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| Ecuador Needs To Be On Your List Of Gay Destinations |
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| Written by Howie Holben |
| Monday, 26 September 2011 08:33 |
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Although a small country, Ecuador boasts a wide array of geographic and cultural diversity, including a variety of indigenous groups with distinctive cultures and languages. From snow-capped volcanoes and rainforests to tropical shorelines, Ecuador has varying landscapes and climates, making it wonderful for gay travel or exciting adventures a great idea any time of the year.
Although a small country, Ecuador boasts a wide array of geographic and cultural diversity, including a variety of indigenous groups with distinctive cultures and languages. From snow-capped volcanoes and rainforests to tropical shorelines, Ecuador has varying landscapes and climates, making it wonderful for gay travel or exciting adventures a great idea any time of the year. Perhaps best known for the Galapagos Islands, the mainland is also home to many attractions and sightseeing opportunities that make gay tours to Ecuador well worth the trip. Whether you are in search of a spiritual retreat, an outdoors adventure or gay travel that includes getting to know the LGBT community in Quito, exploring the rainforest and lounging on the beach, you are sure to discover the many reasons that Ecuador is such a popular travel destination year after year as soon as you step off the plane. Quito is unquestionably the center of LGBT life in Ecuador and has a growing community. La Mariscal is the neighborhood where you will find the most friendly establishments, including cafs, bars, clubs and a new community store called Rainbow Connection. There is a Pride celebration in June each year in the bohemian neighborhood of La Mariscal, and this is the place to see and be seen on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year. Aside from La Mariscal, this city that sits at 9,200 feet above sea level, yet still lower than the nearby Pichincha volcano that rises to 13,000 feet, has much to offer, including streets lined with cafs, art galleries and shops, and a historic district that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local attractions include the Capilla del Hombre Guayasamin, the Museo de la Ciudad, the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo and the many stalls of handicrafts in the Parque el Ejido. Legal rights have expanded over the last decade or so, which has made gay tours to Ecuador more enjoyable; however, there is still a strong air of machismo and public discretion is advised in most areas. One way to increase security and ensure that gay vacations to Ecuador are safe and fun is to participate in gay tours organized by travel professionals well-versed in arranging community excursions and ensuring that visitors experience all of Ecuador's glory with minimal concerns. This will allow you to relax and get the most out of your journey, while professional travel organizers take care of the logistics and ensure that you will have the chance to experience the many historic, cultural and natural attractions that Ecuador offers. This article about Ecuador is by Howie Holben. Howie takes care of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel firm. Spirit Journeys provides spiritual gay tours throughout the world. |