Quito, A Top Destination For Chocolate Lovers

Ecuador has established itself as the producer of 63% of the world’s “fine aroma” cocoa, a raw material required by the North American and European industries for the production of the highest quality chocolates. Ecuadorian cocoa is highly prestigious in the international market, thanks to a variety of flavors with hints of blackberry, citrus, nuts, caramel, honey, jasmine flowers and violets, among others.

Quito’s abundance of natural resources and geographical conditions make it the country’s hub for cocoa and chocolate production. Countless chocolate factories are scattered throughout the Capital, manufacturing renowned products and rendering chocolate production a part of the city’s tourism development.

Activities for chocolate enthusiasts in Quito

To learn about the history of cocoa and its impact on Quito’s art and culture, the Capital of the of the Middle of the World offers a theatrical tour called “Entre pulperías y bulerías, comer chocolate es una herejía” [Between pulperías and flamenco clubs, eating chocolate is heresy]. The tour visits the artisan chocolate company Chez-Tiff, where the history of and most peculiar facts about the chocolate making process are revealed. It also includes a visit to the República del Cacao chocolate shop, which offers Ecuadorian chocolate and coffee-based products such as its famous chocolate bread that undergoes a 10-hour fermentation process.

Another famous tourist attraction is the Galería Ecuador Gourmet, where visitors can discover the unique flavors, textures and aromas of Ecuadorian chocolate through gourmet experiences such as tastings and workshops.

Meanwhile, Pacari, a three-time International Chocolate Awards winner, invites tourists to become expert chocolatiers themselves with activities like preparing delicious organic truffles, sugar-free and vegan, while learning about the history of Ecuadorian cocoa.

Another option is Yumbos Chocolate, an artisan chocolate shop located in the Historic Centre, where you can taste the best Ecuadorian cocoa with a panoramic view of the San Francisco square and church.

Source: https://visitquito.ec/

Quito, World Capital Of Birdwatching

Home to avian species of all colors and sizes, Quito is one of the most diverse cities on the planet when it comes to birds. The variety of its urban ecosystem allows you to appreciate everything from soaring condors to tiny colorful hummingbirds.

Birdwatching has been a popular visitor pastime in Quito for more than 30 years, making the Ecuadorian capital South America’s gateway for "bird seekers." With more than 1,660 avian species, Ecuador boasts the highest density of bird types in the world. The forests, mountains, moors and other natural ecosystems that are present in Quito invite visitors to discover the magic of birds in an environment of exuberant nature.

Quito is home to more than 542 species, including 64 that are endemic to the region, including the black-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis), the brown wood-rail (Aramides wolfi) and the banded ground-cuckoo (Neomorphus radiolosus). The emblematic Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a stand-out. With a wingspan of up to 3 meters (10 feet) and median weight of 12 kilograms (26.5 lbs.), it is the largest flying bird in the world and can be seen gliding in rural areas of Quito such as the Antisana. Another species present in this area is the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), a bird noted for its unique courtship dance.

The northwest of Quito is the perfect micro-destination for birdwatching. Located within the Chocó Andino biosphere reserve, declared protected by UNESCO in 2018, it allows you to admire hummingbirds, parrots, toucans and quetzals. To the southeast of Quito are the Cayambe-Coca and Antisana National Parks, essential places for those seeking ecotourism and adventure tourism destinations where ideal trekking routes can be mapped out for the purpose of birdwatching. For urban birdwatching, the city’s botanical garden, which features a great variety of migratory species, stands out, as does Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park, home of the crimson-mantled woodpecker (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris).

Quito Tourism is participating in this year’s Global Bird Fair to promote the richness and biodiversity that the “Capital of the Center of the World” offers birdwatchers, or birders. Taking place at the Rutland Showground in Oakham, United Kingdom, the event affords Quito the opportunity to present its birdwatching offer, which has made it one of the most important destinations in the world in the development of this activity, in a global forum.

More information at visitquito.ec

Travelore News: Cuenca Airport In Ecuador Closed Until September 5th

The Mariscal La Mar Airport from Cuenca will remain closed until September 19, 2016, due to changes in the asphalt layer on the landing strip, according to Cuenca Airport Corporation (CORPAC)

Mariscal Lamar International Airport is an airport serving Cuenca, a city in the province of Azuay in Ecuador.

During this period, the National Traffic Agency will be offering buses transportation from Cuenca airport to Guayaquil at Bahia del Norte, and to Quito at Parque Bicentenario.

The shuttle frequencies to Guayaquil will be 14, departing in different hours from 14h00 to 10h30, and to Quito will be 26 frequencies departing from 00h00 to 23h30. It is important to mention that the buses will not have any stop during the ground journey.

On the other hand, TAME airlines has announced that those passengers that have purchased their air tickets to/from Cuenca will be able to change their flight or date (same origin and destiny) up to 15 days after the opening of Cuenca airport, or it can be changed at TAME offices to another airport such as Guayaquil, Loja and El Oro, without any penalty or changes in rates.

Travelore Update On Quito’s City Tourism Services Following Earthquake

UPDATE ON QUITO’S CITY TOURISM SERVICES FOLLOWING SATURDAY’S EARTHQUAKE

Ecuador experienced a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Saturday, April 16, at 6:58 p.m. The epicenter of the quake was located off the Pacific coast of the state of Manabí and mainly affected coastal areas. Population centers in Ecuador’s highlands farther inland, such as capital city Quito, experienced tremors, but to a much lesser degree.

The country’s Ministry of Tourism reported that tourism infrastructure located in areas not significantly affected by the earthquake — such as the Amazon, Andes and Galapagos — including all airports, accommodations, tour operation and ground transport, remain open and fully operational, and are catering to tourists.

Quito itself is also fully operational, including its international airport, Mariscal Sucre (UIO), and the city’s public services: water, power, telephone service, internet service and public transportation.

Mauricio Rodas Espinel, Quito’s mayor, has communicated that the earthquake affected six (6) dwellings in the city; three (3) of them are in the southern district, which is outside the traditional tourist areas. Sixteen (16) people have been evacuated to municipal shelters. At this time, damage to heritage spaces in Quito’s Historical District Center is being evaluated.

“It’s so incredible to watch Ecuadoreans come together like this,” said Rodas. The mayor and his wife have been leading an initiative to gather aid packages at the city’s former airport and load them onto trucks.

“We are relieved to be in such good condition, but our hearts go out to our fellow citizens at this time,” says Quito Mayor Mauricio Rodas.  “The best way to assist in the recovery and rebuilding efforts is to embrace foreign visitors.”

Rodas urged international visitors to not cancel their travel plans to Quito but to be sure to register with their local embassy upon arrival in the city in case of any future emergency.

Follow us on:  @visitQuito @VisitQuito 

For more information on Quito, please visit: www.quito.com.ec/en/

Update On Equador's Tourism Infrastructure & Services Following Saturday's Earthquake And How To Send Donations For Relief

 

Ultimate Ecuador: Plan Your Perfect Adventure

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When it comes to adventure, you can’t go wrong in Ecuador. There are towering Andean peaks and volcanoes, vast swaths of Amazonian rain forest, chilled-out surf villages, and of course, the iconic and unforgettable Galapagos Islands.

Whether you want to bike down the face of a volcano, trek out to isolated indigenous villages, paddle down rivers or marvel at the monkeys, tortoises and blue-footed boobies of this remarkably diverse ecosystem, this guide will help you plan your perfect trip to one of South America’s top adventure destinations.

Pin this imageQuilotoa volcano's crater lake © Volanthevist / Getty Images

Ecuador at a glance

Currency: US Dollar

Transport: Super cheap (about $1 per hour on buses)

Related articles:

Ecuador’s alternative adventuresEcuador’s top 10 volcanic experiences24 hours in Quito

Visas: Visitors from most countries don’t need a visa for stays less than 90 days

Seasons: High season is June-September

Daily budget: $30 (budget backpacker), $30-$80 (mid-range independent explorer), $100  and higher (high roller and anybody that wants to go to the Galapagos)

Itineraries for every adventurer

Full-circuit voyager

This two-week itinerary takes you to Ecuador’s top sights. Nearly every journey begins in the country’s sophisticated capital, Quito. Spend at least two days acclimatizing to the altitude (2850m), checking out the colonial churches and hopping over to Otavalo, just north of the city, for the country’s best crafts market. Next, head south for an overnight stay in one of the gorgeously restored haciendas just outside of Cotopaxi National Park. Take a day to tour through the park to see wild horses and migrating birds before you head south again for two nights in Cuenca, a gorgeous colonial city with cobblestone streets, arts, markets and excellent food.

Pin this imageGet used to Ecuador's altitude in Quito before heading out to the Andes © Patrick Heagney / Getty Images

From Cuenca, you can either head back by road to Quito, stopping for a few days of tropical relaxation, mountain biking and rafting in the busy backpacker center of Baños, or head straight to the Galapagos Islands for a four-day island-hopping, wildlife-watching cruise. Many choose to end their adventure here, missing out on a trip down to the Amazon Basin. Why not tack on four days to explore the jungle lodges outside of Coca on the Río Napo?

Pin this imageCotopaxi Volcano © Andras Jancsik / Getty Images

Cultural explorer

Ecuador has a remarkable cultural tapestry. It’s a diverse country with over a dozen distinct ethnic groups and some 20 unique languages. In the highlands, you won’t want to miss the small Kichwa villages found on the Quilotoa Loop. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to descend to a crater lake that local legend says has no bottom, meet artists who have propelled naïve art to international levels in Tigua or just get lost on ancient trails as you hike and bike from village to village. There are numerous crafts markets along the way, where you can sample delectable Andean street fare like cuy (guinea pig), and buy local artisan goods, textiles and more.

Pin this imageCooked cuy (guinea pig) in Baños © Piccaya / Getty Images

In the Amazon Basin, you can see wildlife, paddle rivers and learn about the unique cultures of isolated indigenous tribes like the Huaorani and Shuar, while along the North Coast, you’ll find large groups of Afro-Ecuadorians. Largely marginalized by mainstream society, Afro-Ecuadorians serve up delectable seafood dishes, like coconut seafood stew, and make amazing chocolate.

Pin this imageFresh spices for sale in the market of Otavalo © Bartus Hendrikse / Getty Images

In the big cities of Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil, culture is alive. Not only will you wander through the remnants of colonial times in the remarkable churches, walkways and arcaded plazas, but you’ll also find world-class modern art, chart-topping museums (that are mostly free!), suped-up nightclubs and rocking music scenes. There’s also a unique festival going on in this highly religious country nearly every week of the year. Top festivals include Carnaval in February, Semana Santa in March, Inti Raymi in June, Mamá Negra in September and Fiestas de Quito in December.

Active adventurer

Ecuador offers up a truckload of adrenaline-soaked activities that will get your heart pumping and take you to the edge. Topping it all off is a summit of one of the nation’s towering glacier-draped volcanoes. Cotopaxi is a top pick for most, while Chimborazo takes you above the 6000m mark for bragging rights with your fellow andinistas.

Pin this imageWild vicuñas near El Chimborazo volcano © Alejocock / Getty Images

There’s good surf in Ecuador, too. In places like Montañita, Canoa and Mompiche, you can find 2m waves, chill surf scenes and plenty of other fun activities. The waves are best January to March.

Outside the season, you can still fill your need for white water with a rafting adventure down any of the country’s Class III and IV rivers. Tena is your top pick, but there are big runs near Macas, Río Blanco, El Chaco and Baños.

For two-pedaled adventures on terra firma, there’s sick mountain biking down the flanks of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, plus a dusty-bottom ride from the edge of the Andes to the Amazon on the Ruta de Las Cascadas, a 61km ride that takes you past a dozen waterfalls as you descend from Baños to Puyo.

Pin this imageEcuador's cloud forest © Kseniya Ragozina / Getty Images

It seems that everywhere there’s a zip line (ask to go headfirst, Superman-style with arms outstretched), a bridge to jump (or swing from in a local derivation of bungee jumping known as puenteing), or a mountain to climb. For wildlife watching, you have world-class birding in places like Mindo, Amazonian jungle romps for glimpses of monkeys, toucans, river dolphins and caimans along the Río Napo, staggering biodiversity in far-out parks like Parque Nacional Podocarpus and, of course, journeys through the place that revealed The Origin of the Species, the Galapagos Islands.

What to bring

There are a few things you won’t want to forget:

• Vaccinations (for visits to the Amazon)
• Insect repellent
• Travel insurance
• Clothes: hat, warm sweater or jacket, water and windproof jacket, shorts, swimsuits, light long sleeve shirt and trousers
• Ear plugs
• Flashlight
• Utility knife

by Greg Benchwick 

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/travel-tips-and-articles/ultimate-ecuador-plan-your-perfect-adventure#ixzz3xoDVnyFR

Quito Becomes Leading South American Destination For Third Consecutive Year

Quito, Leading South American Destination for third consecutive year

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was awarded the “Leading South American Destination” distinction by the World Travel Awards for a third year in a row at the ceremony held in Bogotá, Colombia on October 10th. This award is considered “the Oscar of Tourism”, it acknowledges Quito as a destination of excellence for travelers.

To win Leading South American Destination for the third time is the result of the arduous work performed by the Municipality of Quito through the Quito Turismo Metropolitan Company, both in the promotion and development of tourism, and in the different activities carried out in order to capture online votes.

Quito Turismo implemented several promotional activities with tour operators, hotels, universities, and private companies, between April and August 2015, in order to incentivize those Quiteños that are part of, or associated with, these organizations, to vote. 32 organizations involved in tourism were approached to obtain their staffs’ votes. 7960 votes were gathered as a result of all the promotional activities performed.

The joint effort by the public and private sectors consolidates a coordinated work trajectory to strengthen touristic activity in Quito, with the current goal of positioning the city as a convention and conference destination, given that construction of the new Convention Center is set to begin, and Quito shall also host Habitat III, the United Nations’ world urbanism conference.