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Ecuador Travel Destinations
(page 2 of 2)
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5. Amazon Jungle
The Amazon
rainforest covers the eastern third of Ecuador. It
is also called the Oriente. Ecuador's Amazon region is divided
into six provinces: Sucumbios, Orellana, Napo, Pastaza, Morona Santiago
and Zamora Chinchipe. |
The Yasuni National Park and the Cuyabeno Wildlife
Reserve are only some of the more impressive natural attractions found
in this region. Several ethnic groups co-exist with the exuberant
nature found in the Amazon and include the Huaoranis, Shuar and Achuar.
These ancient tribes are struggling to maintain their customs in the
face of an encroaching world. With the help of international groups,
some tribes are embracing eco-tourism as an adjunct to their lifestyles.
6. Esmeraldas
& Manabi: the North Coast of Ecuador
The beaches stretching from the Colombian border to Ayampe make up
this region and includes the provinces of Esmeraldas and Manabi. The
main cities are Esmeraldas (home to Ecuador's Afro-American population),
Atacames, Bahia and Manta. Besides the beach resorts, other worthwhile
attractions are the world's largest remaining Mangrove forest, abundant
wildlife and seasonal whale watching in the waters of Machalilla National
Park and the world's only tropical dry forest.
7. Guayaquil and the "Route
of the Sun"
This section includes Ecuador's largest city and principal port, Guayaquil.
It also includes the resort town of Salinas located on Punta Elena
and the so called Pacific "Route of the Sun." The "Route
of the Sun" is characterized by quaint beach towns and hip surfing
villages.
8. Galapagos Islands
The enchanted archipelago that inspired Charles
Darwin to envision the theory of Evolution – the
Galapagos Islands – is Ecuador's
most famous attraction. The islands straddle the Equator 600 miles
off the coast of Ecuador. Among the most important islands in the
archipelago are: Baltra, where the airport is located, Santa Cruz,
Bartolomé, Fernandina, Isabela and Floreana. Galapagos
was declared a National Park in 1959; a Natural Heritage of Humanity
in 1979; Reserve of Marine Resources in 1986; Whale Sanctuary in 1990
and a Marine Biology Reserve in 1996
We hope you enjoy discovering these distinct regions
of Ecuador!
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