Ecuador

A UNESCO world heritage site, Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and is renowned for its splendid colonial architecture that can be seen in many of its churches, squares, museums and monuments. A popular attraction in Quito is the San Francisco Church, dating back to the early part of 1500s, famous for its Baroque interior. Also, interesting is the La Compania de Jesus Church, made in the early 17th century. It has been listed by the UNESCO as one of the top 100 important buildings in the world.

This unique eco system is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to giant tortoises. It is a great place to view some wildlife including 28 bird species that are unique to this island. The Galápagos Islands are also one of the most active volcanic regions in the world with 13 large islands, six small ones and 42 islets and many are still being formed.

Located in the southern Ecuador, this beautiful city can be explored on foot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it has a lot of colonial influence and intricate architecture having both Spanish and Indian influences. Some of the historical attractions include; Old Cathedral of Cuenca dating back to 1567, the Museum for Religious Art, New Cathedral of Cuenca and the Church of San Sebastian.

Nestled amongst dense forests, the small town of Banos is popular thanks to the many hot springs surrounding the region. The mineral-rich water of the hot springs draws tourists here. It is also a fun place to indulge in water sports like whitewater rafting and kayaking.

Two of the best national parks in Ecuador are driving distances from Cuenca and Quito. The Cotopaxi National Park is renowned for Cotopaxi volcano that is still active along with smaller ones- Rumiñawi and Sincholagua volcanoes. Cajas National Park on the other hand, is surrounded by valleys and mountains, making it a great place to hike and cycle. Water sport enthusiasts can have a feast here as well because the parks have over 270 lagoons and glacier-fed lakes.

Travel Advisory: For the latest information and advice on safety and entry requirements please consult your travel agent well in advance of your departure and visit the following government website:
Department of Foreign affairs and trade www.dfat.gov.au
Smart Traveler website www.smartraveler.gov.au

Electricity: While traveling to Ecuador it is advisable to carry an international power plug adapter. The standard frequency is 60 Hz and standard voltage is 120 volts. Usually, American styled pugs sockets are used here.