Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Western Slopes to
the Pacific Coast
A
trip through the western
slopes of the Andes toward
the Pacific Coast offers a dra-
matic change in scenery and cul-
ture. With the Pacific mist, the
barren ruggedness of the high-
lands transforms almost immedi-
ately into lush vegetation and
large agricultural plantations. As
descendants of the former slave
society from the coastal region
mix with the natives of the high-
lands, a unique mix of Afro-
Ecuadorians, Amerindians, and
mestizo Ecuadorians populates
this region. Most native and for-
eign tourists pass through these
western slopes only en route to
the beaches along the coast. A few
travelers, though, especially
birders, have come to experience
a secret that they would just as well keep to themselves - that there is
more than meets the eye behind the curtain of traveled highways.
IN THIS CHAPTER
The Western Slopes
History
236
Flora & Fauna
236
Getting Here &
Getting Around
236
Visitor Information
237
Touring & Sightseeing
237
Adventures
238
Eco-Travel
240
Where to Stay
245
Where to Eat
250
The North Coast
History
251
Flora & Fauna
252
Getting Here &
Getting Around
253
Visitor Information
253
Touring & Sightseeing
254
Adventures
258
Eco-Travel
259
Where to Stay
264
Where to Eat
270
Ecuador's Pacific lowlands and coast lie west of the Andes. From
some of the tallest peaks in South America, it is only a short distance
and a quick drop in elevation to the greatest body of water in the
world. In between, driving west from Quito, a couple of routes de-
scend through steep mountain slopes, among thick cloud forests and
a land of rich plantations. The rugged topography of the higher-
elevation mountains has several intact cloud forests. Although only
in small, protected pockets, these are remnants of life zones that once
prospered along Ecuador's western Andean slopes. The coast, how-
ever, abounds with miles of white-sand beaches, pounding surf and
lowland rainforest habitats. This chapter covers both.
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