Ecuador: The Newest Option For Gay Travelers
Gay expedition cruises to the Galapagos Islands have been very well known for some time, and there are several of these cruises offered every year. But Ecuador has much more to offer for the Gay and Lesbian Traveler-not the least of which is privacy, enjoyment, and a sense of comfort in the beautiful surroundings within Ecuador.
Gays and Lesbians seeking intimate time with their partner have romantic highland haciendas and small, out of the way inns, as well as major multi-star Hotels to chose from.
Enjoy a candle light dinner next to a romantic fire place or enjoy a nice drink and a good conversation at the hacienda's bar.
Because temperatures can be low in the high Andes where many haciendas are located, a fireplace brings just the romantic touch, and will heat your bedroom to ensure that you have a cozy warm night.
During the day, haciendas offer activities ranging from adventurous horseback riding to visits to indigenous markets. There is a day activity for every taste.
Ecuador has a huge artisan tradition and most artisan workshops open their doors to the Gay and Lesbian visitor. Visits to artisan workshops can be combined with hacienda stays, especially north of Quito.
Excellent handicraft workshops can be found throughout Ecuador, but especially in the city of Cuenca, about a 40 minute flight south of Quito.
Cuenca has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations and this small, yet bustling town is well-known for its excellent, colonial style Hotels and its Gay and Lesbian community---which can be found right in the center of the City. Plan on taking at least 2 days to explore the City and its surroundings.
Whatever you do, don't forget to spend at least a half a day in Gualaceo and Chordeleg--well known for jewelry workshops and Orchid farms.
A short 4 hour trip by bus from Cuenca is the tropical city of Guayaquil. If you have the time, rent a car or travel with a public bus from Cuenca to Guayaquil. Make sure that you travel through the spectacular Cajas National Park with its hundreds of lakes.
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and serves as the main port for the country. The city has a very active gay community and it is an excellent gateway for travel to Galapagos Islands.
The main gay-bars and clubs can be found at the Rocafuerte Street, 2 blocks behind the Malecon 2000, about at the height of the Ramada Hotel.
Before you dive into the nightlife, walk along the Malecon 2000 and walk up the stairs to the Light House above Las Penas, the small old town of Guayaquil.
On both sides of the stairs can be found a variety of bars and restaurants, which invite the Guayaquil visitor in for a cold beer---far and away, the best drink in this tropical city.
If you have a moment more, visit "Parque Seminario" or "Parque de las Iguanas" as the locals call it. Here, Iguanas walk around like cats and dogs in North American or European parks. Although it may be tempting, don't try to pet the Iguanas.
Within 40 minutes flight time is the City of Quito. Should you travel in the morning, make sure that you sit on the right hand side of the Aircraft, because this side of the flight has the most beautiful mountain scenery imaginable.
Quito is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, and offers the most of all the Ecuadorian cities to the Gay Traveler. Stay in the old town. Especially recommended is the beautiful-and pricey-"Gay-owned" Bed and Breakfast "Villa Colonna".
The historical part of Quito has been designated as a World Heritage Site by the UN and offers some of the most spectacular colonial churches in the world. In your visit to the colonial center, seek out and enjoy some of the various excellent museums.
The Gay Clubs and Bars you will find in the Mariscal district in northern Quito. Here, there are many excellent Bars, Clubs and Restaurants. You will feel a comfortable ambiance every day of the week, but especially from Wednesday to Sunday.
For Gays and Lesbian who seek Gourmet Dining, there are several excellent restaurants be found behind the Swissotel, around Isabel La Catolica street. My favorite restaurant in this sector, and one which I recommend highly, is "La Choza" which offers excellent Ecuadorian food.
Quito hosts the most important Gay and Lesbian film festival in Latin America. The festival is organized by Quitogay and the Cinema "Ocho y Medio".
Ecuador offers Gay and Lesbian Travelers interesting options for sightseeing, enjoyment, and unique opportunities, and guarantees the trip of a lifetime.
Related Tags: handicrafts, ecuador, cuenca, gay travel, galapagos, quito, gay bars, guayaquil, colonial haciendas
Peter Lauffer, General Manager of TrueColors Travel in Quito - Your Expert Guide for Gay and Lesbian Travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands www.galapagostraveller.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Top Things to do in Rabat, Malta
There are plenty of things to do in and around Rabat when you travel to Malta. 5 star luxury in your - 4 Sightseeing Highlights of Malta
Malta is a country with many things to see and do, as you will realise when you go on your Malta 5 s - Vacation Rentals - Something For Everyone!
There is no shortage of information on the vacation rental. I've written several articles on the top - Vacation Rentals - a Few Facts
Most everyone has some knowledge of the vacation rental. What I'd like to do here, in the confines o - Exotic Vacation Rentals
Travel is an adventure. In fact, that is why some us travel. Not for the relaxation, not for the cha - Vacation Rental Vs. Hotel
And the winner is….Well, read this, then decide!First, the ubiquitous hotel. Swathed in branded name - Tropical Vacation Homes - Investment or Destination?
Buying a vacation home for investment may be a great idea in these troubled economic times. Be certa - How to Choose a West Rim or South Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
If you want to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you must choose between the West Rim and the Sou - Albuquerque Downtown Hotels Discounts, Deals and Reservations
Providing their guests with the best possible service available, Quality Inn & Suites in downtown Al - Hotel Suites Albuquerque - Online Reservations and Specials
Located in the center of the beautiful and historic town of Albuquerque New Mexico, Clubhouse Inn &
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Brazil's Tourist Attractions
Despite its popularity, Brazil is largely unknown to a lot of people. Other spots around the world h - Visit Ancient Persia, Greece, and North Cyprus with Clearchus of Soli
Tour the Hellenistic remains of Soli in North Cyprus with Clearchus, a student of Aristotle. As he - Exotic Trips - Vacation In Venezuela
Venezuela is a favorite vacation destination. No wonder! For instance, Venezuela is home to the worl - Some Advice When Buying A Travel Cot
A cot is a piece of furniture that is used for babies, infants, campers and travelers. Baby cots are - Marriott Hotels Varied History and An Overview of Properties
Marriott International was established in 1993 when the Marriot Corporation split into two different - Holiday In Cape Town
If you are interested in one of the top vacation destinations in the world, Cape Town may be right f - Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Packages: Why You Should Purchase One
Are you about to be married within the next year or two? If so, have you started planning your honey - Cancun Weather
Cancun is one of the most well known tropical destinations in the world. Because Cancun is located j - Golf Lovers: Save Money With Hawaii Vacation Golf Packages
Are you one of the millions of Americans who enjoys playing the game of golf? If so, there is a good - Old Town San Diego
The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Me