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SAT ECUADOR
Dear Travel Partner!
let's introduce our SAT Ecuador team, following our special 50 Years SAT newsletter series!
SAT Ecuador was founded in 1999 in Quito, soon followed by the opening of our SAT Galapagos office in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
The destination Ecuador combines it all, spectacular Andes range, beautiful volcanoes, authentic indigenous cultures, colonial treasures, and the rainforest. It is even more special as you can travel overland to all of these regions, making Ecuador one of the few destinations in South America that can be travelled without flying.
To top it all off, Ecuador has THE unique place for wildlife observation, the Galapagos Archipelago.
Read about our team and get to know their favourite spots in the country, hopefully inspiring you and your customers to soon visit this most authentic travel destination.
We are looking forward to many new requests for bespoke travel programs exploring Ecuador & Galapagos Islands! Please contact our local team.
Your SAT team
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ANDREA FIERRO, General Manager SAT Ecuador
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Ecuador is a small country, but it is known as the 4 worlds in one.
Since I was a kid I have been in love with my country. I realized the many resources this land hugs, despite its tiny territory: its majestic mountains, its mystical forests and jungles, its paradisiacal beaches, its enchanted Galapagos Islands; and each of these environments embracing wonderful friendly people with many stories to share.
From early on I knew I was born to talk and inspire people about my charming Ecuador. 25 years ago, I started my path in the tourism industry, and since then, every single year I still feel amazed by new and wonderful places I keep discovering; and by new charming characters I meet who continue to make me feel proud to be Ecuadorian.
When talking about Ecuador, I love to share the thousands of opportunities we have to offer to connect with nature in unique places such as Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world, or Quilotoa Lagoon and its captivated turquoise waters, to enjoy encounters with authentic cultures, learning from our pristine communities as the friendly Otavaleños, the Huaoranies, the last warriors of the Amazon, the shy Salasaca friends and their traditional cult to Pachamama, among others.
I´m passionate when talking about Galapagos of course! But also about our numinous Rainforest, which is so easy to get to. That´s why my Ecuador is the 4 worlds in one, as you can easily move from the mountains to the deep forest and then finish your dream journey in the extraordinary Galapagos Islands.
Almost 4 years ago, South American Tours opened its doors to me to be part of a great big family, and be part of this dream team dedicated to inspiring travellers, not only to visit the wonders of Ecuador but all of South America. I´m very proud to be part of this outstanding team of passionate professionals from different parts of the world, sharing a common aim: making the most wonderful travel dreams come true while demonstrating that tourism should become an example for all economic activities, as it highlights how sustainable models are possible.
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REGINE VOLLAND, Operations Supervisor
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I am the Operations Supervisor at the SAT Ecuador office and have been working there for over 10 years now. I come from Germany and have lived in Quito for 16 years, where I have gained lots of experience in the tourism industry over the years. I enjoy travelling, exploring hidden places, and hiking in the mountains. I like to organize tailor-made programs, involving all the new tourist locations I discover.
I once hiked the
Quilotoa Loop, and it has become one of the memories in this colourful country I will never forget. I started in the small village of
Isinlivi at the
Llulu Llama Mountain Lodge, which I now offer to my clients. From there I hiked to
Chugchilan and the next day to the
Quilotoa Crater Lake, one of my favourite spots in Ecuador. I will always remember all these amazing landscapes, like the
chocho and
corn fields, and small rivers crossing nice valleys. Finally, I reached the crater rim and enjoyed the incredible view.
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CORINA VOLK, Galapagos Resident Manager
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My name is Corina Volk, a German living in the Galapagos Islands for 10 years. I have been working for SAT for a bit over a year now. During my over 20 years´ experience in tourism I have worked in different areas such as tour leading, operations, customer service and outside sales. Latin America has been my home now for nearly 20 years and I am truly in love with it. Come and get to know it, we are glad to help!
Some tips I would want to share with you when visiting
Galapagos: If you are here on a
Sunday in Santa Cruz Island, you should join the locals to go to
Bellavista and
try the local food. The locals usually head up to the highlands on Sunday to relax and enjoy a great meal. My recommendation: try the famous
menestra from
Negro Willam. He comes from the coast of Esmeraldas and settled down in Puerto Ayora, and he makes the best
encocado (coconut sauce dish) with fish, shrimp, or lobster, along with his famous menestra (beans), all cooked over a wood fire which makes it the best!
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MARISOL VALLEJO, Senior Account Executive
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Doing what you love is truly a privilege, and I have been lucky enough to work in the tourism industry for more than 35 years. I started my career very young as a tour guide. Traveling with tourists from all over the world gave me the opportunity to explore, get to know, and share wonderful places in my beautiful country, Ecuador. I learned to love and respect this geographically small country, which is full of contrasts, diversity, nature, flavours and very friendly people.
It has been a wonderful experience working with SAT Ecuador since our agency opened its office in Quito, more than 20 years ago. The job can certainly be challenging sometimes, but I am fortunate to share it with a wonderful and enthusiastic team of colleagues.
Among the many wonderful destinations in Ecuador, the Andes Mountains, for their majestic views and intriguing geology, and the world-famous Galapagos Islands, for their incredible flora and fauna and incomparable beauty, are my favourite places to visit. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to any traveller who is visiting our country.
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DIEGO VERA, Senior Account Executive
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I have been involved in the tourism industry for over 25 years, with 19 years as part of this wonderful company. My experience in the tourism industry and my passion for creating unforgettable experiences inspire me every day. My job has been an exciting and rewarding challenge; I love seeing travellers enjoying unforgettable experiences while exploring our destinations. Moreover, I am fortunate to work in an incredible environment with wonderful colleagues. I am very grateful to be part of the South American Tours team.
One of my passions is Ecuadorian cuisine. I love trying the delicious traditional dishes that our country offers and immersing myself in the diversity of flavours.
As for Quito, one of my favourite places is the Santa Clara market. It's a vibrant place that showcases the incredible diversity of agricultural products, from colourful fruits to fresh vegetables and fascinating medicinal plants. And, of course, I can't resist enjoying a delicious hornado, a typical roast pork dish, while I'm there.
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LIZ CALDERON, Account Executive
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I've been working in tourism for about 23 years and at SAT for 10 years. I love the simplicity of nature in all its splendour since it teaches me that we must respect every single species on earth and the delicate balance to coexist in life among all.
My passion is to ride a bike because of the freedom it feels, the challenge that the climbs require, and the reward that comes later on the descent!
My favourite place in this world is Galapagos.
You may think that going to the Galapagos is very expensive, but there are ways to get to enjoy this natural paradise on a budget.
For example, in San Cristóbal I recommend you to visit the beaches of Puerto Chino, Punta Carola, Playa Mann, and Playa de Oro. Also, try to visit La Lobería beach, the Interpretation Centre as well as Mirador Cerro Tijeretas and explore these wonderful places on your own.
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DAVID MACHADO, Account Executive
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I am passionate about nature and bird watching, I love climbing mountains, biking, and photography.
I have been working in tourism for more than 20 years in areas such as guiding, tourist operation, and product development. I love my country so much that I love talking about it to everyone!
I really feel attracted to our popular culture, and one of the manifestations I enjoy the most is the popular tales.
I know many of them, and I love sharing them with my guests.
For instance, I love to share this story when the giants dominated the Andes.
There was a very brave man, Quinti, who decided to go to their territory and steal the Fire they had. Close to escape, Quinti was captured by the giants and he asked Pachamama (Mother Earth in Quechua) to transform him into a hummingbird to escape, and his wish came true.
In his tail, Quinti was able to take a little fire, and he distributed it among the humans.
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FAUSTO ZAPATTA, Account Executive
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I am a dedicated individual, passionate about my job and the causes I believe in. Since my teenage years, I have actively participated in various youth movements that advocate for equality, respect, diversity, and environmental awareness. Alongside pursuing my degree in tourism, I have been involved in the tourism industry since 2009. Working in several different positions allowed me to acquire invaluable knowledge about engaging with both tourists and locals, exchanging experiences, and discovering diverse methods to support local entrepreneurship while enriching visitors'
experiences in my country.
One of my favourite destinations in Ecuador is the Cuyabeno National Park, a place I have had the opportunity to visit twice in the past.
In my opinion, it holds a certain enchantment, offering a unique opportunity to find harmony both with nature and oneself.
Exploring the abundant wildlife of the Amazon region, one can encounter a diverse array of animal species while simultaneously forging a deep connection with their inner self.
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MARICARMEN VELASCO, Product Executive
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I have a lot of experience in the tourism industry: Aviation, Cruises, Hotels, and Travel Agency.
I have been working at SAT Ecuador for 4 months and what I have found so stimulating about this company is its flexible environment and the support of the team in whatever I need.
My favourite destination in Ecuador is Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador (6.268m) and the most important thing is that it´s the world's highest point in relation to the distance from the sun.
This important mountain invites us to enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking or hiking until we reach the top and end the day in a mountain lodge observing a wonderful starry sky in contact with the paramo and nature in its purest form.
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HIDDEN TREASURES: Pink Sands, Omaere Park, Pacoche Refuge
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Playa Rosada, on the Pacific coast in the province of Santa Elena, is known for its pink sand - hence its name - mixed with the landscape surrounded by sun and sea, which gives an excellent spectacle, especially at sunrise and sunset.
East of Baños, following the Pastaza Canyon with its spectacular waterfalls, you can visit
Omaere Ethno Botanical Park. Omaere means
nature of the rainforest in Waorani language, one of the indigenous groups of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Park was founded in 1993 by an indigenous
Shuar woman with the help of two companions from France. They formed Omaere Foundation and bought 15 hectares of land close to the town of Puyo. Now, years later, the plants have grown and the forest has been cared for with a focus on
useful and medicinal plants. In Omaere you can learn more about the importance of these plants to the indigenous cultures of the Amazon while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the rainforest.
The Pacoche Coastal Marine Wildlife Refuge takes its name from the Pacoche Hills on Cabo de San Lorenzo, the most prominent tip of Manabí Province. Its location in the coastal transition zone between dry and wet environments creates different ecosystems such as dry and wet forests, so-called Garúa forests. The refuge protects the terrestrial and coastal marine environment, an ideal combination between land and sea.
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5 THINGS TO DO FOR 0 DOLLARS!
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 Visit the local food markets of Quito, like Iñaquito, walk through the small kiosks, and just enjoy their colours and smells, the routine of the locals. In case you are thirsty, find the natural juice stalls and ask for an avocado juice.
Go for a gentle walk at El Pululahua crater, take the chance to stroll within the boundaries of this active volcano while engaging in conversations with the locals who have developed different ways of living in this unique ecosystem surrounded by the rumbling presence of Pululahua volcano.
Visit Puerto Ayora Fish Market on Island Santa Cruz, a lively place that showcases the second most important economic activity in Galapagos after tourism: Fishing. It´s really interesting to see how locals commerce the sea products and to learn more about the diversity of the resources of Galapagos´ seas.
Visit La Ratonera beach when visiting Charles Darwin Station on the Galapagos Island of Santa Cruz. It is a tiny paradisiacal beach with a trail framed by marine Iguanas located inside the Station.
If you are in good physical conditions, and you want to challenge it during your free time in
Guayaquil, try to step to the highest point of
Cerro Las Peñas. The walk involves 444 steps until get to the top. The surroundings of this nice stroll is full of colour, music and art. You can stop in some spots of the walk to enjoy the traditional style of colonial houses of Guayaquil, and share a beer at one of the many bars and pubs open to the public while visiting the place. If you conquer the summit of the hill, you will enjoy of a privileged view of the city.
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... Ecuador has been considered, according to recent research, as the cradle of cocoa in the world. 5000 years B.C., this product was already commercialized among the inhabitants of Abya Yala (America), being highly valued in the product exchange.
... Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, at an altitude of 2.850m/9,350ft, and it is the closest capital city to the Equator.
... the city of Machala is the world capital of the banana. One of our main products for exportation is bananas, we have 300 different kinds of this fruit; you can learn more about this tropical fruit by visiting a banana plantation in El Oro province.
... one of the most amusing words you'll come across or even encounter in Ecuador is chuchaqui. Should you decide to venture to Ecuador, we encourage you to inquire about its meaning. It's sure to bring a smile to your face and offer an intriguing insight into our vibrant culture.
... Panecillo´s Virgin, a 41m high statue on Panecillo hill in Quito, is the only Virgin in the world depicted with angel wings and is also the tallest aluminum statue on the planet. It is one of the icons of Quito and was made by the artist Bernardo de Legarda, who was inspired by chapter 12 of the Apocalypse of the Bible.
... Ecuador is the paradise of orchids. In our small territory we can find more than 4000 species of this exotic flower, from which around 1300 are endemic.
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