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Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador |
The Republic of Ecuador was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830. Ecuador adopted a formal Constitution 10 August 1998 and has a democratic form of government much like that of the United States. The official language is Spanish. It is home to some of the most beautiful rainforests in the world, which make up 56% of its land. Ecuador also boasts having the highest active volcano in the world; a part of the Andes Mountains Cotopaxi is a sight to behold.
Major exports include petroleum, bananas, shrimp, coffee, cocoa, cut flowers and fish. The main imports are machinery, raw materials, fuels and consumer goods with the United States as being the number one trade partner capturing 30% of the Ecuadorian market. In April of 2000 Ecuador adopted the US dollar as the currency used for all purposes, now all transactions are in US dollars. Ecuador joined the World Trade Organization in 1996 and is working towards becoming an independent, self-sufficient nation. The City of Santa Clarita is proud to be affiliated with a nation who is pulling together so steadily and we are happy to offer assistance and guidance when possible.
Tena
Once an important colonial trading post in the Amazon, Santa Clarita's Sister City of Tena is now the commercial center and capital of the Napo Province with a population of 19,000. The city lies 5 hours southeast of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, and is surrounded by rainforest. The city is divided into two halves by the rivers Tena and Pano and connected by two bridges, one for pedestrians and one for automobiles. There are several sand and pebble beaches, as well as a number of plazas and parks for recreation.
Tena is famous for its rainforest and the rivers surrounding the city. The jungle is very impressive and there is no shortage of guides for those who long for adventure and a peek at the exotic flora and fauna contained within. Moreover, Tena has reached near legendary status with whitewater enthusiasts and boasts the best rafting and kayaking in Ecuador, and some say, the world.
Those looking for a life-changing experience should take advantage of the burgeoning eco-tourism industry in Tena. For accommodations in Tena, please visit the Hostel Los Yutzos website for further information on pricing and room availability.
Links
Ecuador
http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/html/tena.html
http://www.thebestofecuador.com/tena.htm
Ecuadorian recipes
http://recipehound.com/Recipes/ecuador.html
http://gosouthamerica.about.com/library/blrecipesEcu.htm
Ecuador