador is bordered on the north by Colombia and on the east and south by Peru.
The eighth-largest country in South America, Ecuador con-tains just under 110,000 square miles of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Multiple cul-tures, histories and heritages converge in this fascinating nation, while the geography in each region is so unique that it forms four different worlds. In fact, this nation is consid-ered one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet.
To make it easier for travel agents to sell—and their clients to begin discovering—Ecua-dor, tourism officials divide the country into four basic regions: The Galapagos Islands, Pacif-ic Coast, Andes and Amazon. It’s a natural progression that represents a variety of rich eco-
systems and myriad activities and attractions—something like four different worlds that come together in one exciting nation. The warm, sun-soaked Pacif-ic coast gradually rises toward the snow-capped heights and temperate valleys of the Andes mountains in the highlands, dropping down to the lush green carpet of the Amazon. And just off the coast, the legendary Galapagos Islands are a desti-nation that should be on every-one’s bucket list.
SELLING ACTIVITIES FOR EVERy TyPEThe array of activities available in Ecuador is truly impressive, and seemingly limitless. From rafting and kayaking the rapids of the Amazon rainforest to horseback riding in the Andean mountains, bird watching in lush cloud forests to climbing the tallest active volcanoes in the world, the possibilities are endless.
Active travelers will enjoy hik-ing, surfing, mountain biking and trekking. Culture fans will love the museums, historic architec-ture, cuisine and fascinating in-digenous groups. And, of course, nature lovers will be in heav-en, with everything from orchid
tours to up-close visits with giant tortoises and sea lions among the many possibilities.
In Ecuador, clients can wander ancient archeological sites, par-ticipate in agroturism activities, study the Spanish language, and find out more about Ecua-dor’s diverse cultural traditions. With so much to offer, it’s just a matter of qualifying their needs.
SELLING NATURAL WONDERS Anyone who loves natural beau-ty should have Ecuador on his or her itinerary. After all, the na-
Few countries offer as
many diverse experiences for your customers
as Ecuador
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tion is home to no fewer than 45 natural state-protected reserves and tropical areas with more than 1,640 species of birds; 4,500 species of butterflies, 345 species of reptiles, 358 species of amphibians and 258 species of mammals.
Agents and tour operators alike emphasize nature when selling Ecuador, and with good reason. The nation is second in the world for endemic vertebrates, third for amphibians, fourth for bird species and fifth for butterflies. Some 10 percent of the world’s plant species grow here, and 10.7% of all vertebrate animals on the planet live here. These are especially impressive statistics when considering that Ecuador covers only about 0.19 percent of the earth’s surface.
Sustainable tourism is more than just an advertising slogan in Ec-uador; it’s a way of life and a mantra for development. Both the public and private sectors are committed to protecting the nation’s precious natural and cultural diversity. Among the initiatives is the creation of reg-ulations for adventure tourism and ecotourism that assure that
Ecuador stays on track, with an infrastructure designed to pre-serve the environment, the res-ident flora and fauna and also the many indigenous cultures. Nineteen percent of the nation is protected area, and the Sumaco, Yasuni and Galapagos National Parks are all UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Ecuador is dedicated to preservation, and that makes it easy for nature lovers to enjoy the destination.
SELLING SOPHISTICATED CITIES, HISTORICAL TRADITIONSEcuador may be a nature-lover’s paradise, but it’s also an excellent destination for clients looking for big-city sophistication, historic sites and cultural activities.
In the Andes region, the cities of Quito and Cuenca were declared UNESCO World Cultural Heri-tage Sites, thanks to their beau-tiful colonial centers. The capital city of Quito is dotted with his-toric treasures in its beautifully restored colonial heart—which just happens to be the largest and best-preserved colonial cen-ter in Latin America. The newer sections of Quito, meanwhile, encompass a business-forward
area filled with world-class lux-ury hotels, shopping and dining options. Along with its lovely colonial architecture, Cuenca attracts tourists from around the world with some of the country’s best art museums, as well as nearby pre-Hispanic archeological sites.
On the coast, clients can enjoy a very different experience in Guayaquil, a bustling port city with a lovely waterfront Malecón promenade, as well as lots of shops, restaurants and cultur-al institutions. This is tropical city life at its best; the city has been recognized by the Unit-ed Nations as a model for ur-ban development, with urban renewal projects bringing new opportunities to the city.
Heading away from the cities is another great way for clients to connect with fascinating cultural traditions. The nation is home to 27 different ethnic backgrounds, including 13 in-digenous groups, in addition to its majority mestizo population. Colorful fiestas, fine handicrafts, and delicious traditional cuisine also attest to the rich diversity of the country. Clients can easily
join tours and make individual visits to many of these commu-nities, immersing themselves in centuries-old cultures while enjoying the warmth of the Ecuadorian people.
COMBINE REGIONS & SELL MOREAmong the many selling advan-tages that Ecuador offers travel agents is that it’s such an easily accessible way to sell multiple types of experiences and re-gions. The fact that Ecuador is a relatively small nation means that travel times are short, so clients can easily combine an Amazonian adventure with a visit to the historic wonders in Quito and Cuenca, the Pacific splendors of the coastal region and the unforgettable wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Sav-vy agents educate themselves about each of these distinct regions, and learn how to pres-ent the selling points to clients, encouraging them to make each visit the trip of a lifetime, with new destinations to explore and new activities to enjoy.
Recent developments—includ-ing the opening of a brand-new airport in Quito that can handle more flights, as well as the in-troduction of a new tourist train service linking the highlands with the coastal region—make it easier than ever to construct unique itineraries to fit the inter-ests of every client. All it takes is a bit of creativity.
“LOVE LIFE” PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNThe Ministry of Tourism is also assisting you to communicate all the pleasures awaiting your customers in Ecuador with the continuation of an aggressive promotional campaign in the U.S. and abroad, encouraging them to “Love Life” in Ecuador! �
7
Quilotoa - Cotopaxi
8 www.ecuador-specialist.com
W ith its excellent transport- ation infrastructure and
prime location in northwestern South America, Ecuador is an easy place for clients to visit. Stress the number of conve-nient, non-stop flights that arrive from North America on a dai-ly basis, and also highlight the wide range of transportation op-tions—not to mention the short transit time—between destina-tions within Ecuador.
AIR TRAVELEcuador has two state-of-the-art international airports: One in Quito, the capital city, and the other in Guayaquil, which is the nation’s largest metropolis.
Guayaquil’s José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport is a modern, well-equipped facility, and has traditionally been the biggest gateway for international flights, especially from North
America. This year, air ser-vice options improved in Quito, with the introduction of the brand-new Mariscal Sucre Inter-national Airport. The spacious new facility, which is located about 15 miles outside the city and replaces the former airport of the same name, is designed to process a lot more passengers than the old airport, and the lower elevation and longer runways at the new airfield will also allow airlines to introduce new nonstop service from further-off destinations in the Americas and Europe. The new airport has 60 check-in counters, 24 immigration counters for arrivals, making the flight experience smooth and efficient. Taxis, shuttle buses and private group transport link Mariscal Sucre with the city of Quito.
In addition to extensive interna-tional service, Ecuador’s smaller
airports—including facilities in Cuenca, Coca and two airports in the Galapagos—make for has-sle-free transportation options around the nation. Visitors can spend more time enjoying Ecua-dor, since they’ll spend less time traveling from place to place.
FLyING FROM NORTH AMERICATO/FROM QUITO:• American Airlines flies four
nonstop roundtrip daily flights between Quito and Miami.
• Delta flies two daily nonstop roundtrips between Quito and Atlanta.
• LAN flies one daily roundtrip between Quito and Miami.
• TACA flies two daily flights linking Quito with New York City, with an intermediate stop in San Jose, Costa Rica.
• Ecuador-based TAME to start nonstop flights to New York City this year.
• United flies two daily nonstop roundtrips between Quito and Houston.
TO/FROM GUAyAQUIL:• American Airlines and LAN
Ecuador both fly nonstop be-tween Guayaquil and New York City.
• American Airlines operates multiple flights linking Guaya-quil with Miami on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
• LAN flies two daily one-stop roundtrips between Guayaquil and Miami.
Convenient connecting flights are available from many other desti-nations in the U.S. and Canada.
CRUISESPassenger ships provide all-inclusive comfort at a variety of price points, with amenities and itineraries to suit every client. Travelers can choose from cruises along scenic jungle rivers as well as the sparkling Pacific Ocean, with activities focused on interests that include health tourism, cultural, adventure and culinary travel.
A few of the options:• In the Amazon Region, the
Napo River serves as a scenic “aquatic highway” for discover- ing the lush wonders of the jungle. Well-appointed small ships make stops at a variety of interesting destinations in the region.
• Around the Galapagos Islands, clients can board any of a wide variety of ships—ranging from basic to superbly luxurious—to explore the legendary flora and fauna of the islands and its waters.
• Several major cruise lines with sailings to South America feature the sun-soaked beauty of Ecua-dor’s Pacific Region on their itineraries; the main ports of call are Guayaquil and Manta. �
Ecuador is easy to get to, and to access the pleasures of
its four worlds once you arrive
TO ECUADORHOW EASy IT IS TO TRAVELI DISCOVERED
Los Frailes - Manabí
9
1. I DISCOVERED THE GREATEST NATURAL DIVERSITy IN THE WORLD IN ECUADORNo other nation of its size has as much glorious natural diver-sity as Ecuador. Clients will find four very different regions here, including the lush Amazon, the soaring Andes highlands, warm Pacific coast and unforgettable Galapagos Islands.
2. I DISCOVERED THE LARGEST AMOUNT OF FLORA AND FAUNA IN ECUADORThe Amazon region contains the largest variety of flora and fauna per square mile in the world. In addition, Ecuador overall ranks second in the world for endem-ic vertebrates, third in the world for amphibians, fourth for bird species and fifth for butterflies. In fact, some 10% of the world’s plant species and 10.7% of all vertebrate animals are found in Ecuador. And, like nowhere else, due to the short distances and good travel connections be-tween the top sites, your clients can spend more time enjoying this biodiversity!
3. I DISCOVERED UNIQUE AND EDUCATIONAL ExPERIENCES IN ECUADOREcuador makes it easy to connect clients with rewarding local experiences that enrich the mind and stimulate the senses. In the Amazon region alone, there are as many as
40 ecotourism projects, led by local groups. In Ecuador, clients are more than observers—they are participants, discovering and experiencing as they move around the country.
4. I DISCOVERED THE CULTURES OF 13 INDIGENOUS GROUPS IN ECUADOREcuador’s diverse peoples are among its most valuable resources. Thirteen distinct indigenous groups live here, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of unique customs and ancient traditions, as they view beautiful handicrafts and age-old celebrations accompanied by traditional music. The peoples of the Amazon region are world-famous for their traditional medicines as well as their respect for their rainforest home. On the Pacific Coast, in the province of Esmeraldas, visitors can learn about the Afro-Ecuadorian people (noted for their infectious dance and music) whose history dates to the 16th century.
5. I DISCOVERED THE WORLD’S FIRST UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE CITy IN ECUADORQuito was the very first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. What makes it so special? Take a look at the city’s 791-acre historical center, the best conserved large colonial neighborhood in
Latin America. With its massive churches and ornately detailed residences and government buildings, Quito’s historic center is like one big open-air museum, waiting to be discovered. The city of Cuenca is yet another UNESCO World Cultural Her-itage Site, where lovely and historic republican architecture is set against a beautifully natural backdrop.
6. I DISCOVERED REMAINS OF PRE-COLOMBIAN CULTURE IN ECUADOROne of the most important archeological sites in the country is at Ingapirca, just outside of Cuenca. Here, an elliptical Temple of the Sun, used for ceremonies by the Cañari and Inca cultures, is easily visited. Clients can also learn more about the country’s early mestizo roots—the result of the blending of pre-Hispanic and European cultures—at historic, colonial-era haciendas.
7. I DISCOVERED WARMTH AND HOSPITALITy IN ECUADOREcuadorians are, by nature, a warm, honest and service-orient-ed people. They love welcoming visitors and showing the very best of their nation. Clients will feel like honored guests, not tour-ists, as locals share the secrets of their cultures and ways of life. The warm welcome and hospitality on the Pacific Coast, for example,
ranges from the cultural and economic hub of Guay-aquil, to Esmeraldas—home to the country’s largest Afro- Ecuadorian community, and be- yond to every part of the country.
8. I DISCOVERED THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD IN ECUADORClients can enjoy the only-in-Ecuador opportunity to cross from the southern to the northern hemisphere with a single step. The so-called Middle of the World is easily accessed, just outside of the city of Quito.
9. I DISCOVERED ETERNAL SPRINGTIME IN ECUADOREcuador benefits from an ideal positioning along the equator— and that means that, in many areas, travelers can enjoy spring-like weather, year round. You won’t find an “off-season” for Ecuador, so it’s easy to plan great vacations any time.
10. I DISCOVERED FOUR WORLDS IN ONE TRIP IN ECUADORClients can climb the world’s tallest active volcano one day, then kayak the rapids of the Amazon rainforest the next; cross the equator on horseback one day and swim with penguins and iguanas in the Galapagos islands just 24 hours later. Beautifully maintained colonial architecture and ancient archeological sites are just a quick trip away from unspoiled nature preserves and truly unique cultural experiences with centuries- old indigenous groups. �
TEN THINGSECUADORyOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT
Offer your clients the vacation of a
lifetime: a discovery of Ecuador’s unique
four worlds
10 www.ecuador-specialist.com
Q: WHERE IS ECUADOR?A: Ecuador is located in the northwest of South America, in the middle of the world, at zero latitude, along the equator line.
Q: WHAT IS THE CAPITAL OF ECUADOR?A: Quito
Q: HOW BIG IS ECUADOR?A: Ecuador is 98,985 square miles (256,370 square kilometers), slightly larger than the state of Wyoming.
Q: WHAT IS THE POPULATION OF ECUADOR?A: Approximately 14,666,055.
Q: WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN ECUADOR?A: Spanish is the official lan-guage. Quichua is spoken in some indigenous communities. English is widely spoken. For groups, guides who speak Span-ish, English, German, French and Italian are readily available.
Q: WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN ECUADOR; WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?A: Ecuador is a year-round destination. The country has a wide range of climates, depending on altitude, location
and due to the effects of the Andes mountain range and the impact of sea currents.
Galapagos Islands• Hot season, warm and rainy
climate: Dec. through May. • Dry season, windy and dry
climate: Jun. through Nov.• Temperatures range between
72ºF / 22ºC and 90ºF / 32ºC.• The eggs of the green sea
turtles begin to hatch: April
PacificRegion• Rainy season: Dec. through
May, mostly in the evening.• Dry season: Jun. through Nov.• Temperatures range between
73ºF / 23ºC and 91ºF / 33ºC.• Whale watching: Jun. to Sept.
Andes Region • Rainy and cool climate:
November through April. • Dry climate: May through Oct. • Temperatures range between
55ºF / 13ºC and 64ºF/18ºC.
Amazon Region• Rainy and humid season:
January through September. • Dry season: Oct. through Dec. • Temperatures range between
73ºF / 23ºC and 96ºF / 36ºC.• Season of flooded lagoons:
April to June
Q: WHAT CURRENCy IS USED IN ECUADOR?A: The U.S. dollar
Q: WHAT TRAVELER’S CHECKS, CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED?A: American Express and Visa traveler’s checks can be cashed in banks and are accepted in some hotels and by tour operators. Accepted credit cards include Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Diners Club.
Q. WHAT TAxES CAN I ExPECT TO PAy IN ECUADOR?A: 12% VAT (refundable in some cases, with correct documenta-tion; check on this with partici-pating businesses prior to pur-chase) and 10% service in most hotels and restaurants (a tip is normally added to this, depending on the service received). Airport Departure Taxes are US$55.66 in Quito and US$30.43 in Guay-aquil (these taxes are generally included in the ticket).
Q. WILL I NEED AN ADAPTER FOR My APPLIANCES IN ECUADOR?A: The voltage (110/120) is the same as in the U.S. and Canada; plugs have two flat prongs, as in the United States.
Q: WHAT IS THE TIME zONE IN ECUADOR?A: 5 GMT in mainland Ecuador (Eastern Standard Time) & 6 GMT on the Galapagos Islands.
Q: WHAT IS THE COUNTRy CALLING CODE?A: +593 + city code.
Q: WILL I HAVE EASy INTERNET ACCESS?A: Internet cafes can be found almost all over Ecuador (average rate: U.S. $1/hour), and many hotels include Internet access in the price of accommodation.
Q: IS ECUADOR SAFE?A: Ecuador is a safe country. It is recommended to carry a copy of your passport for all trips in Ecuador and to leave the original in your place of lodging. In big cities, it is necessary to take precautions as in any other city in the world.
Q: DO I NEED A VISA?A: A visa is not required of citizens of the U.S. and Canada. A passport valid for at least six months is required. Tourism stays are allowed up to 90 days. �
HOW TO SHAREESSENTIAL FACTS ABOUT
I DISCOVERED
ECUADOR
For further information about Ecuador and its promotion
offices abroad, contact: Ecuador’s Tourism Promotion Board;
E-mail: ecuador-specialist@
turismo.gob.ec.
11
CULTURE & HISTORy LOVERSDAy 1: Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s beautiful capital city. Clients can take time to acclimate to the altitude as they enjoy the spectacular scenery and enjoy a delicious dinner.
DAy 2: Spend the day touring Quito’s historic city center, dis-covering why this city was the world’s first UNESCO World Her-itage Site while visiting churches and museums and strolling the postcard-perfect streets.
DAy 3: Travel by train to vis-it Cotopaxi National Park and discover incredible landscapes (including snow-capped Coto-paxi volcano) and unique An-dean fauna. Travel to a historic hacienda for lunch and a tour. Attend a local dance exhibition.
DAy 4: Continue your train journey south. Explore a rose plantation on the way to Ambato for lunch. Experience a visit with a local craftsman and, if weather permits, experience spectacular views of the Tungurahua and Chimborazo volcanoes.
DAy 5: Travel by train across fascinating Andean landscapes to Colta community. Make a stop at Balbanera church, where Christianity first reached the area. Back on the train, depart for Guamote to enjoy its indig-enous market. Continue on to
Alausi and embark on the spec-tacular descent by train to Devil’s Nose. Continue on to Hulgra a small village located between the Andes and the Coast.
DAy 6: On this day’s train journey, travel to Bucay, while wit- nessing the impressive transition from the Andes to the Coast. Visit with the Shuar community, who will share their ancestral customs and traditions. Continue to San Rafael for lunch. Travel by train on to Guayaquil, while viewing typical coastal plantations.
DAy 7: Tour Guayaquil, the na-tion’s largest city, where visitors can stroll along the beautifully refurbished Malecon waterfront promenade, gaze at Inca ceram-ics at the Municipal Museum and admire both archeological trea-sures and modern art at MAAC, the Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art.
NATURE LOVERSDAy 1: Arrive in Quito and take a city tour of the historic center.
DAy 2: Take a quick flight to the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon region, stay at any of a variety of beautiful nature lodges, or on private ships that ply the waters of the Napo River.
DAy 3: Enjoy an adventurous day exploring the rainforest, with ac-tivities including hiking, canoeing
and bird watching. A nighttime excursion is an especially exciting way to view the wildlife.
DAy 4: Attend a presentation about local flora and fauna, visit with a local indigenous community.
DAy 5: Fly back to Quito and transfer to any of several upscale nature lodges or haciendas loc-ated in the Andes Region, with expert guides available.
DAy 6: Join a before-breakfast tour of a nature reserve, spotting resident wildlife including a seem- ingly endless array of beautiful birds. Guided morning, afternoon and evening excursions provide more opportunities to learn about the natural wonders of the region.
DAy 7: The return trip to Quito can include a stop at the arche- ological site called Tulipe, which was home to the ancient Yumbo civilization and is now also known for its gorgeous cloud forest.
ADVENTURE LOVERSDAy 1: Arrive in Quito and head out for trekking at nearby Paso-choa – Cotopaxi Volcano, where you might see more than 100 spe-cies of birds as well as deer, foxes and perhaps a puma or two.
DAy 2: Take a day trip to Pu-lulahua Geobotanical Reserve, which offers exceptional moun-
tain biking experiences through the dense western cloud forest and into an active crater.
DAy 3: Fly to the legendary Galapagos Islands to begin an unforgettable, multi-day cruise. Clients may fly into Baltra or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and then be transferred to their ship.
DAy 4: The second day may include a visit to Punta Pitt and the white coral beach called Cerro Brujo, both on San Cris-tóbal island. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking and glass-bottom boat rides. The beach at Punta Pitt is home to sea lions, lizards and marine iguanas, while Cerro Brujo is an ideal place for bird watching.
DAy 5: A stop at Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay, both on Española Island, allow for even more exploration, water-based activities and photo opportunities—including shots of the waved albatross and red and green mar- ine iguanas that exist only here.
DAy 6: The itinerary wraps up with a visit to the Charles Darwin Re-search Station, located in Baltra on Santa Cruz Island. A flight back to Quito or Guayaquil allows for one more night in Ecuador.
DAy 7: Last chance to enjoy Quito or Guayaquil, before the flight home. �
SEVEN PERFECT DAySI DISCOVEREDIN ECUADOR
The perfect itinerary can be designed to fit each one of your client’s special interests. Here are just a few samples.
12 www.ecuador-specialist.com
A sk any traveler to create a “bucket list” of must-see
destinations, and the world-famous Galapagos Islands are sure to appear. After all, nowhere else on earth has such a concentra-tion of unique flora and fauna. Indeed, the Galapagos Islands are a beautiful, unspoiled para-dise where visitors can get un-believably close to wildlife, both in the water and on land.
An archipelago of 14 islands and dozens of islets some 600 miles off the Ecuadorian mainland, the Galapagos Islands are home to a gigantic national park and marine biological reserve. Unique species including iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, albatrosses, boobies and sea lions make their home here, and the one-of-a-kind flora and fauna inspired scientist Charles Darwin to study the islands as part of his work on the origin of species. The province has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1979.
With its legendary reputation, it’s no surprise that the Galapagos Islands enjoy an especially high profile on the global tourism map. This year, Conde Nast Traveller (U.K. edition) named the Galapagos Islands as one of the “Destinations to watch in 2013,” highlighting it as “one of the most fascinating places on earth and an evolutionary melting pot.”
The Galapagos Islands are a sure-fire seller for clients consid-ering Ecuador, and it’s easy to ar-range, whether a traveler prefers to spend their entire trip exploring the islands, or combine it with visits to other parts of the coun-try. Most travelers join cruises that can range from three to eight or more nights, but land-based visits are increasingly popular as well.
OVERVIEWTour operators and cruise com-panies offer finely detailed itineraries, tailored to specif-ic interests, time frames and budgets, that take in the most interesting sites in the Galapa-gos. Presenting these itiner-ary options can help clients to understand the options—and the excitement—that await.
One of the main points of entry for the Galapagos is Baltra, a small island that’s home to Sey-mour Airport. A ferry connects this island efficiently with nearby Santa Cruz, the most populated island. Puerto Ayora, the capital of the archipelago, is on Santa Cruz, and on the western side, an interpretive nature trail, cre-ated by the Galapagos Nation-al Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation, provides a helpful introduction to the local flora and fauna, while the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center presents the work of researchers who raise
endangered giant sea tortoises. Here, tortoise eggs are incubat-ed until the babies hatch; the off-spring are cared for until they’re able to fend for themselves in the wild. Clients can also gain insight at the Van Straelen Visitor Center, which provides a wealth of envi-ronmental information, as well as news about conservation efforts.
Off the east coast of Santa Cruz are the Islas Plazas, two islands that are home to a large colony of Galapagos sea lions as well as hybrid iguanas that are the result of mating between marine and land iguanas. Also of note on Santa Cruz Island is Los Gemelos (The Twins), gigantic craters that were formed when earth collapsed into underground cavities. And divers won’t want to miss a visit to Las Grietas, a channel of sea water mixed with fresh water, with giant crevasses that are ideal for viewing marine life and other underwater wonders.
Another important entry point is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a town on San Cristóbal Is-land that also has its own air-port and marine port. Just five minutes away is La Lobería de San Cristóbal, a beach where female Galapagos sea lions and their offspring laze on the white sand. Nearly 100 of these large creatures make their home here, under the watchful eye of
the resident bull sea lion. Near-by is El Acantilado, a scenic point that’s perfect for snap-ping photos of the sea and the soaring birds.
Also on San Cristóbal Island is Cerro El Junco, a hill with a crater that contains the only freshwater lake in the Gala-pagos. This is a popular spot for marine birds, who come to bathe and wash off sea salts. On San Cristobal’s south-eastern side is Puerto Chi-no, a lovely white-sand beach lapped at by waters filled with sea tortoises, manta rays and sharks.
Just off the coast of San Cristobal is the León Dormido (the Sleeping Lion), a pair of rocky islets named for their interesting, lion-like shape. The waters surrounding this landmark are especially good for scuba diving and snorkeling, thanks to the wealth of fish and marine mammals that swim here.
I DISCOVERED
IN ECUADORTHE BEST WAy TO SELLTHE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Fernandina Island - Galapagos
Isabela, the largest of the Gala-pagos Islands, is home to sev-eral noteworthy sites, including Cerro El Chato, a hill shrouded in fog and mist, where the lush greenery serves as a gorgeous backdrop for groups of giant sea turtles. The Alcedo Volcano, which rises in the center of the island, is reached via a four-hour walk filled with scenic vistas and rewards hikers with views of the region’s largest wild population of giant tortoises. Also dramatic is the 860-meter Volcán Chico (Small Volcano) and the Sier-ra Negra Volcano, the world’s second-largest active volcano, which has a diameter of 10 ki-lometers—it can be reached by foot or on horseback.
An interesting stop on Isabela for both natural and cultural reasons is Puerto Villamil, a village where the Ecuadorian government operated a prison between 1946 and 1959; the prisoners built a 65-foot monument called the Wall of
Tears, which is reached during a two-mile walk that passes pristine white-sand beaches, lava tunnels and lagoons. In the center of Puerto Vaillamil lies Poza Salina, a saltwater lagoon that serves as home to smaller sea creatures and also as a feeding spot for resident and migratory birds. A special boardwalk allows visitors to enjoy the perfect vantage point for viewing large flocks of pink Caribbean flamingos.
Isla Floreana, the island with the smallest population of humans in the Galapagos archipelago, is the oldest island. And while the number of humans may be small here, the massive colony of Caribbean flamingoes is indeed sizeable and impressive.
HOW TO SELLClients may experience the Galapagos Islands in a variety of ways. Land-based tours are not as common but are growing in popularity; hotels on Santa Cruz
and San Cristobal islands serve as bases for exploring, with day trip cruises and excursions tak-ing in nearby sites.
For most travelers, cruises are the best choice, as they offer the greatest flexibility and the ability to visit the widest array of regions in the Galapagos. The shortest cruises are usually three nights/four days, and stop at many of the most popular sites, including Baltra, Españo-la, Floreana and Santa Cruz. Five-day and eight-day cruises are best for clients who want a more in-depth experience, as they include more destinations, activities and experiences. Agents should emphasize that this is likely a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so it’s a good idea to make the most of it.
The same goes for the class of service. Cruises are avail- able in five different classes of service—luxury, first class, tour-ist superior, tourist class and
economy—so that it’s easy to match each client to the type of service that best fits their bud-get. Agents should be sure to emphasize what amenities are included on each ship and in each class; luxury-class ships, for example, have air condition-ing, hot water, cabins with ocean views and private bathrooms and sometimes swimming pools and Jacuzzis, while at the oth-er end of the spectrum, econ-omy-class ships have double, triple and quad cabins and sometimes don’t offer private bathrooms or air conditioning.
TARGET MARKETSNature lovers, adventure trav- elers and fans of scuba diving and snorkeling are among the ideal target markets for a visit to the Galapagos Islands. Al-though considering its world-fa-mous reputation, it’s the kind of place that nearly everyone may find as an ideal once-in-a-life-time destination. �
Nowhere else on earth has such a
concentration of unique flora
and fauna
13
R anging from the san-dy shores of the Pacific
Ocean to the rolling foothills of the Andes Mountains, Ecua-dor’s Pacific Coast covers sev-en provinces, from the Colom-bian border in the north to the Peruvian border in the south. Visitors will enjoy year-round warm weather here, with stun-ning geographic diversity, fas-cinating cultures and activities ranging from big-city fun to re-mote natural getaways.
OVERVIEWMost visitors to the Pacific Coast arrive first in Guayaquil, the nation’s largest city. This fast-paced metropolis serves as a cultural and economic hub for the region, and is currently enjoy-ing an urban renaissance that’s making it increasingly popular with travelers. Clients can spend days visiting the many restau-rants, bars, shops, art galleries and cultural institutions. The scenic focal point for the city is the Malecón Simón Bolivar, a waterfront promenade set along the banks of the Guayas River. A major redevelopment of this site in 1999 has resulted in an especially welcoming am-biance, with tall, shady trees, a historic clock tower and even an IMAX theater among the draws. Not far away is another unique Guayaquil attraction, Iguana Park. One of the city’s oldest parks, this stretch of green lies in front of the Guayaquil Met-ropolitan Cathedral and, as its name implies, is home to a large number of much-photographed resident iguanas. In Guayaquil’s Bellavista district, clients can witness the excitement of Ecua-dor’s most beloved soccer team at the 60,000-seat Barcelona Monumental Stadium, the larg-est such facility in the nation.
Just outside of Guayaquil, the Manglares El Salado Fauna
THE PACIFIC COAST
14 www.ecuador-specialist.com
I DISCOVERED
IN ECUADORTHE BEST WAy TO SELL
Guayaquil - Guayas
15
Production Reserve stretches across more than 5,000 hectares of land, with mangrove swamps populated by coastal croco-diles and other interesting flora and fauna. Continuing to the coast, visitors arrive at the gulf of Guayaquil, where a 40-minute boat ride whisks them to Puna Island, where dry forests, unspoiled beaches and large mangroves are among the natural attractions.
A bit further up the coast is La Chocolatera, South America’s westernmost point, where the rocky coastline creates a dramatic backdrop for viewing resident sea lions and, between July and September, migrating humpback whales.
Ecuador’s northernmost coastal area is set in the province called Esmeraldas, a fascinating region that is home to the country’s largest Afro-Ecuadorian commu-nity. Delicious cuisine and unique cultural experiences are among the reasons to visit here, as are the province’s natural beauty. The Mangroves of Majagual, a reserve that measures more than 51,000 hectares, is a nature lover’s dream — and clients can sample tasty dishes made with locally grown coconut, plantain and banana, as well as freshly caught seafood including crab and shrimp.
Considering that the province of Manabí has more coastline than any other province on the Ecuadorian mainland, it’s no surprise that it has several lovely beaches. Top stretches of sand include Bahía de Caráquez, Pedernales, Crucita and Puerto López, and migrating humpback whales can be viewed between June and August. At the 50,000-hectare Machalilla National Park, travelers may view any of some 250 species
of birds, as well as animals as diverse as monkeys, armadillos, squirrels and wild pigs. Manabi is also revered for its exquisite cuisine. Just a few of its many prized specialties are morcilla (typical sausage with rice), viche (soup with peanuts and fish or shellfish), ceviche, corviche (fish and green plantain croquettes) and empanadas.
Just south of Manabí is Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, whose name refers in part to the Tsáchilas, one of the few pre-Incan groups still in existence, who make this area their home. Attractions here include the Bomboli Viewpoint, which offers a scenic view of the city of Santo Domingo, and the San Gabriel de Baba Boardwalk, set on the banks of the Baba River, where a natural pool offers a lovely place for visitors to cool off. Also noteworthy is the Padre Julio Marrero Botanical Garden, a 17-hectare space that has more than 160 species of birds as well as some 160 species of trees and plants from Colombia, Spain, Argentina, Slovakia, Germany and Portugal. Active clients can enjoy climbing, tubing, kayaking and fishing at the nearby Hermoso Valley, while mountain biking is fun at the Flor del Valle, a picturesque spot where an eight-person cable car offers beautiful views of the lush vegetation.
The province of Santa Elena, lo-cated west of Guayas and the city of Guayaquil, is a great spot for beach lovers, thanks to its resorts and long stretches of sand. The most-visited destination here is Salinas, a beach from where trav-elers can view migrating hump-back whales and enjoy a variety of water sports. Punta Carnero, meanwhile, is a preferred beach for surfers, thanks to its excellent waves. The light brown sand of
Olón Beach is also popular with sun worshippers, while the coast-al village called Ayangue is an es-pecially beautiful place, thanks to the mountains that extend right into the sea, forming a natural swimming pool. The unique con-ditions and array of underwater flora and fauna make Ayangue one of the best places for scuba diving in Ecuador.
Haciendas, beautiful structures of historical and ecological significance, also make for interesting stops in the Pacific Coast. Many are open to the public and some continue to produce cocoa, bananas and sugar cane (integral to the local economy). During guided visits, your customers can learn about their traditions, lifestyles and current work on the plantations, which may include the use of cocoa, mango and fine wood trees including caoba and guayacán, with an eye toward preserving the region’s natural resources. Guests can enjoy lunch, view livestock, go horseback riding, watch a rodeo, enjoy a bird watching hike and many other activities, depending on the particular hacienda visited.
HOW TO SELLOrganized tours—whether day tours or multi-day escorted itineraries—are an excellent option for this part of the country. Among tour operators offer- ings are city tours of Guayaquil as well as coastal excursions like a six-hour visit to the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve and trips to coastal haciendas for tours of banana and cocoa plantations.
When selling the Pacific Region, emphasize the excitement of Guayaquil as well as the natural, unspoiled tropical beauty of the coastline—this is a region
that many travelers have yet to discover, let them know how much there is to do and see here.
TARGET MARKETSAdventure travelers, nature lovers and clients who enjoy warm weather relaxation are ideal candidates for a visit to the Coastal Region.
Considering that many interna-tional flights arrive in Guayaquil, it’s also easy to add the city to existing itineraries that in-corporate other regions as well. Repeat visitors to Ecuador who are in the mood to discov-er new territory are also recom-mended for this region. �
Visitors will enjoy year-round warm weather, stunning
geographic diversity, fascinating cultures
and activities
San Pablo - Santa Elena
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T he place where Ecua-dor reaches closest to the
heavens, the Andes Region is a temperate area with dramati-cally beautiful geography, from its snow-capped mountaintops to its peaceful valleys. With two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the cities of Quito and Cuenca—it’s an especially rewarding place to connect with culture, history and stunning natural beauty.
Throughout the region, visitors find a reflection of Ecuador’s thriving tradition of holidays, festivals and celebrations. In-deed, most months include at least one major festival. Most of the major celebrations are on dates of religious significance, including those centering on the patron saints of local communi-ties. Many of the most extrava-gant festivities take place in the indigenous villages in the Andes Region, where days of nonstop feasting, dancing and perfor-mances of their unique ancient rituals give the events a distinctly Andean feel.
Visitors will also feel a part of the local culture at the region’s many colorful indigenous markets. The most important market of this kind in the country can be found here, in Otavalo. Your custom-ers can haggle for (or goggle at) everything from the famous tex-tiles, woven in a kaleidoscope of
colors, artwork and ceramics; to articles crafted from bread dough; to fine leather crafts and embroidery; to every kind of agricultural product.
OVERVIEWThis year, the city of Quito opened a brand-new, much larger airport, which will allow for more flights and new non-stop service from international destinations. That means it will become easier than ever for clients to start their Ecuador experience in the capital city.
Home to the largest colonial center in Latin America, Quito—one of the world’s highest capital cities—is a not-to-be-missed part of any visit to Ecuador. The very first metropolis to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1978, this thriving destination combines modern luxuries and amenities with centuries-old traditions, well preserved architecture and count less attractions. Tours here often showcase the colonial heart, stopping at priceless landmarks like the Compañía de Jesus, a church built between 1605 and 1765 and made from volcanic stone adorned with more than 50 kilos of gold leaf. Indeed, religion played an important role in the history of this city, as evidenced by the many historic churches. Also striking is the Gothic-
style Basilica del Voto Nacional and the Church of San Francisco, a massive structure that dates to 1550 and sits on a giant plaza where indigenous residents once bartered for products.
Multiple museums, focusing on both historic and contemporary art and history, provide addi-tional depth to any visit. And the changing of the presidential guard, which takes place every Sunday at the Plaza de la Inde-pendencia, is a popular photo opportunity for visitors as well.
Gaze in any direction from Quito’s oldest neighborhood and you’re likely to see beautiful views; soaring mountains and the imposing Pichincha Volcano are easily spotted. Also standing out above the city is the Virgin of Quito, a sculpture created in 1976 as a replica of an earlier work. This towering figure, made of some 7,000 pieces of aluminum, is a much-photographed landmark, and clients may visit a small museum inside while also enjoying spectacular city views from the vantage point.
Clients looking for internationally branded hotels will find plenty of options in the newer part of the city, where shopping, nightlife and sophisticated dining also abounds. In the colonial center,
unique upscale accommodations set in historic structures are an increasingly popular option.
OUTSIDE QUITOQuito serves as a well-located base for exploring multiple sites and activities in the region, both as day trips and overnight ex-cursions. Among the most pop-ular destinations is Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), where a tall monument marks the equator—the zero-latitude spot on the earth where visitors can cross between the north-ern and southern hemispheres with just one step. It makes for a fun photo opportuni-ty, and the site also has a small museum, a planetarium and an insectarium.
Your culture and crafts-loving cli-ents will want to head for Otavalo, in the Imbabura province, a town that’s home to a large indigenous community that’s famous for its weaving and handicrafts. The
I DISCOVERED
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An especially rewarding place to connect with culture, history and stunning
natural beauty
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weekly market, which takes place on Saturdays, brings dozens of talented ven-dors and artisans to the center of town, although nearly any day is a good time to shop for handcrafted clothing, bags, fabrics and décor here.
Nature enthusiasts should con-sider a visit to Mindo, a village that sits in a valley of subtropi-cal forest. Here, the Andes Re-gion’s greatest diversity of flo-ra and fauna thrives, with bird watching and visits to the local butterfly farm—which is home to more than 18 colorful spe-cies—among the recommended nature-oriented activities. Active travelers will love Mindo as well; sports including hiking, kayaking and ziplining through the cloud forest are also excellent here.
South of Pichincha is the prov-ince of Cotopaxi, where the cap-ital city, Latacunga, is a cradle of Ecuadorian cuisine and culture. An especially good time to vis-
it Latacunga is in November, when the Mama Negra festival brings a colorful parade of cos-tumed characters to the street, in a festive tribute to the Virgin of La Merced. The snow-topped Cotopaxi Volcano, the nation’s second-highest peak, presides over the region, while Cotopaxi National Park offers clients the chance to camp and even go mountain climbing.
HEADING SOUTHTraveling south from Quito to-ward Cuenca, an especially pop-ular stop is the city of Ambato, famous for its carnival, called the Festival of Fruits and Flow-ers, held in the last two weeks of February. This is a time of colorful parades and festivities (among them regional music and dance performances) and religious observances. A huge mural constructed from flowers, fruits and bread is displayed outside the Cathedral as part of the celebrations. Located nearby
is Baños de Agua Santa, a tiny town tucked between the central Andes and the Amazon, famous for its natural hot springs that are heated by the Tungurahua Volcano. Adventure travelers will find lots to do here as well, with rafting, climbing, trekking and canyoning among the activities.
Another must-see in the Andes Region is Cuenca, yet another of Ecuador’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some 52 lovely churches dot the historic streets of this charming city. The Old Ca-thedral, which was the primary place of worship during the co-lonial era, has been replaced by the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which dates to 1885, but both structures remain iconic landmarks. The quiet pace and spring-like climate of Cuenca help to make it even more ap-pealing—as does its proximity to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most signif-icant archeological site. Founded at the end of the 15th century,
the ruins were likely the home of a tribe called the Cañaris, and later became a settlement for the Incas. During the third week of June, the Inti Raymi celebration takes place here, bringing ancient customs and traditions to life.
HOW TO SELLSince it’s home to several of the nation’s most famous cities and attractions, the Andes Region is an essential part of any Ecuador vacation. No first-time visitor should miss this region, and repeat visitors should be encouraged to discover new attractions and activities—which is easy to do in an area this vast and fascinating. Cities like Quito and Cuenca can easily be visited either via escorted tour or independently, while other parts of the region are most easily seen during guided tours.
New options for traveling around the region are now available from Tren Ecuador, which offers eight rail routes along the Andean and coastal regions. The two newest routes origi-nate in Riobamba; one passes Chimborazo Volcano en route to Urbina. Scheduled to launch in June 2013 is a new, 54- passenger luxury rail service called the Tren Crucero, which will travel between Quito and Guayaquil on a four-day/three- night itinerary.
TARGET MARKETSFans of history and culture—in-cluding that of the indigen-ous and colonial-era peoples—will find lots of activities and at-tractions in the Andes Region. Adventure travelers should be encouraged to visit the dramatic- ally landscaped countryside, while those looking for more comfort and an array of dining and hotel options will do well in the two largest cities. �
Tambopaxi - Cotopaxi
T he Amazon is a name that conjures up many images;
a legendary place of lush vege-tation and unforgettable wildlife. What some travelers may not re-alize, however, is that Ecuador of-fers the easiest and best access to this hotspot of biodiversity.
OVERVIEWStarting in the eastern foothills of the Andes, streams and water- falls wind their way down into the jungle, which covers most of Ecuador’s Amazon Region, one of the least populated areas in the nation.
Accessing Ecuador’s Amazon Region is easy; the most common
I DISCOVERED
IN ECUADOR
THE BEST WAy TO SELLTHE AMAzON
Ecuador offers the easiest and best access to this hotspot of
biodiversity
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gateway is the airport in Francisco de Orellana, a town also called El Coca, which is reached by a short flight from Quito.
Once here, clients will be thrilled by the array of flora and fauna. Wildlife includes animals like tapirs, anacondas, boa constrictors, turtles, lizards, monkeys and giant rodents. Dozens of bird species fill the skies and the trees, and fresh-water dolphins are another fa-vorite animal to spot. In addi-tion, clients can interact directly with indigenous peoples whose centuries-old knowledge of the jungle provides fascinating in-sight, and whose cultural tra-ditions are equally interesting. During their visit, clients might also want to try some uniquely Amazonian cuisine, including Maito, which is made of meat wrapped in a turupanga leaf and grilled.
Among the best places to connect with the magnificent creatures and cultures of the Amazon is Yasuní National Park, which spans across both the Orellana and Pastaza provinces. The nation’s largest mainland national park, Yasuní is the most biodiverse region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Some 600 species of birds, 170 species of mammals and 120 species of reptiles make their home here, as well as hundreds of thousands of insect species. There is so much wildlife, in fact, that scientists are still discovering new species, even today. The park is also home to the Huaorani people, as well as the Tagaeri and the Taromenane, two groups that purposely isolate themselves from modern society.
While here, clients can hike through tropical forests with experienced guides, to places like La Belleza, a 22-meter-
high waterfall where parrots, crickets, butterflies and beetles thrive. Visitors seeking a rustic experience can camp at Las Conchas, another picturesque waterfall. Also rewarding are boat tours of San Pedro Lake, a black water lake managed by the local community, where visitors may view piranha, caiman and turtles. And in the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, visitors can spot some 450 species of birds and the black caiman, as well as gigantic cedar, balsa, ceibo and laurel trees.
Clients can also have a unique experience that combines indigenous culture with natural beauty at Añango Lake, which is two hours by boat from the town of Francisco de Orellana. Along the water’s edge, the Quichua community maintains its ancient traditions and also supports ecotourism efforts. Visitors may join walking and canoe excursions led by trained, English-speaking Quichua guides and naturalists, to seek out animals and even learn about the medicinal use of plants. Guests stay in solar- powered private cabins, complete with restaurant service—and clients can also add a trip along the Napo River to learn more about local communities; at the Native Survival Centre at Santa Teresita, for example, Quichua people demonstrate how they hunt and fish.
Also on the Napo River is the Cicame Museum, which features an exhibition of funerary pottery and spears from the Quichua and Huaorani communities.
Within the Cuyabeno Fauna Production Reserve, the Iripari camp is yet another venue that allows visitors to observe a wealth of flora and fauna while learning about the ancestral
traditions of the Quichua people. Large reptiles and pink dolphins are among the creatures viewable here, during excursions aboard canoes hand-built by the local guides, who can also teach survival skills including hunting, fishing and gathering fruit. Best of all, the guides—who lead walks around various lakes and through multiple trails—can tailor each visit to the individual interests of the visitor. A stay here can be part of a longer, weeklong trip along the Napo and Aguarico Rivers, with a visit to the Native Survival Centre in the community of Santa Teresita.
Pastaza province is another nature paradise; in fact, 80% of the province is not colonized and is home to part of both the Yasuni and Llanganates parks. The concentration of indigenous communities of over 30,000 people is made up of Kichwa, Shuar, Waorani, Achuar, Zapara, Andoa and Shiwiar. Popular cultural and nature immersion trips are available with local tour operators. Here, clients will discover a distinctly different lifestyle, experience its ancient culture, and explore the extreme biodiversity of its location. It is an ideal site for bird lovers and ornithologists alike, who can spot rare birds indigenous to the area, along with many other unique life forms, thriving in this untouched ecosystem.
Accommodations throughout the region range from basic tents to well-equipped, eco-friendly lodges. These lodges may be lo-cated in large private estates or ecological reserves, and feature packages ranging from three to eight nights, with various activ-ity programs included. These activities can feature hiking,
bird watching, canoeing, animal spotting and even piranha fishing, night walks and after-dark guided canoe trips. These evening ex-cursions, with the aid of flash-lights, provide interesting views of animals including caimans and giant insects. Monkeys, reptiles and frogs are also commonly sighted during day trips.
HOW TO SELLTo appreciate the natural and cul-tural wonders of Ecuador’s Am- azon Region, it’s important to be with an informed guide. This can be arranged either through a multi-day escorted tour or by arranging accommodations at places that feature their own expert staff.
Thanks to its easy access from the nation’s capital by air, the Amazon Region can easily be added to existing itineraries, especially those featuring the An-des Region. So clients who are already decided about exploring the historic wonders of Quito and Cuenca should be encouraged to spend a few more days and see the very different world that is the Amazon Region.
TARGET MARKETSNature lovers, adventure trav-elers and clients interested in indigenous culture will find much to do in Ecuador’s Ama-zon Region. Photography en-thusiasts will also have a great time as they search for diverse wildlife and spot beautiful plant life around the region. Travel-ers do best if they are able to get around easily by foot, as most excursions involve varied degrees of walking, hiking, ca-noeing and boating, but there are different possibilities based on the needs and abilities of the traveler, so researching the specific activities, the available tours and the accommodations is key to matching the client to the ideal Amazon experience. �
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HOW TO SELL IT: Top surfing locations in Ecua-dor have been qualified as meeting international stan-dards of excellence. Ecuador has hosted the World Surfing Games, Salinas 2004 and the 2009 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship and the World Master’s Surf-ing Montanita Ecuador 2013.
WHERE TO FIND IT: The main surfing locations in Ecuador are found in Esmeraldas, Manabí, Guayas and the Galapagos Islands.
HOW TO SELL IT: A great way to experience Ecuador’s ecosystems is on its jungle rivers, the white– water rapids of the Andes, the Pacific Coast and Galapagos.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Tena is known as the “white-water rafting and kayaking capital” of Ecuador. Other popular rivers are the Río Toachi, Río Blanco and Baños de Agua Santa’s Pastaza River in the Andes. Sea kayaking: Mompiche, Crucita, Puerto López, Salinas, and on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos.
HOW TO SELL IT: Rock climbing in Ecuador is not limited to the Andes Mountains. It’s possible even in Guayaquil, where the Guayas climbing wall is one of the largest artifi-cial walls of its kind, and at Quito’s Rock Climbing and Rockodrome Complex
WHERE TO FIND IT: In the Southern Andes there are excellent sites for sport climbing such as Sayausí, El Cajas, Cariamanga, Cojitambo, and others.
HOW TO SELL IT: The humpback whales have frequented the coast of Ecua-dor for thousands years. The warm waters here are essential to the growth of their calves. The nutrient-rich waters attract the whales very close to the shore, creating excellent whale watching opportunities.
WHERE TO FIND IT: The best viewing oppor-tunities are found in the coastal towns of Súa, Bahía de Caráquez,Puerto Cayo, Perdernales, Puerto López, Machalilla National Park, Manta, and Salinas.
Whale Watching (Nature and Wildlife Lovers)
Rock Climbing (Hard and Soft Adventure Travelers)
Rafting and Kayaking (Hard and Soft Adventure Travelers)
Surfing (Expert to Novice Surfers)
Ecuador is so diverse that it’s an easy sell for a wide variety of traveler types. Here are just a few examples.
Cayambe Volcano - Pichincha
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I DISCOVEREDIN ECUADOR16 SPECIAL INTEREST ACTIVITIES
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HOW TO SELL IT: The Ecuadorian coast was home to the Las Vegas Culture, dating back to 8000 B.C., and the Valdivia Culture thrived here between 3500 B.C. and 1800 B.C. The sites of Agua Blanca, Japotó and Chirije in Bahía de Caráquez, the most important site for the establishment of the Bahía culture (500 A.D.), and the Incan ruins of Rumicucho, Cochasquí, and Ingapirca, are just a few of the sites of great treasures found here.
HOW TO SELL IT: More than 4,500 species of orchids have been document-ed here. Traveling in search of orchids, while discovering Ecuador’s different ecosys-tems, is perhaps one of the most interesting specialized tourism activities available, and is something that is only possible in Ecuador.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Orchids are found in numerous locations throughout Ecuador. They are found at sea level, in the Amazon, and even in scrub-lands at altitudes of more than 13,000 feet / 4,000 meters.
HOW TO SELL IT: Currently, 1,640 distinct species of birds have been registered here, ranging from the smallest to the largest birds in the world. Ecuador’s specialized bird-watching guides can help your clients make the most of their tour.
WHERE TO FIND IT: The cloud forest, near Quito, considered the most important area for birds in South America; the lowlands near Choco and the south– east lowlands of the Tumbesian Region on the coast; the Amazon region; and the Galapagos.
HOW TO SELL IT: Agritourism options in Ec-uador allow visitors to learn firsthand about the environ-ment, properties of medicinal plants and the cultivation of many agricultural products, just one among them cocoa. Ecuador’s “Cocoa Route” is dotted with fascinating coastal haciendas and estates which grow this delicacy, particularly in the provinces of Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi and Esmeraldas.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Ecuador’s Pacific Coast
HOW TO SELL IT: The Galapagos are con-sidered among the seven underwater wonders of the world, and Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park in Manabi has been called a mini-Galapagos. Both areas offer favorable conditions year-round for new and experienced divers.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Among the top sites are the Wolf and Darwin Islands in the Galapagos and Playa Los Frailes, Isla Salango and Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park.
HOW TO SELL IT: With descents up to 10,000 feet in some areas of the Andes, there are a variety of challenging rides for expe-rienced mountain bikers, as well as for those looking for more of a scenic ride. WHERE TO FIND IT: Bikers can find excellent paths down the Cotopaxi Volcano, and along the scenic waterfall route from Baños to Puyo, close to the Amazon rainforest.
HOW TO SELL IT: Ecuador is a multiethnic and multicultural country, which makes it a real gem for visi-tors attracted by this diversity of people and customs. Ecua-dorian heritage is discovered in its culture, architecture, arts, and folklore, all of which are represented in drama, music, dance, ancestral legacies, and colonial and modern architecture. Colorful indigenous markets and fiestas are also among the top attractions for visitors.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Throughout the country
HOW TO SELL IT: The Andes Mountain Range—especially along the Avenue of the Volcanoes—traverses Ecuador from north to south, offering spectacular views with 62 summits for experts and beginners alike, as well as a wealth of trek-king paths.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Top sites include Imbabura, Cotacachi, Cayambe, The Ilinizas, El Altar, Sangay, Ru-miñahui, Sincholagua, Cora-zon, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Carihuayrazo, Antisana, Tungurahua and many others.
HOW TO SELL IT: Each hacienda (beautiful struc-tures of great historical and ecological value) has its own magic, its own ecosystem, unique traditions and activities for guests. Among the options are haciendas in the Andes, located on the skirts of dif-ferent volcanoes surrounding majestic Cotopaxi; haciendas that bear witness to Incan wis-dom and ancient cultures; and haciendas that grow bananas, cacao and more.
WHERE TO FIND IT: The member haciendas of the Ecuadorian Tourism Haciendas Association.
HOW TO SELL IT: Paragliding provides trav-elers with a unique vantage point to discover Ecuador’s four worlds.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Coastal Region: Esmeraldas, Manabi, Guayas. Andes Region: Ibarra, Cho ta Valley, over Lake San Pablo, Cruz Loma, the hills of Casitagua and Pasochoa, Ambato, Azuay and Loja.
HOW TO SELL IT: Ecuador is the ideal place to learn Spanish, while at the same time discovering a fascinating world of Hispanic and Andean culture. Thirty thousand travelers, including students and adults of all ages, visit Ecuador each year to learn this language. Learn-ing a foreign language, while traveling to other countries with different cultures and languages is one of the fastest growing activities worldwide.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Throughout the country
HOW TO SELL IT: Ecuador is home to a strand of more than 70 volcanoes resting along a region of the Andes featuring the Cotopaxi— the world’s tallest active vol-cano. Here, you’ll find a range of tours offering fascinating journeys along this famous region known as The Avenue of Volcanoes. WHERE TO FIND IT: The Avenue of the Volcanoes runs south of Quito between the two main Cordillera ranges of the Andes.
Volcanoes (Adventure Travelers,
Nature Tourists)
Learning Spanish in Ecuador (Students or Anyone Interested
in Learning the Language)
Scuba Diving (Expert to Novice Scuba Divers)
Hacienda Tourism (History and Culture Lovers,
Agritourists)
Paragliding (Adventure Travelers, Sports Enthusiasts)
Cultural Tourism (Cultural Explorers)
High Mountain Climbing and Trekking
(Hard and Soft Adventure Travelers)
Agritourism (Culture- and Nature Lovers)
Mountain Biking (Soft and Hard Adventure Travelers, Nature Lovers)
Archaeological Tourism (Lovers of History, Archaeology
and Culture)
Orchid Tourism (Nature- and Plant Lovers)
Birding (Bird-Watchers, Nature
and Wildlife Lovers)
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TOUR OPERATORSTOUR OPERATOR LOCATION PHONE # WEBSITE ECUADOR PROGRAMS
Abercrombie & Kent Unites States & Canada 800-554-7016 www.abercrombiekent.com Galapagos Islands, Quito, Andes, Otavalo
Absolute Travel United States 212-627-1950 www.absolutetravel.com Galapagos, Andes
Acis Educational Tours United States 800-888-2247 www.acis.com Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Riobamba, Cuenca, Guayaquil; Galapagos
Adventure Associates United States 877-509-7124 www.adventure-associates.com Sacha Lodge, Quito, Spirit Of the Andes, Galapagos
Adventure Center Canada 604-734-1066 www.adventurecenter.com Galapagos Cruises, Galapagos Island Hopping, Galapagos Adventure, Ecuador Haciendas Ecuador, UIO, Amazon
Adventure Expeditions & Travel LLC United States 561-479-6355 www.adventureexpeditions.net Galápagos; Northern Andes; Ingapirca; Andes Route;
Inca Trail; El Chaco Trek; Quito - Otavalo
Adventure life United States 406-541-2677 www.adventure-life.comEcuador Highlights, Ecuador Adventures, Wildlife Odyssey, Cuenca Mulltisort, Sacha lodge, Haciendas Ecuador, Huaorani Lodge, Cotopaxi, Quito, Andes, Galapagos
Adventures by Disney United States 800-543-0865 www.adventuresbydisney.com Galapagos, Andes
AHI Travel United States 800-323-7373 www.ahitravel.com Cuenca, Quito, Guayaquil
Amazon Wildlife United States 347-270-8631 www.amazonwildlife.co.uk Yasuní National Park
Andean Treks Inc. United States 800-683-8148 www.andeantreks.com Galapagos Cruises, Avenue of the Volcanoes, Andes, Amazon
Austin-Lehman Adventures United States 800-575-1540 www.austinlehman.com Galapagos
Avanti Destinations United States 800-422-5053 www.avantidestinations.com Amazon, Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, Guayaquil
Backroads United States 800 462 2848 www.backroads.com Galapagos, Andes
Big Five Tours & Expeditions Canada 416-640-7802 www.bigfivetours.ca Ecuador Highlights, Explore Excuador, Galapagos
Borello Travel and Tours United States 212-686-4911 www.borellotravel.com Galapagos, Amazon Rainforest, Volcanoes
Butterfield&Robinson United States 866-551-9090 www.butterfield.com Galapagos
Canandes International Tours Canada - www.canandestour.com Galapagos, Andes, Amazon
CIT Tours Canada 905-264-0158 www.cittours.caEcuador Highlights, Manatee Amazon Explorer, Anakonda Amazon Cruise, Galápagos, Quito, Bellavista, Cotopaxi National Park, Baños; Devil’s Nose Train, Ingapirca, Cuenca
Classic Journeys United States 800-200-3887 www.classicjourneys.com Galapagos
Collette Vacations United States 800-340-5158 www.collettevacations.com Avenue of the volcanoes & the Galapagos Islands
Contiki Holidays United States 866-266-8454 www.contiki.com Galapagos Island
Country Walkers Unites States & Canada 800-464-9255 www.countrywalkers.com Galapagos, Cuenca, Andes
Cox And Kings, The Americas United States 800-999-1758 www.coxandkingsusa.com Galapagos Discovery, Avenue of the Volcanoes
Cregor Adventures United States 800-731-4443 www.cregoradventures.com Galapagos Cruises, Ecuador General, Amazon, Quito, Coast
Dan Travel United States 301-540-2021 www.dantravel.com Quito, Galapagos, Cuenca, Guayaquil
Elder Treks Canada 800-741-7956 www.eldertreks.com Galapagos, Amazon
Exotik Tours Canada 514-284-3595 www.thomascookgroup.ca Galapagos Islands, Andean Highlands, Amazon Rainforest
Exotik Tours / Thomas Cook North America Canada 888-722-4212 www.exotiktours.com Galapagos, Andes & Amazonia
G Adventures Canada 800-465-5600 www.gadventures.com Galapagos
Galapagos Unlimited United States 786-360-4961 www.galapagosunlimited.com Galapagos Island travel
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TOUR OPERATOR LOCATION PHONE # WEBSITE ECUADOR PROGRAMS
Gate 1 Travel United States 800-682-3333 www.gate1travel.com Amazon, Galapagos
Gateways Internacional Canada 800-268-0900 www.gateways-international.com Mashpi Lodge, Kapawi Ecolodge, Ecuador Galapagos, Signature Ecuador
Geographic Expeditions United States 415-922-0448 www.geoex.com Ecuador Expeditions, Galapagos Islands
Globus Family United States 877-867-3836 www.globusfamily.com Galapagos Island Cruises
Go South Adventures United States 800-575-1540 go-south-adventures.com Cruises, Lodges, Galapagos Sports, Ecuador General, Amazon, Quito, Coast, Andes
Goway Travel Canada 800-557-2841 www.goway.com Ecuador Coast, Guayaquil, La Selva Lodge, Manatee Amazon River, Mashpi Lodge, Quito, Sacha Lodge, Galapagos
Goway Travel Canada 888-469-2955 www.goway.comwww.gowayagent.com Magic Ecuador program
International Expeditions Unites States & Canada 800-234-9620 www.ietravel.com Galapagos, Guayaquil, Santa Cruz, Quito, Cuenca; Amazon
Intrepid Unites States & Canada 800-970-7299 www.intrepidtravel.com Galapagos, Quito, Amazon, Otavalo, Cuenca
Kensington Tours Canada 888 903 2001 www.kensingtontours.com Galapagos Cruise, Deep Amazon Experience, Galapagos Safari
Ker & Downey United States 800-423-4236 www.kerdowney.com Galapagos, Ecuador Amazon & Andes, South America Journey, Grand Ecuador, Classic Ecuador
Ladatco Tours United States 305-854-8422 www.ladatco.com Amazon, Andes, Rainforest, Galapagos
Latin American Escapes, Inc. United States 530-879-9292 www.latinamericanescapes.com Andes and Amazon Multisport, Classic Ecuador,
Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador Adventure.
Latour United States 800-825-0825 www.latour.com Wonders of Ecuador 3 nights Quito, 4 nights Galapagos Islands
Linblad Expeditions United States 800-397-3348 www.expeditions.com Quito, Galapagos
Martour Canadá 416-516-8202 www.martour.com Galapagos Cruises, Ecuador General, Amazon, Quito, Coast
Mosaico Travel Services United States 801-582-2100 www.mosaicotravel.com Quito, Cayambe & Otavalo, Avenue of the Volcanoes, Baños, Cuenca, Coastal Ecuador, Amazon, Galapagos
Mountain Travel Sobek United States 888-831-7526 www.mtsobek.com Galapagos
Natural Habitat Adventures United States 800-543-8917 www.nathab.com Galapagos island Cruises & tours
PacificHolidays Unites States & Canada 800-355-8025 www.pacificholidaysinc.com Galapagos, Amazon, Andes
Prime Travel United States - www.primetravelatinamerica.com Galapagos, Quito, Guayaquil
SITA World Tours Unites States & Canada 800-421-5643 www.sitatours.com Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Otavalo, Galapagos
Solar Tours United States 800-388-7652 www.solartours.com Galapagos Cruise and Basic Ecuador
Southern Explorations United States 206-784-8111 www.southernexplorations.com Explore Ecuador, Amazon, Kayak Adventure, Journey Ecuador, Galapagos, Haciendas, Hot Springs & Volcanoes
Tara Tours Inc. United States 305-278-4464 www.taratours.com Andes, Amazon, Cruises to Galapagos, Manatee River Boat
Tauck United States 800-788-7885 www.tauck.com Galapagos
Tourcan Vacations Canada 416- 391-0334 www.tourcanvacations.com Galapagos Islands, Ecuador in Depth
Trafalgar Unites States & Canada 800-854-0103 www.trafalgar.com Galapagos
Travcoa United States 800-992-2003 www.travcoa.com Andes, Galapagos
Viventura United States 888-238-1602 www.viventura.com Galápagos; Andes; Amazon
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