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The Republic of Ecuador is located on the northwest coast of South America and has a surface of 270,670 sq km (168,186.54 sq mi). With a population of approximately 13 million inhabitants, majority of them catholic, Ecuador has two official languages: Spanish and Quichua. However, there exist 18 different additional languages spoken by indigenous communities who have preserved their language and culture. Ecuador has a democratic government.
Ecuador is crossed by the Equator line from East to West and by the Andes Mountains from North to South. The Ecuadorian coasts are bathed by the cold Humboldt Current coming from the South; all these geographical uniqueness affect the climate of the region, making Ecuador one of the most stable and temperature-wise pleasant countries on earth. We do not live through four seasons around the year, but it is said (and you will experience) all four of them in a single day.
Temperatures vary according to the altitude and they can range from 30 to 40 Celsius degrees (85 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) at sea level or all the way down to 0 degrees C (32 F) on places as high as 4500 meters, mostly covered with snow all year round. These diversity in grounds, altitudes and temperatures make of Ecuador (with a surface of less than 1% of the world’s) to have the greatest biodiversity in the world in proportion to its size. In fact, we boast to have over 4000 types of orchids, more than 1600 species of birds and 10% of existing plants in the world. Varied landscapes all of them under the same sky: mountains, forests, jungles, rivers, lakes, volcanoes, valleys, enchanted islands and more can be resumed with a simple phrase “a single country and four worlds”
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The cold Humboldt Current and the small mountain range of Colón & Colonche (altitude of 500 meters), create the sub-zones of the Ecuadorian Coast. The humid tropical forest found on the north, the extensive savannahs on the center and the dry tropical forest to the south and west of the peninsula. In this rich region we find plantations of tropical products such as banana, cacao bean, mango, coffee, rice, and sugar. We also find on the coastal region of Ecuador pristine National Parks and Ecological Reserves. Major cities in this region are Guayaquil and Manta both of them with modern and urbanized systems and services.
Come and enjoy the beauty of this region. (Average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius).
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The Andes Mountains of Ecuador has two branches Western and Eastern. A landscape of high summits, green valleys, colorful crops, shining cascades, rivers, and active volcanoes make the beauty of this region breath-taking. Charming little towns with ancient history and traditions adorn the mountains and its natural beauty. Two major cities on the highland, one of them Quito, the capital, and Cuenca were declared by the United Nations “World Cultural Heritage Sites”. Outdoor Indian markets, huge rose plantations and cozy historical “haciendas” are part of this enchanted region. The colorful and fascinating Andes wait for you. (Average temperatures of 17C)
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At first sight the Ecuadorian Amazon might be taken as a vast and enormous jungle but reality is that this encloses an incredible ecosystem; this area is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects. Trees host plants as bromeliads and orchids.
Indigenous tribes which still preserve their language and ancient traditions are scattered around the rainy and muggy jungle. Natural knowledge of the rain forest that the aborigines have shown to have has been admired by scientists and experts. Come and discover with us this mega diverse region. (Average temperature 30 degrees C with high humidity of 75%).
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The Galapagos Islands are located 972 km. to the west of continental Ecuador and they are home to a high number of endemic plants and animals; it’s a living museum. With 13 great islands, 6 smaller ones, and 40 small barren islands the Galapagos form the most famous archipelago of the world. Frigate birds, finches, marine and terrestrial iguanas, seals, blue and red footed boobies, are just a small list of the species you will find on the Enchanted Islands With a striking and fascinating landscape (shared with a small region of the coast of Ecuador), it´s the only dry tropical forest of the world. Between December and May weather is warm and sunny with rains creating a beautiful green vegetation. From June to November the islands remain dry and cold. These volcanic islands have much to show and lots to teach to science and all of us; come and become the next spectator of this marvelous place. (Average Temperatures of 25 degrees C.)
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