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ECUADORLINE |
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ECUADORLINE |
NEWSLETTER July 2005 |
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Dear friends of Ecuador,
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A new way unifies Ecuador and Peru – the Route of the Spondylus
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New kind of tourism – ethnotourism
On top or under the roof of the “La Chiva” Due to the huge demand, a new train company offers its services on the most popular routes in Ecuador besides the state-run railway company ENFE. The name of the modern train is “La Chiva” and is run by the incoming agency Metropolitan Touring. In total, 34 people fit in and under the train roof. Actually it became famous for being a typical Latin American train, resisting from older days. Already the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt got to know the beauty of the Ecuadorian highlands in 1802, especially the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” with all its small villages and farmlands along the way. For many decades it had been a dream of the former president and national hero Eloy Alfaro to link the highlands with the coast that finally has become true.
The new routes go from Quito via Riobamba to Guayaquil or to Cuenca. Another destination is the Cotopaxi National Park. Trips verify in daily tours or others that last for several days. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the Chiva named “Tio Roque” goes from Tambillo to El Boliche. To the Devil´s nose, the “Don Eloy” leaves from Riobamba on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Above all, travellers in an advanced age are able to enjoy the adventurous ride with more safety, comfort and service under or above the roof. Tourism is one of the main sources of income in Ecuador, therefore also art dealer and other sellers along the train route benefit from the new provider. Regional food and music join the travellers on their journey, presented and offered by local people. With it the transport way from Huigra to Bucay on the Western part of the Andeans, heading to Guayaquil, is ought to follow soon. Therefore the „Chiva Express“, which is painted in the Ecuadorian colours, makes visitors and traders gather momentum also in this area. The guinea-pig is dished up A
culinary meal in the region of Chimborazo is the guinea-pig. No matter if
fried, crumbed, roast on a spit or in a bread roll, the little quadruped
is getting more and more popular to fill one´ s stomachs. Mainly though
the marketing of the new founded association Sedal the market prices stay
more or less on the same level and therefore, stabilize the breeders and
traders salaries. One kilogram of guinea-pig meat is about US $ 5,50 in
Ecuador. Every month, around 1,000 animals are sold, 400 of them stay in
the country. The other part is exported mainly to the United States and
to Spain, but also to Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. Every twenty days, 400
kilogram of guinea-pigs are delivered to New York City for example. The upbringing of the rodent - that we usually know as a pet - will be promoted in six communities of Chimborazo. Some important facts for the trade of guinea-pigs are quality and cleanliness according to the association. New techniques and the introduction of immunization against salmonellas improved the hygienic conditions for offering the vitamin-packed meat on the market. In the meanwhile, new ideas for recipes are being worked out. So far, the guinea-pig was mainly eaten in agrarian areas. Also a party service will be offered soon in order to make the traditional meal noted for Ecuadorian cuisine. | |
Hacienda San Pedro – recreation admist nature Surrounded by volcanoes, like the Cotocachi, the majestic Imbabura and the impressing Cayamba, the Hacienda San Pedro is situated. Only two hours away from Quito, we find this little paradise, near to the town of Otavalo. Here you can enjoy some wonderful days with your family. In July and August, the Hacienda San Pedro offers four unique packets. You have the possibility to relax, but also to get to know the beautiful landscape of Otavalo.
„One day in the country“, „Two spoiled days“, „Two dream days“, „Three days of regeneration“ To get to know more information about the Hacienda San Pedro, please have a look and find more about this great offer. Feel free to contact us, if you need any advice! Luna Runtun - The Adventure Spa – offers some new spectacular services! Close to the active volcano named Tungurahua and the city of Baños, Luna Runtun, The Adventure Spa, is situated, only three hours away from Quito. Now, the wide offer has been completed and features two conference halls for up to 60 persons, a billiard room, a ballroom, a chimney room and two big patios, where you have a wonderful view over the volcano Tungurahua, Baños and the national park Llanganates.
On May, the 1st, other enlargements have been started as well which will be finished on the 15th of October in this year. Then all guests have the possibility to use four heated swimming pools, a gym, two apartments for six persons and many amenities more. Enjoy the indulgence in an impressing landscape. Please ask us, if you need more information or visit the Luna Runtun - The Adventure Spa homepage! Grayline Tours - paragliding between heaven and earth Adventure an exciting tandem jump in the Valle de los Chillos in the south of Quito! Thereby enjoy the unique flight over the landscape of this area. You will get close to mountains and volcanoes. For only US$ 49,00 you have the possibility to dare this adventure.
Included: equipment, transport and bilingual guide We will help you with further details, if you contact us! You can also have a look on the Grayline homepage and see more details about their services. Unipark Hotel in Guayaquil - enjoy free internet!
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Coast: US – military base in Manta
Rainforest: Impressing waterfalls in Orellana
lodges in the area which will fascinate you during your stay in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Highlands: On the upswing by train
Galápagos: Scientists want to protect the Galápagos Islands The theory of evolution by Charles Darwin has changed the view of human mankind and also has revolutionized our way of thinking. Until today, more than 170 years later, the islands are still a big matter of interest, being the so called “Mecca for every evolutionist”. Now, there were around 150 scientists from all over the world that have congressed on the famous archipelago, talking about the protection of the islands. Some of the resulting subjects were palaeontology, microbiology and genetics.
On Galápagos you have the possibility to observe the development of animals, as well as geological and environmental changes, which also affects the biodiversity of the islands. The importance of the conservation can not be accented often eno  ugh. This unique place on earth offers the possibility to sympathize with and research into the evolution. Galápagos has a volcanic origin and appeared on the ocean surface five million years ago. Scientists like biologists, microbiologists and physicist also talked about different theories, how life could reach the islands, which are completely isolated from the mainland.
Another gist is the threats to the archipelago. First, animals like goats that have been brought to the islands by settlers, disturb the equilibration between flora and fauna. Second, also human beings mark a menace to the islands. Back in the 1950´ s the population on Galápagos was about 1,000 people, today the number of residents ascended on 28.000 persons. Be one of the visitors to the beautiful islands and get in touch with pure nature! We recommand you a cruise with the first-class yacht Tip Top or a stay in one of the hotels, including daily expeditions to the islands. Here you will find more information about our special advices. | |
My “starless” week- end in Guayaquil This feels like being in Latin America! Music sounds from everywhere, although it is only 7 o´ clock in the morning at my early arrival in Guayaquil. In exchange to this, the temperature is already around 30º degrees, including a sticky and sweltering air. To the hot Salsa rhythms in the background, chickens are roasting on a split, waiting to be sold to hungry customers. A wild and colourful drive welcomes us in this lively city. In order to be strengthened for our trip though the centre of Guayaquil we indulge ourselves some typical Guayaquileno breakfast: „Encebollado de pescado“, a kind of onion soup with fish. Yummy and also a good start into the week- end on the coast.
In the biggest city of Ecuador, there live approximately three million people, but you can´t be too sure about this, because you never know exactly! Being the main harbour and coastal metropolis, it is a city with a lot of flow and also traffic. Better said, there is a criss-cross on the streets of Guayaquil which always makes you be on the move. Nevertheless, I have the impression that the city is very relaxed and easy-going, because everybody seems to have a lot of time. There is life in the parks, in the cafés on the streets and primarily along the Malecón 2000. This water front alongside the river of Guayas invites visitors to stroll around. If you are doing a walk on a Sunday, it is like “seeing and being seen”, when the Guayaquilian people hang around after and before their usual working week. To continue our way, we reach „Las Peñas“, the artist and also oldest quarter of Guayaquil. All of t  he colourful and little houses are in a tumble. Here, we find many art dealer and galleries. A view over the surrounding tells us, that also some slums are situated close to the high and impressive skyscrapers. Letting my thoughts flow, high over the roofs of the city, I realize once again, the huge variety of Ecuador with all its different and interesting faces. Lucky me, that I have the chance to get to know all of this! Even if some of the shady sides here in Guayaquil are not for cooling down again!
In contrast to that, the countless iguanas in the park of Bolívar enjoy the pure Ecuadorian sun. Living in wilderness and without any fears, they rest next to me in the grass and make a contribution to the relaxed atmosphere. In a spontaneous moment, we decide to take a bus that brings us to the beach. Without any thinking and the equipment for an overnight stay, we just do what we feel like. But this is why travelling is so much fun because you never know what the high-tide will bring you tomorrow. Less than three hours later, we reach the city of Salinas which is the most Western situated town on the Ecuadorian mainland. The street hawkers are happy to make a business with us, but that is not why we are here. Quickly we head for the sea and our drifting continues. Fresh fish for dinner, enjoying the famous fiestas of the coast and a night swim in the Pacific Ocean. What can you demand more than that? Therefore it even doesn´t matter that the stars don’t beam in this dull night. But this is what my eyes do full of joy when I´m thinking of this week-end on the lovely coast of Ecuador. | |
…that during the pre-Inca time the shell that had been used in order
to produce ceremonial items and other ornaments is called “Spondylus”?
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ecuadorlineis a tourist information service about Ecuador. Many tourist enterprises support and finance our promotion and information job. Our main objective is to benefit the sponsor companies as well as the country itself.Our services: - Callcenter in Germany and delivery of information material free of charge - Route planning for individual travellers - Help with reservations - Information about hotels, lodges, haciendas, and cruises through Galápagos Islands - Suggestions for trips in Ecuador and useful links on our web site - Organisation of press trips - Photo archives Your suggestions to improve our Newsletter are welcomed. We also thank you for your comments about our web page. | |
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With best wishes from Quito, |
Top topic
In
the last decades, the relationship between the two Andean states Ecuador
and Peru has not only been peacefully. Far from it! After several losses
of territory, the relationship between the both neighbouring countries
has been very tough and strained. Many years in negotiations resulted
in a final peace agreement in October 1998. For this reason, it was put
an end to the still flaring warlike conflicts. Since that date, the bilateral
relations between the neighbouring states have been normalized. Also the
economical cooperation gains more and more importance on both sides. 
m
all around the world are expected from now on to come to the “Route of
the Spondylus” every year. It is evaluated that they would invest approximately
140 million US-dollars in both countries. Further details and financial
aspects are being worked out right now by a special committee for bilateral
cooperation. 
This
month, we are starting with a new series. In the next four newsletters
we want to give you an understanding of different forms of tourism: ethnotourism,
ecotourism, tourism & adventure and tourism & sports. 
With tourism, they have the possibility to get away from poverty and with
the help of financial independence, they achieve more self – determination
and self – confidence. The tourists are interested in their culture and
therefore, the native people have to deal with themselves. Compared to
other economical activities like digging from natural resources, which
results in environmental damages, tourism is a good option to get economical
independence, even though there a some disadvantages. Because the visits
only take a short while, there is no time for individual relations. The
main gain of ethnotourism only will be realized, if the indigenous population
is able to keep control over the tourism events and the financial advantages.
They have to decide about the quantity of insights entering their culture
and their circumstances of life. All tourists are obliged to show their
deep respect and understanding to the other way of living which luckily
resists until today in the Ecuadorian rainforest. 
During
your stay in the Unipark Hotel in Guayaquil, you have the possibility
to use the internet as long and as often you want for free. If you have
to stay in contact with your company or only would like to write some
emails – enjoy the wireless internet access. This offer can be used in
the Sushi – bar and in the lobby in the second floor. 
On
the west coast of Ecuador, where the continent extends into the pacific,
the town of Manta is located in the province of Manabí. This place
has been chosen in order to control the surrounding sea area. In former
times, this town was known for his tuna fish, now it got famous for the
strict safety regulations of the US-military base, which has been relinquished
to the US-army for the period of ten years. The contract started in 1999.
From this point, drug traffic, mainly with and from Colombia, ought to
be observed in the whole region, so the official justification of the
US government. Manta is a strategic important part of the military complex
with a territory of 24,000 hectare in five Ecuadorian regions. 
The
close jungle in the province of Orellana holds more than one secret. Here
we find small towns, in which the rush of the water bands together with
birds singing, colours of the evergreen primary wood. The waterfalls show
some little parts of the Amazon rivers strengths. Normally, the Amazon
is flowing in a silent and peaceful way and you can go kayaking. But these
rivers have a great force and so, they formed impressing waterfalls. There,
a unique energy is joined, which can give vitality but also silence and
peace. 
terfalls,
through untouched landscape until the Finka Trajano Naranjo in the south
of the province is reached. About to the end, you are passing the waterfall
La Belleza, which is about 4,5m high and 20m wide. La Belleza is the greatest
and most impressing waterfall on the trip. The three biggest cascades
have an inimitable structure and La Balleza has little basins, like Jacuzzis,
and so, they are perfect for swimming. 
Recently
the renewed train stain located in the region of Lita, right in the province
of Imbabura, in the north of Quito has been inaugurated. This new achievement
does not only allow an improvement in the transportation of various products
from one place to another but it also contributes to a local development
plan carried out by certain governmental organizations. 