Samai HOTEL & Healing - Retreat Center
Sacred Journeys " Transforming Consciousness"
ECUADORSuntrail Samai = Spirit
ECUADORSuntrail Samai = Spirit
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Fast Facts Ecuador Population: 13 million(August 1998 -- the latest official census available) Size: 270,000 sq km Language: Spanish Currency: U.S. Dollar (since March 2000) Current President: Rafael Correa Main market days in Ecuador Saturday: Otavalo, Latacunga, Riobamba, Cotacachi, Guano, AzoguezSunday: Sangolqui, Machachi, Pujili, Peguche, Cuenca, Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Salcedo, Tulcan Monday: Ambato Tuesday: Latacunga, Riobamba, Guano Wednesday: Pujili Thursday: Saquisili, Cuenca, Riobamba, Tulcan Altitude sickness (soroche) Can occur when you ascend to high altitudes quickly, such as when you fly from the coast of Ecuador to the mountainous regions.The best way to prevent soroche is to travel slowly, spending a day or two ascending. Most travelers only suffer from headaches or shortness of breath, but more serious symptoms include vomiting, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, a rapid pulse and irregular breathing. The best treatment is rest, deep breathing, lots of water and a mild painkiller. If symptoms are very severe, the only effective cure is oxygen -- by descending to a lower elevation. Greetings in Ecuador Strangers usually greet each other with, "Buenos dias, como esta?"Male friends and casual acquaintances shake hands at the beginning and at the end. Men often kiss women on the cheek, except in a business meeting where a handshake is more appropriate. Women usually kiss each other once on the cheek as well. Close male friends usually hug each other. Activities Source (Lonly Planet)Pacific Coast: Centro Samai-SAn Jose Manglaralto. Isla de la Plata, Machalilla Some of the country's finest climbing and trekking is found about 60km (37mi) south of Quito in Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, whose cone-shaped centerpiece, 5900m (19,350ft) Volcán Cotopaxi, is the world's tallest active volcano. Don't attempt to climb higher than the José Ribas refuge (at 4800m/15,750ft) without a guide, proper equipment and a good deal of previous snow and ice climbing experience. Further south, the town of Baños makes a good base for short walks and ambitious climbs, and it has the added bonus of having toasty thermal springs nearby. Near Cuenca in the southern highlands, the Area Nacional de Recreación Las Cajas offers rugged hiking in bleak terrain scattered with beautiful lakes. Ecuador's highest peak, the 6310m (20,700ft) Chimborazo, is not for daytrippers - if you're not an experienced climber, stick to the area around the mountain, which is great for less strenuous treks. Ecuador has warm coastal water year round. There are decent swimming beaches at Atacames, San Vicente, Bahía de Caráquez, Bahía de Manta, Salinas and Playas. Beware of the strong undertow at Atacames, which claims victims every year. Scuba diving is possible in the Galápagos Islands, but you must have your own equipment and book a tour in advance. Snorkeling in the archipelago is less of a hassle - you may even find baby sea lions approaching to stare at you through your mask. Again, bring your own gear and book ahead. Jungle excursions in the Oriente can be arranged at Misahualí, Coca, Baños, Dureno, Tena and Quito. Excursions often include walks, swims and dugout-canoe trips. Birdwatching is best on jungle tours or while visiting Area Nacional de Recreación Las Cajas, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi or the Galápagos Islands. Volcano Chimborazo The highest peak in Ecuador at 6310mThe highest peak in the Americas north of it The farthest point from the center of the Earth (because of the Earth's bulge at the equator) The volcano is now extinct For climbers, "The Normal Route" takes about eight to 10 hours from the first refuge to the summit Ecuador's exports and imports (source:-- The World Fact book 2000 website) Export commodities: petroleum, bananas, shrimp, coffee, cocoa, cut flowers, fishExports partners: U.S. 39%, Colombia 7%, Italy 6%, Peru 5%, Chile 3% (1998) Exports: $4.1 billion (f.o.b., 1999) Import commodities: machinery and equipment, raw materials, fuels, consumer goods Import partners: U.S. 39%, Colombia 11%, Japan 9%, Venezuela 5%, Mexico 3% (1998) Imports: $2.8 billion (c.i.f., 1999) Guayaquil Name: The city is named after the Indian Chief, Guayas, and his wife, QuillLocation: Along the southwestern coast of Ecuador, in the province of Guayas Population: 2,118,000 (the most populous city in Ecuador) Founded: July 25, 1538 Importance: More exports and imports pass through Guayaquil than all other Ecuadorian ports.
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questions or comments about this web site. Adress: E15 Km 700 VIA DEL PACIFICO San Jose -
Santa Elena / Phone: 011 593
42780167 / Cell: 011 593 94621316
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