Ecuador

Overview

Ecuador, despite its tiny size compared to its neighbours has a huge variety to offer visitors. From Amazon jungle to Andean Mountains or unspoilt coast line to lively urban life. The altitude of the Andean cities and towns makes the climate perfect for much of the year - hot but not too hot, enough sun for a tan but enough rain for some amazing green scenery. The country's small size also means that all the jewels of diversity are within easy reach, with almost nothing further than a day's drive away but Ecuador's reliable and cheap (although sometimes slightly too exciting) public buses.

Ecuador also offers the perfect blend of history and modern with a rich colonial past juxtapositioned with all you could expect from a modern city. The traditions can be found in the art, architecture, religion and everyday life. In Quito you will see an indigenously dressed lady carrying her children in a cloth on her back whilst chatting on the latest mobile phone. Poverty is still an issue in some areas of the country, particularly in the more remote mountain and jungle communities but it does not lead to the same problems experienced by travellers to other South American countries. With the exception of some parts of Quito after dark, Ecuador has an excellent safety record and quite a low crime rate. Key Ecuadorian sites not to be missed are the capital Quito, the indigenous market of Otavalo, the northern coastline of Esmeraldas, the holiday town of Baños,...more

History

It is thought that the first settlers in the region we now know as Ecuador reached the area from Asia in around 12000 BC, but evidence of the first developed cultures cannot be found before 6000 BC. The history of these early settlers has not been well documented and history is often thought to begin with the expansion of the Inca Empire into the region in the late 1400s. Huayna Cupac was one of the most successful Inca Emperors, but when he died in 1526 he left the empire to two sons, one which ruled then north out of Quito, now in Ecuador and the other from Cuzco, now in Peru. The rivalry between these two brothers led to a great civil war within the Inca Empire so that when Atahualpa of Quito defeated his brother to once again unite the empire, it was a greatly weakened state that was formed. When the Spanish, who landed in northern Ecuador in 1526, marched on the empire at first the Incas believed that the canon-wielding, armour-clad, horse mounted warriors were Gods, and by the time they realized the truth, it was too late. The Inca Empire was to weak to defend itself and after the capture of their leader by a sneaky trick, the empire fell.

Rather than see their city in Spanish hands, the Incas of Quito razed the city - so that few Inca remains can now be found, and the Spanish founded the new city of Quito on 6th December...more