With the countries highest mountain, Qornet Es Saouda 3,090m, as well as the highest ski resort, The Cedars. This region offers a rocky, rugged terrain that makes Lebanon unique in the Middle East.
At the far northern end of the Mt Lebanon range, the Aakkar region is the most remote area of the country, housing traditional villages and beautiful scenery. Throughout northern Lebanon, mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, caving, and other outdoor opportunities abound.
In the heart of northern Lebanon are some of the countries most unique and sacred religious sites, making the region a spiritual as well as natural haven. The Holy Qadisha Valley has been a place of refuge for those fleeing religious persecution since the 5th century. As the seat of the Maronite Church, the Valley houses some of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world. The Qadishas ancient, rock cut monasteries are a destination for those seeking pilgrimage and retreat.
Tripoli, now Lebanons second largest city, faced its share of drama through the ages. Inhabited since the 14th century B.C., it was ruled sequentially by the Persians, Alexander the Greats successors, the Romans, Mamluke Muslims, and Turkish Ottomans. As a result, the city is filled with history, including mosques, Turkish baths, a crusader castle, and restored traditional marketplaces.
What to see and do may include some of the following.
Lebanons second largest city, Tripoli and search for unique traditional crafts in its labyrinthine traditional marketplaces.
Visit the birthplace and tomb of Lebanons revered mystic poet and artist, Khalil Gibran, in the picturesque town of Bcharre and walk through this traditional, red roofed, mountain village overlooking the Qadisha Valley. Hike along a rippling river through the lush, cool Qadisha Valley to visit the ancient rock cut monasteries clinging precipitously to the steep, rocky cliffs.
Marvel at the size and majesty of Lebanons 1,000 year old Cedar trees at Arz Ar-Rab near Bcharre or the Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve.
Climb Lebanons tallest mountain, Qornet Es Saouda 3,090m and take to the slopes at the countries highest ski resort, The Cedars.
Grab a boat to Palm Islands Nature Reserve to watch birds, some 300 species during migratory seasons, endangered sea turtles, and other wildlife.
Go caving or rappel deep into a rocky sinkhole in the mountains near Tannourine.
Explore the dense forests and spectacular scenery and wildlife in the remote Aakkar region on a multi day hike.
Although the smallest of all the Andean countries, The Republic of Ecuador holds historical, cultural and natural wonders befitting an entire continent. Straddling not only two hemispheres but also two worlds, the ancient and the modern. This tiny republic with its remnants of past civilizations and Spanish conquests offers the traveller a striking blend of landscapes, peoples and cultures.
From ancient markets of the indigenous peoples, Amazon tributaries, Inca ruins, Andean peaks, 16th century churches, and the wildlife rich Galapagos Islands, Ecuador boasts an incredible diversity which belies its diminutive size. Indigenous cultures, tropical forests, active volcanoes, and a wealth of animal and bird life are all highly accessible within a matter of hours in a country no bigger than the US State of Colorado.
Once the Inca Empires northernmost territory, successive waves of invaders have left their indelible mark on the country. The remains of Inca and pre Inca fortresses dot hill tops across the Sierra, while in the highland valleys Quechua speaking Indiana sell traditional handicrafts in thousand year old markets. The beautifully preserved cities of Quito and Cuenca, both rich in 16th century art and architecture, and the elegant colonial haciendas found throughout the conquests and three hundred years of Spanish rule.
The Ecuadorian Dollar is the official unit of currency, but the US Dollar is accepted throughout Ecuador at equal value.
Temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the region, altitude, and seasonal factors
The Ministry of Tourism is working on many projects to develop tourist activity in Ecuador. In the Ministry section you will find detailed information on these projects, institutional information, and important contacts of the different offices within the Ministry.
Ecuador has many tourist destinations where you can participate in a variety of activities. You can practice mountain biking, climbing, rafting, or scuba diving, as well as visiting archaeological sites, museums, or theatres.
Straddling the equator, this small nation is richly endowed with snowy Andean peaks towering over emerald green slopes, rivers winding through tropical jungles, and beyond all this in the Pacific, lie the Galapagos Islands. Located in the Pacific Ocean and approx. 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador, directly on the equator, the isolation of the islands has permitted life forms to evolve into species found only in Galapagos. This was observed by Charles Darwin, and his research contributed to the fame of the islands. It is a dramatic and beautiful world of volcanic landscapes and fearless animals: Giant Tortoises, Fur Seals, Sea Lions, Land and Sea Iguanas and many species of birds. A visit to this impressive wildlife sanctuary will be a memorable experience for those who appreciate nature.
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