Ecuador

DVD Globe Trekker. Ecuador is the smallest of the Andean countries that stretch along the western coast of South America. Despite its size, Ecuador has an incredible landscape and climate, making it one of the world's greatest geographical wonders. Traveler Justine Shapiro starts her travels in Guayaquil before taking a train up into the Andes. After climbing the highest active volcano on earth, she heads north to the capital of Ecuador, Quito. Following a trek in the Amazon she completes her trip with a visit to the magnificent Gal?pagos Islands. 47 minutes. Along the way... Fly into the Amazon on an old army plane Ride on the roof of a train Bathe in hot water from a volcano Romp with the sea lions on the Galapagos Islands Climb 18,000 icy feet up into the Andes

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Modern residential buildings dominate the townscape of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, that was founded in Spanish colonial times. Quito is the starting point for most journeys through this fascinating county that is situated on the Equator and which offers both cultural as well as many natural attractions and most especially, the Galapagos Islands. The journey to the fascinating animal kingdom of the Galapagops Islands begins in Baquerizo Moreno the largest settlement on the island which also has the largest fishing harbour of the entire archipelago. The rolling movement of the Poseidon, the expedition's diving boat, provides a hint of the adventures that lie ahead. The remarkable biodiversity of the islands is also evident in the various species of birdlife that are to be found there. As opposed to the reptiles that are endemic, around fifty percent of the world's bird species inhabit the archipelago. The flame-red Sally Lightfoot Crab that is to be found on most of the rocky coastline is particularly easy to spot on the dark volcanic rocks of the islands. The Humboldt Current that travels from Antarctica and past the South American coast, added to the water that surges up from the depths of the ocean, provides the archipelago with nutrient rich water that attracts huge shoals of fish. The most famous visitor to the islands arrived in 1835 and today the name of scientist Charles Darwin is inseparably associated with the archipelago. Following his stay on the island he formulated the world famous Theory Of Evolution, the theory of natural selection. The fifty islands of the archipelago are one of the great wonders of nature and fortunately have retained their natural beauty right up to the present day.

DVD. Nature Wonders. 10 Minutes. These islands derived their name from the Spanish word for 'turtle'. For many centuries, the giant turtles were considered to be a culinary delicacy. A total of 14 sub-species of giant turtle inhabit the islands, some of which have been known to live for more than 150 years. Even today, ocean biologists and an assortment of other scientists follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. In the 1960s, a research station on one of the islands was named in his honor. With the introduction of non-indigenous dogs, cats and rats, the ecological balance on some of the islands has become critical; however, since 1959, the Galapagos Islands have been designated as a protected area.

DVD. Alternate Routes. 30 Minutes. Though it lies in the shadow of an active volcano, Banos is a chill town in Ecuador that attracts lots of backpackers from around the world. Many end up at Platas y Blancas, a cool hostel close to the local hot springs. From biking on beautiful roads to really bad karaoke in the bars, an American couple and a pair of Dutch brothers live the total Banos experience. Experience the rush of traveling the world for the first time with a crew of international back-packers, ages 16 - 22 on their quest for adventure, romance and the perfect moment. A variety of hosts from around the globe and the young people they hook up with on location are relentless in their pursuit of fun (and don't forget that culture, mate!) American girls explore Rome, Brits take on Thailand and things get wild when the Aussie's arrive in Copenhagen. Five continents, Unlimited Adventure. Take the alternate route, dude.

DVD. Discover The World. 30 Minutes. This program looks at the people, history, culture and geography of:Ecuador.

DVD. Places We Go. 45 Minutes. This trip is a family affair, Jennifer takes her sister Bev along with her for a holiday in the sun. They’re in the Galapagos Islands! It’s one mind blowing place after another in this trip and even to the biggest rainforest in the world, the great Amazon. Come with us and explore the enchanted Galapagos Islands in South America.