Introduction to Ecuador

Introduction to Ecuador The colors of Ecuador leap out from every corner of its diverse landscape, from fluttering rainbow-hued macaw wings in the Amazonian jungle to the calm, dazzling blue lakes of the Andean sierra and the fiery terracotta sands of the Galapagos Islands. Brooding snow-capped volcanoes provide a striking contrast to the roaring heat of the salsa-dancing coast. You'll gaze in wonder at the sparkling gold interior of Quito's baroque churches while walking in the footsteps of Spanish conquistadors and Incan warriors. Cities and Countryside • Quito's 500-year-old buildings usher you through columned archways onto hidden courtyards, its baroque churches twinkling with gold leaf. • Catch a cooling river breeze as you stroll along Guayaquil's glitzy Malecón promenade, lined with shops and restaurants blaring hot salsa tunes. • Cuenca, the capital's World Heritage Site sibling, crowns layers of Cañari and Inca foundations with colonial-era architecture; beneath the streets lie the ruins of ancient temples and regal palaces. • In the Andes sierra, Ecuador's core, stunning turquoise lagoons nestle in extinct volcanic craters and riders on horseback traverse lush national parks and misty cloud forests. • Glide in a canoe to the music of tropical bird song as you visit indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest in the east. • Small, undisturbed beaches and humpback-whale-filled waters on Ecuador's Pacific coast lead to the Galapagos Islands, where giant turtles, seals, penguins, iguanas and other native wildlife roam freely in a naturalist's paradise. Eating, Drinking and National Parks Eating and Drinking • Filling fish soups topped with fresh tomato and onion, and raw seafood marinated in tangy lime juice -- the refreshing ceviche -- are popular dishes along the coast. The small and succulent cuy, roast guinea pig, is an Andean favorite, whether spit-roasted along rural highways or served in fine city restaurants. Wholesome thick cheese, hearty chicken and potato soups and braised meat stews help to counter Quito's thin, chilly air during leisurely Ecuadorean family lunches. National Parks • A fresh-faced Darwin was mesmerized by the Galapagos Islands' vibrant native wildlife. You will be too, as you spy flamingo-dotted salt lagoons, sea lions beached on volcanic red sand, and swaggering marine iguanas or dive alongside penguins as falcons swoop overhead. • You can scale the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano or trot on horseback inside the Cotopaxi National Park. • As you canoe along the Amazonian jungle waterways of Yasuni, Ecuador's largest national park, look for multicolored macaws and pink river dolphins. Frommer’s Favorite Experiences • Stepping Back in Time in Colonial Quito: Founded in 1534, Quito was the first city to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its Old Town seems to have changed little over the centuries. • Straddling the Equator: The country isn't called Ecuador for nothing -- the Equator passes right through it. There are several popular tourist attractions and marked spots where you can straddle the equator. • Eating Cuy: You'll see them roasting on spits at little stands along the highways, or on sidewalks in cities and towns. You'll also find them on the menus of some of Ecuador's fanciest restaurants. The skin is served crisp and crackling, but when it's good, it's moist and flavorful. • Searching for the Fountain of Youth: The small and isolated village of Vilcabamba is said to have a disproportionately high number of centenarians. Most folks credit the clean water, air, and living. While it may not actually add years to your life, this is a great place to, with superb scenery. • Starting Off Your Day with a Glass of Tree-Tomato Juice: Don't be put off by the name, or think that it tastes anything like a traditional tomato. A tree tomato is a unique fruit served just about every which way in Ecuador. • Riding a Train Past the Devil's Nose: One section of the train from Quito to Guayaquil is also one of the most spectacular, a white-knuckle ride of sharp switchbacks and hairpin turns down the side of a steep rock mountain affectionately known as the Devil's Nose. • Buying a Panama Hat: Buy one of these stylish straw wonders, which are made in Ecuador, not Panama. Cuenca is currently the primary center for production of Panama hats • Drinking Chicha: Homebrewed liquor made from fermenting corn, potatoes, yuca, and just about anything else on hand • Visiting the Amazon Basin: the lowland rainforest rivers of eastern Ecuador form an important part of the Amazon basin. This area is loaded with wildlife, and it's home to traditional indigenous tribes. You'll get to interact with both on any trip here. Best Dining • El Atrio (Quito): With an eclectic menu, elegant ambience, and wonderful setting overlooking the Plaza Foch, The menu here is equally rewarding at any meal.. • •Azuca Latin Bistro (Quito): Loud and lively most of the time, this new spot serves up excellent nuevo latino fare. Mojitos are the specialty drink, and there's quite a variety of them on the menu . • •Zazu (Quito): Quito's hippest new restaurant is also one of its most satisfying. The Peruvian-born chef uses his native sensibility, fresh local ingredients, and ample imagination to create a successful string of new and exciting dishes. Just about everything on the menu shines. • •Hacienda Rumiloma (Quito): It's worth the short taxi ride to this elegant and eclectic restaurant on the slopes of Volcán Pichincha. The menu is wonderfully executed. And the dining room features an excellent view of the city below. • •Hotel Ali Shungu (Otavalo): Housed inside a popular hotel. The healthy and creative international cuisine is served in a cozy and inviting ambience. Locally grown organic produce is used wherever possible. This is a welcome treat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. • •Café Mariane (Baños): Treat yourself to an elegant French-Mediterranean meal at the best little restaurant in town. • •Villa Rosa (Cuenca): Excellent Ecuadorean cuisine is matched with an elegant setting and superb service in this Cuenca restaurant. Although traditional Ecuadorean dishes are the mainstay here, they often are given little twists that set them above what you'll find at other places. • •Lo Nuestro (Guayaquil): Elegant and relaxed, this is the best place in Guayaquil to enjoy classic Ecuadorean cooking in a refined setting. • •Sucre (Guayaquil): Guayaquil is experiencing a major boom in high-end dining, and this new fusion restaurant is leading the way. The decor is chic and the food hits all the right marks. • •Martinica (Manta): Creative and hip, this homey restaurant stands head and shoulders above the rest in Manta. The eclectic fusion menu is bolstered by a wide-ranging wine list. • •Sea Flower Restaurant (Manta): It's almost worth a trip to Ecuador's Pacific coast just to dine at this delightful spot. Presentations are eye-catching, and the food lives up to the fanfare. • •Red Sushi (Puerto Ayora) They serve up some excellent sushi. The setting is subdued and romantic, and the rest of the menu -- apart from the sushi -- is also wonderfully done. Best Historic Sites • Iglesia de San Francisco (Old Town; Quito): Quito's first church, San Francisco remains one of its most impressive.. • La Compañía de Jesús (Old Town; Quito): There's so much gold and gold leaf adorning this unbelievably ornate 17th-century baroque church. In fact, the Jesuits who built this church incorporated several sun symbols, as a nod to the Incas The level of detail and artistry is unparalleled. • Museo Nacional del Banco Central del Ecuador (New Town; Quito): The anthropological and historical displays of the pre-Columbian inhabitants are beautifully displayed. There are also very good collections of colonial-era and religious art, and a fine representation of modern art. • Fundación Guayasamín (Bellavista, Quito): Oswaldo Guayasamín was Ecuador's greatest and most famous modern artist. His striking large paintings, murals, and sculptures had an impact on artists across Latin America and around the world. This extensive museum displays both his own work and pieces from his private collection. Catedral Nueva (Cuenca): This massive cathedral took over 80 years to complete. Its two towering blue domes dominate the skyline of Cuenca. Don't miss a chance to tour its beautiful inside, which has white marble floors, stained-glass windows, and a Renaissance-style main altar. • Museo del Banco Central (Cuenca): This modern museum features an excellent collection of archaeological finds and relics, ethnographic displays, and colonial-era figurative and religious art; it's also built right on top of a major Inca ceremonial site that has been semi-excavated. • Ingapirca (outside Cuenca): Ingapirca is the greatest surviving Inca ruin in Ecuador. Even before the Incas arrived, this spot was inhabited by the Cañari, and some of their original constructions are also on display. • La Tolita (North Pacific coast): This unique archaeological site is found on a small island outside San Lorenzo. It is believed that it was inhabited by one of the oldest pre-Columbian cultures, a people skilled at working with gold, silver, and even platinum. • Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo (Guayaquil): Large, modern, and well laid out, this is Guayaquil's best museum. There are extensive archaeological collections here from all over Ecuador, as well as a wonderful wing dedicated to contemporary Ecuadorean art. Best Shopping • Olga Fisch Folklore (Quito; www.olgafisch.com): Olga Fisch was a pioneer in recognizing and promoting the artistry of Ecuador's artisans and craftspeople. Today her shop/gallery remains the top place to go for the best selection of high-end products. You'll find everything here, from clothing to ceramics to paintings. You can get chess sets with pieces carved from tagua nuts, or fine original silver and gemstone jewelry.

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