Ecuador or the country of the half of the world, is located to the northwest of South America. Its territory borders with Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica and the Pacific Ocean; a characteristic that makes it a tropical region, rich in biodiversity, full of history and filled with miles and miles of beaches that are world renowned for surfing.
Although it is the fourth smallest country of South America, Ecuador can be divided in four great zones: Coastal, Inter-Andean, Amazon and Insular. These regions provide spectacular scenery of the Amazon jungle, the Andes mountain range, tropical forests, a volcanic chain, cities and historic centers, as well as paradisiac islands. A unique and ideal destination to explore, that brings together all climates and geographies:
Inter-Andean Region of Ecuador
The trip in this exotic country begins in the Inter-Andean region, in the city of Quito, because most of the flights arrive directly to this vibrant city that fascinates by its lifestyle. The capital of Ecuador is an artistic and historical architectural site thanks to the Plaza Grande, to its Cathedral that is full of works of art, to the old Convent of San Francisco; which is the largest of all America and the Palace of Carondelet, in addition to the Sucre Theatre, to mention some of its most important buildings.
This zone covers the provinces of Carchi, Imbabura, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Bolivar, Chimborazo, Cañar, Azuay, Loja and Pichincha, home of the Mitad del Mundo City, place where the equatorial line passes. In addition, it is known as the region of the mountain range thanks to its majestic landscapes of the Andes, valleys, mountains, snow-capped mountains and volcanoes like Quilotoa; a magical place with a lagoon in the crater of a volcano. In addition, here are the two highest volcanoes in the country: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo or “the closest point to the sun” due to its height.
Litoral Region of Ecuador:
It is the coast and the most western zone of Ecuador. It includes the provinces of Guayas, Manabí, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, El Oro, Los Ríos, Esmeraldas and Santa Elena. This warm and humid region is famous for its beautiful beaches bathed by the Pacific Ocean and the magnificent postcards that combine the tropical forests of the North with the desert plains of the South. Even, this region has several natural reserves such as the Machalilla National Park and the Ecological Reserve Mangrove Churute.
Here you can find Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, a tourist and commercial area full of gardens, history, museums, as well as viewpoints next to the boardwalk. Near this area is Montañíta, a quiet and cool town that embraces free, adventurous and restless souls, to learn how to surf in its perfect waves.
Amazon Region of Ecuador:
The third zone is a lush lung of tropical forest and Amazon jungle. A place full of life, waterfalls and an extraordinary biodiversity that extends by the provinces of Orellana, Pastaza, Napo, Sucumbíos, Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe.
This region is so diverse, that it is possible to navigate its mighty rivers and also explore the jungle to know the indigenous communities of the area, in addition to the flora and fauna. The boats depart from El Coca, an oil city and enter the Napo River to reach the various reserves such as the Podocarpus National Park or the Yasuní National Park; considered the biggest biodiverse area in the world.
Insular Region or Galapagos:
It is the most fascinating part of Ecuador, we’re talking of an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean constituted by 13 great volcanic islands, 6 smaller islands and 107 islets. An inspiring and magical place in the world, home to a unique fauna as well as fascinating landscapes. A site with an amazing biodiversity that has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
There are few human settlements, but expeditions depart from Puerto Villamil and Puerto Ayora to the rest of the islands. This archipelago hides countless natural gems such as turtle nesting in Tortuga Bay, bird watching on Spanish Island and even visiting volcanoes.
Ecuador is a gem of biodiversity and a paradise that, despite being small, is a unique country that gathers wonderful landscapes with a colorful lifestyle that vibrates with nature, the strength of its volcanoes, the greatness of its mountains and the freshness of its waters. Do not hesitate to start an adventure in Latin America from here. Half of the world awaits to be discovered by you.