Die Mitte der Erde und der Panamakanal - Ecuador, Galapagos Inseln, Panama

About the destination: Panama City is the capital of Panama. It is a very cosmopolitan city, with a modern and western vibe but proudly displaying its Hispanic and Indigenous roots. In recent years, Panama City has become an important hub of international commerce and banking. It can satisfy every interest since there are various museums, very nice restaurants and lots of places to dance and have fun in the evening outings. Panama City has a Picturesque and interesting Casco Viejo or Old Town filled with wonderful colonial architecture. El Casco Viejo is a charming neighbourhood, ideal for walking around its historic streets with beautifully restored colonial architecture, its churches and squares, its nice cafes and restaurants that mingle well with the remnants of old times. The Cathedral, the Interoceanic Canal museum, the History Museum are around The Plaza de la Independencia, the city’s main square. A lot more churches, museums and historical buildings are found in this area just a few blocks away from each other. The Palacio de las Garzas, where the President of the country lives, is two blocks to the north. On the east side there is Plaza de Francia and the beautiful walkway called Paseo de las Bovedas, with great views of the city. The amazing Panama Canal, considered one of the greatest engineering marvels in the world, is, undoubtedly, the one big draw of all tourists who come to the city. Growing, inviting, exciting, lively and sleepless, Panama City is the most cosmopolitan and vibrant capital in Central America.

About the destination: Guayaquil is the largest and most populous city in Ecuador. Guayaquil is located on the west bank of the Guayas River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Guayaquil. The climate is hot and generally humid. Guayaquil is a very modern city and the nation's main port.The oldest part of Guayaquil, Las Peñas, has been restored to an attractive neighbourhood with art galleries, cafés, shops, bars and restaurants. Las Peñas neighbourhood is situated on Cerro Santa Anna. It is a picturesque neighbourhood full of colourful colonial houses. At the tip of the hill there is a light-house, go at the top to get outstanding views over Guayaquil. The Malecon 2000, on the Rio Guayas, is the city’s most famous landmark. Malecon 2000 is a long boardwalk area along the river that is beautiful and full of things to keep you entertained. Located in the middle of the Malecon, we have La Rotonda", an impressive monument that commemorates the famous meeting of Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin to discuss independence. The other places that are worth a visit are Malecon Salado, Parque Historico, Cerro Blanco and the Botanical Gardens. Guayaquil is a vibrant sprawling metropolis known for being the "Pacific Pearl" due to its natural beauty and marvellous surroundings. Don’t let Quito known, but some say that Guayaquil is Ecuador's best destination.

About the destination: The Galápagos is an archipelago situated 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The Galápagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles. Santa Cruz is the most important island in the Galápagos and home to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the archipelago and the one with more advanced tourist accommodation and facilities. Because the isolated location there are many native species on the islands. The islands are of volcanic origin, and on some islands there are still active volcanoes. Most of Galápagos Islands are a protected National Park or a Marine Reserve. The Galápagos archipelago is world-renowned for its unique and fearless wildlife. The Galápagos are the dream destination of anyone who is remotely interested in animals. The wildlife on these islands cannot fail to captivate all visitors. No visit to the Galápagos is really complete without getting into the water to see the amazing diversity of life, including the endemic species the islands are home to. Swimming with penguins or sea lions is an experience one will never forget.

About the destination: Quito, formally San Francisco de Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador. Quito is beautifully situated in a valley on the eastern slopes of Pichincha Volcano. Situated at an altitude of 2850 metres above sea level, Quito is the highest capital in the world. Quito’s Centro Histórico is a lovely area with colonial architecture, cobbled plazas, majestic churches and many interesting museums. Centro Histórico is a Unesco World Heritage Site. One of the prettiest spots in the old centre of Quito is the Plaza de la Independencia, beautifully landscaped with flowers and trees. The buildings around the plaza include the pink confection that is the Hotel Plaza Grande, the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito, and the Presidential Palace. In the centre of the plaza there is the memorial to independence. Plaza San Francisco is one of the most beautiful places in Quito. It is a cobbled square with the whitewashed church and monastery of San Francisco standing along its north-western side. The Monastery of San Diego, situated southwest of Centro Histórico, is a lovely monastery from the 17th century, full of outstanding colonial religious art. It is absolutely worth a visit even if it is a little bit further away from the Centro Histórico. North of Centro Histórico we have the colourful Mariscal neighbourhood where there are many hotels, international restaurants, bars and trendy cafés.Quito is a friendly and fun city. With a superb Old Quarter and a dramatic setting, Quito is a place that grows on anyone.