Ecuador Meeting #2

During our second group meeting, our discussions focused on Ecuador's different regions and our travel itinerary.  Ecuador is a unique country in the fact you can travel 4 hours north, east, south, or west and be submerged a completely different climate.  I believe we will be lucky enough to experience all these different climates and the beauty they offer.

Our travel itinerary takes us to many parts of Ecuador.  We start in Quito (Ecuador’s capital), next on to Pakay Chikta (a small town in the jungle), from there we travel to a hot spring in Papallacta, next is Santa Cruz (one of the Galapagos Islands) and then back to Quito.  With this aggressive itinerary, we will be touring quite a large part of the country and its rich culture. 

One of the most intriguing parts of this adventure is our visit to the Galapagos Islands.  I learned the islands are actually a volcanic hot spot and that it has been active for millions of years.  The islands are on top of a tectonic plate, which subsequently moves the islands southeast about 1” per year.  Over 500 species of fish reside around the Galapagos Islands along with hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and Galapagos penguins.  On land, marine iguanas and giant tortoises roam the rocks and beaches. I am hoping to catch a glimpse of the spectacular life forms which live in and around the Galapagos region. 

Ecuador Meeting #1

In February 2013, I will be traveling hundreds of miles away from home on a group trip with fellow educators and administrators.  This study tour adventure will take us to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon region of South America.  

During our first meeting as a travel group, we learned many interesting facts about the history, geographic regions, and politics of Ecuador and its surrounding countries.  Ecuador has a rich history beginning thousands of years before our time here on earth.  The historic country has seen many rulers and forms of government staring in 9,000 B.C. until now.  The country itself has served as allies and enemies to many of the surrounding countries/regions.  Its natural geography is fascinating because it is part coast, mountain, and jungle.  Because Ecuador is located directly on the equator, it makes for a hot and humid climate (pack the sun block). 

Off of the coast of Ecuador sit 14 small islands called the Galapagos Islands (a region we will be visiting).  They are located 621 miles west of the coast.  The infamous scientist, Charles Darwin made the Galapagos a popular travel destination because of his research on different species of finches.   

As an individual who loves to learn and explore, I am excited to visit Ecuador and learn more about the history, culture, and natural habitat of the Ecuador regions and the Galapagos Islands.