¡Bienvenido a Ecuador! 

As we continue our virtual tour around the globe, we now take you to one of South America’s smallest, but most treasured countries. Lying between its borders on the Pacific Ocean, and wedged between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador holds an extreme amount of biodiversity that includes coastal plains, Andean central highlands, tropical Amazonian rainforest lowlands and Darwin’s mysterious Galapagos Islands.  Volcanoes and mountains are capped with snow, streets brim with historic architectural treasures and the Amazon basin overflows with extraordinary wildlife and native cultures that have survived for centuries.

Let us show you why UNESCO has deemed World Heritage Site status to four sites in Ecuador – the colonial ‘Old Town’ of Quito, the ancient city of Cuenca, the unique ecosystems at Sangay National Park and, of course, the Galapagos islands – through articles that capture the spirit and beauty of the country.  Home to the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi, and the famous Galapagos tortoise, Ecuador truly makes up for its deceivingly small size on a map!

Muchas gracias,

Stacy Fiorentinos
President

 
 


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current featured conservation project






Metropolitan Touring

What you need to know about the Galapagos tortoise – by Dale Toweill

The Top 10 reasons to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos

Indigenous Lore: The Cofans of Amazonia – what happens when the modern world infringes on native cultures

Featured accommodation – M/Y La Pinta

The Ecuadorian Perspective by Francisco "Pancho" Dousdebés

The Naturalist’s Perspective – Whale Watching with Maricarmen Ramírez

Charles Darwin and the Research Center by Maricarmen Ramírez

Challenging Thoughts from the Middle of the Pacific Ocean – by Francisco "Pancho" Dousdebés

Deja vu All over Again – Galapagos Revisited for the First Time – by Gerry Ellis

Ancient land, modern times - Egypt today by Dale Toweill

A Matter of Pride, Twin Lion Cubs born in MalaMala, South Africa (Part 2)

'Pink' Elephant spotted at Chitabe Camp, Botswana

Rare ceremonial rock art found at Bushman’s Kloof, South Africa

Two Black Rhino Calves Born on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya

Ancient footprints: Earliest signs of modern feet found in Northern Kenya

Albino black-backed jackal at Etosha National Park, Namibia




Ron Magill





Gerry Ellis@GLOBIO.org

Classic Escapes introduces our new Lay-Away Payment PlanWe just made it easier for you to see the world!  

Ecuador & the Galapagos Unmatched – Quito, Cotopaxi, Guayaquil, and 4-night cruise aboard the luxurious La Pinta at a special price.

National Aquarium expedition to the Galapagos Islands – a few spots are available on a 7-night cruise aboard the 16-passenger M/Y Monserrat

South Africa Unmatched – Cape Town & Kruger National Park at an unbeatable price.

Cultural India – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Ranthambhore National Park

Wild India – Delhi, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Khajuraho, Agra

Botswana Unmatched – the Okavango Delta & the Kalahari

Southern Africa Unmatched – Victoria Falls in Zambia, Caprivi Strip in Namibia and Okavanago Delta in Botswana

Global Philanthropy Kenya– Sweetwaters, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara. Take children from Matanya school on safari and see the wildlife through their eyes!

Classic Escapes welcomes Keith Williams, Travel Study Manager

The travel community mourns the passing of Shakir Moledina, founder of ARP and a giant in Africa Tourism

HBO launches the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series; Botswana Tourism launches a contest for consumers who can win a fabulous safari to Botswana

Recipes from Ecuador

Charities: Tortoise Club for Schools

Tips for Tipping around the world



Botswana Tourist Board

Ron Magill

An Ecuadorian Story on Sustainability – by Francisco "Pancho" Dousdebes

The Penguin Project – Punta Tombo, Patagonia, Argentina – by Dee Boersma

Bioboundary Experiment – Northern Tuli Wild Dog Reintroduction by Tico McNutt

Action for Cheetah update from Mary Wykstra

CCF Namibia Update by Dr. Laurie Marker

North Carolina Zoo Polar Bear heaven in the snow

Los Angeles Zoo Koala Baby

San Diego Zoo joins effort to save desert tortoise; spunky rhino calf needs TLC from keepers; gorilla baby joins family at exhibit; efforts made to save Australia habitats affected by the wild fires

Louisville Zoo's baby giraffe surviving despite difficulties and Scotty the elephant celebrates his second birthday

Columbus Zoo's brand new baby elephant


Kara Bussabarger,
The Louisville Zoo

We invite you to send us 5 of your best photos from your most recent trip taken through Classic Escapes. We will publish the top 10 in every newsletter, and with your permission, will use the photos on our publications and itineraries. A caption about where the picture was taken and why this is a special photo for you, under each photo, will be appreciated. Photos should be sent to Stacy Fiorentinos at stacyf@classicescapes.com.

Want a better look at the photo? Click the thumbnail to see an enlarged image!