Why travel to Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

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Ecuador & Galapagos

As a country, Ecuador truly has is all: the snow-capped Andean mountain range, the sun-soaked Pacific coastline, the lush Amazon rainforest, and the natural wonder of the Galapagos Islands.

Although approximately the size of the state of Nevada, Ecuador was declared by Conservation International to be one of only 17 countries in the world that are considered "mega diverse,'' in fact Ecuador is by area the most megadiverse country in the world, and its geographical, biological and cultural diversity is unparalleled.

Located in the northwestern corner of South America and directly transversed by the Equatorial line, giving the country its name, Ecuador shares borders with Colombia to the north and with Peru to the south and west.

Ecuador geography

Ecuador is divided into four distinct geographical regions: the costa (pacific coast), the Andes (Andean highlands), the Amazon (Amazon basin rainforest), and the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is home to 44 nationally protected natural parks and reserves, covering a myriad of unique ecosystems: from the dense, warm tropical rainforest of Cuyabeno Reserve, to the UNESCO heritage of the Sangay Volcano national park in the Amazon rainforest, to the high, misty paramos of the Cotopaxi Volcano National Park, to the sparkling turquiose waters and crystalline beaches of the Machalilla National Park, and the crown of nature, the Galapagos Islands and the Marine Reserve.

Ecuador Wildlife

Within these various habitats flourish an astonishing quantity and diversity of species, many of them rare and/or endemic – such as an estimated 1650 species of birds. Ecuador comes fourth in diversity of bird species worldwide, There are 4500 species of butterflies, 345 species of reptiles, 358 species of amphibians, and 258 species of mammals. The Sangay and Galapagos National Parks, along with the Galapagos Marine reserve, have all been declared UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.

Ecuador is by area the most megadiverse country in the world...

Ecuador Live culture

Ecuador is also highly culturally diverse, with a total of 27 separate ethnicities and 13 recognized indigenous groups, most of which still preserve their distinct languages, dress, and traditions to a remarkable degree. Fine artesan goods, a plethora of unique and delicous traditional cuisines, and a calendar full of lively celebrations all attest to this rich cultural heritage. The city of Otavalo is known worldwide for its beautiful handicrafts and the sucess of its people in maintaining their traditions and language while prospering economically. Several of the tribes inhabiting the Amazon region have created ecotourism programs to help them sustainably preserve their natural surroundings and way of life. And on the northern coast in the province of Esmeraldas, the Afro-Ecuadorean community offers visitors a unique glimpse into a culture which is a fascinating fusion of African rhythms and cosmovision with the indigenous and mestizo influences of South America.

Ecuador is committed to sustainable tourism, and aims to be at the forefront of the sustainable tourism movement. The country is focused on protecting and preserving its natural and cultural diversity for generations to come, and as such, has engaged in initiatives such as the “Best Management Practices” program, which was established in partnership with the Rainforest Alliance and which seeks to establish a sustainable tourism infrastructure. The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), in association with National Geographic Traveler magazine, awarded Ecuador the Gold Odyssey Award in the category "Travel to a Better World" in recognition of its advertising focused on sustainable tourism.

Ecuador´s rich history and architecture are on display in the cities of Quito and Cuenca, both of which have been declared UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in recognition of their beautiful, well-preserved colonial centers, home to elaborate churches, theatres, narrow cobbled streets, broad plazas filled with palm trees and fountains, and numerous historical musuems and restored homes. Quito is a contrast between the old and the new, with its bustling, modern "new city" of shopping centers, fine resturants, and skyscrapers coexisting alongside the recently restored "old city" historic downtown area, which is Latin America´s best preserved historic colonial center. The southern city of Cuenca is also home to beautiful colonial architecture, and is well-known for its arts and cultural scene and its fine musuems. It is situated close to a number of pre-Colombian archaelogical sites, including Incapirca.

Guayaquil, in contrast, is a booming port city, a thriving modern metropolis with a coastal, tropical flare and an energetic nightlife. Situated conveniently close to the southern beaches of Manabí and Salinas, Guayaquil is home to numerous attractions, including the Malcon 2000 boardwalk along the river, and the charming, bohemian neighbourhood of Las Peñas, located on a hillside overlooking the city.

The Galapagos Islands are undoubtedbly Ecuador's best known and most visited travel destination, and with good reason: the site of Charles Darwin's famed research for "The Origin of the Species", each of the 15 main islands is a unique, self-contained ecosystem, marked by geographically stunning volcanic landscapes and the plentiful presence of sea lions, iguanas, giant tortises, blue footed boobies, penguins and frigate birds, all close enough to reach out and touch. The islands are surrounded by an equally amazing underwater display, and snokelers and divers can swim through the deep blue waters in the company of dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and large schools of colorful fish. Because of their location close to the Equator, the islands can be visited year-round and make for an unforgetable family adventure.

Ecuador Adventure in Nature

Ecuador is also a paradise for adventure-seekers of all persuasions and skill levels. With nineteen great things to see and do across the whole country—things that can be done in all of the regions—it would be very difficult for anyone to get bored. There is trekking, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, surfing, birdwatching, horseback riding, scuba diving, motorcycling and colonial haciendas, In addition, Ecuador has community based tours, the possibility of learning Spanish and also cultural heritage and folklore experiences that abound across all regions.

High volcanic peaks such as Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Illinizas offer climbing opportunities for hiking and climbing, with various levels of difficulty, and lower mountains like Pichincha and Pasachoa make for great day hikes. There are options throughout the country for trekking, camping and horseback riding, motorcycling, and biking, both on and off road, is possible in locations as diverse as the Cotopaxi National Park, Baños beside the erupting Tungurahua volcano, and the Ruta del Spondylus along the Pacific coast. Ecuador's shoreline offers world-class surfing, especially the town of Montanita, which has been home to numerous international surfing competitions. There is also excellent diving in hot spots such as Isla de la Plata Island and the Galapagos Islands. Rafting and tubing are fun and all ages can enjoy these activities which are possible in both Baños and around the Mindo area.

Both the UNESCO Cultural heritage areas of Quito and Cuenca have plenty of activities, and the folklore and popular festivals are always just a step away in the Andes, providing a mix of Pre Inca and Colonial customs with the modern Ecuador. This creates the classic “baroque” cultural style that defines Ecuador, a country of incredible richness that is all located really close together in the country. All of this and so much more, is what awaits you in Ecuador, with magic and unforgettable culture, nature and wildlife in such a small part of the world.