Today, August 10th, Ecuador observes a national holiday, celebrating the first call for independence from Spain. For nearly 300 years, the Spanish had occupied and imposed colonial rule over Ecuador and much of Latin America. The inhabitants of Quito, the present-day capital of Ecuador, declared on August 10, 1809 their intention to secede from Spanish rule. Their success came 1822 after the Battle of Pichincha and they joined Simon Bolivar's Republic of Gran Columbia. In 1830, with the dissolution of Gran Columbia, Ecuador formed its own republic.
Ecuador's proclamation in 1809 is widely regarded as a catalyst for the continent-wide independence movement that soon followed. Because of their inspiring initial efforts to oust the Spanish, Quito is referred to as "Luz de America" which means "light of America."
August 10th has since become a federal holiday wherein Ecuadorians can celebrate and honor the heroic achievements of their ancestors.
One of the best ways to learn about Ecuadorian history is to visit the country itself. Detour features cultural tours of this amazing destination, including tours of Quito (a UNESCO world heritage site) and other places of special historic importance. Visit Detour to learn more about cultural tours of Ecuador.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Incidental Shark Fishing Law Approved by Ecuadorian Government -- A call to action
From Quasar Expeditions--
Last week the Ecuadorian Government overturned a law that prohibited the export of shark fins from Ecuador. It is now legal to export the fins of these animals and the incidental catch of sharks is also now legal. With these new laws, shark fishing is out of control. There is no logical way to determine if the fishing of sharks was incidental, but fishing ships are returning to port with more sharks than ever before.
The population of sharks is in danger all over Ecuadorian waters, including Galapagos, where several fishing ships have been found illegally fishing inside the marine reserve. Furthermore, the Ecuadorian Government has not renewed the contract that it had with Sea Shepherd International, a company that provided ships to patrol Galapagos waters in search of illegal shark fishing.
The situation is a very sad one for the future of the Galapagos Islands. Sharks are amongst the most essential underwater creatures in a healthy marine environment and their future is very uncertain.
We ask all agencies to help and take action in any way that they can to stop this massacre. You can contact organizations that you work with to put pressure on the Ministry of the Environment (mma@ambiente.gov.ec), the Ministry of Tourism (ministra@turismo.gov.ec), and the presidency (sugerencias@presidencia.gov.ec). Please send emails directly to those addresses, as well, expressing your opinions and concerns on the issue.
With enough resistance, we trust that these new laws can be overturned.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Quito Airport Increases Departure Tax
As of August 1, 2007, the Airport Departure Tax from the International Airport of Quito will increase to US$ 40.80.
For local flights, the airport tax will also increase to US$ 7.60, but this amount is already included in the rate of the domestic air tickets.
There has been no change in the Airport Departure Tax from the International Airport of Guayaquil; it continues to be US$ 26.00.
For local flights, the airport tax will also increase to US$ 7.60, but this amount is already included in the rate of the domestic air tickets.
There has been no change in the Airport Departure Tax from the International Airport of Guayaquil; it continues to be US$ 26.00.
Guatemala City airport safety rating upgraded
Good news from Guatemala: U.S. aviation authorities upgraded the safety rating of La Aurora, Guatemala City's international airport, to Category 1, saying it has met international standards!
Guatemala's government began remodelling the airport in 2006. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007.
Guatemala's government began remodelling the airport in 2006. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
ECUADOR MORE COMMITTED THAN EVER TO PRESERVING THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
ECUADOR MORE COMMITTED THAN EVER TO PRESERVING THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Ministry of Tourism Outlines Measures Aimed at Protecting Galapagos' Natural and Cultural Heritage
QUITO, Ecuador – July 04th, 2007 – Following the recent addition of the Galapagos Islands to the list of World Heritage Sites endangered by the UNESCO, Ecuador has reinforced its commitment to protecting the islands and has outlined some of the different initiatives that it has been undertaking jointly with national and international entities in order to preserve the Galapagos' natural and cultural heritage.
All tourism activity is being carried out normally in the islands and in accordance with the current regulations that prioritize the conservation of the archipelago's eco-system. Tourism is one of the most strictly controlled activities in the Galapagos Islands .
“The inscription of the Galapagos Islands on the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger provides an opportunity to garner national and international support for the Islands ' conservation,” said Maria Isabel Salvador, Ecuador's Minister of Tourism.
Maria Isabel Salvador also assured that the Ecuadorian government, led by President Rafael Correa, is well aware of the threats faced by the Galapagos Islands which led the government to declare the archipelago “in risk and of national priority for the conservation and environmental management” of its unique ecosystem in April of this year.
Numerous government ministries and organizations have been working to implement measures aimed at protecting the Galapagos Islands from all activities that are deemed non-sustainable. Now Ecuador will also have the opportunity to mobilize international support for the Islands ' conservation.
Ecuador has become one of the world leaders in sustainable tourism development. The Ministry of Tourism is currently developing PLANDETUR 2020, a master plan that will set guidelines regulating the tourism activity in all of Ecuador in order to guarantee a sustainable development of the tourism industry in the country, aimed at preserving its numerous natural wonders, historic wealth as well as the cultural heritage of its native populations. Ecuador has also joined forces with the Rainforest Alliance and the Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance with the goal of preserving Ecuador 's natural and cultural assets.
Some of the more specific initiatives that the Ministry of Tourism is working on include:
- New technical norms affecting tourism operations in the Galapagos that will come into effect at the end of 2007. These new norms will regulate every activity from island tours to diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and fishing.
- Coordination of actions with the Ministry of the Environment aimed at effectively controlling tourism activity in the Galapagos.
- Reforming regulation controlling the work of tour and nature guides in order to ensure stricter controls of their activities.
The Ministry of Tourism is also working on “Turismo para todos” (Tourism for All), a training program for micro businesses within the tourism sector in order to help them develop their operations in a sustainable manner.
*Information Policy Disclaimer:
Rolf Wittmer Turismo is a distributor only (and not a publisher) of this information material. The content and information distributed here is supplied by the stated author. Rolf Wittmer Turismo shall not be responsible for policing, monitoring, or editing such content, exercises no editorial control over such content. All opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Rolf Wittmer Turismo; therefore, Rolf Wittmer Turismo shall not be responsible or held accountable for the information expressed in this information material.
Ministry of Tourism Outlines Measures Aimed at Protecting Galapagos' Natural and Cultural Heritage
QUITO, Ecuador – July 04th, 2007 – Following the recent addition of the Galapagos Islands to the list of World Heritage Sites endangered by the UNESCO, Ecuador has reinforced its commitment to protecting the islands and has outlined some of the different initiatives that it has been undertaking jointly with national and international entities in order to preserve the Galapagos' natural and cultural heritage.
All tourism activity is being carried out normally in the islands and in accordance with the current regulations that prioritize the conservation of the archipelago's eco-system. Tourism is one of the most strictly controlled activities in the Galapagos Islands .
“The inscription of the Galapagos Islands on the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger provides an opportunity to garner national and international support for the Islands ' conservation,” said Maria Isabel Salvador, Ecuador's Minister of Tourism.
Maria Isabel Salvador also assured that the Ecuadorian government, led by President Rafael Correa, is well aware of the threats faced by the Galapagos Islands which led the government to declare the archipelago “in risk and of national priority for the conservation and environmental management” of its unique ecosystem in April of this year.
Numerous government ministries and organizations have been working to implement measures aimed at protecting the Galapagos Islands from all activities that are deemed non-sustainable. Now Ecuador will also have the opportunity to mobilize international support for the Islands ' conservation.
Ecuador has become one of the world leaders in sustainable tourism development. The Ministry of Tourism is currently developing PLANDETUR 2020, a master plan that will set guidelines regulating the tourism activity in all of Ecuador in order to guarantee a sustainable development of the tourism industry in the country, aimed at preserving its numerous natural wonders, historic wealth as well as the cultural heritage of its native populations. Ecuador has also joined forces with the Rainforest Alliance and the Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance with the goal of preserving Ecuador 's natural and cultural assets.
Some of the more specific initiatives that the Ministry of Tourism is working on include:
- New technical norms affecting tourism operations in the Galapagos that will come into effect at the end of 2007. These new norms will regulate every activity from island tours to diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and fishing.
- Coordination of actions with the Ministry of the Environment aimed at effectively controlling tourism activity in the Galapagos.
- Reforming regulation controlling the work of tour and nature guides in order to ensure stricter controls of their activities.
The Ministry of Tourism is also working on “Turismo para todos” (Tourism for All), a training program for micro businesses within the tourism sector in order to help them develop their operations in a sustainable manner.
*Information Policy Disclaimer:
Rolf Wittmer Turismo is a distributor only (and not a publisher) of this information material. The content and information distributed here is supplied by the stated author. Rolf Wittmer Turismo shall not be responsible for policing, monitoring, or editing such content, exercises no editorial control over such content. All opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Rolf Wittmer Turismo; therefore, Rolf Wittmer Turismo shall not be responsible or held accountable for the information expressed in this information material.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
San Cristobal Airport Re-Opening
The San Cristobal airport in the Galapagos Islands is now scheduled (tentatively) to re-open on August 18th, 2007. The airport, located on San Cristobal Island in the southern part of the archipelago, has been under renovation since Spring this year.
While the airport is closed, all flights use the Baltra aiport and Galapagos cruise itineraries have been adjusted accordingly. If you have booked a Galapagos Islands trip in August or September, please be aware that your itinerary could change* depending on the reopening of the San Cristobal airport. Most likely, the biggest change in your trip will be your flight times and the order in which you visit the Islands.
Please contact Detour about any changes in your itinerary or for more news on the San Cristobal airport.
*All Galapagos cruise providers reserve the right to change their itinerary at any time due to environmental conditions, mechanical failure, or flight schedule changes.
While the airport is closed, all flights use the Baltra aiport and Galapagos cruise itineraries have been adjusted accordingly. If you have booked a Galapagos Islands trip in August or September, please be aware that your itinerary could change* depending on the reopening of the San Cristobal airport. Most likely, the biggest change in your trip will be your flight times and the order in which you visit the Islands.
Please contact Detour about any changes in your itinerary or for more news on the San Cristobal airport.
*All Galapagos cruise providers reserve the right to change their itinerary at any time due to environmental conditions, mechanical failure, or flight schedule changes.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Great deal on a Choquequirao Trek
Special Deal!
Join a Choquequirao Trek on July 18 and save money! If you planning a trek for a small group, you've probably noticed that trips are much more expensive for you. That's why joining a group already booked on a tour is not just a chance to meet new friends, but also a chance to save money.
If you book the July 18-22 Choquequirao Trek, operated by Peru sur Nativa, you will get the group price of $654 per person. If you have more in your group, you could pay as little as $324 per person.
This is your opportunity to visit a hidden gem of the Inca Empire ruins. Contact Detour for more information or to book your trip right away!
Join a Choquequirao Trek on July 18 and save money! If you planning a trek for a small group, you've probably noticed that trips are much more expensive for you. That's why joining a group already booked on a tour is not just a chance to meet new friends, but also a chance to save money.
If you book the July 18-22 Choquequirao Trek, operated by Peru sur Nativa, you will get the group price of $654 per person. If you have more in your group, you could pay as little as $324 per person.
This is your opportunity to visit a hidden gem of the Inca Empire ruins. Contact Detour for more information or to book your trip right away!
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