LATEST NEWS & INFORMATION FROM AND ABOUT ECUADORPlease find here the latest press releases with information about Ecuador, news about travelling and tourism as well as interesting facts and figures. Take here a look at the Archive with the news of the last months.
News of September, 25
News of September, 18
News of September, 11
News of September, 4:
News of August, 28:
News of August, 21:
News of August, 14:
News of August, 06:
News of Juli, 31:
News of Juli, 23:
The official declaration of the New 7 Wonders of
Nature will be announced in 2011. News of July, 17:
Update of July, 09: Since midnight last Tuesday, 7 July 2009, the votes
for the election to the New 7 Wonders of Nature are put on hold.
In the following three weeks a panel of experts will choose the
28 finalists among the Top 77 nominees. News of June, 30:
News of March, 20: The visit of Charles and Camilla was much influenced by the year of Darwin. The natural scientist Charles Darwin who was born 200 years ago, was inspired to his theory of evolution through a journey to the isolated islands in 1835. By means of the isolation of the islands, there were developing species of animals and plants, that are not existing nowhere else. The vice-president Lenín Moreno and the foreign minister Fander Falconí were welcoming Charles and Camilla in the capital Quito. Their dialog was also about the project Yasuní-ITT, which is initialized by the president Rafael Correa. It plans to preserve the biosphere reserve Yasuní in the eastern rainforest of Ecuador with stopping the advancement of petroleum production in this area. On the round tour in the center of Quito, that is classified as one of UNESCO´s world heritage sites, there were hundreds of people cheering to the couple. The journey which they begun in Chile ended in the center of Quito, situated on 2.850 Meters, with the visit of the church “La Compañía”. News of February, 20:
The arterial roads from the capital Quito to the Coast for example
such as to Esmeraldas or Manta are further on remaining closed.
Also the roads from Otavalo to San Lorenzo or from Quito to Santo
Domingo or La Maná are affected by the landslips and can
not be used. However the roads at the coast are in good condition.
Tourists can travel around the coast without a problem, even though
there are a few roads in construction. The most famous places for
Carneval Ambato and Guaranda can easily reached by the Panamericana. News of December, 13: The handicrafts are mainly made of natural resources, which have been converted into art objects. The highlight of the exhibition you will find in the fifth floor. The handicrafts and objects are placed in a way, that the visitor can see the historical changes and the consolidation of religions. The Museum Mindalae is located at the Reine Victoria y La Nina, in the north. The museum is open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. The entry fee is USD 3 for adults and USD 1.50 for children. News of February, 6:
News of December, 19: News of December, 12:
News of December, 05: News of October, 28:
News of August, 15: News of August, 08:
News of August, 01: News of July, 25:
News of July, 18: News of July, 11:
News of July, 04: News of June, 27:
News of June, 20: News of June, 20:
News of June, 13: News of May, 30:
News of May, 30: News of May, 16:
News of May, 09: News of April, 25:
News of April, 18: News of April, 11:
News of April, 04: News of March, 28:
News of March, 28: News of March, 21:
News of March, 14: News of March, 7:
News of February, 29: News of February, 22:
News of February, 22: News of February, 15:
News of February, 7: News of February, 1st:
News of January, 25th Apart from this, there has been announced another modification in the air traffic: The international airport-tax in Guayaquil will increase from 26,00 US-Dollar to 27,50 US-Dollar on 1 February 2008. This fee has to bee paid cash directly at the airport. News of January, 18th:
News of January, 11th News of January, 4th:
News of December, 28th News of December, 14th:
News of December, 7th News of November, 30st:
News of November, 16th News of November, 09st:
News of October,26th: News of October, 19th:
News of October, 12th: News of October, 5th:
News of September, 28th: News of September, 21th:
News of September, 14th: Only a few kilometers from the capital of Ecuador, in the “Quinde”-Tour, fly thousands of birds through the air. The “Quinde”-Tour is a composition of the primary and the cloud forest, in which the visitor can enjoy the silence, the waterfalls and the orchids. You need less than two hours from Quito to reach the transition between the Plateau’s Andes and the zone of the coast, were 450 birds species live. The adventure starts in Nono – at the mountainsides of the volcano Pichincha. News of August, 31th:
News of August, 27th: News of August, 17th:
Sunday and holidays: 10am – 5pm; entrance fee: 1 USD for adults, 0, 50 USD for children) More information about the national park Yasuní and the project is placed in our current newsletter. News of August, 14th: News of August, 3rd:
News of July, 27th: News of July, 20th:
News of July, 13th: News from July, 6th:
Midsummer celebrations Inti Raymi
News of June, 18th: CONMEBOL claims a limit of 3000m News of June, 8th:
News of June, 1st: News of May, 24th:
News of May, 18th: News of May, 11th:
News from May, 4th: News of April, 27th:
News of April, 20th: News of April, 13th:
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve - Sachatamia Lodge - Hacienda Cusín - Hacienda Las Palmeras - Hotel Patio Andaluz - Hacienda El Porvenir - Yarina Lodge |
A
group of scientists is about to study the coral reef communities
which are situated in front of the Island of Cristóbal, Galápagos,
in order to find out in how far the global warming influences their
growth. The scientists measure every single coral reef community
and with the help of thermometers they get information concerning
the fluctuations of temperature that occur every hour. The optimal
temperature for corals is between 22 and 27 degrees above zero.
The corals are sensitive to changes in temperature. If the sea warms
or cools for a longer period of time, the corals emit the algas,
with which they form a symbiosis, they bleach and die. They play
an essential role for the sea’s ecosystem and serve as a habitat
for many maritime animals. During the so-called El Niño phenomenon
disappeared around 97 % of Galápagos corals and due to this
fact the scientists pay that much attention to the observation of
their development.
On
the occasion of the International Tourism Fair (FITE), more than
25 tour operators will visit Cuenca and the South of Ecuador. The
two-days-visit is been organised by “Regional Austro”
and it is supposed to bring the tour operators closer to the products
of this region. Regional Austro is an organization that consists
of the International Hotel Association Azuay and the Institution
Activa Tourism. The visit’s aim is, to promote Cuenca’s
and the South’s position as an important destination with
a huge natural and cultural diversity. The participants of the journey
who come from Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Germany, the United States
of America and China want to inform themselves about new destinations
and products. During the journey they will visit different places
and sights for example the historical centre of Cuenca. A folklore
show will take place in the evening in order to teach the visitors
more about the natives’ tradition.
The
International Tourism Fair (FITE), will take place in Guayaquil
from 17th till 20th of September 2009. The city of Guayaquil, which
is also called the pearl of the Pacific, is Ecuador´s biggest
city and the most important commercial centre. Due to this fact
it is the ideal location for this important fair. The fair will
take place for the seventh time and it became the most important
exhibition on the South Pacific Coast. It offers an excellent possibility
to meet affiliates and to do business. To all the other visitors
it offers a wonderful possibility to get to know a lot about Ecuador
and its different destinations. At the fair you will not only find
the different stands of reputable hotels and tour-operators. Additionally,
folklore performances as well as international and audio-visual
competitions will take place. Furthermore, at the so-called Plaza
de las Naciones, the visitors have the possibility to inform themselves
about other South-American countries or alternatives.
The
Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) presented Ecuador’s new marketing
plan on 1st September. The plan is supposed to be implemented from
2010 till 2014 and to increase the annual growth of foreign exchanges,
caused by tourism, by 10%. The plan’s aim is to boost Ecuador’s
role as a travel destination, not only because of its diversity
but also because of the different costumes of its inhabitants. At
the same time, the Ministry of Tourism proposes to pass a new law
for this sector with the aim to support Ecuador’s touristic
development, to develop new sales opportunities and to guarantee
the involvement of protected areas with regard to the restrictions
of sustainable tourism. Another wish of Mintur is to prevent the
sexual abuse of children and teenagers in conjunction with touristic
activities, with the help of policies. Furthermore, it is envisioned
to raise the number of visitors to 1,426,640 per year, with this
marketing plan. 
In
Ecuador, which is said to be the world’s most important exporter
for roses, a seal of quality for Ecuador’s flower farms was
implemented. Companies which follow special safety measures will
receive this seal that is called 'Flor Ecuadors'. It is not only
a matter of measures that are supposed to improve the working conditions
at the enterprises but also to guarantee a correct handling of pesticides,
that are necessary for the culture of flowers. The farms have to
fulfil 125 stipulations to receive the seal. The strict prohibition
of child labour at the enterprises is also part of the stipulations.
Furthermore, punctual payments of the salaries as well as the payment
of commissions are indispensable. While using pesticides it is mandatory
for the workers wearing protective clothing. According to reports,
more and more enterprises make efforts to receive the seal.
From
22nd till 26th of August 2009, the second World Evolution Summit
will take place on the Galápagos-Islands. The summit was
organised to celebrate the bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birthday
and the publication of his famous work “The evolution of the
species”, 150 years ago. 150 scientists of the most famous
universities of the United States, Spain, England, Mexiko, Argentina
and Israel will attend it. During the summit, the scientists will
discuss about the influence of the recent discoveries concerning
the evolution. The Mexican scientist, Antonio Lazcano, who took
part on the first summit that was organised by the United States
of America, will also attend. The said scientist is the first Latin
American chairman of the world's most important organisation of
the evolutionary biology, the so-called "International Astrobiology
Society".
The
so-called Maize Festival will take place on Thursday the 12th of
August in the province of Rumiñahui. The festival will last
till 12th of September and the programme that was elaborated by
the community of the province offers something for everyone. Next
Saturday for example, a volleyball-cup will take place in the public
swimming-pool as well as a horse racing in Santa Clara Park. It
is the first time, that a horse racing will take place on the occasion
of this festivity. Some corridas with well-known toreros will also
take place but the highlight of this festival will be without any
doubt the maize and tourism pageant. The pageant will start at Avenida
General Enríquez in Sangolquí on Saturday the 29th
of August at 10 a.m. The official start of the programme will be
on August 19th at Carmen Villa, Sangolquí.
153
giant tortoises returned to their home on the Island of Isabela,
last week. Since 2004, 31 of the 153 tortoises have been living
at Centro Duro, a recreation centre for ill and injured tortoises,
that is situated on a hill of the island. The other 122 tortoises
spent the last years in the breeding station of Galápagos
Nationalpark. Since a transport by sea or land would have been to
difficult a helicopter was used, that brought the tortoises to the
Island of Isabel in a safe and gentle way. But before the tortoises
had had to spend some days in quarantine to make sure that they
did not suffer from contagious diseases. During the next weeks,
their development in this new environment will be observed by video
cameras. 
Last
Saturday, the solemnities on the occasion of the 30-year existence
of Machalilla National Park started and even the Ecuadorian Ministers
for Tourism and Environment attended them The national park is the
only park which is located near to the coast and the natural reserve
that it covers has a size of 55.000 hectares. The uniqueness of
the park, its different natural surroundings and its richness in
species were emhasised during the solemnities. Furthermore, an agreement
with the National Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
was made. This agreement envisages to restore the fossil records
that can be found in the offices of the national park. Another “birthday
child” of Ecuador is the Galapagos National Park which looks
back on 50 years of natural preserve. On the occasion of the birthday,
the president of Toyota Ecuador handed the park the so-called Toyota
Award. In addition, the Charles Darwin Foundation offers Ecuadorian
students a scholarship. 
The
third and final phase of the online competition has begun! On 21
July, Bernhard Weber, founder of the New7Wonders Foundation announced
the choice of the experts. The team of experts, led by the former
UNESCO director Federico Mayor Zaragoza, chose the 28 finalists
from the 77 remaining candidates of the second phase. Along with
the Grand Canyon and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, the Galápagos
Islands and the Amazon entered the final round. The nominations
were based on criteria like unique beauty, ecological significance,
diversity and distribution. 
In
the municipality of San Antonio de Ibarra, 4 km from the provincial
capital Ibarra, an artificial gravesite has been discovered. During
construction work at the hill Huataviro, workers found, besides
possibly human remains, metallic and fictile relicts. Among the
most important pieces are a golden mask, rings and armlets. Furthermore,
the gravesite contained fragments of black metal and ceramic. The
find was taken to Quito for further analysis through the National
Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC). The analysis should also
clarify if the mask and the rings had been made of gold. According
to early estimates, anthropologists date the age of the find between
1000 and 1200 years. The pieces trace back to the ancient indigene
culture of Caranqui whose ancestors still live in the northern Ecuadorian
Andes.
Second
phase of the election to the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World
closed
According
to the latest results of the election to the New 7 Wonders of Nature
the Galapagos Archipelago is still leading in the category ‘Island’.
In addition, the Amazon Rainforest, which extends over nine countries
including Ecuador, Bolivia, Brasilia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana,
Peru, Suriname und Venezuela, is since the 22 June as well holding
the first rank in the ‘Forests, National Parks’ category.
Thus, two Ecuadorian regions are ahead in the running for being
elected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Prince
Charles and his wife Camille were received on the last station of
their 10-days eco-trip through South America on the main islands
of Galápagos Santa Cruz. They were promenading in the footsteps
of their compatriot Charles Darwin 1.000 Kilometers from the coast
of Ecuador. The british heir apparent couple visited the Charles-Darwin-Station,
where scientists take care about the preservation of the unique
Flora and Fauna of the volcanic islands. Giant turtles, the blue-footed
booby and other animals are menaced by residents and tourists.
The carnival which takes place from the 21 to the 24 of February
2009 is one of the most popular dates to travel for Ecuadorians.
There are a lot of tourists traveling from the Highlands to the
Coast, especially in this period of time. But just now there are
a lot of roads that are destroyed in this region due to the heavy
rain of the last days. There were innumerable landslips, which made
the roads impassable.
The
permanent Exhibition „Los Mundos Amazónicos”
is situated at the Museum Mindalae in Quito. The exhibition shows
handicrafts of the indigenous, the afroecuadorians and other natives.
The art of pottery, pieces of the traditional celebrities in the
amazon area, typical liveries and clothes are presented.
The Orchid Expo Universal 2009 in Itchimbia in Quito will take place
from February 4th to the 8th in 2009. The event will take place
in a magnificent glass and steel building that was erected in Quito
in 1904, Itchimbia Cultural Center. There will be more than 700
Ecuadorian Orchids and over 100 species from different countries
in the world shown by 20 stands. What will make this event outstanding
is that in addition to the show with many of the 4,000 orchid species
of Ecuador, will be the Third Scientific Conference on Andean Orchids,
plus a series of Roundtable sessions on Orchid Painting, Orchid
Photography, Orchid Conservation in Ecuador, and Orchid Culture.
Exhibitors from all around the world will be expected. The entry
fee is for adults USD 3.- and for kids and retired persons USD 1.50.
The show opens to the public at 10 am and closes at 7 pm. On Sunday
the exhibition closes at 5 pm.
The
year 2008 draws to a close. As every year, the tide of events is
followed by the Christmas holiday season, a time of reflection.
The ecuadorline Team would like to take this opportunity and wish
you all a wonderful Christmas time and thank you for your interest.
As a matter of course, we will provide you with news and interesting
reportages from Ecuador in 2009. In the meantime, we wish you a
stress-free pre-Christmas time, merry Christmas and a happy New
Year! Your ecuadorline Team.
Santa Catalina de Salinas is a little village close to the city
of Ibarra. Located in the northern region of the Anden, it weekly
attracts over 300 tourists. Salinas, a community with only 2000
inhabitants had its time of prosperity during the colonial time.
Within this era, the region was known as one of the most prosperous,
due its salt mines. For about a year the train route Ibarra –
Salinas – El Primer Paso is made accessible for visitors by
two auto-train wagons. On a two hour train ride, the so called “Train
of Freedom” carries the tourists on around 45km of tracks.
Upon their arrival in Salinas the visitors have the possibility
to taste local and international dishes at the Centro gastronomico
in the city centre. Shortly, the Museo de la sal will open its doors
and exhibit all the things worth knowing about the region.
Ecuadors
Tourism Minister, Veronica Sion de Josse nominated the kickers of
the football team Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito to be official
ambassadors of tourism. The Ecuadorian team that won the Campeon
de America 2008 cup is going to participate the FIFA World Club-Championship
that will be held in Japan in December 2008. Veronica Sion de Josse
wants to use this international attention most effectively. Therefore
Ecuadors presence in Japan is supported with various different presentations.
The minister mentioned the interrelation between tourism and sports
and Ecuadors pole-position within both areas. For this reason the
kickers are intended to represent Ecuador as an overall leader:
the Champion of America and one of the leading countries in relation
to sustainable tourism.
As
every year, the American travel magazine "Travel & Leisure"
published a list with the Top Ten of the world's most beautiful
islands. On the first place are the Galapagos Islands. The archipelago
has won against islands as Santorini or Maui. The island paradise
is located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 km and 3-hour flight
from Ecuador's mainland and covers removed on 114 different islands
and just 5 of them are inhabited. The "islas encantadas"
(Enchanted Islands) fascinate with its unique flora and fauna. Or
where else can you swim with lions and observe sunbathing lizards
while you enjoy the unique landscape with white sand beaches and
exotic shaped lava stones?
The shipping company CANODROS S.A. and its Galápagos cruiser
M/N Galápagos Explorer II received from the internationally
well known Ship Classification Company and Technical Inspecting
Authority Bureau Veritas S.A. the certification for environmental
management ISO14001-2004 within the category “cruise operator,
service provider of excursions and tour operator”. The premise
of this special award is the constant improvement of environmental
sustainability of the touristic activities of Canodros and its cruiser
due to the application of strict international norms of environmental
protection and control. The recently attained certificate is an
evidence of CANODRO´S contribution to the protection and conservation
of the unique natural heritage of the Galápagos Islands.
Further awards for the special merits of Canodros S.A. are the ISM-certificate
for security management and the SMART VOYAGER-certificate for the
protection of forestal and water resources and social standards.
Due
to ministerial resolution the immediate surroundings of the Tungurahua
volcano near Baños are going to be incorporated in the Sangay
National Park. The Department of the Environment reported that the
government will provide US$ 5 Million in the form of credits in
order to buy the territories of the local peasants settling in the
risk zone of the volcano. After the incorporation of the new areas
the reserve is going to cover ca. 7.000 additional hectares. Currently
realized surveys shell help to define the locations where the peasants
can resettle. However, not all the families living in the risk zone
are willing to sell their territories which serve as an important
source of revenue. For that reason it is considered that the peasants
may continue settling on the condition of cultivating only that
kind of agricultural products which contribute to the protection
of the local ecosystem.
The Galápagos-Islands, the Cotopaxi Volcano and the Amazon
River are three Ecuadorian destinations out of 277 natural attractions
worldwide, which can be selected as the “7 Natural Wonders
of the World”. This internationally important contest is organized
by the New7Wonders Foundation, which has its principal office in
Lisbon and was founded in 2001 by Bernard Weber – film producer
and author who contributes to the preservation of the natural and
cultural world heritage. The digital internet selection is going
to run until December 2008. For the final selections will only remain
21 attractions. This week, on July 30, the Amazon River occupied
position 6, Galápagos position 12 and Cotopaxi position 218.
At
the beginning of this week the Galápagos National Park announced
the happy news that world-famous turtle “Lonesome George”
after decades of heavy efforts finally has managed to procreate.
In 1972 George was found on Pinta Island and brought to the reproduction
centre for giant tortoises Fausto Llerena on Santa Cruz, with the
intention to repopulate the island with its species. Although George
had been sharing his corral with several females of familiar species
since that time, he never showed the least interest in reproduction.
However, the Park staff has found this week a nest with 9 eggs.
Three of them are waiting now for maturing in an incubator. Only
after approximately 130 days the world will know if the eggs have
developed little turtles which are capable of survival. The only
thing what we can do now is crossing fingers that “Lonesome
George” has really guaranteed the survival of his species.
The success story of the popular Ecuadorian cheese began when cheese-expert
José Dubach initiated in Salinas (province Bolívar)
in 1978 on behalf of the Swiss agency for development DEZA (in Latin
America known as COSUDE) the project FUNCONQUERUCOM by introducing
the know how of cheese production of his country. Today, with the
assistance of DEZA, the rural population and national organizations
are carrying forward the work of FUNCONQUERUCOM. The dairies of
the consortium are producing a great variety of cheese –like
e.g. the Salinerito, STQ, Cabadeñito, Pueblo Nuevo and other
brands – and the local population is coming together in organizations,
working as micro-entrepreneurs and merchants and improving its income
and professional qualification. To mark the thirty-year-lasting
existence of the project a “fair of the solidary economy of
Salinas” (Feria de la Economía Solidaria Salinas) is
taking place since July 19th with many events in honour of the cheese.
Guayaquil
is celebrating again its legendary July festival, this year in honour
of its 437th day of foundation. The agenda includes more than 60
cultural events, like e.g. exhibitions, dance performances, parades
and music shows. The main localities of the events, which are taking
place during the whole month, are the plazas San Francisco und Centenario,
the Central Park and the parks San Augustín, Seminario and
Pedro Carbo. A special highlight of the festivities is the 25th
of July, the day of foundation itself, which will be celebrated
with the eighth cultural parade „Guayaquil más ciudad“
(„Guayaquil more city“). Allegorical vehicles, dance
academies and folklore groups are going to defilade from Avenida
Quito to the south of the city. The solemn closing of this important
day will offer a spectacular display of fireworks at the waterside
promenade Malecón Simón Bolívar.
This Wednesday (July, 2nd) Ecuador wrote football history in the
Maracaná-stadium of Rio de Janeiro. For the first time an
Ecuadorian football team became champion in the South American competition
Copa Libertadores de América. In an exciting penalty shoot-out
the star of the night, goalkeeper José Francisco Cevallos,
caught 3 balls of the team of Rio de Janeiro (Fluminense) and achieved
the fiercely contested trophy for the Liga Deportiva Universitaria
de Quito. A further hero of the night was Luis Bolaños, who
obtained a goal for the Ecuadorian team in the regular time of play.
Although Fluminense won 3:1, the regular time ended in a tie, as
the Brazilian team had lost 4:2 against Liga in the previous match.
This led to a goalless stoppage time and finally to the glorious
penalty shoot-out. Whole Ecuador celebrated the victory singing,
dancing and blowing horns until the next morning.
Like
every year in June, the season of humpback whale observation begins
on Ecuador’s coast and will last until September. Thousands
of the peaceful sea giants travel every year 7.000 km from the cool
waters of the Antarctica to the warm Ecuadorian Pacific Coast, where
they begin to reproduce themselves in order to guarantee the survival
of their species. This unique spectacle is attracting national and
international tourists since the eightieth. As a consequence the
whale tourism has become a significant economical branch of great
importance to the population of Ecuador’s coast. The destinations
where the tourists can witness this incomparable miracle of nature
are, among others: La Plata Island, Puerto Cayo, Puerto López,
Bahía de Caráquez and San Vicente (Province of Manabí),
Súa and Muisne (Province of Esmeraldas), Jambelí Island
(El Oro), the beaches of General Villamil and Posorja (Guayas) as
well as Salinas, Santa Elena and Montañita (Santa Elena).
Since June, 20th tourists from all over the world are allowed to
enter Ecuador for 90 days without showing a tourist visa. This doesn’t
mean any changes for EU-citizens who have already been able to enter
the country without visa before. Nevertheless, this unilateral measure
of Ecuador is a clear contrast to the current European policies
concerning the expulsion of unofficial migrants. As the Ecuadorian
daily press explains, by abolishing the tourist visa the country
is keen to set an example for its disapproval of the repressive
EU-measures against illegal immigrants. Ecuador is also seeking
the dialogue with its Latin-American neighbors about the human right
of migration and sees itself as leading part in creating a coherent
Latin-American reaction to the anti-migration-policy of Europe.
Every
year during the solstice period the indigenous communities of the
Ecuadorian highlands celebrate the ceremonies of Inti Raymi in order
to thank the sun and earth for the beginning of the corn harvest.
The festivities start during the night from June 21st to June 22nd
and last several days. They are one of the most important traditional
legacies of the indigenous ancestors of Ecuador. To show their gratefulness
the participants of the ceremonies prepare different meals and drinks
made of corn like, for example, “mote” (boiled corn)
or “chichi” (typical corn drink). A joint bathing ritual
in fountains, rivers and waterfalls serves as a spiritual purification
act and helps to renovate the human courage and physical power.
It is also thought to enforce the relationship between man and “mother
nature”. The event is accompanied by dances which show as
their central figure the indigenous diabolical character Aya Uma.
As a great explosion of diverse colors, rhythms and indigenous traditions
Inti Raymi constitutes an important touristic attraction. Typical
localities of the event are, for exemple, Otavalo, Latacunga and
Mitad del Mundo in the Provinces of Imbabura, Cotopaxi and Pichincha.
Current rainfalls provoked a landslide in Bola de Oro (Alausí)
which led to a temporary closure of the railbus from Alausí
to the Devil’s Nose. The chief of the Ecuadorian Railway Company
assured the quick cleansing of the rails within the coming two weeks.
As a result the rehabilitation of the original Devil’s Nose
Train from Riobamba (capital of the Ecuadorian province Chimborazo)
to Sibambe and back is affected by further delays. At the beginning
of this year the Ecuadorian Railway Company stopped the operation
of the train in order to prevent a possible derailment due to the
heavy winter-rainfalls which had been affecting the construction.
As a substitute the tourists can go by railbus from and to Alausí
on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
In
the last days the Tungurahua-volcano near Baños has been
showing intensified reactivation. Minor explosions, ash powder and
loose rock material are part of the phenomena. The enhanced volcanic
activity is coinciding with heavy rainfalls. This situation has
provoked the complication of traffic between Pelileo (ca. 17 km
east of Ambato) and Baños in the sector La Pampa. Volcanic
material mixed with rainwater has flooded the road which already
could be cleaned. Whereas the intensified activity of the volcano
is affecting traffic and also agriculture, it is provoking an enhanced
inflow of visitors to Baños. Many tourists come to visit
the town due to the special desire to observe the ardent volcano’s
mouth during night and to take some unforgettable pictures.
After reaching the summit of the Dhaulagiri (8.167 m) on May 1st,
the famous Ecuadorian mountaineer Iván Vallejo returned to
its home country on May 27th. With the ascent of the Dhaulagiri
Vallejo finalized its project of the 14 eight-thousanders –
“challenge 14” -, which he had begun in 1997 with the
Manaslu as the 14th mountaineer worldwide and as the 7th without
artificial oxygen. The two ascents of Mount Everest (1999 and 2001)
are a further part of his success-story. After his reception at
the airport of Quito he gave the press interesting insights into
its latest adventure. Subsequently he was escorted by a motorized
convoy on its triumphal procession through the Ecuadorian capital.
His next project is the publication of his second book in which
he reveals secrets about the signification of the conquest of the
14 highest mountains of the world without artificial oxygen.
Since May, 12th the access to the Inca Ruins Ingapirca has been
blocked by the inhabitants of the same-named town. The protest campaign
serves as an appeal to the provincial government of Cañar
to adopt measures against a landslide which has affected 40 houses
in the centre of the town and has led to the abandonment of homes
by 20 families in the last months. The residents are demanding investments
of ca. USD 600.000. However, the measures are still staying out
for political reasons. To put pressure on the government, the Ecuadorian
Institute for Cultural Heritage has therefore decided to temporarily
stop the reception of visitors in the ruins. The actors of the tourism
sector are reacting by offering the travelers alternative routes
which substitute e.g. Gualaceo, Chordeleg and Paute for Ingapirca.
At the end of April the National Park of Galápagos announced
that the Island Baltra has been repopulated by its endemic land
iguanas, the reptilian species Conolophus Subcristatus. The animals
had disappeared from the island during the US-American military
occupation in World War II. Since 1980 a repopulation program had
been aiming at bringing the former islanders back to Baltra. At
the end of last month the last 74 of altogether 429 iguanas were
set at liberty in their original surroundings. This event could
bring the 28 years lasting program to a successful end. The iguana
species could be saved due to a scientific expedition in 1933 which
brang 70 animals from Baltra to the neighbouring Island Seymour
North for research purposes.
Since 2004 the Ecuadorian Institute for Cultural Heritage has been
working on the archeological project of Quapac Ñan. This
gigantic trail system of the Pre-Inca and Inca populations crosses
several South-American countries along the Andes. Already for a
while Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia have
been aiming at the identification of the important archeological
locations and traditions along the trail. The final plan is to elaborate
a cultural route. Theirs most important sections are thought to
be nominated part of the World Cultural Heritage. In Ecuador the
project couldn’t gain any visible results by now, due to financial
reasons. However the Institute for Cultural Heritage is recently
counting with the support of the UNESCO and several Ecuadorian ministries.
In this context it is planned until December to register the archeological
locations, traditions, religions, fauna, flora, gastronomy and cultural
landscapes along the trail and measure its exact length. Up to now
the Ecuadorian section of the route is considered to cover circa
1200 km and to cross seven nature reserves.
At the beginning of May the first community restaurant at the Laguna
Quilotoa (about a two hours drive south from Quito) will open its
doors. Kirutwa Quilotoa, how the restaurant is called, is located
at the entrance of the conservation area Quilotoa and is administrated
by the indigenous community Zumbahua. The idea was developed at
the beginning of the year when the humanitarian foundation MCCH
proposed a tourism development project for the indigenous population
of the region. The result was the establishment of the restaurant
and the realization of courses in gastronomy, tourism and client
service. Apart from international dishes Kirutwa is going to serve
in particular traditional delicacies such as the typical “hornado
con mote y tortillas” (roasted gammon with boiled corn and
potato omelet). Folk culture and traditions also will contribute
to the restaurant’s charming atmosphere with interesting festival
masks and leather paintings.
At the beginning of April the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism presented
in Guayaquil an innovative promotion material for the five coastal
provinces of the country. The pamphlet with the title “MUNDO
COSTA” (Coastal World) is kept in style of a travel planner
and provides information about the region’s touristic attractions
and places of interest. The innovative aspect about the promotion
material is the provision of information related to touristic clusters
and not to politically relevant provincial divisions, as usually.
The travel planner gives valuable information about the centrally
located cities, routes, attractions and activities. Additionally
the promotion material offers illustrative maps and useful general
recommendations. A total of 15,000 English and Spanish copies of
the travel planner are already in circulation.
The Ecuadorian Fund for Cultural Preservation FONSAL has recently
inaugurated the archaeological open-air museum Tulipe, 70 kilometres
northwest from Quito. The museum, which can be reached in the direction
to Mindo, presents its visitors many interesting insights into the
Yumbo culture which had dominated this region in former times. The
site contains, principally, pools and clay sculptures which were
used by the ancient people for ceremonies. During the restoration
works, FONSAL aimed at a perfect integration between geographical
conditions, flora and fauna and the archaeological legacy of the
location.
From April 01st, Quito’s first class and deluxe hotels will
charge a new tax. The reason for this tax is to support the development
and improvement of the tourism infrastructure in Quito. This kind
of measure is quite common in many other countries and helps to
strengthen the tourism promotion of those destinations. These funds
will only finance promotional projects that will guarantee valuable
benefits for all visitors.
The winds of change are blowing in Quito´s old hospital Eugenio
Espejo, since the republican building of great historical importance
is going to serve in the nearest future as Quito´s new convention
centre. The inauguration takes place on March 28. With its ample
spaces and architectural beauty it enriches Quito´s list of
brilliant localities for conventions and congresses of international
importance. The fund for cultural preservation FONSAL, which has
been working since 2006 on this architectural masterpiece, lately
finished its major project.
Quito offers its visitors during the Easter week, from March 16
to March 23, more than 50 cultural events. The 7th festival of religious
music with more than 40 various concerts also belongs to this great
range of cultural highlights. Artists from 8 different countries
(Spain, Switzerland, France, USA, Chile, Argentina, Cuba and Ecuador)
participate in this event. On Sunday, March 23, a bells concert
will take place in the colonial center in various churches. Additionally,
several exhibitions will be presented to the visitors, for example
in the oldest street of Quito „La Ronda“, where 23 puppets
are going to show different Easter personalities from the 19th century.
A definite highlight is the Easter procession in honor of Jesus,
which takes place on Friday, March 21, in Quito’s colonial
part, passing through 10 streets and attracting more than 75.000
visitors.
The leading global fair of the tourist industry has welcomed 177.891
visitors from 5 to 9 March on the fair grounds of the German capital.
Although public transportation was partly out of order due to strike
the ITB Berlin gained a strong increase of interest. Moreover the
Arge Latin America booth was highly frequented by trade visitors
and by the public. Especially Ecuador has gained a rising interest.
In 2007 953.196 international arrivals have been counted (plus 13
per cent in comparison to 2006) whereby 23.453 Germans have visited
the country. With its leading role in terms of sustainable tourism,
Ecuador promotes new touristic products. Consequently also German
tour operators expanded their offers for Ecuador. According to German
tour operators Ecuador (apart from Peru) is meant to be one of the
“TOP 5” countries favoured by the Germans in the next
seven years. In 2009 the ITB will take place from 11 to 15 March.
In the night from 1 to 2 March Colombian soldiers attacked a FARC-camp
in the Ecuadorian territory. Among the dead persons was the vice-chief
of the rebels, Raúl Reyes. This incident provoked a crisis
of several days between the two neighbouring countries. As a consequence
Ecuador and Venezuela positioned additional troops at the frontiers
to Colombia and broke up political relations to Colombia. The conflict
could be quickly conciliated when the Columbian president Uribe
made a step towards his Ecuadorian colleague Correa on the Rio-summit
on 7 March by offering an excuse for the incident. Please note that
there are no negative impacts on travels through Ecuador. Touristic
services as well as airlines are operating as normal. Your security
is of highest importance for ecuadorline. Please be assured that
we will inform you immediately in case the situation might change.
Also this year ecuadorline will present themself during the ITB
Berlin which is one of the world`s leading travel trade shows. From
5 to 9 March 2008 you will find us on the fairgrounds of Messe Berlin
at the ARGE-booth 206 in hall 1.1. We will be delighted to inform
trade visitors as well as general visitors about our services and
offers. Trade visitor days are from 5 to 9 March 2008. From 8 to
9 March the ITB Berlin opens its doors for the general public. Opening
times are: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The ITB Berlin is a perfect combination
of trade exhibition, public exhibition and the biggest professional
convention worldwide. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors,
exhibitors and media representatives every year. Last year 10.923
exhibitors and 177.154 visitors (including 108.735 trade visitors)
joined the fair.... and there’s again an increasing interest
to travel! We are looking forward to your visit!
“From 1 March 2008 on a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory
for all visitors of the Ecuadorian rainforest. At airports and bus
terminals in several spots in the rainforest you will find control
points checking vaccination cards of travellers. Until now there
hasn’t been recorded any case of yellow fever in Ecuador in
the last 20 years. The ministry of health just started a campaign
of prevention as a precautionary measure. For any further information,
please do not hesitate to contact us.
The current strong winter in Ecuador has caused the heaviest rainfalls
since the phenomenon “El Niño” in 1987. Yesterday
the Ecuadorian president Raphael Correa announced the state of emergency
for the entire country. Mainly the coast area as well as some regions
in the highlands has been affected by the strong rainfalls. The
water level of some rivers has grown during the last month, villages,
streets are flooded and also landslides occurred. In total 10.375
families are affected by the bad weather. Particularly the agricultural
sector suffers from the consequences. It is said that approximately
102.783 hectare land has been flooded and destroyed. But in this
moment a reconstruction plan is in development. The following provinces
are affected: Esmeraldas, Manabi, Guayas and El Oro. Especially
the roads from Cuenca to Guayaquil and from Loja to Guayaquil are
damaged. We surely keep you up-to-date about the actual situation.
The “Custodia” is one of the most dedicated religious
art works in Ecuador. On 13 October 2007 it was robbed from the
“Museo de Arte Religioso” in Riobamba. According latest
news one part of the “Custodia”, the cruz, now has appeared
in Colombia. Currently three suspicious persons are in prison in
Bogota as well as in Pereira. In terms of all further still missing
parts of the art work several hints already exist. Riobamba`s mayor,
Ángel Yánez, is happy to hear about these news. Hoping
that the “Museo de Arte Religioso” in Riobamba will
obtain as soon as possible the art work back, we will surely keep
you up-to-date in this case.
The carnival in Ecuador is a synonym for tradition, culinary specialities,
flowers, fruits, water and liquor. It’s also hope for the
Ecuadorians to earn some economical benefits from one of the most
famous events every year in Ecuador. In the highlands the cities
Ambato and Guaranda are the very heart of the festivities. For instance
in Ambato you will find the magnificent festival of “Flores
y Frutas” (flowers and fruits). Moreover concerts with renowned
artists and beautiful parades will take place. The old-indian “Carnaval
de Guaranda” is one of the most exciting events: Wild dancing
folklore groups with big grimaces and the sloshing around of litres
of water make this event to a really entertaining one. Not only
tourists come to visit the country especially in this time, also
many Ecuadorians use the extended week-end to join one of the immense
carnival-festivities in Ecuador.
Due to constructions the airport on the Galápagos-Island
San Cristóbal has been closed in April 2007. Meanwhile the
airport on the Island Baltra has been used for the air traffic.
Consequently all cruise programs have started from there on. As
the airport on the Island San Cristóbal will be re-opened
again on 4 February, from now on the air traffic will be processed
over here. Correspondingly the cruise programs have to be adapted
what for from February onwards, the Island San Cristóbal
is meant to be the starting point for the Galápagos-cruises.
The small and charming town Loja is located in the south of Ecuador
and also named as the “botanical garden of the country”.
Here you can find the extraordinary Cafeteria „El Sendero“
which has received positive reputation for the last two years by
its tourists as well as its inhabitants. Guests appreciate the cosy
atmosphere as well as the reasonable prices. For a coffee for instance
will be only charged US$ 0,50. „El Sendero“ is situated
directly opposite the square „San Sebastián“
surrounded by beautiful buildings from the last century. The café
is a project on behalf of the foundation „Operación
Esperanza“. 30 por cent of the gastronomic turnover will be
spent in social projects (e.g. health or education). 
From 8 to 26 January the exhibition „German Vita“ will
be shown in the “Asociación Humboldt in Quito. The
46 images by Stefan Moses are part of 40 years work of the German
photograph. It’s a retrospective which documents life within
the period of the post war. The exhibition focuses on teenagers,
adults, artists, poor and rich man within their different milieu
also abroad. Moses reflects and demonstrates in a multi-layered
manner the facets of the German society. While visiting Quito don’t
miss to see this extraordinary exhibition.
On 3 January the Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa has announced
Verónica Sión as the new tourism minister. The economy
expert has grown up in Guayaquil and studied international relations
and export trade. Previously Maria Isabel Salvador Crespo had been
in charge of the office since April 2005. On 7 December 2007 she
was assigned to the minister of export trade. Therefore from now
on Verónica Sión will be responsibly for the tasks
and challenges within the tourism ministry.
New Year’s Eve in Ecuador is a spectacular festival including
a wide range of traditions. A particular tradition throughout Ecuador
is the burning of dolls at midnight of 31 December. The so called
“viejos” or monigotes” which reach a height of
a man are prepared by families and friends themselves constructed
by papier-mâché and decorated with personal staff.
These dolls represent famous or unpopular personalities e.g. politicians
or persons with publicity. Also friends, family members or neighbours
could be basis of the doll image. The burning of dolls is an old
custom to say good bye to the old year, to former troubles and vices
– leading the way to an inspiring new year, full of fresh
hope and expectations. Beyond that there exist many other traditions
as eating 12 grapes midnight (each allow a wish), carry 10 US $
or Euro in the trouser pockets or carry a suitcase around the house
corner to welcome a new year which brings luck, surprises and travels.
With this in mind, we wish you a prosperous new year: „Salud
y próspero año nuevo“.
On 9 December the New York Times published a ranking of the most
attractive travel destinations for 2008. Quito is placed on the
15th place – still before Buenos Aires. On top of the list
are Laos, followed by Lisbon and Tunisia.
The “Fiestas de Quito” (Festivities of Quito) are just
over and the next highlight date will come shortly. It`s all about
Christmas. Therefore houses and streets are already beautifully
decorated. Christmas is one of the most important festivals in Ecuador
traditionally celebrated within the families. The current days are
dominated by typical Christmas songs and Christmas shoppings. Finally
on the evening of 24 December the whole family comes together while
having a traditional dinner. Often pomp or pork will be served as
main course followed by a very typical and delicious dessert namely
“pristiños“ (strawberry donuts). At midnight
all presents will be deposited under the Christmas tree, so that
the distribution of the presents will be done in the morning of
25 December.
Last week on Thursday 29 November the „Fiestas de Quito“
(“Festivities of Quito”) have been officially opened
by the election of “Quito`s Beauty Queen 2007 / 2008”
. On Saturday, 1 December, a phenomenal parade took place including
a big orchestra. Various Beauty Queens from the whole country also
joined the festivity. But all in all pupils from different colleges
in Quito were the main attraction on this day as they fascinated
the crowd with traditional music and dance. In the current week
a wide range of events like concerts, shows or traditional bullfights
will take place. Besides, all facades in Quito are decorated with
the Ecuadorian flag. The 6 December is meant to be a bank holiday
and the highlight date at all. It’s the jubilee of Quito`s
foundation (06.12.1534). The entire city seems to be celebrating
either on the street, in cafés, bars or simply on one of
the famous “chivas” – traditional Ecuadorian coast
busses. Surely people don´t miss the chance to taste also
the national drink “Canelazo” (a mixture of anise liquor,
cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice). Let`s say: “Chears and que
viva Quito”.
In order to protect the biodiversity of the unique Galápagos-Archipel,
the tourist boom should be minimised. Furthermore the migration
control should be optimised. Therefore the national Galápagos
Institute “INGALA” has initiated a new entry-control-system.
Since 5 November 2007 a pilot project has started which lasts approximately
two weeks. From 21 November 2007 on the entry-control-system will
be generally implemented and will be valid for the future. From
now on tourists need to fill out entry-forms to visit the Galápagos-Islands.
These forms are available from the tour operators, via the “INGALA”-webpage
(www.ingala.gov.ec) or directly from the “INGALA”-counter
at the airport. By arrival at the Galápagos-Islands tourists
have to hand in the forms and will receive an entry-ticket which
costs 10 US-dollar. Partly tour operators charge these costs in
advance. In this case guests surely don’t have to pay any
fee by their arrival at the islands. 
The Ecuadorian geologist Bolivar Caceres stated recently that the
glacier mass of the Andes has melted rapidly due to the global warming
in the last decades. His latest measurements show a fall of 27,8
per cent. Consequences of the global warming can be also recognized
by the changing colour of the ground as the Cotopaxi demonstrates.
The Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador’s highest mountains and located
89 km in the south of Quito. Ten years ago there has been a big
ice cover on an altitude of 4.800 m. But nowadays on the same height
there is a refugio camp from where it still takes a long way upwards
to reach the glacier. Other Ecuadorian mountains like the Chimborazo,
the Antisana or the Cayambe show a similar development. A frightened
prognosis gave also the expert Jorge Durand: Glaciers under an altitude
of 5.500 m will not exist anymore after the year 2025.
Three weeks after the elections for the constituent assembly have
been taken place, first official results were announced. With its
party “Alianza Pais”, the Ecuadorian president Rafael
Correa gained 69 per cent of all votes. Correspondingly “Alianza
Pais” obtains 80 of 130 seats in the constituent assembly.
The party of the former president Lucio Guitiérrez became
second. Alvaro Noboa who has been presidential candidate for several
times has only received seven seats with its party. There is still
one per cent of the total numbers of ballot papers which has to
be evaluated. Therefore up to know it’s still unclear who
will receive rest of the seats. Partial results of some of the provinces
will have to be awaited before the final official result of the
elections will be announced in November.
Covering an area of 1462 sq.km the National Park Podocarpus has
been declared as a UNESCO biosphere preserve. Located between Loja
and and Zamora Chinchipe, visitors will find exceptional endemic
flora like cedar, orchids and palm trees. Moreover ocelots, spectacled
bears and elks can be seen there. Worth mentioning are the hundert
icy lagoons in Podocarpus where by you shouldn’t miss to see
the beautiful lagoon „El Compadre“ in a height of 3200
m. In order to conserve the national park and in order to support
sustainable development the declaration by the UNESCO has been really
essential. During the last year, the renowned national park has
been visited by more than 2500 tourists. This year its 25 jubilee
is celebrated. There will be charged an admission of $ 5 per person
for foreigners.
Since October 1st, 2007, three wind power stations are operating
on the island San Cristóbal. The energy, 2.4 Megawatt, is
sufficient to replace half of the energy creating by diesel oil
generators, which support around 6000 habitants on the 528 square
kilometres island. The project was realised by the Ecuadorian government
along with the United Nations and the E8 group. The wind power station
costs about 10 Millions US Dollars and should decrease the combustibles
in the ecosystem at risk. The wind energy revolves and doesn’t
have any toxic gases, which cause the greenhouse effect.
The next official holiday in Ecuador, October 9th – Independence
of Guayaquil – normally would take place on a Tuesday, but
is going to be postponed to Friday, October 12th. This postponement
of the official holiday should help increase tourism. Ecuadorian
people will have that way an extended weekend to travel around.
The director of tourism in Guayaquil doesn’t agree with this
postponement. The 9th of October is an important date for Guayaquil.
He thinks, that the day is going to loose his historical importance.
In spite of the postponement of the official holiday, some festivities
will take place on 9th October.
With a colorful procession and the election of the new beauty Queen,
start the festivities in honor of Ibarra’s founding year.
Since the 7th September 2007 the activities taking place. Paplo
Jurardo, Ibarra’s mayor, wants to show the development of
the town. Delegates of the different provinces and the foreign countries
take part in the cultural, social and sportive activities. The festivities
run until the 6th of October. Ibarra – the spring like town
situated in 2100 meters, located between Quito and the border of
Columbia, offers many possibilities: a travel with the train through
the tunnels of bats, a trip to the wood carving in San Antonio or
in the idyllic Andes’s valley La Esperanza. Ibarra is famous,
because of the World championship of climbing, which has taken place
there this year.
The“Quinde”-tour: More than 450 different bird species
in 50 km
Otavalo
is celebrating from today on until the 9th of September one of the
greatest festivals, which connects the tradition of the Indigenas
and the adoration of the Virgin Mary. At the same time they thank
the mother earth – in the native language Quichua “Pacha
Mama” – for their crop yield. The religious festival
is for the adoration of Mary from Monserrat, which played a big
role at the time of the Incas. The “Chicha del Yamor”
– a traditional drink – is one of the main attractions
of the festival in Otavalo, which is prepared especially for the
Vigin of the sun – indias Acllaconas. Chicha was prepared
once for the king of the Incas and his royal suite and is considered
as a traditional medicine. The inhabitants of district in town,
which is dedicated to Niña Maria – patron of Otavalo
since 1863 –, give her the honor. Many artists and restaurants
take part in holding the festival. Try the menu of the Indigenas,
La Chicha and the dish called Yamor, and celebrate with the inhabitants
of Otavalo.
The interactive artistic works of Warhol connect history, painting
and cinema. In four halls of the Centro Cultural Metropolitano
are shown 150 works of Andy Warhol. The public can visit the exposition
of the Pop Art genie from the 24th of August until the 4th
of November. The exhibition span a retrospective of the
Warhol’s famous works – in which is seen the creative
development of the Czech roots in New York. He obtained worldwide
acceptance in the 60 years, the peak of the Pop Art. Sixteen movies
will be presented in the museum of Quito. The hall Ocho y Medio
attends the circle of the painter – here are shown movies.
(Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10am –
8pm,
In
these days goes a caravan so-called “Tour Yasuní 2007”
through the cities of Ecuador, to collect signatures on a blackboard
and to ask for support of the Non-oil-production – with the
object to protect the national park Yasuní and the indigenes.
In December will be started the symbolic sell of barrels, whereby
for example environmental organizations, companies and private persons
can support the project of the national park Yasuní. 
The
parties and political groups have started their campaigns and were
presented – with loudspeakers, flags, music and posters –
in the streets to get the attention of the electors. The candidates
want to receive one of the 130 seats in the Monte Christi de Asamblea
Constituyente and for that they particularly canvass in the streets
of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca and to contact the electors. With
many activities they want to announce their list and working plans.
They also want to escape from the restrictions of the media. They
call for new laws, termination of the parliament and the corruption
of the current parties. As a symbol for the termination of the corruption
they put a coffin in the ground. The mayor Marcelo Carbrera referred
to prosecute the actors, who defy the restrictions of the campaign.
An
exhibition of the famous painter Oswaldo Muñoz Mariño
(1923) is located in the temporal halls of the Alianza Francesa
(Av. Eloy Alfaro and Rusia; free entrance; opening hours: 9am –
1pm and 3pm – 7pm) in August´07. In his artistic works,
also in many of his pictures of cities, you will find the elements
light and surprise - which made him famous. In the exhibition “Oswaldo
Muñoz Mariño and the european cities“ are presented
one hundred pictures. He is one of the well known painters of water
colour of the country. He used detailed techniques to get the colours
and the light in his pictures. For that he obtains a lot of acceptance
from the young generation of painters. The Unesco gave him the title
“painter of the cultural heritage of humanity”, because
he traveled a lot and painted more than 60 cities of the world successfully.
Their for he stood also in the positive critic of the publicity.
In
the soccer game of the Panamerica Ecuador won against Jamaica 2
: 1. The young team of Sixto Vizuete, which traveled to Brazil without
great expectations, won with their players Jefferson Montero and
Edmundo Zura in front of about 8000 enthusiastic viewers. The players
wearing the green-yellow tricot showed a game with speed, good technique
and without speculations, while Ecuador played with the classic
style of South America. The Ecuadorian players presented more audaciousness
and they were looking for victory. The national team has a lead
over their rival Jamaica. It was the forth medal for Ecuador, the
best national participation in the history of competitions.
The
tax of departure at the airport in Quito was advanced by Quiport
corporation the third time since February 2006 – which means
a total increase of 80 %. This means from August the 1st travelers
will have to pay the new fee of the airport at the terminal Mariscal
Sucre de Quito. The international tax of departure runs to USD 40,80
and is located in the second place on the list of the rates of the
states of South America, while the national rates will amount to
USD 7,60 in the future. The raised rates of the airport are connected
with security measures – for cameras and the personnel of
the airport. This generates critics by the airlines.
In short time there will be no more fuel driven vehicles on the
Galápagos-Islands, they will be replaced by electric and
hybrid powered ones. The exchange process of the actual vessels
is part of the „no fossil fuels“ program and the Ministry
of Petrol and Mining has assured its support.
Due to heavy rainfall three weeks ago in the Ecuadorian highlands
and Amazon-region several bridges and streets were destroyed. Temporarily
cities like Baños, Cuenca and Loja were inaccessible. Also
the whole road network of the southern Oriente, which partly still
was only made of pure soil collapsed partly. Since that time, the
military, technical aid and several road construction enterprises
due everything they can to at least make the streets viable again.
Since last Saturday most of the ways are officially accessible,
but some only for certain hours a day. Especially strongly tourism
dependent places like Baños were affected and are now, after
10 days accessible again.
The “uncontrolled development of tourism” was one of
the major reasons for the action of the committee of UNESCO. The
process of adding the Islands to the so-called “red list”
should gain international publicity to open people’s minds
and mobilise help. Ecuador received the right to use money of the
world heritage money pool to support the Islands precious nature
as well. Already in April declared the government of Ecuador the
Archipelago to an ecological risk area. 
From the time of the Incas onwards every year is the big and colourful
festival “in the sign of the sun” in the Andean countries
celebrated. The festival lasts often several days and usually from
the day of Saint Juan on the 21st of June until the 29th of June,
the day of San Pedro, beautiful celebrations can be witnessed all
over the country. The beginning of the festival on the 21st of June
is one of the most important dates in the calendar of the natives
in Ecuador. It marks the day when the harvesting of corn like sweet
corn starts, which is of utmost importance for the indigene culture.
The held celebrations symbolize the thankfulness of the people to
the earth for alimentation and life. On this day it is possible
to observe the disappearance of the shadow of the sun on the equator.
Two weeks ago we reported that the FIFA-committee wants to interdict
football games above the height of 2500m because of health reasons.
The Andean states still offer resistance. CONMEBOL, the football
committee of South America, intend to claim together against the
FIFA for a height limit of 3000m.
June is annually the month when in Pujilí in the province
Cotopaxi the traditional celebration in the honour of Corpus Christi
takes place. In other cities like Quito, Guayaquil, Otavalo and
Cuenca are celebrations as well. In Pujili are more than 100.000
visitors expected to witness the folkloric festive procession of
the Corpus Chrisi festival. 
On Sunday, the 27th of May was established, that international matches
are no longer allowed to take place in stadiums above 2500m. The
decision was made at the 23rd meeting of the FIFA executive committee
which is responsible for better protection of the players –
especially their state of health. This implies that the home matches
of Ecuador can not take place in Quito (2850m) any longer. The decision
concerns also Bolivia (La Paz), Perú (Cuzco) and Columbia
(Bogotá), where at least some matches of qualification take
place in highs above the new maximum. Assumably received the FIFA
already complaints from the Andeans States, Venezuela and –
restricted – Paraguay. The FIFA will rethink their decision
but the likelihood of a changing is pretty small.
Manuela Sáenz (1797 – 1856) was the first general of
the military and is counted among southamerican freedom fighters.
Furthermore she was the lover of liberation heroe Simón Bolívar
(1783 – 1830). Her parents were the Spanish nobleman Simón
Sáenz Vergara and the native María Joaquina Aizpuru.
Already at childhood she stood up for the revolution by collecting
information and publishing pamphlets. She also fought vehemently
for woman rights. Not only did she live in her native city Quito,
but also in Lima and later on in Bogotá.
With a guide adventurous tourists will walk again along this 600
year old path. The “Camino Real del Inca” was one of
the most important sideways of the Inca Trail which once united
the whole Andean region. In 24 hours this royal path connected the
Ecuadorian coast with the highland – a 300km long Street from
Ingapirca to a haven nearby Guayaquil.
This week the Airlines – TAME and AeroGal – offering
flights to the Galápagos-Islands raised their prices unforeseen
and immediately about 24%.
Ecuadorian
President, Rafael Correa, had the presidency at this week’s
meeting of the ministers of economic affairs of Argentina, Brazil,
Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Venezuela. The aim of these countries
is to create a Bank of the South, an alternative to the World Bank
and IMF. Initiators of this idea were the presidents of Argentina,
Nestor Kirchner and Venezuela, Hugo Chavez.
Modern life has reached Vilcabamba in the province of Loja, close
to the Peruvian border. Tourists and people interested in eternal
life brought with them the stress of the everyday life, which now
claims the life of the old sooner as it used to be. 
81.7%
of more than 9 million Ecuadorian compulsory voters balloted positively
to a constituent assembly last Sunday, the 15th of April.
Sustainable tourism is a new and very popular tourism form which
gained on importance in Ecuador as well. Through the big influence
of nature and environment on tourism it is of utmost significance
to protect it with rules that establish a natural balance between
the protection and tourism. Different international organizations
provide standards and info material which can be used as guidelines
and enlightenment for tourists and businesses. Many Ecuadorian providers
follow the trend and convert their offers into sustainable tourism
and ecological friendly products. These forms allow tourism to coexist
with the nature in peace and obtain the untouched condition of Ecuador’s
most significant USP, their environment. 
Processions
at the Good Friday and Easter Sunday with colonial and typical figures
of Ecuador take place in Quito and other religious centres all around
the country. This processions are next to the Fanesca (typical,
Ecuadorian Easter soup) the main characteristic of this special
week. 12.000 tourists from all over the world are expected to witness
the holy ceremonies. To promote tourism in Quito this year many
advertising methods were installed at international fairs and in
the local TV. 
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