Ecuador

According to Conservation International, Ecuador is one of the 17 “megadiverse” countries, harboring the majority of the earth’s species. It provides habitat for 1,600 bird species, 16,000 species of plants, 106 reptiles, 138 amphibians, and 6,000 species of butterflies. Many of these species are found nowhere else in the world, like the Galápagos Sea Lion, Warbler Finch, and Lava Cactus.

The ecological diversity that distinguishes Ecuador is largely determined by the four distinct geographical regions within the country—La Costa (the coast), La Sierra (the highlands), La Amazonía (the Amazon), and Región Insular (Galápagos Islands). It’s a wonder that a country roughly the size of Nevada can host volcanoes, tropical jungles, deserts, fertile valleys, calm or rough seas, rivers, waterfalls, and the Galápagos Islands.

Bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador boasts over 1400 miles of coastline. Stunning beaches offering some of the best surf on the South American Pacific coast stretch along the coast, dotted by small ports and picturesque fishing villages. The coast and low-lying land in the western part of Ecuador generally have a humid subtropical climate driven by the ocean currents. Visitors can experience all the coast has to offer—surfing, kayaking, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding and hiking.

The highlands run north to south through the center of Ecuador. The region is dominated by two Andean mountain ranges standing parallel with a chain of fertile valleys folded in between. From the scenic high peaks to colorful valleys, villages with distinct customs and heritages dot the region. Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, lies at 9,000 feet within the highlands region. UNESCO declared this historical city a World Heritage Site in 1978 for having the best preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America. Just south of Quito is the city of Guayaquil, which features one of the world’s highest active volcanoes—Mount Chimborazo. It is also considered the closest place to the sun on earth given its proximity to the equator.

The largest known Incan ruins in Ecuador, Ingapirca, are located in the highlands just outside of the city of Cuenca. The site offers a historical glimpse into two of the most prominent ancient civilizations in Ecuador – the Incas and the Cañari. The ruins of the temple of the sun, which was constructed to align with the solstices, still remain at the center of the site.

The Amazon basin covers just under half of the country’s entire surface area. Spreading over six of the eastern provinces, the jungle-covered plains harbor howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans and parrots. The Napo River runs through the Amazon and is a major life source and method of transportation for the tropical forest. The river’s many islands provide ample nesting areas for a wide variety of bird species. The Amazon’s waterways also support over 600 species of fish and 250 species of amphibians and reptiles.

Ecuador became the first nation to legally recognize the rights of nature in 2008 when they wrote the National Plan of Buen Vivir (Good Living) into the constitution. It became a clear national priority to conserve and manage the abundant natural heritage alive throughout the land and waterways of Ecuador. Currently 11 national parks, 10 wildlife refuges, 9 ecological reserves and other areas are protected areas in Ecuador. The Cajas National Park was declared in 1996 and protects about 270 lakes and lagoons. The cloud forest in the lower parts of the park is distinguished by sharp and deeply forested mountains that are carved out by powerful waterfalls and meandering streams. The most impressive waterfall in the region is Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. Its beautiful turquoise water falls approximately 100 feet.