Ecuador.comYour Ecuador blog Galapagos off UNESCO Danger ListThe Galapagos Islands, just off the coast of Ecuador, are a chain of volcanic islands referred to as an archipelago. Tourists flock to the islands to catch a glimpse of the endemic species and rare wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin and have captivated generations for centuries. But it is also the presence of the current population and the endless number of tourists that have put the Galapagos Islands at risk, and saw to it that they were added to the UNESCO danger list of world heritage sites in 2007. But innovative efforts by the Ecuadorian government has brought change and hope to this breathtaking natural wonder. Posted on 24 August 2010 | 1:23 pm Music Star Ivan NajeraNot many artists can say that they have shared a stage with legendary musicians and performers such as Jose Feliciano, Julio Iglesias or even Enrique Coria. However, a very talented Ecuadorian guitarist and singer already has these amazing moments to look back on, and is continuing to make a name for himself within the music industry, namely Ivan Najera. His talent and unique style has skyrocketed him to stardom in Ecuador, and he is beginning to win over the hearts of many international music enthusiasts. Posted on 29 July 2010 | 9:51 am La Florida Archaeological Site MuseumFONSAL is an organisation that was established in Quito and is responsible for the safeguarding of the heritage of the city and of Ecuador. To accomplish this mission, the organisation has a team of architects and archaeologists who work tirelessly to preserve archaeological sites and in turn conserve the history of the country. Their latest challenge has been the excavation of the La Florida Archaeological Site. Although there is still work to be done to complete the excavation, ten burial sites have been excavated and have been opened to the public. Posted on 8 July 2010 | 12:58 pm Visiting MontanitaThe town of Montanita can be best described as a small surfing paradise with picturesque beaches and magnificent waves. What was once a quiet town with a few surfer tents pitched along the coastline and wooden fishermen homes has developed into a quaint seaside resort destination that welcomes thousands of foreign visitors each year. The surfers still flock to this idyllic location in the Santa Elena province, but the town now has a host of accommodation options, exciting attractions and thrilling activities for all to enjoy. Posted on 15 June 2010 | 12:51 pm Tiputini Biodiversity StationThe Tiputini Biodiversity Station is located near the city of Quito and is an attraction that the entire family can enjoy. Due to its close proximity to the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, the Tiputini Biodiversity Station offers visitors picturesque landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders to enjoy. Boston University and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito combined their efforts to establish the station for educational, conservation and research purposes. Covering an area of approximately 650 hectares, the station borders on the tranquil Tiputini River and is relatively untouched as the area has enjoyed a reasonable degree of protection due to its location. Posted on 21 May 2010 | 9:36 am Parque Condor’s Raptor RehabilitationSituated near the city of Otavalo is a park that is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the birds of prey in Ecuador. Parque Condor rescues injured birds of prey and works towards rehabilitating them, trying to ensure a future for these birds amidst the chaos created by human intervention, including the loss of natural habitats and the capture of the birds as pets. At the Parque Condor visitors will not only be able to see a variety of breathtaking raptors, but experience the significance of the work done by the park. Posted on 28 April 2010 | 10:28 am Escuela Taller in QuitoLocated in the Old Town district of Quito, in Ecuador, is a school that is dedicated to the education of under privileged children, assisting street children to create a future. This project was inaugurated in the year 1992 and is known at the Escuela Taller Quito. Once a maternity hospital, the building in which Escuela Taller Quito is situated was renovated to suit their needs and is open to the public who can be taught more about this fine cause and join in on interactive initiatives. Posted on 2 April 2010 | 11:46 am Adventure in LloaThere is a small village in the Pichincha Province of Ecuador where hikers and mountain bikers frolic in the beauty of nature and surrounding landscapes. It is a village surrounded by lush vegetation and breathtaking panoramic views. Located just outside the city of Quito, Lloa borders on the spectacular Pinchincha Volcano foothills. Over and above its obvious beauty, there are a host of adventures and activities to enjoy. It is the ideal location for a perfect encounter with nature and the magnificence of Ecuador. Posted on 9 March 2010 | 12:01 pm Biodiverse Yasuni National ParkLocated near the city of Quito is a peaceful and breathtaking national park that consists mainly of rain forest. It also has a very rich history with a division of the park being ancestral lands of the indigenous Huaorani, and in 1989 the park was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This magnificent park is Yasuni National Park and has recently been making headlines as scientists and researchers have revealed that it is now believed to be one of the most diverse parks in the world. Posted on 11 February 2010 | 11:42 am Bird Watching in Loma AltaAre you a bird watching enthusiast in search of a beautiful destination with an abundance of birdlife? Then be sure to book a trip to the community owned Loma Alta Ecological Reserve in Ecuador. Located 150 miles from Guayaquil in the Santa Elena Peninsula, the reserve encompasses approximately 6 000 hectares of land, of which a portion consists of endangered fog forest. Posted on 18 January 2010 | 9:31 am |