Ecuador

Ecuador? What is there possibly to see in Ecuador except squalor?

Plenty I say. Though a small country (about the size of Nevada), it is very diverse. The country is geographically divided into four zones, the Amazon, the Highlands, the Coast, and the Galapagos Islands. Arriving in Quito you are no more than a day's drive from a slog through all-swallowing Amazonian jungle, a dangerous glacier ascent on a dormant volcano, haggling with indigenous craftsman, or a tropical beach. My main interest is the Andean highlands. Running north - south the Andes are comprised of two mountain ranges separated by a high plain. These ranges are home to 5,000 - 6,000 meter (16,500' - 20,000') volcanoes. Part of the ring of fire, this area is still volcanically active and has two active volcanoes erupting right now.

Besides climbing, other activities that I am planning include: visiting the famous indigenous market of Otavalo and festivals, Colonial Quito and Cuenca, Inca treasures, the Middle of the World monument marking the Equator, seeing wildlife on Isla de la Plata, and checking out some of the coast. Ecuador has warm coastal water year round. There are decent swimming beaches at Bahía de Manta, and Montañita among others. And since I missed seeing the Amazon during my trip to Peru. I get my second chance! Jungle excursions often include hikes, swims, and dugout-canoe trips.

I documented my time well. April  May  June  July  August  September  October  November  December  January  February

Ecuador mints its own coinage but they use US dollars since 1999.

Full country name: Republic of Ecuador
Area: 283,520 sq km
Population: 13.44 million
People: 40% mestizo, 40% Indian, 15% Spanish descent, 5% African descent
Language: Quechua, English
Time: GMT/UTC -5
Religion: Over 90% Roman Catholic, small minority of other Christian denominations
Government: Democracy
Capital: Quito
Largest City: Guayaquil
Head of State: President Lucio Guitierrez
GDP: US$41,700,000,000
GDP per capita: US$3,100
Inflation: 8.2%
Major Industries: Oil, bananas, shrimp, fish, coffee, textiles, metal work, paper products, wood products, chemicals, plastics, fishing, lumber.
Major Trading Partners: US, Latin America, EU, Asia, Caribbean