Visiting places around the world brings us closer to home-journeys that show us our own culture when finding our way through those of others.
Travel is one of the ways that we refresh and renew our relationship with the world around us. Keep reading for our reasons that travel in Ecuador enriches and inspires- creating moments that last long after the trip is over.
The People
The people you meet when traveling in Ecuador bring a new perspective and relevance to the table. It opens up new doors-clearing away preconceived notions for genuine interactions-fueled by the inherent adventurous nature of travel.
A doctor on vacation and an artist meet on a plane trip and swap stories, a writer and a lawyer share boat rides down the Napo River to jungle lodges, and a local favorite meeting place brings people together over casual drinks that lead to new adventures. Despite all the information available online, word-of-mouth and personal recommendations are the backbones of traveling.
The Destinations
Travel in Ecuador takes you to high mountains, charming beaches, exotic islands, dense jungle, spa towns, and stunning mountain lakes. When on the road, each new destination colors in the picture a bit more. The history and natural beauty of the country are balanced by the traditions, customs, habits, and traditions of the regional cultures found within the borders of the four diverse regions of the country.
In the mountains around Otavalo, locals have created folklore about the towering peaks overhead. Similar stories are told about Cotopaxi in the south, and the Galapagos Islands have legends of lost gold in pirate stashes around the archipelago.
The Food
Travel in another culture is a gastronomic adventure where Cuy or roasted guinea pig is served as a delicacy, soups come with popcorn, stews are made from chicken feet, and lobster ceviche is a staple on the coast.
Discovering the dishes of other cultures creates new favorites, and often sends visitors in search of cookbooks and recipes to try at home once the trip is over. For more information about Ecuador’s food culture and restaurants to try while in the major cities, see A Place at the Table-Inside Ecuador’s Food Culture.
The Adventure
Travel in Ecuador nourishes the adventurous spirit of exploring-making each day an active endeavor that engages the senses in startling ways and leaves an impression that goes beyond the ordinary. Biking in Baños takes you to a chain of waterfalls, Following a short trail on remote islands in the Galapagos brings you to face to face with giant tortoises and sea lions, and canoe rides in the jungle give you an up close and personal view of the amazing creatures living underneath the canopy and in the rivers and lagoons of the Amazon Rainforest.
Put together, these elements invigorate, educate, and enliven the spirit-bringing us closer to our common humanity and showing us the bonds that bind those who chose to live outside their comfort zone.
For more information about custom-made trips made by travelers for those who love to travel in Ecuador, contact a member of our team by Skype, this site, or one of our toll-free numbers.
