Travel Information - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 56

these advances, as addressing them in any way will encourage more.
And don't feel that it is an assault only on foreigners; they do it to
young Ecuadorian women too.

Of more consequence is the reputation, especially within the tourism
industry, that gringa women are easy. This is unfounded for the most
part, but lax social attitudes of some travelers haven't helped the sit-
uation. You may find yourself pursued by male Ecuadorian guides,
for example. Once their actions border on harassment, be sure to no-
tify the companymanagement and theMinistry of Tourism. Please be
aware that your actions and attitudes affect other women travelers.

Perhaps the most respected of all foreign travelers are women with
children (and a wedding ring), as family is very important in Ecua-
dorian culture. You will discover the added bonus of extra help and
friendliness from the locals. There is plenty to do in Ecuador for chil-
dren and families. But don't forget this is a developing country with-
out some of the conveniences of home, including abundant medical
facilities and, in many cases, health and sanitation are not what you
may be used to. But, if you come prepared, you will have a grand time
with the kids.

Disabled Travelers

E

cuador is only just beginning tomake accommodations
for disabled travelers. As such, the infrastructure is
minimal at best, with only the better hotels providing
ramps and restrooms for the disabled. In fact, on a recent
guiding trip, I found it difficult to rent a wheelchair even with ad-
vance notice. Nevertheless, the persistent traveler with minor dis-
abilities will do just fine.

Gay & Lesbian Travelers

I

n 1998 the Ecuadorian constitution recognized “the equality of all
before the law without discrimination against age, sex, ethnic ori-
gin, color, religion, political affiliation, economic position, sexual ori-
entation, state of health, incapacity, or difference of any kind.” This
landmark move is progressive for Latin American countries and has
since opened up a movement of relative openness within Ecuador,