Parque Nacional Cajas (near Cuenca) – located from 30 km. west of Cuenca, consisting of 2,854 km. of mountainous Andean grasslands (known locally as páramos). This park literally has hundreds of lakes that exist in stark contrast to the scruffy-like countryside. The park’s biodiversity (with its variety of plants and animals) is another natural attraction […]
Qmanda Parque Urbano (Terminal Terrestre, San Sebastián, Quito) – this one-time bus terminal was converted into this modern complex, where sports and culture combine to offer locals and visitors a central and safe place to enjoy activities together. With outdoor plazas, a green agora, a climbing wall, walking, jogging and biking trails, tennis and volleyball […]
TelefériQo (Quito) – located at the west end of Quito, the TelefériQo (consisting of a network of enclosed gondolas) takes visitors 2.5 km up the slopes of Volcán Pichincha to the top of Cruz Loma. From there, visitors can get spectacular views of the city and mountain areas (assuming it’s a clear, sunny day). Price: […]
Teatro Bolívar (Calle Espejo, e/Guayaquil y Flores Quito) – built in 1933, this theater has held a number of concerts, recitals, operas, ballets, and plays. The theater fell victim to a fire during the late 1990s (with renovations conducted in stages). Guided tours of the theater and its history are offered ($1 per person) weekdays […]
Parque La Carolina (Av. Amazonas, Av. De los Shyris, Av. Naciones Unidas, Av. Eloy Alfaro, Quito) – located towards the northern end of Quito, this is the most popular park in the city for practicing sports (soccer, athletics, basketball, tennis, and the popular ecuavolley, a local version of volleyball) and for trotting in the mornings […]
Malecón 2000 (Guayaquil) – located in the coastal city of Guayaquil, this 2.5 km. long tourist-friendly seaside promenade overlooks the Guayas River, and offers the finest art, museums, food and atmosphere in the country. This part of Guayaquil also acts as the modern face of Ecuador, offering visitors a wide range of activities (varying from […]
Bar Cordano (esquina Jr. Carabaya y Jr. Ancash No. 202, Lima) – located near the Government Palace, this is one of Lima’s oldest bars (dating back from 1905, when Italian immigrants started the place up). Along with serving Pisco and other drinks, this place also serves sandwiches with the Portuguese rolls typically used to fill […]
Ayahuasca (Prolongación San Martín 130, Barranco, Lima) – located within a former mansion, this tourist-friendly bar stands out for its Spanish colonial-style exterior, and its multi-color interiors. First-time visitors will be astounded to hear that this bar provides exotic drinks made with exotic plants, including coca leaves.
Aura (Larcomar Mall, Malecón de la Reserva, Barranco, Lima) – located in the hip Barranco district of Lima (within the popular seaside Larcomar mall), Aura is a large nightclub for the 20-something crowd, and plays a variety of dance music – from Latin rhythms like Salsa and Cumbia, to international Top 40 pop, House and […]
Vivaldino (Larcomar Mall, Malecón de la Reserva, Barranco, Lima) – located within the popular Larcomar shopping center, this restaurant already has the distinct advantage of offering its well-heeled diners great seaside views. It serves a variety of seafood and international dishes, and gets points for its well-trained, multi-lingual staff.