Tourist Information

"A journey by Ecuador is compare as as journey from the Equatorial line to almost the South Pole"

From a point of geographic view, Ecuador is a small country. Notwithstanding, it is characterize by its singular topography, its rarity in climates zones and a diverse population of vegetal and animal species. The voyager does not need to come out of the borders to get around, in question of hours you can get from the tropical jungle to the highlands of the Andes, and then to get down to the Pacific coast, meanwhile admire an interminable successions of natural landscapes.

Its biological richness is reflected in a total range of organisms, as well know that the 10% of vascular plants species in the world, are found in an area that barely represents the 2% of the total surface area of the world.

Imagine all these regions in only one country! The Galapagos Islands, the Pacific coast, the Cordillera of The Andes and Amazon basin; landscapes of the Andes crests, the unique tropical dry forest and rainy forest, the plateau and snowy volcanoes, tectonic and glacial lakes, and mangle's forest.

Quito: The capital city of Ecuador has a population of 1,700,000 inhabitants; average annual temperature corresponds to 19 centigrade degrees, ranging between 23 to 8 centigrade degrees during the nighttime. Animatioon charging... wait

Physically, the city resembles a fortress protected by surrounding mountains. Pichincha, the volcano, is the impressive guardian at 4,747 masl, on whose slopes the history of the city has wrought. At 2,800 masl lies the charming second highest city in the world.

Quito was founded on top of the incan former city by Sebastián de Benalcázar on December 6, 1534.

Almost three centuries would las the building of the colonial city following the guidelines of the "Leyes de Indias" (Laws applicable to the Indias), which has given way to harmonious architectural components such as arches, atria, walls and stairways that follow the sinuous contour of the land.

The Colonial City: Colonial Quito, as almost all historical centers of other Latin American cities comprises architectural styles expressed in several styles dating back to the Eighteenth Century throughout the last decades of the past century.

Several examples of civil and religious architecture of the Sixteenth Century have survived.

In 1978 Quito was declared by the UNESCO as a "Cultural Patrimony of Humanity" in recognition of the artistic wealth found in its "Casco Colonial" -- the Colonial Core, and holds colonial homes, monuments, plazas, churches and convents housing paintings and sculptures by artists belonging to Quito's School of Art. Colonial Quito is looked upon by the Virgin of Quito, atop the Panecillo hill.

There will also be chance to admire tall modern buildings, large shopping malls and all kinds of services provided with the facilities to make in the city comfortable.

Churches are open Monday thru Sunday, from 07:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. and 15:00 thru 18:00, with the exception of the Cathedral which is maintained closed every afternoon. Main churches include:

The Cathedral: Of a neoclassic style, it dates back to the Twelfth Century. Valuable art work produced Quito's School of art is kept in its interior; and the chapel holds the remains of Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre.

El Sagrario: Located next to the Cathedral, it dates back to the end of the Eighteenth Century, and it holds carvings by Bernardo de Legarda.

San Francisco: Built by mid Sixteenth Century and early Seventeenth Century, its interior is painted with gold leaf, in the moorish style; An impressive plaza lies at its feet.

The Chapel of Cantuña: Located next to the church of San Francisco. It holds important precious sculptures.

Company of Jesus Church: One of the most beatiful buildings in all of America is the Church of the Company of Jesus. It has a barroque style and is adorned with gold.

The barroque altar piece, containing works from Quitenian artists, displays a facade of stone of volcanic origen, and Salomonic columns are displayed at the entrance, and they have a reminiscence of the Church of Gesu in Roma.

Santo Domingo: The Church and Convent date back to the XVII Century. Its facade is neoclassical, with moorish decorations and a baroque altar.

La Merced: Built in early Eighteenth Century. The Cloister is noticeable, with works by Francisco Albán. At the central patio a foundation is found which is crowned by a sculpture of Neptune.

San Agustín: Dates back to the Seventeenth Century. The Convent holds works by Miguel de Santiago. The "Sala Capitular" or Ceremonial Formal room was the place where the Act of Independence was signed.

The Surroundings of Quito:

San Antonio de Pichincha

It is located past the Equator which divides the world into two hemispheres. There is an Ethnic Museum to be visited right inside the Monument marking the "Middle of the World". Handcrafts from everywhere in Ecuador may be bought at the various shops; there is a miniature Colonial Quito which is very well liked by visitors, as well as an In Situ Museum; you can travel further to the wonderful Crater of the Pululahua or to the archeological ruins of Rumicucho, in addition to enjoying the delicious typical food.

Sangolquí and Conocoto

Marketplaces are the food supply for Quiteños who go to buy on the weekends. These sites belong to the suburban city of San Rafael.

Calderón

This is a town which is practically a part of Quito. It is well known for its rolled, preserved bread dough figurines (non-edible). These are good keepsakes of your visit. Some of them, those called "guaguas de pan" (dough children in Quichua) are sold on the Day of the Dead (November 2). Anthropologists believe that the figures are reminiscent of animal and human sacrifices among previous native tribes.

Guayllabamba (Quito's Metropolitan Zoo)

This small town lies in a subtropical valley on the Quito-Ibarra or Quito-El Quinche highway. Travelers normally buy locally produced fruits which are specific for this altitude: chirimoyas, avocados, citrics, grapes.

Cayambe

It is a small town located next to the volcano which bears the same name and very close to the Equator; the surrounding areas are well known for its milk production and related agribusiness; dairy products and the famous "bizcochos" (bisquits) are offered for sale.

Machachi

Located 35 Km. south of Quito. This small city holds some 20,000 people. You may visit the Güitig mineral water facilities, the largest mineral water bottling company in Ecuador.

The "Tolas" (burial mounds) de Cochasquí

These are flattened pyramids located next to the small town of Tabacundo. Approximately 15 topless pyramids have been discovered, with 21 Mounds or 36 Pre-Incan buildings, an Archeological Museum and an Ethnic Museum.

The Ecuadorian Coastal Region is bathed by the Pacific Ocean and is made up by five provinces, from North to South: Esmeraldas, Manabí, Guayas, Los Ríos and El Oro.

The Province of Esmeraldas has beautiful beaches with soft sands and a warn ocean, including: Atacames, Súa, Tonsupa, Playa Ancha, Tonchigüe, Camarones and Same.

Esmeraldas is known as "The City of the Sun and green province" since it is drenched in a beautiful tropical sunlight. The country’s most important oil refinery is located here and so is the Museum of the Central Bank with samples from the Tolita culture as well as many other typical attractions such as Negro folklore and exquisite gastronomical pleasures.

Heading southward is the enchanting Province of Manabí, whose beaches invite tourists to enjoy themselves, to relax and take pleasure in the sun, sand and sea. Among the most well-known beaches are: Cojimíes, Pedernales, Camarones, Canoa, San Vicente, Bahía de Caráquez, San Clemente, San Jacinto, Crucita, Jaramijó, San Mateo, San José, Puerto Cayo, Machalilla, Los Frailes, Puerto López and Salango.

The Port of Manta is one of the best areas for sport-fishing at high sea. Also prominent are the Machalilla National Park, which encompasses a continental and an insular territory with a dry tropical forest and low coastal zones with beaches and cliffs, and the city of Portoviejo, known as "the City of the Royal Tamarinds", which is a community of great commercial, industrial and artisan activity.

The Province of Guayas offers its marvelous beaches and bathing resorts frequented by those who love deep-sea fishing and aquatic sports. The modern beach resort of Salinas may be found a few kilometers from Guayaquil, in the Peninsula of Santa Elena. It is a national and international travelers’ paradise which offers first class tourist services: hotels, casinos, restaurants and towering beautifully designed condos in addition to the modern Yatch Club. From Salinas, other nearby beaches may be visited including: Ballenita, Punta Carnero, and La Puntilla. The beach resort of Playas is quite near the small fishing port of Posorja. Other beaches in the province are Manglar Alto, Montañita, Palmar and Punta Blanca.

The city of Guayaquil, which is the economic, commercial and financial core of the country, is situated on the Gulf of Guayaquil along the important Guayas River. Here we may find the El Malecón Park, from where the barges which navigate the majestic river may be seen; the Monument commemorating the famous meeting between the liberators Simón Bolívar and San Martín in 1822; The Clock Tower, of Moorish style; and the important colonial buildings of the Municipality and the Governor’s office.

The traditional neighborhood of Las Peñas, situated at the foot of the El Carmen Hill, conserves a sample of the colonial history of the city. From the El Carmen Hill, the Sacred Heart blesses the city. Also found here is the General Cemetery, with its sculptures, gardens and Greek-Roman style mausoleums. Guayaquil has interesting museums such as those of the Central Bank of Ecuador, of the Casa de la Cultura, of the Pacific Bank, and of the Municipality, among others.

The Province of El Oro possesses the best banana and shrimp production in the world. It has important tourist attractions that are well accepted by its visitors such as the gold mines in Zaruma; numerous bathing resources and beaches; and the unique Petrified Forest of Puyango which borders with Loja. In additional to the traditional fairs, the International Banana Fair and the Coffee Fair stand out. The characteristic plates are based on the green plantain and shrimp. The Coastal Region in general has very amiable and cordial people and broad beaches in a tropical environment in which one may savour a typical gastronomy based on seafood products

Without a doubt, among the multiple options that this region offers the tourist in search of adventure are visits to the native Indian communities, spending the night in rustic cabins, walks through virgin forests in search of colorful toucans and macaws, canoeing down the hidden tributaries of the Amazon Rivers and navigating down the Napo River on board a floating hotel. Traveling through the Amazon Region did not use to be so easy as it is now.

The Amazon Region extends from the Eastern Andean Mountain Range to the border with Peru. Its abundant and exotic flora and fauna cause admiration among its visitors. Some areas are accessible from Quito by air or roads, while others are easier to reach on small boats.

This area is made up by the Provinces of Sucumbios, Napo, Pastaza, Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe.

The Province of Sucumbíos limits with the Republic of Colombia, and like all of the Provinces of the Amazon Region, it is surrounded by jungle, tropical vegetation and plentiful rivers. It has comfortable and attractive hotels in Nueva Loja and jungle dwellings, making it an idyllic place where the tourist will be fascinated by the scenery and unique lakes. Tourists may visit the Ecological Reserve of Cayambe-Coca; the city of Nueva Loja or Lago Agrio (important center of oil activity); the population of Santa Cecilia; the Lago Agrio Lake; the ancient rock carvings; the Indian village of the Cofanes; Chiritza; San Pablo de Kantesiya; the Animal Production Reserve of Cuyabeno and the Lake Complex of this Reserve; the lakes of Zancudococha, Ipari and Limoncocha.

The Province of de Napo is surrounded by the snow-covered mountains of Antisana and Quilindaña, and has great attractions in its mysterious jungle, wide navigable rivers and tropical vegetation.

Napo offers the tourist areas of great interest such as the city of Tena, which maintains its colonial outline, with its park in front of a central church; Archidona, an old city worth visiting; the fresh water beaches of Port Misahuallí where various cruise ships are found for navigating the Napo River; the Jumandi Caves in Archidona; and the Yasuní National Park.

The Province of Pastaza is found in the center of the Ecuadorian Amazon Region and it has charms and attractions which make natives as well as foreigners marvel, including its jungle, exotic plants and flowers, beautiful birds with ostentatious plumage, impressive waterfalls and winding rivers, all which constitute a delight for visitors and scientists.

The Province offers places such as the Caves of the May 24^th Colony; the Chuwitayos Caverns; the typical city of Puyo with its multiple natural charms and the graciousness of its people; the waterfalls and the community of El Porvenir; the bathing resorts of Obrero and Alpayacu; the communities of Mera and Shell; and the overlooks along the road from Puyo to Macas, Puyo to Baños and Macas where the flower-loving tourist may appreciate the "Avenue of the Orchids ".

The Province of Morona Santiago has exceptional landscapes. Because of its location, it allows travelers to visit places of great tourist and scientific interest such as the Cave of los Tayos, very famous because of the legends of hidden treasures that are attributed to it; the Sangay National Park; the Upano Valley; the salt mines; the city of Macas and the Indian communities of Shuar and Achuar, the most important ones of the Amazon Region.

In order to visit the Province of Zamora Chinchipe, it is necessary to penetrate into the jungle and navigate through its rivers, delighting in the beautiful natural panorama. The following must not be missed: the Bombuscaro alley, the Nangaritza Valley, the Podocarpus National Park, the Otawa Recreational Center in Yantzaza, the Virgin Jungle and the beautiful spots along the Zamora River and the rivers abounding in gold in Nambija.

As well, we have the newest province in Ecuador, Orellana with many rivers and beautiful panarama ideal for the adventurers.

A trip to Ecuador is not complete if a visit is not made to the Galapagos Archipelago, located almost 1,000 kilometers from the Ecuadorian continental coastline. It is made up of 13 large islands, 17 small ones and 47 rocky islets, which cover an area of 8,000 square kilometers.

The Islands were discovered in 1535, by Brother Tomás de Berlanga. As of 1959 they were declared a National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation was organized. In 1973 a law was passed creating the Province of Galapagos. In 1979 UNESCO declared it a "Natural Heritage of Humanity ".

Each year, tourists flock to the islands attracted by the natural surroundings, and the flora and fauna that are unique in the entire world. The experience of cruising the Islands depends on the type of boat chosen: a small boat, a motored yatch, or a large ship with capacity for 90 passengers with cruises lasting from 3 to 14 nights. The environment is informal and itineraries are planned so that two or more visits may be made daily to the islands.

Landings on the Galapagos are of two types: "dry", when the small boats transporting the tourists from the larger ships to the islands anchor along rustic docks, and "wet" when the boats almost reach the shore and the tourist disembark still on the water.

Tourists may transport themselves by air from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or to San Cristóbal, from where they embark on the ships that take them on the cruises. The islands have hotels for those who wish to spend more time on land and make shorter trips to the closest islands. By law, a guide must always accompany the groups which may have a maximum of 20 passengers. The islands have clearly-marked paths that must be followed. A fee must also be paid in order to visit the Galapagos National Park.

This is where the cruises being. Nearby the spectacular natural rock formation called the "Sleeping Lion" may be found as well as the Junco Lake; the Bay and center of the Tijeretas; the fresh water lagoon; the frigates’ hill. There is also an airport.

Visit sites such as Cormorant Point, admire colonies of flamingos, penguins and marine iguanas and the Post Office Bay.

Contemplate colonies of marine iguanas, non-flying cormorants, pelicans and penguins. You may also visit Espinoza Point and the majestic straight between the Fernandina and Isabela islands.

Here we find the la Academia Bay; the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, with a reserve sample of land tortoises; the Tortuga Bat with its colonies of marine turtles< the capital of the islands, Puerto Ayora; forests of giant cacti; and the crater of "Los Gemelos" (the twins).

Interesting hikes may be made on paths of solid lava rock. Admire a colonies of fur seals, sea lions, flamingos and enjoy the Espumilla beach.

Visit Darwin Bay and delight yourself with colonies of frigates, red-footed boobies, masked boobies and marine swallows.

This is the residency of a large colony of sea lions, frigates and blue-footed boobies.

The first airport on the islands was built here by North Americans during the Second World War. The island has landscapes of giant cacti which may be seen in the horizon.

To visit Galapagos is to go back in the past. It is to walk upon a natural landscape that has remained unaltered for thousands of years. As a simple spectator, the tourist has the privilege of contemplating an unusual spectacle in our days.

The numerous volcanoes and the rivers of petrified lava safeguard the memory of the brutal clash between sea and fire which gave birth to these islands.

The Islands’ fauna and flora, unique species which have remained separated from all external influence, constitute the Archipelago’s originality. The birds, reptiles, mammals and plants that occupy the islands make them a privileged place to observe the phenomena of life and its evolution, which served as the inspiration for the scientist Charles Darwin for his Theory on the Evolution of the Species.

This part of the country is made up of the Provinces of El Carchi, Imbabura, and Pichincha.

Carchi is the province limiting with Colombia in the Northern part of Ecuador. The Cemetery of Tulcan, whose hedges have been designed with pre-Colombian figures of great beauty, is found in the capital of this province. Towards the South is the city of San Gabriel, point of departure towards other near-by attractions such as the Grotto of Peace, inside which can be found a Chapel venerating the Virgin Mary; towards the East, the Myrtle Forest, filled with trees with reddish trunks and thick foliage with moss and various types of orchids growing on the branches; and to the West, the Paluz Waterfall.

The ethnic group of the Otavalos, known nationally and internationally for their handmade textiles which are sold in the Saturday Market, can be found in Imbabura, the Province of the Lakes. In the month of June, the traditional folkloric feast of San Juan is celebrated in honor of the harvests. A few kilometers north of Otavalo is Cotacachi, whose people are known for their ability to handle leather and which has as its jewel attraction the Cuicocha Lake where tourists may savour the "carne colorada" (red meat) and "chicha de jora" (an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting corn). Other sites with great appeal include: Atuntaqui, known for its textile manufacturing; San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for its wooden sculptures; in addition to the lakes of San Pablo, Mojanda and Yaguarcocha, the latter which has a modern automotive race track.

In the Province of Pichincha is the capital city of Quito, a beautiful colonial city which stands at 2,810 meters above sea level and is surrounded by various mountains the most important which is the Pichincha Volcano with a height of 4,747 meters.

In 1978, UNESCO declared Quito’s historical center a "Cultural Heritage of Humanity", in recognition of its artistic and architectonic wealth.

One of the most beautiful buildings, not only in Ecuador but in all of America, is the Church of "La Compañía de Jesús", with a baroque style and in whose decoration, a ton of gold was used. Its baroque altarpiece contains works of art by the artists of the School of Quito and its facade was carved in volcanic stone, with the salmonic columns that flank its entrance standing out.

Other prominent churches and convents are the Convent of San Francisco known as "The Escorial Palace of the Andes", next to which is the Cantuña Chapel, which safeguards undeniable jewels of sculptures and is known as the "Sixtine Chapel of Ecuadorian Art" the convent of Iglesia San Francisco

la Merced, whose cloister is very ostentatious because of its octagonal fountain crowned with a statue of Neptune; the Convent of San Agustín, with beautiful paintings of Miguel de Santiago, and its Capitulary Room with its outstanding coffered ceiling and set of chairs; Santo Domingo whose distinguishing features are the Rosary Chapel and the Museum "Padre Bedón" in the interior of the convent. Also demanding attention are the Cathedral, the churches of El Sagrario, San Diego and the Chapel of the Basilica, in which can be appreciated colonial sculptures and paintings of the Quito School of Art, which was made up of native artisans.

The street of "la Ronda" is the oldest in the city, with its white walls, red tile roofs, iron gates, ornate patios, fountains and solid wood doors. All of this architectonic assemblage may be observed from the "Panecillo", a small hill crowned with a monumental sculpture of the Virgen of Quito.

There are several museums in the downtown area such as: the Colonial Art Museum, the "Alberto Mena Caamaño" Art and History Museum, Sucre’s House, the Temple of the Fatherland, the "Jacinto Jijón" Museum of the Catholic University. Other areas of interest in the city for the visitor are: the Convent of Guápulo, the Sucre Theater, the Astronomical Observatory in "La Alameda" Park, "El Elejido" Park, The National Congress, "La Carolina" Park, The Governmental Palace and the Palace of the Archbishop.

One of the most important sites in the city’s peripheral area is the Monument in the Middle of the World, where the Equator or the parallel zero passes through. Inside the Monument is an Ethnographic Museum and next to the city of the Middle of the World is a model of Colonial Quito, the Astronomical Observatory and the France Stand. A few kilometers from the Monument, the inactive crater of the Pululahua Volcano may be visited, which is a real sanctuary for plant species. Also near by are the ecologically protected areas of Nono, Tandayapa, and Mindo, which are rich in flora and fauna. To the North of Quito is Calderón, well known for its manufacture of "masapan" or bread dough figures.

Other very interesting sites in this Province that deserve to be visited are the community and the snow-covered mountain of El Cayambe, the town of Machachi, the Tesalia thermal waters, and the city of Santo Domingo de los Colorados where the community of the Tsáchilas or Colorados are located, which call attention due to their typical garments and the red color of their hair.

This region is made up of the Provinces of Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Bolívar and Chimborazo and by the route known as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" since the highest elevations in the country are found along this road including: El Altar (5,319 meters), Cotopaxi (5,857 meters), Ilinizas (5,767 meters), Tungurahua ((5,016 meters), Carihuayrazo (5,020 meters), Chimborazo (6,310 meters).

The Province of Cotopaxi is well-known for its gorgeous natural scenery and for the imposing snow-covered Cotopaxi Volcano which forms part of the National Park with the same name, and has been declared an ecological sanctuary for its flora and fauna. The park has campsites, trails and infrastructure for tourist, administrative and basic services.

Seven kilometers from the city of Latacunga is the Tilipulo Ranch, with a colonial architecture. Other tourist attractions in the Province are: the Quilotoa Lagoon; the Pacchuzala archeological ruins, the Mulaló Inn, the Hostelries of "La Ciénega" in the town of Lasso and of "Rumipamba de las Rosas" in Salcedo. The festivities of "La Mama Negra" or the Black Mother draw special attention. The main figure in this folkloric parade is the black mother ("Mama Negra") or steward ("prioste"), and this procession is accompanied by costumed groups, musical bands, fireworks and flowers.

The Province of Tungurahua, with its capital Ambato, is known for the cultivation of excellent fruits, vegetables and flowers. The "Feast of the Flowers and Fruits", in which cultural, artistic and academic acts are carried out, is held here. Mandatory tourist visits are to places such as the House of Montalvo, the Natural Science Museum and the "Luis. A. Martínez" Art Museum. A few kilometers from Ambato is the city of Baños, doorway to the Amazon Region and to the Sangay National Park, rich in its flora and fauna, and found at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano, which is actually in activity.

In the Province of Chimborazo we may admire the Volcano of the same name, at whose foot lies the city of Riobamba, with tourist sites of great interest such as the Convent of the "Madres de la Concepción", currently a Museum of Religious Art. Nearby there are many attractions such as the population of Guano, famous for its rugs; Cajabamba with colonial houses and temples such as the Balbanera Church; and Punín, with its Archeological Museum containing prehistoric and pre-Colombian pieces. Riobamba has become the departure point for visiting the Chimborazo Volcano and the Road of the Incas. The train trip between Riobamba and Durán is one of the most spectacular in the world as it goes through the majestic but narrow mountain pass known as the "Nariz del Diablo" or Devil’s Nose.

In the Province of Bolívar, the Sanctuary to the Virgin of Guayco may be admired. In its interior are found paintings of the Virgin Mary and modern stained-glass windows. The recreational center of Las Cochas is located 10 kilometers from the city of Guaranda and is made up of two natural lakes: Patacocha and Puricocha. The city of Guaranda has such tourist attractions as the Monument to the Indian Cacique Guarango and the Museum of History. The celebration of the Carnival commands special attention as it is truly a folkloric tradition--a popular celebration with music, songs and dances which attracts national and foreign tourists due to its unique color.

Following the Pan American Highway South, the tourist may admire the impressive scenery which leads to the Provinces of Cañar, Azuay and Loja--provinces full of enchantment, history and crafts which deserve to be visited.

The Province of Cañar was the main nucleus of the Cañari Indian Nation. The city of Azogues posses a beautiful architecture which, with its streets and plazas, has been conserved till modern days. In the Central Plaza is the city’s Cathedral with an imposing and elaborate architecture, in particular its yellow andesite stone facade. Also important are the Church of San Francisco, build on a hill, which is the largest Marian Sanctuary in Ecuador, and where the Virgin of the Cloud is venerated.

On Saturdays, the livestock fair is held, which brings intense commercial activity along with it. Here, the tourist may buy the famous straw hats, various kinds of ceramic and different types of textiles made the peasants of the area.

The Ingapirca Ruins are the Province’s most important attraction. These Inca ruins were built over a settlement of the Cañari culture known as the "Ingapirca Castle" and they encompass an ellipse, chambers, patios, warehouses and baths. It is believed that Ingapirca was not only a fortress but also an administrative and religious center. Next to the ruins is an on site museum which holds a model of the ruins, archeological and ethnographic pieces, ceramics, jewels and textile relics.

In the city of Biblián is the famous sanctuary of the Grotto del Rocío, built on the highest part of the Zhalao Rock; Tambo, with its archeological ruins of Coyoctor; the Cojitambo Hill and the lakes of Culebrillas, the different temperature, thermal medicine waters of Guapán, Opar Chaquimallama and Yanayacu.

Cuenca, the capital of the Province, and known as the "Athens of Ecuador", is a reflection of a typical city of the colonial times, with cobbled-stoned streets, wrought-iron balconies, ornate and flowery plazas and patios. The highlights of its historic center are the Calderón Park; the two cathedrals, the new one with romantic architecture incorporating all of the styles and the old one—which has been restored-- with colonial works of art; the Monasteries of El Carmen and Las Conceptas; the Municipal Palace with its marble facade; the Museums: the Cloister of Las Conceptas, the Modern Art Museum, the Remigio Crespo Toral Museum, the Museum of the Central Bank, the Museum of the "Casa de la Cultura" and the Museum of Popular Arts. Because of its great color, the neighborhood of Tomebamba is a delight to observe.

Cuenca has an excellent artisan production with the manufacture of articles of Palmetto straw (hats) ceramics, wool (textiles), gold and silver (jewelry), and wicker (basketry).

Nearby are the communities of Chordeleg, known for its gold and silver work; the Mazán Forest; the Recreational Park of El Cajas, with various lakes for fishing; and the Chopsi Ruins which contain interesting rupestrian inscriptions.

The Province of Loja, "Sentry of the South", is one of the main tourist attractions of the country because of its cultural traditions and unique allures, with innumerable valleys and small elevations.

Loja, as all Ecuadorian cities, has a Cathedral, adorned with interesting sculptures. Other sites of appeal include the Churches of San Francisco, San Agustín, Santo Domingo, San Sebastián and Fátima which contain religious works of art; the Bernardo Valdivieso Theater (very similar to Quito’s Sucre Theater); the Hill of the Virgin of Loja from which the entire city may be admired.

Canadian citizens do not need visa to go to Ecuador if they go for less than 90 days.

Eco Galapagos Corp. - "Eco Galapagos Corp" promotes Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.