Ecuador is an amazing country, which has the unique flora and fauna, national parks and numerous sights. In Ecuador everyone can find pleasure for himself, whether it’s climbing volcanoes, journey through the Amazon jungle, relaxing on the luxurious beaches of the Pacific ocean or familiarity with rare animals on the Galapagos Islands. The capital of Ecuador is Quito. It is the most visited city of the country, which has ancient history. The location of the capital is not far from equator. It is surrounded by the majestic Andes. There are some main things that every tourist should do in Ecuador.

Get to know an amazing fauna on the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands became famous after the visit of Charles Darwin, who discovered the theory of evolution there. The islands got such name because of the special variety of a giant Galapago tortoises living there. The Islands form a volcanic archipelago, located 972 km from Ecuador. Flora and fauna of the Islands are extremely unusual. The main plant on the Galapagos is cactus that can be of a giant size. It happens due to absent of rain during 8 months of the year on the islands. There are only 9 types of mammals, but all of them can be met only on the Galapagos. It is home to marine iguanas, similar to fossil dinosaurs, which find their own food in the sea. Birds of the Galapagos archipelago are as many as 60 species. One of the most striking things is that the special species of penguin live there. The coast of the sea is also full of life. Divers often choose this place for making explorations of underwater world.

Climb the active volcano Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is the tallest active volcano in the world. It is at the height of 5897m above sea level. It is located 50 km from Quito – capital of Ecuador. About 70 years ago, local residents suffered distress from the powerful eruptions from its crater. Now the volcano is dormant, and sometimes only the emissions of sulfur or water vapor occur. Tourists, overcoming the way to Cotopaxi can enjoy the majestic peaks of the Andes. The mountains have unique flora and fauna. Only the valley and the slopes are inhabited by hundreds of species of birds. The rich nature of these places and the correct conical shape of the crater attract not only tourists and climbers from all over the world, but also famous photographers. Snow peaks and Western slopes constantly covered with clouds create wonderful panoramic views.

Buy unusual souvenirs in Amerindian market

The most famous and rich Amerindian market of wool products and souvenirs in Ecuador is in Otavalo, which is also called “the city of weavers”. The local citizens inherited from the Kara Amerindians the secrets of making fabrics using dyes, which help to achieve any shade. Everything is there: clothes, jewelry, bags, paintings, magnets, blankets, hammocks and etc. There one can not only buy souvenirs for friends and relatives, but also look at the colorful traders.

Visit the cultural center of Ecuador

The city of Cuenca, which is located in the southern part of Ecuador, is famous mainly for its numerous monuments. UNESCO declared most of them as a cultural heritage of Mankind. Many people consider Cuenca as the most beautiful city in the country. It is interesting to visit the old buildings of colonial style with fanciful balconies, located along the straight and narrow streets, go to Abdon Calderon Square and Flowers Square, and walk along the promenade with beautiful bridges. Many cathedrals and monuments and the extensive green Park near the river look majestic. The city is clearly visible from the observation platform of Turi, located on the high hill.

Ecuador is truly an amazing and magical country. Many years ago this land attracted adventurers of all kind, who went in search of the mythical El Dorado. Today visitors come not for finding gold, but for something more interesting. Being on the “zero latitude”, travelers wait for snow and volcanoes of the Andes, visit the Amazon jungle, have a rest on the hot Pacific coast and enjoy the Galapagos Islands, with their rare flora and fauna.