Discover Ecuador!
Ecuador gets its name because it is situated literally in the middle of the world, crossed by the equator. As a result, it falls into both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Bordered on the north by Colombia, on the south and east by Peru, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean, It covers an area of nearly 110 thousand square miles. From north to south a spectacular section of the Andes mountains containing more than 80 volcanic mountains including several that are active, spans the country. The highest, snow covered Chimborazo, rises to more than 20,700 feet!
Even though it is small compared to many countries in South America, Ecuador boasts four very distinct geographic areas, each different and immensely fascinating.
- The mountains and valleys of the Andes define the Sierra Region that runs from north to south through the center of the country. Quito, the capital, is located here.
- West of the Andes is the Coastal Region with a wooded plain that leads to beautiful beaches along the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Guayaquil.
- To the east is the Amazon Region with its dense, unexplored rainforests and with enormous biodiversity in both flora and fauna. The Amazon Region of Ecuador has the highest concentration of rivers per square kilometer in the world.
- Six hundred miles due west of the coast of Ecuador lie the Galapagos Islands, the Island Region. The Galapagos are known worldwide for their unique animal and bird species that inspired Charles Darwin to write On The Origin of the Species and to form the basis for the theory of evolution.
The Ecuadorian coastal area stretches from the western slopes of the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. This important economic region is known for its warm, tropical climate, endless, unspoiled beaches and of course, delicious seafood. Here are found some of the oldest cultures of America, towns of ocean navigators and sailors, artists who created beautiful ceramics, with well developed cultures and social structures for more than 10,000 years.
The Sierra Region runs from the western foothills of the Andes to the eastern Andean slopes, and includes the valleys formed between. The Ecuadorian Sierra is characterized by its cultural diversity, its folk traditions and traditional food in every village, and of course its mountains and lofty, snow-capped peaks of eternal ice. In this region there are two cities that are considered by UNESCO as “World Heritage sites”: The current capital city of Quito and the historical capital city of Cuenca.
The Selva (Jungle) Region with its impenetrable rainforest extends from the eastern slopes of the Andes to the Amazon River Basin. This region is incredibly rich and beautiful. The jungle with its rivers, lakes and swamps, is home to a vast number of animals and plants. More species are found in this region of Ecuador than in all of North America. Aboriginal peoples living in the area have reached a productive harmony, maintaining their traditional culture and languages, while respecting the environment in which they live.
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles (1,000 Km) west of the Ecuadorian coast. This archipelago consists of 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones and 40 islets. For thousands of years, the animals and birds inhabiting these remote islands evolved independently from their relatives on the mainland forming unique new species that are now major attractions to visitors from around the world.
The Otavalo and Cotacachi Area
Just an hour and a half north of Quito’s international airport, situated in a picturesque valley between two giant volcanoes, lies the internationally famous market town of Otavalo.
A trip to Ecuador would surely be incomplete without a visit to the bustling center of this little city of 40,000, where the Plaza de los Ponchos plays host to hundreds of vendors, offering a dizzying array of mostly hand-made products. While the market is busy every day, on Saturdays it expands exponentially.
People come from many miles around to hawk their wares to the many locals and tourists who comb the streets and stalls looking for that special item to take home. Bargaining is expected, and as one strolls through the crowded streets, the cacophony of voices in Spanish, English, and native languages provides an almost musical atmosphere. It’s an experience not to be missed. It’s from Otavalo and the surrounding region that the majority of the products offered by Arts of Ecuador originate.
But there is much more to recommend a visit to the Otavalo region. It’s in the province of Imbabura, named after the 15,190 foot peak that towers above the town. Imbabura is filled with a great many attractions for visitors besides the market in Otavalo.
On the mountainside above Otavalo is Condor Park. It’s a bumpy taxi ride to get up there, but it’s well worth the visit if you are interested in viewing a giant condor. The park is also home to a raptor center that accepts injured birds from throughout South America. The mission of the center is not only to entertain visitors, but to rehabilitate some of the many falcons, eagles, owls and other raptors that are housed here. Each day, a demonstration is available for visitors, who can sit in an amphitheater on the side of the mountain and watch healthy birds soar, riding the thermals hundreds of feet above Otavalo.
Just a stone’s throw from the northern edge of Otavalo is Peguche Falls. A 10 minute walk through a pleasant wooded landscape reveals a spectacular cascada. For anyone looking for a respite, the experience provides a peaceful interlude to an otherwise busy day.
Just 7 miles up the Pana (what the locals call the Pan American Highway), and a bit off to the west, is the leather capital of Ecuador, Cotacachi. Here one can walk up Leather Street and visit one of the numerous shops displaying an assortment of handmade leather goods. This town of about 10,000 is a popular destination for retirees and expats.
A 15 minute taxi ride from Cotacachi is the southern entrance to one of Ecuador’s famous Ecological Parks, the Cotacachi-Cayapas Preserve. A farsighted government has set aside a number of these areas throughout the country. And this one is well worth visiting. The lake itself, which is 650 feet deep, was formed more some 3,100 years ago, when Cotacachi mountain last erupted. There is a small museum that showcases indigenous life in pre-Columbian times and contains a scaled relief map of the region. If you feel intrepid, you can hike along an 8 mile trail that circles the lake. A guided boat trip around the lake is also available for a small fee, and a restaurant and bar are located here as well.
The seat of the provincial government is in Ibarra, a 20 minute drive to the north. Ibarra is a city of around 140,000. Here you will find a modern shopping mall and a well-equipped regional hospital. Near Ibarra is the town of San Antonio, famous for its furniture and wood sculpture.
Further to the northwest you can visit the hot spring spa area of Chachimbiro. There are several establishments to choose from. All require a modest fee for entrance. These spas are popular with Ecuadorians and tourists alike. One of the spas features as many as 15 separate pools, with varying degrees of water temperature. If you visit Chachimbiro, be sure to stop at one of the several lovely haciendas in the area, which welcome visitors for an overnight stay or a meal.
From Otavalo to Ibarra and on to Salinas, a small village near the hot springs, it is possible to book a steam train. These trains are run by Tren Ecuador, and usually feature cultural experiences along the way. They run on the weekends and sometimes during certain weekdays and holidays. You can look up the schedule on Tren Ecuador’s web page.
Yes, the Otavalo-Cotacachi area is rich with things to see and do. Feel free to contact Arts of Ecuador if you have questions or want additional information.