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Discover Ecuador, The Galapagos And Yasuni National Park
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Author: Lori Sbow Ecuador has rapidly become the destination of choice for travelers looking for the right combination of convenience and adventure. You can fly to Quito direct from Atlanta and be there in just 5 hours - there's no jet lag, so you can begin your tour right away instead of sleeping off half a day in your hotel.
Ecuador's unique geography puts an incredibly diverse range of ecosystems in easy reach. It will keep you wondering how one country can offer such variety. However, the jewel in Ecuador's ecotourism crown is the Galapagos Islands, located 600 miles off the coast. The Galapagos is more than a unique site for biological diversity, however. It's filled with a deep, powerful history that changed the course of human thinking about life itself. That's why the Galapagos Islands have been made a UNESCO World Heritage site. Contrary to what many people believe, however, it's possible to visit much of the Galapagos without disturbing its unique legacy.
The islands boast spectacular volcanic rock landscapes and barren vegetation along with a variety of exotic and rare wildlife, including giant tortoises, iguanas, sea lions and the blue footed boobies. Long considered a natural laboratory, the Galapagos archipelago sits in the Pacific Ocean with 125 islands, 5 of which are inhabited. 97% of this 3000 square mile territory compromises the Galapagos National Park. When you visit this national park you'll see efforts to protect the islands first hand. The park authority limits the number of visitors to the islands each year, so it's essential to plan ahead with a tour package.
You can only reach them by a flight from Guayaquil then on small ocean vessels. No large cruise ships allowed, and ecotourism policies ensure that travelers leave a minimum impact n the land. The only evidence of your visit you'll leave on the islands is your footprints. Currently, the Galapagos Islands are at a critical turning point; authorities may further limit the number of visitors each year to better preserve the islands, so travelers are advised to book their tours soon.
Condor Outfitters offers tour packages that include the Galapagos Islands and more - Ecuador has plenty of other natural and cultural attractions. In their recommended itinerary, travelers fly from the islands to the Amazon basin, with an overnight stay in Ecuador's capital, Quito: an attraction in of itself, nestled in the Andes, 9000 feet above sea level. From there, you would take a commuter flight to the town of Coca for a 2 hour journey by boat up the Napo River to the Yasuni National Park.
This enormous UNESCO site (about 5 million acres) includes the Yasuní, Nashino, Cononaco, and Tiputini river basins, and can only be reaches by boat. The park is well known for the diverse wildlife that inhabits its densely forested hillsides and permanently flooded lowlands. Yasuní wildlife highlights include monkeys, jaguars, harpy eagles, snakes, tropical birds and caimans. The average temperature here is around 80 degrees year around. Eco friendly lodges are available for an enhanced travel experience. The Galapagos and Yasuni National Park are only two of the once in a lifetime destinations available in Ecuador. If we described the other natural, cultural and historical attractions available here, this article would never end. The allure of this country is in its unparalleled variety. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lori Snow is the CEO of Condor Outfitters an adventure travel agency specializing in Ecuador tourism including Galapagos trip packages. Contact Condor Outfitters at 770-339-9961 or by emailing info@condoroutfitters.com.
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