Karen Dianderas

Miami, FL

Ecuador Travel Agent Expert

Ecuador is a country of contrasts. It boasts a coast lined with sandy beaches and turquoise waters and an interior of highlands, cloud forests, and Amazon rainforest. The capital city of Quito is cosmopolitan while other places in the country offer an experience of authentic Ecuadorian culture. That’s why, as your travel agent advisor, I am excited about helping you plan a trip to Ecuador that is both meaningful and memorable. In fact, there are so many interesting places to see in Ecuador that it can be tough narrowing them down to the spots you plan to see. With such a large number of attractions, you might think you need more time to explore them all. However, if you have limited time and want to maximize your travel experience, I can help you pare down the selections.

The City of Quito

The capital city of Ecuador is the city of Quito. This vibrant city is known for its colonial architecture, high altitude, and amazing parks. The city was also the host city for the 2016 World Games.

The Ruins of the Inca Empire

The ruins of the Inca Empire are a must-see attraction in Ecuador. Located about two hours from Guayaquil, the site of the ruins is known as the “City of the Incas.” They are among the best preserved ruins in the world. Built by the Incas between 1438 and 1533, the site is considered sacred by the local population. To prevent looting at the site, local authorities have erected fences around the attraction. Besides the ruins, visitors to the site can also enjoy lush landscapes, waterfalls, and cool temperatures. Due to the cultural significance of the attraction, visitors should not bring food and liquids inside the outdoor facility.

Baños (The Baths)

Baños de Agua Santa is located close to the Amazon Basin. It’s a wonderful place, known for its hiking trails and its active volcano, Tungurahua, which lies to the south. It also is revered for its mineral-rich hot springs. The center of it all, the Church of Our Lady of Holy Water, features paintings that depict miracles of the Virgin Mary. The dramatic cascades, to the east, Agoyan and El Pailon del Diablo, pour into the Rio Pastaza. The mineral-rich local baths are known for treating conditions, such as depression, memory loss, skin disorders, and even addiction issues.

Visit a Coffee Plantation

If you are interested in the history of Ecuador, a visit to a coffee plantation is a must-do activity. Coffee is a major cash crop in Ecuador. Therefore, a visit to a coffee plantation can be an exciting adventure. There are many coffee plantations in the country. Different plantations offer unique tourism experiences. Upon arrival at the plantation, visitors are taken on a tour with a “coffee guide.” The guide tells visitors about the plantation and its history, the coffee variety that is grown on the farm, and the lifecycle of the coffee plant. Visitors can also engage in different activities at the site, such as visiting the museum or helping in the cultivation of the coffee plants.

Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands are one of the most interesting attractions in Ecuador. They are located about 1,000 km from the mainland. The best way to visit the islands is to take a cruise. Some cruise operators offer tours where visitors observe marine life while other cruises feature trips where visitors can observe the inland wildlife - one of the best places to see animals in the wild. The islands are unique, as they are located on each side of the equator, or in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Guayaquil (The Coastal Capital)

The coastal city of Guayaquil is one of the most visited cities in Ecuador. The coastal city is one of the fastest growing cities in the country with a fast-growing economy. It has a mix of both modern and colonial architecture. It is also a place known for its cuisine. Some of the most famous dishes in the city are ceviche, arepa, and quimbombó. Manta (A Popular Tourist Destination)If you’re seeking a beach holiday, I might suggest the popular tourist destination of Manta. You can enjoy numerous water sports on a holiday in Manta, which is also a seaport and one of the major commercial hubs in the country.

Otavalo (Village Market Where You Can Buy Handmade Fabrics)

Otavalo is a small village in the highlands of Ecuador. The town is famous for its market where people come to buy handmade products such as hand-woven carpets, bags, and clothes. Visitors can also find food items and souvenirs at the market. Located in the highlands of the Andes, volcanoes surround Otavalo, which is also home to a textile museum that features local weaving exhibits and demonstrations.

Contact Me Now So We Can Start Planning Your Ecuador Holiday

Ecuador is a country brimming with natural beauty and cultural attractions. From the ancient Inca ruins to the Galápagos Islands, you will be amazed by the diversity of the country. Contact me for further details. I would love to be your travel agent specialist for Ecuador. I know you’ll have a fascinating holiday.

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Norway Travel Agent Trip Professional

Norway is known for its stunning scenery and its niche culture, but it’s also a country filled with fascinating sights and activities. If you’re looking to explore a little, then look no further than Norway. I can help you with the transition as your travel agent and trip planner. The following information will give you additional reasons to start planning a trip now. Situated between the Arctic and the Atlantic oceans, Norway is home to breathtaking mountains, fjords, valleys, lakes, and some of the loveliest scenery on earth. What’s more, it has over 5,000km of coastline, so if you love exploring, you’re in for a treat.

Visit the Norwegian Fjords

The Norwegian fjords are truly one of the most magical places to visit in the country. Glaciers, which once covered much of Europe, sculpted the fjords as well as the stunning mountain valleys that wind through the Scandinavian countryside. The fjords are home to some of the country’s most famous attractions, including the Geiranger fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage-recognized site, and the Flåm railroad between Norway’s largest cities, Oslo and Bergen. These fjords are a photographer’s dream come true, so you’ll want to make sure you take your camera with you to capture all nature’s splendor.Spend the Day at the Oslo Specialty Site,

Treetops Adventure

Treetops Adventure is one of Oslo’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can climb the 170-foot-high tree stands at Treetops and enjoy the stunning views of Oslo and the surrounding region. The adventure park also features thrilling ziplines, a jungle gym, climbing walls, and other activities to make your day even more exciting. If you’re looking to take your Norwegian adventure to the next level, this is an excellent place to start. Hike Trolltunga, One of Norway’s Most Challenging Hikes If you love to hike, one of the places I suggest you visit is Trolltunga. The large cliff peers 700 meters over Ringedalsvatnet Lake where it sits on the west edge of the Hardangervidda plateau, close to the town of Odda. While trekking up the rock, Trolltunga (1,180 meters) is one challenging “walk,” it has its rewards - mostly in the form of magnificent views. You’ll begin at the main trailhead at Skjeggedal, with an estimated hike time of about 12 hours, less if you’re in super fit shape. You can also find another trailhead at Mageliotopp, whose hike time is about 10 hours, on average, if you’re up to the hiking challenge. Visit the Highest Point in Norway - GaldhopiggenIf you’re into hiking as well as mountain climbing, you won’t want to miss a tour, taking you up the highest peak Galdhopiggen. At almost 2,470 meters above sea level, Galdhopiggen is Norway’s and Northern Europe’s highest mountain.

Visit the Christiania Torv in Oslo

A square in Oslo, Christiania Torv, is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the capital. You can also see a hand-shaped fountain, pointing to the ground. It symbolizes the words of King Christian IV, who said that he would have the city rebuilt at this spot, after a fire annihilated the city in 1624. The capital, Oslo, was once called Christiania (from 1624 to 1877). From 1877 to 1925, it was known as Kristiania. It sits next to the Oslo Fjord in the southeast part of Norway. See The Northern

Lights in Tromsø

Tromsø, a small city in the far north of Norway, is one of the best places in the country to see the Northern Lights. The area is home to some of the most persistent aurora activity in the world. You can visit Tromsø during the summer, when the city turns into a bustling tourist hub, or in the winter, when the lights are at their best.

Go Whale-Watching in Sognefjord and Dyrøyfjord

Sognefjord is one of Norway’s most iconic and well-known tourist attractions. The stunning fjord features hundreds of waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers, as well as UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites like Flåm railway, Geiranger, and Gjendesheim. In the summer, you can go whale-watching in Sognefjord. The whales migrate out to the open sea near the fjord, where you can watch them from a boat or shoreline. Here, you can watch whales migrate between Svalbard, the Arctic archipelago where Norway lays claim, and Arctic Russia. From May to September, you can see fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales around Svalbard, where you can take a day trip from Longyearbyen. Take a Cooking Class If you want to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture while also learning some new culinary techniques, consider taking a cooking class. Most cities offer cooking classes, and there are several options you can choose from. Some are free, while others cost a small fee. Alternatively, you can also book a day trip to a farm where you can learn with a local chef. You can find some truly unique places to visit while you’re visiting Norway. Give me a call so we can begin planning a unique and memorable holiday. I am excited about being your travel agent and advisor for this one-of-a-kind northern locale.

My Reviews

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Guardian Angel

I will never book travel on my own again. Karen was super thorough, always available and always in-touch. She even helped me navigate through a complicated change of itinerary when I became suddenly ill overseas. Thanks for being there Karen!

By Adam from Shunk, PA
Traveled to Norway ~ Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends