Time Zone |
America/Guayaquil |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-5 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Asia/Yerevan |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Located in the northern part of Ecuador's Manabi Province, Porto Velo County is an important eco-tourism area on the Pacific coast. With the fishing village of Portovelo as its core, the county boasts pristine sandy beaches, mangrove forests and tropical dry forest ecosystems, and is an important base for birdwatching and sea turtle conservation.
The Porto Velo Wildlife Sanctuary in the county is a biodiversity hotspot in western Ecuador, covering nearly 5,000 hectares of forest and coastline. Humpback whale migration can be observed from June to October every year, and the surrounding waters are suitable for snorkeling and sea fishing. La Plata Island (also known as "Little Galapagos") is known for its rich marine life, where you can encounter sea lions, turtles and tropical fish.
As a traditional fishing port, Porto Velho retains the Manta cultural handicraft making tradition, and the local wooden fishing boat building technique is classified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The economy is based on sustainable fishing and eco-tourism, with specialty products including tuna processing and straw crafts. The annual Ocean Festival in December showcases local culture through traditional dances and seafood cuisine.
The county of Porto Vero is located about 30 kilometers from the capital city of Manta and can be reached via the Troncal del Pacífico highway. The terrain is dominated by coastal plains and the climate is tropical savannah, with an average annual temperature of 26°C. The region is characterized by the presence of a unique equatorial coastal upwelling. The unique equatorial upwelling brings rich fishing resources, making it an important port for tuna fishing in Ecuador.
Sevan is a small town in the Armenian province of Gegharkunik, located in the eastern part of the country on the shores of Lake Sevan, about 66 kilometers from the capital city of Yerevan. The town is famous for its eponymous alpine lake, Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Eurasia, at an altitude of about 1,900 meters above sea level, which is known as the "Pearl of Armenia".
Lake Sevan is surrounded by magnificent landscapes and crystal clear waters, making it an important tourist and recreational destination in Armenia. The town boasts historical monuments such as the Sevan Monastery, a 9th-century monastery situated on a peninsula overlooking the lake, which attracts many tourists and pilgrims. The local economy is based on fishing, tourism and agriculture, and the climate is cool enough for summer vacations.
With a population of around 20,000, the town of Sevan retains its traditional Armenian culture, while the infrastructure is constantly being improved to provide accommodation and catering services. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the nature and history of the Caucasus and is easily accessible for short trips.