Tulcan is the capital city of Carchi province in Ecuador covering an area of 344.5 sq. km. located about 220 km northeast of Quito, the capital of Ecuador and 650 km northeast of the largest city of Ecuador, Guayaquil.

Tulcan is situated around 7 km from the Colombian- Ecuadorian border and these two countries are connected by the Rumichaca International Bridge. Tulcan is surrounded by Ipiales in Colombia in the north, Huaca Canton in the south, Esmeraldas towards the west and Sucumbios province in the east.

Geography of Tulcan:

Tulcan is geographically situated between latitude 0°48′42″ in the north and longitude 77°43′7″ in the west. Tulcan is located at an elevation of 2,950 meters (which is highest in Ecuador).

How to reach Tulcan?

Tulcan is served by Teniente Coronel Luis a Mantilla International Airport with connection to the national capital, Quito, operated by TAME. Tourists can use airport taxi or pre booked car to reach their hotels from airport.

Tulcan is well connected with neighboring cities through Panamerican Highway by both luxury and general bus services. There are regular buses running between Tulcan and Quito.

Tulcan also has a good local bus system and taxi, car and bikes are additional options for local travel. Advance booking is offered.

Food and Shopping in Tulcan:

Tulcan is home to all the kinds of shops and food corners. Located around 125 km from Tulcan, Otavalo Indigenous Market is the very popular traditional market in Ecuador offering a wide range clothes, hats, traditional handicrafts, wood carvings and paintings at reasonable prices.

The prominent food corners in Tulcan and Imbabura (100 km) are as follows:

• Trebol Cotacachi Bar & Grill
• The Red Pub
• La Mirage Garden Hotel Restarant
• Cafe Pachamama

What to do in Tulcan?

• Walking
• Shopping
• Hot springs

What to see in Tulcan?

Topiary garden cemetery:

The topiary garden cemetery of Tulcan is considered as the broadest topiary in the New World. This 3 acre topiary garden cemetery was established in 1936 by José Maria Azael Francosince with Cupressus sempervirens.

Tulcan hot springs:

Tulcan is home to many prominent hot springs visited by tourists from all around the country and also from bordering Colombian regions. Tulcan is also famous for its deep wells.

Teniente Coronel Luis a Mantilla International Airport:

Teniente Coronel Luis a Mantilla International Airport is a well constructed airport situated few kilometers away from the city centre at 00°48′34″ N 077°42′29″ W. Its runway length is 2,460 meters. The Surrounding environment is nice.

Other places of interest in and around Tulcan include:

• Imbabura Volcano
• Lago Yahuarcocha
• Condor Park
• Peguche Waterfall
• Parque Acuatico – Araque
• Plaza De Los Ponchos Mercado
• Museo del Banco Central del Ecuador Ibarra
• Rio Peguche
• Centro de Rescate Guayabillas
• Escuela Quitena

When to visit Tulcan?

The best time to visit Tulcan is during the beginning months of the year while the weather remains pleasant.

Accommodation options in Tulcan:

Tulcan hosts less modernized accommodation centres, due to this, visitors can reach the hotels of Imbabura for more comfort. Here is the list of the best hotels in Tulcan and Imbabura (100 km):

• Hotel Saenz
• Grand Hotel Comfort
• Hacienda- Hosteria Chorlavi
• Hacienda Pinsaqui
• Rancho Sant Fe
• Hosteria San Luis
• Hotel Plaza Victoria
• Hotel Riviera-Sucre
• Hotel Palacio Imperial
• La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa
• La Posada del Quinde
• San Andres Lodge & Spa
• Hotel El Indio Inn
• Hotel La Giralda
• Imperio del Sol Hotel
• Hosteria Hacienda San Francisco
• Hosteria Pueblo Viejo

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Tiputini Biodiversity Station is a scientific field research center situated in Orellana province of Ecuador between latitude 0°38′18″ S and longitude 76°9′0″ W. It is home to diverse species of insects, birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians from all around the globe.

Tiputini Biodiversity Station belongs to Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, maintained by Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Boston University jointly. Tiputini Biodiversity Station was established in the year 1995 and the present infrastructure comprises of 9 cabins, a few labs, bathrooms and toilets as well.

Geography of Tiputini Biodiversity Station:

Tiputini Biodiversity Station lies on the northern bank of the River Tiputini which separates Tiputini Biodiversity Station from Yasuni National Park and the station is situated around 280 km from the national capital, Quito.

Connectivity to Tiputini Biodiversity Station:

Francisco de Orellana Airport is the nearest airport to Tiputini Biodiversity Station located in the capital of Orellana province, Puerto Francisco de Orellana. It is catered by AeroGal and TAME with flights to Guayaquil, Latacunga and Quito.

Tiputini Biodiversity Station is in a remote location and there are tourist vehicles generally available in Puerto Francisco de Orellana to TBS.

Other than flights, tourists can also reach Puerto Francisco de Orellana by bus from Quito, served by many prominent private bus companies.

Food and Shopping near Tiputini Biodiversity Station:

Tiputini Biodiversity Station is a remote place and there are few food corners and shops near, so it is advised for tourists to bring food packets from the city. Local shops offer traditional handicrafts and biscuit packets and water bottle. Cards are generally not accepted and it is advised to carry cash.

Things to do in Tiputini Biodiversity Station:

• Bird watching
• Hiking
• Sightseeing

Tourist Attractions near Tiputini Biodiversity Station:

Yasuni National Park:

Yasuni National Park is detached from Tiputini Biodiversity Station by Tiputini River covering an area of 9,820 sq. km. It was established on July 26, 1979 and was declared as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1989 and it houses the population of different amphibian, bird, mammal and plant species as well as 800 million barrels of crude oil reserves.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve:

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is home to a diverse animal and bird species of Ecuador. Prior permission is necessary and animal and bird hunting is strictly prohibited.

CICAME Museum:

CICAME Museum is located in Puerto Francisco de Orellana exhibiting a nice collection of artifacts from the Spanish colonial period.

List of other places of interest near Tiputini Biodiversity Station include:

• Huaorani Reserve
• Museo del Banco Central
• Conjunto Monumental San Francisco
• Museo de la Ciudad
• Casa de la Cultura
• Museo Mindalae
• The Intiñan Solar Museum
• Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus
• Museo Guayasamin
• Calle de la Ronda
• La Vírgen del Panecillo
• Curaray River
• Mitad del Mundo

Best time to visit Tiputini Biodiversity Station:

Generally summer months are ideal to visit Tiputini Biodiversity Station.

Accommodation options near Tiputini Biodiversity Station:

There are less well facilitated hotels near Tiputini Biodiversity Station and camping is an option for tourist’s stay. So it is suggested for tourists to stay in the neighboring city hotel and visit Tiputini Biodiversity Station by private vehicle or tourist buses from the hotel. The prominent hotels and lodges near Tiputini Biodiversity Station are listed below:

• Hotel Oasis
• EI Auca
• La Selva
• Sacha Lodge
• Shiripuno Lodge
• Amazonas
• La Misión
• Lojanita
• Hotel Rio Napo
• Cabañas Bataburo
• Añangucocha
• Sani Isla
• Secoya Lodge
• Yuturi Forest Lodge
• Amazon Dolphin Lodge
• Arcoiris Jungle Lodge

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Tena is the capital city of Napo Province in Ecuador situated in the Amazon rainforest at 0.9890° S 77.8159° W, around 185 km southeast of Quito, the capital of Ecuador and 425 km northeast of Guayaquil, the largest city of Ecuador.

Tena is a tourist’s favorite city offering different water sport activities including kayaking and rafting. Tena is also home to many tourist agencies, hotels, restaurants, a regional hospital, an airport and upgraded bus terminal as well. Lively nightlife of Tena attracts people, especially youngsters from the different regions of Ecuador and neighboring countries. The industrial sector of Tena is also highly emerging.

Geography of Tena:

Tena is placed about 500 meters above sea level receiving average annual rainfall of 4,359.91 mm.

How to reach Tena?

Teniente Coronel Luis a Mantilla International Airport serves Tena with commercial flights, is situated in the outskirts of the city.

There are buses available from Quito to Tena that take around 6 hours and cost $10USD per trip. Buses are also frequently available to move within the city.

Yellow truck-taxis are widely used for local travel and they generally charge US$1 to get around. Advance booking facility is available for all transportation including car, taxi and long distance buses and it can be made at any of the local travel agencies. Buses are cheaper compared to other vehicles.

Food and Shopping in Tena:

The major supermarket in Tena is Super Tia situated next to the bus terminal and is open from 08:00 AM to 11:00 PM on all the days of the week.

List of major food corners in Tena is:

• Pizzeria Bella Selva
• Marquis Grille
• Cielito Lindo
• All Deli Parrilla Restaurante

Things to do in Tena:

• Jungle tour
• Visit colonial sites
• Hiking
• AquaXtreme – Day Tours
• Caveman Adventures
• River People Rafting – Day Tours

Tourist Attractions in Tena:

Sumaco Volcano:

Situated in the Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, Sumaco Volcano is covered by dense forest. Tourists may find it difficult to reach Sumaco Volcano independently, so it is better to take a guided tour for easy exploration and guides are available in the local villages.

Jatun Sacha Biological Station:

The Jatun Sacha Biological Station is the 2^nd largest conservation organization in the country conducting regular rainforest research. It is an ideal place to know about the rainforest.

Archidona:

Founded in 1560, Archidona is an ancient town situated 9 km north of Tena. Archidona is renowned for its cultural festivals that attract people from all around. Archidona is also home to a sculpted swimming pool, Isla de los monos.

Other places of interest near Tena include:

• Cuevas de Jumandy
• Misahuallí
• Mariposero
• Cascada de latas
• Campococha
• Museo kichwa
• Nawpak Causay
• Rios Ecuador
• Jatunacu River
• Amazoonico Animal Rescue Centre
• Jondachi River
• Lake Limoncocha
• Comunidad Shiripuno

Best time to visit Tena:

Probably the beginning and ending months of the year will be ideal to trip Tena, where a minimum rainfall is recorded.

Accommodation options in Tena:

Tena houses all the kinds of accommodation options with latest amenities and services. The major hotels in Tena are as follows:

• Yurapamba Jungle Resort
• La Posada B&B
• Hostal Tena Naui
• Hostal Los Yutzos
• Hotel Sirenis Amazonia
• La CasaBlanca
• Anaconda Lodge Ecuador
• Hamadryade Lodge
• Cotococha Amazon Lodge
• La Casa del Abuelo
• Suchipakari Jungle Lodge
• Yacuma Ecolodge
• Terra Luna Lodge
• Amazanga Ecolodge & Native Spa
• A Welcome Break Hostal
• Arajuna Jungle Lodge

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Puerto Quito is a town situated in the province of Pichincha in Ecuador, around 210 km northwest of Quito, both provincial and national capital and 355 km north of the largest city of Ecuador, Guayaquil. Puerto Quito is well known for ecotourism, housing abundance of wildlife and many spectacular waterfalls including Cascada Azul.

Geography of Puerto Quito:

Puerto Quito is situated in the tropical forest of the country belonging to the Sierra region and is geographically located between 0.12720° N latitude and 79.253139° W longitude.

Puerto Quito experiences average temperature of 25° C year round at a highest elevation of 160 meters and lowest elevation of 120 meters and receives rainfall 1 to 2 meters a year.

Connectivity to Puerto Quito:

The nearest major airport to Puerto Quito is Mariscal Sucre International Airport which is one of the major airports of Ecuador with direct flights to major European and American cities such as Madrid, Frankfurt, Atlanta, Miami and Panama City.

MSIA is located approximately 235 km away from Puerto Quito and there are taxis always available and tourists can also use bus to reach Puerto Quito form the airport.

Puerto Quito is home to many travel agencies and most of them are sited in town centre offering car and bike for rent on hour and day basis.

Food and Shopping in Puerto Quito:

There are many food corners located in Puerto Quito serving tourists with both traditional and international cuisine.

Other than food corners, Puerto Quito is also rich in shops that sell a variety of traditional handicrafts, woven clothes and hats at affordable prices.

Things to do in Puerto Quito:

• Jungle tour
• Hiking
• Shopping

Tourist Attractions in Puerto Quito:

Cascada Azul:

Cascada Azul or Blue Waterfall is a notable attraction of Puerto Quito magnetizing nature lovers from all around the country. It is advised for tourists to take guided tours for easy exploration.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Santo Domingo en Ecuador:

Roman Catholic Diocese of Santo Domingo en Ecuador is a diocese located in the Santo Domingo city, around 80 km away from Puerto Quito. It was erected on 5 January 1987 and name changed from the Diocese of Santo Domingo de los Colorados to the Diocese of Santo Domingo en Ecuador on 18 June 2008.

Esmeraldas:

Located about 160 km away from Puerto Quito, Esmeraldas is a city home for many spectacular beaches including Las Palmas Beach, Atacames Beach and Cumilinche Beach. It can be reachable by bus or taxi.

Other places of interest near Puerto Quito include:

• D Cameron Mompiche
• Playa Tonsupa
• Saami
• Quininde
• General Rivadeneira Airport
• La Tolita archaeological zone
• Virgin forests

Best time to visit Puerto Quito:

Puerto Quito is a perfect site for nature and adventure lovers to enjoy different outdoor activities during the summer months.

Accommodation options in Puerto Quito:

Puerto Quito hosts few modernized food corners, due this tourists can visit major neighboring cities such as Santo Domingo or Esmeraldas for best hospitality services. Here is the list of the prominent hotels in and around Puerto Quito:

• La Isla Hosteria
• Cucuya Eco Lodge
• Kashama Eco Resort and Spa
• Grand Hotel Santo Domingo
• Hosteria Kasama Lodge
• Cabanas Isla del Sol
• Hosteria El Rampiral
• Hostal Kennedy
• Hostal EI Cisne
• Hotel Puerto Ballesta
• Hosteria Puerto Gaviota
• Hotel Casa de Amigos
• Casablanca Beach Hotel & Golf Club
• Apart Hotel Casino
• El Acantilado Beach Hotel
• Hosteria Costa de Oro

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Portoviejo is the capital city of Manabi Province in Ecuador covering a total area of 967.53 sq. km, is the 6^th largest as well as one of the oldest cities of Ecuador.  Portoviejo is popularly called the ‘City of the Royal Tamarind Trees’ because of the presence of abundance number of tamarind trees.

Geography of Portoviejo:

Portoviejo coordinates with 1°3′22.25″ S latitude and 80°27′18.78″ W longitude at an altitude of 53 meters. Portoviejo is located about 390 km southwest of Quito, the capital of Ecuador and 205 km northwest of Guayaquil, the largest city of Ecuador.

History of Portoviejo:

Spanish captain Francisco Pacheco was the founder of Portoviejo, founded under the name ‘Villa Nueva de San Gregorio de Portoviejo’ on March 12, 1535. Portoviejo was the home town of Vicente Amador Flor, who was a renowned poet and Sandra Vinces who was the Miss Ecuador 2009.

Connectivity to Portoviejo:

The Reales Tamarindos Airport is serving Portoviejo with air connectivity is situated 3 km away from the centre of the city with connection to domestic locations only.

Other nearby airports includes Jipijapa Airport and Bahia De Caraquez Airport located at the distance of 30 km and 75 km respectively.

Buses are frequent between Portoviejo and its neighboring cities. To move within the city and to reach tourist destinations and the airport, tourists can use taxi or rented car. Bikes and bicycles are also available.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Portoviejo:

There are many traditional handicraft item stores and typical cotton pillow centres in Portoviejo. USD is the currency used in Portoviejo and also a few shops accept cards for tourist’s convenience.

Also tourists can taste typical Manabí cuisine at food corners on Portoviejo-Crucita roadway. List of prominent restaurants in Portoviejo is as follows:

• Cevicheria Zavalita
• Mosael Restaurant
• Restaurante Martinica
• Casa Vecchia Ristorante Pizzeria

Things to do in Portoviejo:

• Parks
• Shopping
• Visiting tagua workshops
• Walking

Tourist Attractions in Portoviejo:

The Cathedral:

Situated in front of Parque Eloy Alfaro, the Cathedral of Portoviejo is the major landmark as well as a tourist attraction of Portoviejo. Architecture is impressive and surrounding environment is nice.

Portoviejo botanical garden:

The botanical garden of Portoviejo is home to many orchid plants as well as reptiles and birds. Nice relaxation point.

Sosote:

Sosote is an interesting village situated few kilometers away from Portoviejo is especially noted for its tagua workshops, tagua is a typical Ecuador handicraft and tourists can purchase it directly from the workshop or from main street stalls.

Other places of interest near Portoviejo include:

• San Lorenzo beach
• El Murciélago beach
• Banco Central Museum
• San Mateo
• Barbasquillo
• Ecuador kitesurf school
• Ocean Freaks
• Narwell Cia Ltda
• Plaza Casino
• Santa Marianita
• La Tiñosa
• Fantasy Casino
• Montecristi town

Best time to visit Portoviejo:

Between May to December will be the ideal time to enjoy holidays in Portoviejo.

Accommodation options in Portoviejo:

Portoviejo hosts many reputed hotels ranging from budget options to star rated hotels with tourist favor facilities like hot water bath, 24 hour internet connectivity, room service and help desk, room with private bathroom, spa and sauna, doctor on call, food on request as well as mouthwatering Manabi cuisines. The major hotels in and around Portoviejo are listed below:

• Hotel Ceibo Real
• Hotel Vista Hermosa
• Hostal Reales Tamarindos
• Canoa Beach Hotel
• Cabanas Viejamar
• Balandra Hotel Cabanas
• Palmazul Artisan Designed Hotel & Spa
• Oro Verde Hotel
• Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Manta Ecuador
• Hotel Canoa’s Wonderland
• Hotel Lun Fun Manta
• Hosteria La Perla
• La Piedra Hotel
• Piedra del Mar Hotel Boutique
• Los Suenos del Mar Resort

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Pastaza is one of the provinces of Pastaza placed between 01°4′00″ S latitude and 78°00′04″ W longitude. Puyo is the capital of the province located around 345 km northeast of the country’s largest city, Guayaquil and 230 km southeast of Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

Pastaza is the largest province in terms of area and richest in biodiversity in Ecuador. The economy of Pastaza is centered on agricultural activities with the productions of bananas, tobacco, cocoa, coffee and grapefruit.

Geography of Pastaza:

Pastaza is divided into four cantons in the area 29,325 sq. km. and the cantons are:

• Arajuno
• Mera
• Pastaza
• Santa Clara

Climate in Pastaza:

Pastaza enjoys relatively warm and humid climate temperature ranging from 18 to 24° Celsius and receives an average annual rainfall of 7 meters and the highest elevation of Pastaza is 1,820 meters.

Connectivity to Pastaza:

There is a small airport in the town of Shell located around 8 km away from Puyo but not served by frequent flights, other than used during special occasions and medical emergencies.

Other nearby airports to Pastaza (Puyo) includes Edmundo Carvajal Airport and Mariscal Sucre International Airport which are situated 95 km and 250 km from Pastaza respectively.

There are regular buses running between Pastaza and its surrounding regions. Taxis and rental cars are available for local travel.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Pastaza:

The major events that take place in Pastaza include The Puyo Carnaval, the Chonta-Falm festival and the Day of the Ecuadorian East Amazon.

Shops and Restaurants are many and here is the list of major food corners in Pastaza:

• El Pigual
• El Fariseo
• Boccatti
• Chifa Terminal

Things to do in Pastaza:

• Hiking
• Shopping
• Trekking

Tourist Attractions in Pastaza:

Pastaza River:

Pastaza River flows through many regions of Pastaza including Mera and measuring an approximate length of 710 km. Chambo, Huasaga and Bobonaza are the main tributaries of Pastaza.

Banos:

Banos is a neighboring town of Pastaza situated around 60 km away from Puyo connected with paved roads. It is home to numerous natural as well as man-made attractions including Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water, Cascada de La Virgen, Ruta de las Cascadas and El Manto de la Novia. Thermal bath is very famous here.

Shell Mera:

Shell Mera is one of the towns of Pastaza province deriving its name from the Royal Dutch Shell Company. There are many churches, missionary guest houses, Saints house as well as Rio Amazonas Airport serving Pastaza.

Other places of interest near Pastaza include:

• Zoologico Tarqui
• Jardin Botanico las Orquideas
• Parque Etnobotanico Omaere
• Mariana Miller Biological Reserve
• Parque Juan Montalvo
• Quinta Juan León Mera
• La Catedral
• Laguna Kilotoa
• Ingahurco
• Mall de los Andes
• Parque Cevallos
• Parque de la Familia
• Miraflores

Ideal time to visit Pastaza:

Throughout the year is best to visit Pastaza, especially summer months will be more supportive for outdoor activities.

Accommodation options in Pastaza:

There are many well facilitated cottages, lodges and hotels placed in Pastaza serving both locals and visitors with their grand facilities and services with lots of love and care. The prominent hotels in Pastaza are listed below:

• Hostal Las Palmas
• Huella Verde Rainforest Lodge
• Delfin Rosado Hotel & Spa
• Hosteria Flor de Canela
• Gran Hotel Amazonico
• Hosteria Turingia
• Hotel Posada Real
• El Jardin Hotel Restaurante
• Altos del Pastaza Lodge
• Hostal El Colibri
• Hostal Kanoas
• Los Copales Cabanas Lodge
• Hosteria Gio Bambua
• Hotel San Luis

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Otavalo is an indigenous town belonging to the province of Imbabura in Ecuador, is the seat of Otavalo Canton, located around 25 km southwest of the provincial capital, Ibarra and 95 km northeast of the national capital, Quito Canton.

Otavalo is especially noted for indigenous market which was designed by Dutch architect Tonny Zwollo in 1970 and the market offers a wide range of weaving textiles, tagua nut jewelry, dream catchers, indigenous costumes, spices and typical handicraft products. Saturday Market is very special which attracts visitors of Ecuador.

Other than market, Otavalo is also famous for its traditional music festivals that take place during the summer months with great enthusiasm and fervor.

Geography of Otavalo:

Otavalo is geographically positioned between 0°14′ N latitude and 78°16′ W longitude, surrounded by the three prominent mountains such as Imbabura, Mojanda and Cotacachi.

Connectivity to Otavalo:

The closest airport to Otavalo is Mariscal Sucre International Airport which is situated in Tababela, around 89 km away from the heart of Otavalo.

It takes around 2 hours from Quito to Otavalo by bus and buses generally depart from Terminal Carcelen in Quito to Otavalo, charging US$2.

The Otavalo and Las Lagos are the major bus companies providing services between Otavalo and Ibarra (provincial capital).

Tourists can use taxis or buses for local travel, taxis generally cost US$1 to move within the town.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Otavalo:

White trousers and dark blue ponchos are the traditional wears of Otavalo’s men while women wear white embroidered blouses and dark over skirts and white under skirts as their traditional dress.

Saturday Market is very popular and other markets include Otavalo Artisan Market and Mercado 24 de Mayo.

List of major food corners in Otavalo include:

• Taco Bello
• Cafe Pachamama
• Hacienda Pinsaqui
• The Red Pub

Things to do in Otavalo:

• Purchase traditional handicrafts
• Waterfalls
• Mountains

Places of interest in Otavalo:

Otavalo indigenous market:

The traditional market of Otavalo is the identity of the town and there is a Mercado Artesanal at Plaza de Ponchos where tourists can purchase a wide variety of crafts and souvenirs such as typical jewelry, clothes, paintings, Panama hats and stone carvings. Mercado 24 de Mayo and Mercado de Animales are other special markets in Otavalo.

Peguche Waterfall:

Apart from the markets, Otavalo is a known for its natural attractions like Peguche Waterfall, Imbabura Mountain and San Pablo Lake. Peguche Waterfall is located around 3 km away from the town centre measuring a length of 18 meters.

Cuicocha Lake:

Situated about 14 km from Otavalo at the foot of Cotacachi Mountain, Cuicocha Lake is a beautiful lake attracting nature lovers from all around the country. It measures a length of 4 km and width of 3 km.

Other places of interest near Otavalo include:

• Cerro Cayambe
• Cotacachi Mountain
• Chachimbiro hot springs
• Cotacachi Village
• Museo del Pueblo Kichwa
• Laguna Cuicocha
• Condor Park
• Plaza De Los Ponchos Mercado
• Galeria Gabriel Ceballos Ulloa
• Amauta Pena Bar

Best time to visit Otavalo:

Summer months are best to visit Otavalo, especially Saturday is ideal to explore Otavalo Market.

Accommodation options in Otavalo:

Otavalo is a colorful town packed with full of traditional shops, food corners as well as upgraded accommodation centres. The prominent hotels in Otavalo are listed below:

• Hacienda Pinsaqui
• Casa Mojanda
• La Posada del Quinde
• Hotel Riviera-Sucre
• Hotel Santa Fe
• Hotel El Indio Inn
• Hosteria Hacienda San Francisco
• Casa de Lily
• Hosteria Pueblo Viejo
• Hosteria La Casa de Hacienda
• Vista Del Mundo
• Ali Shungu Mountaintop Lodge
• El Refugio de Intag Lodge
• Las Palmeras Inn
• Hostal Dona Esther

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Mindo is a small town situated in the canton of Los Bancos in Pichincha province of Ecuador between 0°03′04.29″ S latitude and 78°46′41.89″ W longitude, around 215 km northwest of both provincial and national capital, Quito and 365 km northeast of Guayaquil, the largest city of Ecuador.

Mindo is located within the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest famous for population of around 400 species of birds, 170 orchid species and 40 butterfly species.

Mindo also attracts adventure sport lovers along with nature lovers for its zip lining and inter tubing activities. Mindo is also famous for waterfalls and traditional bamboo houses.

Geography of Mindo:

The elevation of Mindo ranges from 1200 to 4780 meters and temperature ranges from 15 °C–24 °C. The driest months run from May to September.

Connectivity to Mindo:

Buses from Quito depart from Terminal Terrestre Norte to Mindo, charging $2.50 each way, catered by Flor de Valle and many other renowned bus companies. Tourists can also board a taxi from Quito but it is expensive.

During peak season from July to October, there are many tour operators offering day trips to Mindo from Quito.

Mindo is served by Mariscal Sucre International Airport located in Tababela, around 245 km away from Mindo. MSIA has connection with most of the major American and European cities including Atlanta, Panama City, Santiago de Chile, Amsterdam and Madrid.

Food and Shopping in Mindo:

Tourists can purchase typical tourist T-shirts and postcards at Hyla and Mindo also houses many fine Ecuadorian crafts shops all around.

Tourists can visit following food corners to taste traditional and international cuisines:

• Mimi’s Bistro
• Dragonfly Inn
• Cafe Mindo
• Fuera de Babylonia
• El Chef

What to do in Mindo?

• Bird of Paradise Tours
• Bird watching Tours
• Tours de Fotografia
• El Quetzal Chocolate Making Tour
• Mindo Cloud Forest Day Tours

What to see in Mindo?

Mindo Forest:

The forest of Mindo is a package for adventure and nature lovers with many spectacular waterfalls, around 400 bird species, a wide variety of mammals, amphibians and colorful butterflies and eye- catching greenery. Also tourists can enjoy zip lining and inter tubing in the forest.

El Quetzal:

Tourists can learn about the process of handcrafted beer at El Quetzal where visitors can also taste unique Ecuadorian beer. The chocolate flavor is very special.

The Reserva Ecologica Pachijal:

The Reserva Ecologica Pachijal is a bird and eco lodge offering guided tours to Tandayapa Pass and Bellavista Reserve, Yanacocha Reserve and Milpe and Rio Silanche bird sanctuaries.

Other places of interest near Mindo include:

• Paz de las Aves Bird Refuge
• Mariposas de Mindo
• Lago Mindo Frog Concert
• Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
• Nambilla Cascadas
• Orchid Farms
• Rio Bravo Reserve
• Mindo Pura Vida
• Las Tangaras Reserve
• Nathaly Butterfly Garden

Ideal time to visit Mindo:

The months between July and October will be ideal to enjoy your holidays in Mindo.

Accommodation options in Mindo:

Mindo is home to all the kinds of accommodation centres with tourists’ favor facilities including laundry, dry cleaning, internet connectivity and hot water bath. Budget options generally charge $10 per night per person. List of major hotels in Mindo include:

• Hacienda San Vicente
• La Casa del Camino Mindo
• Hosteria Septimo Paraiso
• Reserva las Gralarias
• Mindo’s Birdwatcher’s House
• Hostal el Rocio
• Hosteria Arasari
• El Quetzal de Mindo
• El Abrazo del Arbol
• Yumbo Spa & Resort
• Hosteria Bird Planet
• El Gallo de la Pena
• Hosteria Bird Planet
• Casa Divina Lodge
• Terrabambu Restaurant Lodge

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Manta is a city belonging to the province of Manabí in Ecuador is the 5^th most populous city of the country situated about 435 km southwest of the national capital, Quito and 200 km northwest of the largest city in the country, Guayaquil.

Tuna fishing is the backbone of Manta’s economy and in recent years, tourism and chemical industry are also equally supporting the economy of Manta. Manta is also home to the largest seaport of the country and an international cargo airport as well.

Geography of Manta:

Placed on the coast line of Ecuador at an elevation of 6 meters, Manta is spread over an area of 60.49 sq. km. and it coordinates with 00°57′00.08″ S latitude and 80°42′58.32″ W longitude.  Manta enjoys an arid climate with relatively hot weather throughout the year.

How to reach Manta?

Eloy Alfaro International Airport serves Manta with frequent flights to the national capital, Quito and Guayaquil, catered by AeroGal, LAN Ecuador and TAME. This airport is located 6 km away from the downtown Manta.

Buses generally take four and half hours from Guayaquil to Manta, costing $5 and ten hours from Quito to Manta, costing around $7.

Buses are also ideal for local travel and taxis and cars are additional options.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Manta:

Manta is the site of many prominent events including International Theater Festival organized in the month of September every year. The sporting events take place from January through April.

The Paseo Shopping Mall is one of the major shopping malls of Manta featuring a supermarket, a movie theater, food corners and cloth shops.

List of the major restaurants in Manta is as follows:

• El Mediterraneo
• Restaurante Mexicano
• Club Ejecutivo
• Restaurant Riviera
• Guen Roku

Things to do in Manta:

• Surfing
• Whale watching
• Diving
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Body-boarding

Tourist Attractions in Manta:

The Banco Central Museum:

The Banco Central Museum is situated in front of Murcielago Beach exhibiting ceramics dating back to the period of pre-Columbian Huancavilca-Manteno. Nice collection.

El Murciélago:

El Murciélago is a most renowned beach of Manta surrounded by plenty of restaurants with mouth-watering seafood, hotels, supermarkets and entertainment centres. The activities tourists can enjoy here include diving, sailing, fishing, body-boarding and surfing.

San Lorenzo:

Located around 20 km away from Manta city, the San Lorenzo beach is noted for its caves, different rock formations and typical marine birds. From June to September will be ideal for whale watching in San Lorenzo and other activities include surfing and sunbathing.

Other places of interest near Manta include:

• Tarqui
• San Mateo
• Santa Marianita
• Linguique
• La Tiñosa
• Barbasquillo
• Plaza Casino
• Fantasy Casino
• Montecristi town
• Narwell Cia Ltda
• Ecuador kitesurf school
• Ocean Freaks

Best time to visit Manta:

From May to December is the ideal time to explore the beaches of Manta.

Accommodation options in Manta:

Manta is a colorful city rich in nightlife, festivals, tourist sites and hospitality industry. Budget hotels charge around $25 per night and top end hotels charge around $80 per night. The major hotels in Manta are listed below:

• Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Manta Ecuador
• Oro Verde Hotel
• Balandra Hotel Cabanas
• Hotel Lun Fun Manta
• Hotel Vistalmar
• Hostal de la Abuela
• Hotel Ocean Blue
• San Antonio Resort
• Hotel Porto Velho
• Marina Real Hostal
• onkey Den Guest House
• El Faro Escandinavo Beach Hotel
• Punta Prieta Guest House
• M Isabel Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Perla Spondylus

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Machala is the capital city of El Oro Province in Ecuador in the proximity of Gulf of Guayaquil, is the 4^th biggest city of Ecuador, holding the 2^nd most important port of the country. Machala is popularly called as the ‘Banana Capital of the World’ because of its larger production of the varieties of tasty Bananas and other major products grown in Machala are coffee and cocoa.

Machala is home to two universities such as the Universidad Tecnologica San Antonio de Machala and the Universidad Técnica de Machala and a large mall, a plaza with a large fountain, many food corners and hotels.

Geography of Machala:

Positioned in the south-west Ecuador, Machala coordinates with 3°16′ S latitude and 79°58′ W longitude and spans over an area of 24 sq. km. at an altitude of 6 meters. Machala is located around 485 km away from Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

Connectivity to Machala:

Machala is catered by Santa Rosa International Airport which is located in Santa Rosa few kilometers away from the downtown Machala with scheduled flights to Quito.

Buses generally cost $0.25 for local travel and it may vary on distance. Taxis are widely used, costing $1 to move within the town and $3 to Puerto Bolivar. Check with the charges before getting in otherwise they may charge more.

Food and Shopping in Machala:

El Shopping is the major shopping centre of Machala located in the outskirts of the city and other than El Shopping, city also houses many modernized shops all around.

A list of prominent food corners in Machala are as follows.

• Cafeteria las Tejas
• Al Callao marisqueria
• Jacu Cafe & Music
• El lechon granjero
• Zona Refrescante

What to do in Machala?

• Beach
• Park
• Shopping
• Walking

What to see in Machala?

Puerto Bolivar:

Puerto Bolivar is one of the most important ports of Ecuador, especially noted for banana exportation. It can be reachable by bus from the city within 20 minutes with a cost of $0.25 and taxis costs $3. Tourists can watch loaded ships with banana there.

Parque Juan Montalvo:

Located in the heart of the city, Parque Juan Montalvo or Juan Montalvo Park is a central plaza which was constructed in 2000 with a large fountain. Machala Cathedral is a short distance away from Parque Juan Montalvo. Great to watch during night times with lights.

Machala Mall:

There is a large mall on the outskirts of Machala city with a movie theater that was opened in 2007 as a first mall of the city. It can be reachable by taxi or bus.

Other places of interest near Machala include:

• Las Brisas
• La Zona Rosa
• Santa Rosa International Airport
• Jambeli Beach
• Bar La Fragata
• Malecon Simón Bolivar
• Santa Ana & El Carmen hills
• Jardín Botánico
• Catedral Metropolitana
• Biblioteca Municipal de Guayaquil
• Malecon del Salado
• Las Peñas
• Parque de las Iguanas
• Parque Histórico
• La Bahía

Ideal time to visit Machala:

The months of February and March are ideal to visit Machala.

Accommodation options in Machala:

Machala is a pleasant city housing many reputed hotels with tourist favor facilities such as spa, room with private bathroom, doctor on call, conference hall, arrangement of car and bike and recreational activities, 24 hour internet connectivity, room service and help desk. The advance booking facility is offered for tourist’s convenience. The major hotels in Machala are listed below:

• Oro Verde Machala Hotel
• Oro Hotel
• Hillary Nature Resort & Spa
• Bolivar Rizzo
• Hotel Majestic
• Grand Hotel Americano
• Veuxor Executive Hotel
• Sol Del Sur Hotel
• Hotel Vanessa
• Umbrellabird Lodge

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