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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Florida Travel Agent Expert

The Sunshine Statement lives up to its name, as Florida has 237 days of sun per year. The other times, when it rains, you still can't feel its sunny vibes. The state spans over two time zones and its take over 12 hours to drive from Pensacola to Key West, so the state offers a lot in the way of sites and attractions. Packed with fun things to see and do, Florida offers easy access to two major gateway cities, Orlando, home to Disney World, and Miami. If you visit Miami for a week, I suggest including visits to the Florida Keys and the Everglades on your itinerary - a great way to immerse yourself in tropical Florida's scenery. If you plan a two-week trip to Florida, I might suggest an adventure that sweeps through North and Central Florida, adding Disney World, as part of the travel plan. While it is easy to drift on the water or spend time at the beach, you will also receive great rewards by setting aside the beach towel and exploring the Floridian landscape. The lush woodlands and rolling hillsides in northern Florida, along with colorful displays of azaleas and bougainvillea in the spring, shatter myths about the Florida terrain being sandy and flat. Wild areas, such as the Everglades, which harbor alligators, remind the adventure-seeker of the type of place Florida was before real estate entrepreneurs moved in to change the landscape. The oldest town in the US, St. Augustine, offers a wealth of historical buildings - giving trip-goers a glimpse of life, as it was in the 1700s. You might say that Florida is a state separated - one where the climate is temperate as well as tropical. While the roads in the North display stately oaks, palms in the south shade people from a subtropical sun. Northern Floridians tend to speak with a southern drawl while southern residents communicate in both Spanish and English. Florida is a lovely and interesting state, one that is full of diversity, culturally and historically. As your travel agent and advisor for Florida, I can promise you a vacation that will be one you will never forget. Contact me today for further details. Email or phone me at your convenience.

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