Friday, May 10, 2013

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Officials review Ecuador's earthquake vulnerability; Cuenca is at a lower risk while coastal risk is highest

Posted By Admin | Published: May 7, 2013 12:43
How prepared is Ecuador for a major earthquake? Not very, say some Ecuador's emergency management officials, who are reviewing emergency procedures that would respond to disasters similar to those suffered in Haiti. Peru and Chile in the last five years.
Ecuador lies on the eastern rim of the seismically active area known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, according the Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute. There have been at least 37 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher since 1541, when written records by the Spanish were first maintained, the institute says. The government estimates that more than 80,000 died as a result of those earthquakes.
It is important, officials say, to know the level of risk of the area you live in. For example, Manta is at a relatively high risk for a catastrophic earthquake whereas Cuenca is at relatively low risk. Countrywide, the area of greatest risk, says the institute, is the coast, particularly the area from Manta to the Colombia border, followed by the northern Andes including the cities of Ambato, Riobamba, Quito and Ibarra.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Lonely Planet - Introducing Ecuador - Best in Travel 2013

Picturesque colonial centers, Kichwa villages, Amazonian rainforest and the breathtaking heights of the Andes – Ecuador may be small, but it has a dazzling array of wonders....

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador

Click here to find out more! Advertisement
Cultural Splendor
The historic centers of Quito and Cuenca – both Unesco World Heritage Sites – are lined with photogenic plazas, 17th-century churches and monasteries, and beautifully restored mansions. Wandering the cobblestone streets amid architectural treasures from Spanish colonial days is a fine way to delve into the past. You can travel further back by contemplating great pre-Columbian artworks at museums across the country...

Galápagos Islands vs Isla de la Plata, Ecuador

Isla de la Plata is known as the ‘Poor Man’s Galápagos’. It’s certainly easier and cheaper to access – just 27km off the Ecuadorian mainland, while the Galápagos is 1000km. Species here include whales, sea lions and birds, including boobies, frigatebirds and waved albatross; Galápagos faves such as giant tortoise and penguins are absent.
Worth the saving? A Plata day-trip (around US$35) is fine, but is no match. An eight-night Galápagos cruise costs from US$1500 plus flights – but find the cash if you can.... http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/value-travel/expensive-experiences-cheaper-alternatives/

Another ‘monster’ sighting in the Cajas Mountains; British hikers and guide

Posted By Admin | Published: May 6, 2013 23:06
He is called Wawa Grande by the indigenous people living in the Cajas Mountains west of Cuenca. He was called the Monstruo de las Cajas in a 1997 German magazine article.

He can also be called the monster that won’t go away, despite the best efforts of Ecuador’s national park service and a number of scientists.

A Quito television station reported three weeks ago that two British hikers and their tour guide spotted the elusive creature in Cajas National Park during a three-day trek. The trio claimed to have observed the over-sized humanoid animal for several minutes in a remote area of the park in early April.
http://www.cuencahighlife.com/post/2013/05/06/Another-e28098monstere28099-sighting-reported-in-the-Cajas-Mountains3b-British-hikers-debating-whether-to-release-photos.aspx
 

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Discover Quito Ecuador: La Mariscal District in Quito Ecuador

Discover Quito Ecuador: La Mariscal District in Quito Ecuador
 La Mariscal District in Quito Ecuador
      La Mariscal District

As promised we’re going to talk about the three main districts that are located in Quito Ecuador. This post will be about the La Mariscal District in Quito.

Each area of Quito city has its own unique ambiance that sets it apart. La Mariscal is also known as “the tourist area” because it is where many tourists stay and there is a lot to do and see here.

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador Andes guide - GUARANDA

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Ecuador Andes guide - GUARANDA: At 2668 m Guaranda is the provincial capital of the province of Bolivar in Ecuador. Located in the heart of the country.It is the smallest p...

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Potpourri - Ecuador expats blogs

ECUADOR NEWS MAGAZINE: Potpourri - Ecuador expats blogs: Ecuador news magazine - If you are coming to Ecuador and staying for more than 90 days you better give some thought to getting an Ecuadorian drivers license if you plan on driving. Recently police have been pulling over gringos and checking their documents. 
If you have been in the country for more than 90 days and do not have an Ecuadorian drivers license you are subject to arrest with an automatic 3 days in jail and a fine.