Ecuador
Ecuador is a small country with big surprises as it is absolutely packed with natural and man-made wonders. Covering just 256,370 sq. km, (similar in size to England) Ecuador contains one of the most varied geographies in South America. There are four distinct regions: the Andean highlands, the coastal tropical plains, the Amazon Basin and the Galapagos Islands, located 1,000 km. off the coast in the Pacific Ocean. Colonial Quito, in the highlands, is the capital city and bustling Guayaquil, on the coast, is the main port and the largest city in the country. Since Ecuador is located right on the equator, the country as a whole experiences no extreme weather changes. Rainy seasons vary in each zone.
Ecuador's population of around 13.5 million is made up of ‘mestizos’ (a mixture of European and Native South American extractions) as well as indigenous peoples in the Andean highlands and in the Amazon regions. Coastal dwellers are descendants of Native South Americans, Europeans and Africans.
Its colonial cities such as Quito and Cuenca, are beautifully preserved with cobble-stoned streets, colourful and ornate architecture and are nestled in valleys surrounded by majestic Andean peaks and volcanoes.
South of Quito is the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ which includes Cotopaxi - one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at 5,897 metres above sea level, with a perfectly formed snow-covered cone. Cotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands and herds of llamas, was well as deer, rabbits, frogs and lizard and all manner of birdlife.
North of Quito is the Otavalo Region with its rolling hills and quaint villages and the most important ethnic group, The Salasaca Indians, said to have been brought to Ecuador by the Incas, from Bolivia, to guard the gateway to the rain forest. They are excellent weavers and have preserved their customs, costumes, traditions and original political and cultural organization.
In the East of the country is the jungle and the rivers and tributaries here make up the headwaters of the great Amazon River. The jungle here is perhaps the most pristine in the continent as it has been well protected and the indigenous inhabitants have maintained their customs and lifestyle.
Ecuador also boasts some intriguing cloud forest, with a delicate, misty appearance, featuring trees covered with Spanish moss and icy rushing streams. It covers the transition zone between the high Andes and the lowland jungles with a high biodiversity. Precipitation comes in the form of clouds and fog, as well as rain, resulting in many plants that can live off the airborne moisture alone.
Colorful handicrafts are found all over Ecuador and not to be forgotten is the Panama Hat. Thousands of Ecuadorian hats were exported to Panama, especially durin from where they got their name, and became famous when President Theodore Roosevelt wore them.
Not to be forgotten of course are the Galapagos Islands, a paradise for nature lovers, which emerged about five million years ago, as a result of violent volcanic action. In geological terms, this should be considered a recent event. Please go to the Galapagos section of the website for more in-depth information on this is a unique place in the world, a pristine environment where species do not show any fear of humans
Ecuador - It supports the saying ‘Great things come in small packages’