Author: Howie Holben
Source: ezinearticles.com
Although small, Ecuador offers a vast array of diversity when it comes to geography and various indigenous people with unique languages and cultures. From tropical coastlines to volcanoes that spend much of the year covered in snow, Ecuador is home to varying landscapes that make any time of year a great time for exciting gay adventure travel.
While the Galapagos Islands are perhaps the most frequently visited attraction in Ecuador, the mainland is also filled with numerous activities and sightseeing opportunities that ensure gay tours to Ecuador will be exciting, fulfilling and memorable. Whether you seek an outdoor adventure, a spiritual journey or gay travel that consists of exploring the LGBT community in Quito, trekking through the rainforest and spending lazy afternoons on the beach, you will surely see why so many travelers return to this popular tourist destination year after year.
Quito is the main city where you will find an LGBT community, particularly in the bohemian neighborhood of La Mariscal. This is where the Quito Pride celebration is held each June and is home to the various community nightspots, cafs and friendly establishments that Quito has on offer. As for nightlife, La Mariscal is the place to party on Friday and Saturday nights, but is also a wonderful afternoon hangout any day of the week.
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 cafes, 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.
Rights and protections in Ecuador have expanded over the past decade, allowing for gay travel destinations that are more enjoyable and safer. At the same time, there is still an air of machismo permeating the culture, which means discretion in most public places is still a good idea. One way to avoid issues and more fully enjoy your voyage to Ecuador is to plan to participate in gay tours when embarking on gay vacations to this diverse country.
This will allow you to focus on enjoying your Ecuador trip, while professionals manage the logistics of the journey and make sure you do not miss out on the most enticing natural, cultural and historic attractions.
Howie Holben is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay adventure travel organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Spirit Journeys has offered unique gay spirituality tours and retreats since 1992. Howie has travelled the world for over thirty years learning spiritual teachings, traditions and practices from indigenous peoples. He takes great pleasure assisting others on their own spiritual path and in introducing them to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them “step outside their box”. He is a Reiki/Karuna Ki Master and also a Quantum Touch and Breathwork Practioner. His goal is to help others uncover their potential by setting their hearts and minds free.
You can learn more about Howie, his work and gay travel destinations with a spiritual focus at SpiritJourneys.com.