{"id":2048,"date":"2014-03-21T13:56:18","date_gmt":"2014-03-21T13:56:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/?p=2048"},"modified":"2015-05-12T08:26:18","modified_gmt":"2015-05-12T08:26:18","slug":"9-activities-for-tourists-in-ecuador","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/9-activities-for-tourists-in-ecuador\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Activities for Tourists in Ecuador"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"volcano-272043_1280\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Planning a trip to South America? Wondering about Ecuador? It\u2019s full of history, culture and natural wonders from rivers to\u00a0rain forests, glaciers and mountain peaks. Here are the 9 places you won\u2019t want to miss:<\/p>\n

1. Visit the Galapagos Islands<\/h2>\n

The small archipelago of volcanic islands is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.\u00a0 Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and soak up the sights of the place where he developed the theories of evolution.\u00a0 In the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the islands are around 1,000 kilometres from the mainland.\u00a0 Swim with dolphins, see giant tortoises, watch penguins, gaze at sea lions, observe a variety of birds, and be slightly amazed by marine iguanas.<\/p>\n

Find a top tour to the islands with GPS Travel Center\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

2. Gaze at the Towering Cotopaxi<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cotopaxi is the second highest peak in the country.\u00a0 The snow capped volcanic summit can be seen from far and wide \u2013 little wonder that it stands at over 5,800 metres!\u00a0 Although it mostly belches out steam, it is one of the world\u2019s highest active volcanoes.\u00a0 Hiking and biking are popular activities in the locale.<\/p>\n

Find a hike that suits your level with Cotopaxi Climbing<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

3. Stand on Either Side of the Equator<\/h2>\n

The Equator passes through Ecuador.\u00a0 Quito has some good attractions dedicated to this geographical feature.\u00a0 You can visit a terrific monument that marks the spot \u2013 though unfortunately it is in the wrong place!\u00a0 100 metres away from the actual Equator, it is still an interesting place to visit.\u00a0 Right on the Equator, you can watch and take part in some interesting experiments and demonstrations, including a moveable sink to demonstrate how water drains clockwise and anti-clockwise depending on which side of the line you are.\u00a0 Have your photo taken at the large Middle of the World sign.<\/p>\n

Take a free walking tour through the city! For more information, click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

4. Party\u00a0in Monta\u00f1ita<\/h2>\n

Monta\u00f1ita is home to some really pretty beaches that are great for sun bathing, swimming, and surfing.\u00a0 The town also boasts a lively and varied night scene.<\/p>\n

5. Admire the\u00a0Nature in Ba\u00f1os<\/h2>\n

\"By<\/a>

By Eric Chan from Hollywood, United States (wide) [CC BY 2.0<\/a>], via Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p><\/div>Ba\u00f1os sits at the foot of Tungurahua, an active volcano near to the Amazon jungle.\u00a0 There are breathtaking waterfalls and soothing hot springs dotted around, and It's a prime gateway to the mighty Amazon region. The town also boasts some exhilarating adventure sports and adrenalin fuelled activities, such as paragliding, white water rafting, climbing the volcano, mountain biking, canyoning, and giant bridge swings.<\/p>\n

Book an adventure-filled excursion with Geotours<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

6. Ride the Devil\u2019s Nose Railway<\/h2>\n

Known in Spanish as Nariz del Diablo<\/em>, the train line runs between Alaus\u00ed and Sibambe.\u00a0 Travelling through the spectacular Andes, a ride on this railway guarantees some of the most breath taking views of Ecuador.\u00a0 Climbing high, it also offers some pretty hairy and scary moments!<\/p>\n

Columbus Travel<\/a>\u00a0offers spectacular trips through the mountains.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

7. Shop at Otavalo Market<\/h2>\n

Otavalo Market is the biggest market place in the whole of South America.\u00a0 Vendors flock to sell their wares from surrounding areas, and it is an ideal place to pick up some locally produced handicrafts and authentic goods, whilst helping rural communities in the process.\u00a0 Even if you do not intend buying much, it offers wonderful sights and sounds to really get a feel for the magic in the country.<\/p>\n

8. Sample Local Delicacies<\/h2>\n

Ecuador dishes up some interesting and unusual meals.\u00a0 There are national dishes as well as regional and local fare to enjoy.\u00a0 Try some guinea pig, known as cuy<\/i> in Ecuador.<\/p>\n

9. \u00a0Explore the Rain Forests<\/h2>\n

\"rainforest<\/a><\/p>\n

A highlight of any Ecuador trip is a jungle expedition.\u00a0 As a bonus, Ecuador is one of the cheapest places in South America to enjoy an Amazon adventure.\u00a0 As well as seeing a wide and diverse selection of wildlife, you can also learn more about the indigenous people who live in the Amazon region.<\/p>\n

Find out more about Amazon rainforest tours here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

***<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ecuador is a fantastic country for discovery and exploration, and an important part of truly discovering a foreign land is learning the language. Unlike in European Spanish, you will not be as likely to find English-speaking locals to help you out in a sticky spot \u2013\u00a0test your current Spanish level<\/a> before jetting off to South America, and shout \u00a1<\/i>hola amigos!<\/i>\u00a0in Ecuador as you get ready for your exciting adventure.<\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Planning a trip to South America? Wondering about Ecuador? It\u2019s full of history, culture and natural wonders from rivers to\u00a0rain forests, glaciers and mountain peaks. Here are the 9 places you won\u2019t want to miss: 1. Visit the Galapagos Islands The small archipelago of volcanic islands is home to a diverse range of flora and(\u2026)<\/p>\n

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