COCADAS (Coconut Candies)

Cocadas is a very tasty sweet which was brought to Ecuador from the black Ecua-African culture. Ecua-Africans live mainly in the Esmeralda and Imbabura provinces in northwestern Ecuador.

In Ecuador “Cocadas” are sold in the streets and in public buses. They may be presented in bars with a form like a chocolate bar or presented as small candies. Either way, they are delicious and a treat not to be missed. When you’ve had them once, you’ll want the recipe. Here’s ours—remember your trip to Ecuador with your own, personal Cocadas.

Ingredients

2 2/3 cups shredded coconut
3/4 cup condensed milk
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon almond essence

Preparation

1. In a bowl, blend the coconut, egg, condensed milk, and almond essence until well mixed.
2. Let the preparation rest for two or three minutes.
3. Spread butter liberally onto a baking sheet.
4. Using two teaspoons to spread the mixture, put small amounts on the baking sheet.
5. Bake at medium temperature (European oven: 163 Celsius degrees; American oven: 325 Fahrenheit degrees) for twenty-five minutes or until they are golden, dry and smooth.
6. Enjoy!!

The ultimate Family Vacation

We’ve received many requests for Family trips at GalapagosTraveler.com, and many have asked for a sample Itinerary for a visit for a family with children. We believe this might represent the best fam-ily trip ever taken! Consider this Itinerary.

1st Day (Tuesday) -- Arrival:
Arrival, reception and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and overnight.

2nd Day (Wednesday): The Fabulous Quito City Tour + Visiting the Equator
Every family likes togetherness—but not too much! Your family can venture safely and be escorted through the oldest parts of the city of Quito, while learning the history and customs of the beautiful people who inhabit it. Our walking tour will bring us to the Panecillo, where the entire family can enjoy the beautiful view of the Historical Center of Quito.
Have you ever been able to, literally, touch the clouds? On the cableway, your entire family will share a unique and fascinating experience. You’ll be able to see panoramic views of the Pichincha volcano, all the way to the top of Cruz Loma. Cruz Loma is a truly magic place with páramo vegetation-- enjoy the magnificent landscapes and the most spectacular views of the city.
We will then visit the monument that divides the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere. Chil-dren study about the Equator in school, but they see it as only a line on a map; this visit allows them to liter-ally “live” the Equator—imagine them being able to do a “Show and Tell” with one foot in the Northern Hemi-sphere and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere.

3rd Day (Thursday): Quito / Galapagos
You have breakfast at your hotel before we accompany you to the Airport. We help you with the check-in for your flight to the amazing and beautiful Galapagos Islands. When you arrive, crew members of M/V Galapagos Legend welcome you at the Airport and will drive you to the ship, where you check-in. Your children will be absolutely thrilled with the ship; it’s large enough to offer amenities and small enough that they’ll feel extra special.

3rd – 7th Day: Cruising Through the Galapagos Islands
It’s a truly special Galapagos cruise. All your family will enjoy this, since there are activities prepared espe-cially for the kids. This boat has a special space designed specifically for your children. Parents and kids can not only enjoy specific activities offered, but the kids can amuse themselves with activities including snorkeling, hiking, etc.

7th Day (Monday): Galapagos / Hacienda “La Alegria”
There’s a saying that “All good things must come to an end” and it’s true—your cruise must end, but the family vacation need not end at this point. After you disembark from the M/V Galapagos Legend, and after saying goodbye to both new friends and old, you’ll fly back to Quito. We’ll drive you to the colonial Hacienda La Alegria. (B/D). This is a marvelous experience, and adds to the memories that this Ultimate Family Vacation offers.

8th – 9th Day (Tuesday): Hacienda “La Alegria”
Here’s something you’ll love to hear: There’s no defined activities at La Alegria-- you and your family can decide on what you want to do at the Hacienda. Rest, spend time together—or separate and go your own ways—it’s your choice.

9th Day (Wednesday): “La Alegria” - Quito
In the late afternoon, you’ll transfer back to Quito. Accommodation at the Hotel Dann Carlton, an exclusive 4* hotel.

10 Day (Thursday): Departure from Ecuador
It’s time to fly home. Transfer to the airport for your international flight.

Hotel Hilton Colon

The family-friendly Hilton Hotel Colon-Quito is in the heart of Ecuador’s Capital city, centered within and among the city’s bustling and beautiful commercial and colonial districts. The hotel is opposite Ejido Park--enjoy the art exhibitions, weekends and it is just minutes from Central Quito’s history and religious sites and the famous Avenida Amazonas- Quito’s lively boulevard.

With 300 spacious and elegant guest rooms offering all the latest amenities, your family will experience a home away from home. Room amenities include cable television, soundproof windows, air conditioning, and views overlooking the pool. Non-smoking rooms and 24 hour room services are also available for your com-fort. In addition to its prime location, however, Hotel Hilton Colon-Quito offers excellent local and regional cuisine. Indulge yourself poolside, keep in shape at the state-of-the-art gym, or enjoy a relaxing massage.

Colonial Hacienda La Alegria

La Hacienda La Alegria is a family-run organic farm one hour south of the historic colonial city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, offering traditional hospitality with a touch of luxury. La Alegria specializes in horseback vacations amid the high Andes. The hacienda is not a hotel—it’s a working farm, which makes it especially interesting for children. Imagine having your children learn about milking cows, training horses, or hiking—to discover something interesting and different.

There are many activities. Enjoy hiking with your children. La Alegria is ideally located for a hiking trip into the mountains. The hacienda is situated on the lower slopes of Corazon Volcano in the heart of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes,”---a spectacular valley dividing the eastern and western ranges of the Andes. Enjoy mountain biking with a number of options. For those looking for thrills, downhill biking of Viudita and the lower slopes of Corazon and - for the ultimate adrenaline rush – Cotopaxi--are possible.

The Cloud Forest:
One of the unique features of the environment around Hacienda La Alegria is the endangered habitat of the Ecuadorian cloud forest. Adults and children will enjoy learning about trees, flowers, and animals they know nothing about. It’s a scientific journey into life—lived fully.

The Galapagos Legend—The Premiere Ship of the Galapagos for Family Cruising

The Galapagos Legend has been specifically developed for Island hopping during Galapagos Islands cruises. The ship was totally converted in 2001 and all the stateroom and public area interiors are new. 1800 square meters of social area ensures you enjoy all the amenities of a first class cruiser yet realize the privacy accorded by a smaller ship.

This is a special ship—especially for families. Onboard, guests enjoy interiors with marine details and original pieces of art highlighting the nature of the Islands.

Each individual cabin has been decorated with paintings of Galapagos species. You may share your quarters with a painting of a blue-footed boobie. The fully-carpeted comfortable Junior suites, some interconnected, and all with ocean views--allow you to view the sea without even leaving your bed.

Take your time in your private bathroom, where you will have ample fresh hot and cold water to refresh your-self and a hair dryer for extra comfort. Other amenities in your cabin are safe deposit boxes and a mini bar.

You will be able to sunbathe at our sky deck by the pool. Socialize with other passengers as you enjoy an exotic cocktail from the Fisherman's Bar. Observation decks allow you to spot dolphins and whales and the alfresco dining areas will allow for parents to enjoy romantic meals under the sun or the moon and stars.

Family Travel in Ecuador

Ecuador is ideal for family adventures and travel.
From the families of Ecuador to yours, the friendliness of the natives brings home the strengths of Ecuador’s Spanish and Indian diversity. Getting from place to place is easy in this small, friendly Andean nation. Families can explore the beauty and wildlife, experience the rich cultural diversity, and view the most spectacular landscapes ranging from glaciers and volcanoes to lowland Amazon jungles, rich agricultural lands, and the exotic marine habitat of the Galapagos Islands.
You may enjoy charming, home-style accommodations, including former colonial-style haciendas and native Indian lodges. Families with small children can teach them about diversity while experiencing the simplicity of the daily lives of the Ecuadorian people. You can visit native villages to learn about their ancestral ways of living, or stop in at a market or a school; you can hike among farmers plowing fields and learn about weav-ing, leather craft, the famous Amazon Rain sticks, and other handicrafts.