Ecuador,
the tropical Andean country that has more than 40 different ecosystems
in a small land area, range from sea level to lofty Andean mountain
peaks, from southern costal deserts to tropical forests of the north
and the Amazon region, with snowcapped mountains and fog forests,
and in addition has the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. Rightly
so it has been recognized as one of the most diverse countries in
the world, occupying first place in its wealth of birds, reptiles,
mammals, amphibians, orchids and plants in general.
In turn, this small nation, is part of agrodiversity “hotspots”,
that is evolution centers for several groups of crop plants that
are among the most important for human nutrition.
Learn about the natural diversity of Ecuador during
visits to the spectacular Natural Parks and Ecologic Reserves. But
also acquaint yourself with markets and crop zones for some of the
crops that are special to this country, the varieties of traditional
tubercles, among them potatoes, which was finally taken by Sir Francis
Drake to the Old World; different species of quinoa and the enormous
variety of corn or peppers, as well as cocoa and banana. Learn about
exotic and unique fruits such as naranjilla and araza, which have
not yet found their way to international markets and see how tropical
crops from the entire world have adapted to this land. Observe the
efforts deployed to reproduce and maintain llamas, alpacas and vicuñas
as authentic animals, ecologically adapted to the Ecuadorian highlands.
Appreciate
the efforts of Indian communities in their quest to maintain their
traditional knowledge of herbal medicines and learn of quinine,
the enormous amount of medicines that have their origin in the tropical
rain forest. The quinine tree (whose bark was extensively used to
fight malaria) or the famous “sangre de drago” endemic
to the area.
But Ecuador is also a modern agricultural nation,
one of the world’s first exporters of bananas and farm produced
shrimp. Let us show you some of the most important examples of the
agro-industries typical of the country, and if we visit mangroves,
you will discover fascinating aspects of aquaculture.
It should not come as a surprise that in this country
of such varied nature there also exist great ethnical and cultural
varieties. Ecuador strives to connect itself with the developed
world. Pressures upon ecosystems and cultures are considerable,
but also significant are the efforts towards conservation of that
great natural and cultural wealth. Even cultural expressions are
a reflection of the variety and blend of cultures dating from pre-Inca
times to the present.
Come and enjoy seeing the beauty of our landscape, the natural richness
and cultural variety of this small Andean nation, which in a very
limited land surface represents South America as no other nation
can. Come and learn from professionals, academics and experts of
this multiple phase country and get to understand the reality and
beauty of a region.
Appreciate
the efforts of Indian communities in their quest to maintain their
traditional knowledge of herbal medicines and learn of quinine,
the enormous amount of medicines that have their origin in the tropical
rain forest. The quinine tree (whose bark was extensively used to
fight malaria) or the famous “sangre de drago” endemic
to the area. 
