The Four worlds of Ecuador

If one were to study Ecuador they would find that it is 4 worlds in one. Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, rich in flora and fauna in four natural regions. The Galápagos Islands, La Costa, Los Andes and el Oriente, each have their own particular ecosystem. 

This is one of the reasons why Ecuador is so attractive to all types of tourists, whether they are seeking  agritourism and ecotourism or an adventure tour!  There is so much to see, whatever your reason for visiting!

The Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands, known for it massive turtles and species found no where else on earth, is one of the most unique places on earth. There is no other place like it anywhere.  The name Galápagos comes from a Pre-Roman Iberian word meaning "Turtle." 

According to Wikipedia:

The Galápagos Islands (Spanish: Islas Galápagos) are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Eastern Pacific, located around the Equator 900 km (560 mi) west of the mainland of South America. They form the Galápagos Province of the Republic of Ecuador, with a population of slightly over 33,000 (2020). The province is divided into the cantons of San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela, the three most populated islands in the chain. The Galápagos are famous for their large number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin in the 1830s and inspired his theory of evolution by means of natural selection. All of these islands are protected as part of Ecuador's Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve.

The Coast or La Costa

The coast of Ecuador, alongside the Pacific Ocean, is the home to many inhabitants. It is located between the Galápagos and the Sierra of Ecuador. This area of Ecuador includes tropical rainforests, tropical moist evergreen forests, tropical wet forests, premontane cloud forests and mangrove forests. Unfortunately, these forests are only remnants, due to deforestation on behalf of cattle ranching and agricultural production, mostly banana, cacao and coffee. These plantations have deeply reduced the forests. The weather is warmer on the coast and very beautiful. The sand is smooth and the grains of sand comfortable to walk on. There are a variety of beaches on the coast; even some with black sand that can be found with the right tour guide to lead you! 

The Andes

Ahhh the Andes. Where should I begin. To me, this is the heart of Ecuador. Here is where the volcanoes lie. Where so much adventure takes place. Where many of the haciendas reside and where there are many connecting parts that seem to connect in this section of Ecuador. This is where the scientists conducted their experiments to see where the middle of world resides. What they did not realize is that the indigenous people of Ecuador had already figured it out!

Check out https://www.quitsato.org/ for more info on that! They do a really good job of explaining it all! (way better than me!) I love this part of Ecuador since it is where I fell in love with this country. I have so many memories here since this is where I have spent most of my time exploring the ins and outs of this part of the country. I have been here many times, but I still have SO MUCH to see! I love taking people to this part of Ecuador. It is so beautiful. 

The Andes is where the capitol resides. Quito. Ah Quito. Definitely must dedicate a blog entry to beautiful Quito... 

The Andes are divided into 3 cordilleras which run parallel to each other. It forms a kind of S shape from north to south. 

According to Wikipedia, here are some.... 

Notable mountains and Volcanoes[edit]

The volcano Chimborazo from the Northwest

Sangay

Tungurahua

Quilotoa

Cotopaxi

Illiniza

Antisana

Pichincha

Reventador

Cayambe

Chimborazo

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Major volcanoes in Ecuador

• Chimborazo (6,267 metres (20,561 ft)) inactive volcano, the furthest point from the Earth's center.
• Cotopaxi (5,897 metres (19,347 ft)) is the tallest active volcano in the   world.
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• Illiniza (5,248 metres (17,218 ft))
• Tungurahua (5,023 metres (16,480 ft)) It is an active volcano in eruption since 1998 near Baños-Tunguragua
• Pichincha (4,784 metres (15,696 ft)) volcano overlooking Quito

El Oriente

El Oriente or The Amazon Jungle!

Then we have El Oriente, or the Amazon Jungle! This is the most exotic part of Ecuador! El Oriente is home to many species of birds, insects and fauna!

The jungle is everything east of the Andes. It includes one of my favorite spots, Papallacta! A little paradise on the edge of the jungle! One interesting fact is that only 5% of the population lives there! It is the most dense part of Ecuador, filled with so many species of plant life. It maintains a temperature of 73 to 78 degrees consistently, so it is home to many a species of plants. One of the most incredible places to visit in El Oriente is Cuyabeno Lodge. It is just a spectacular place to visit. It is the 2nd largest reserve in Ecuador. The people of the Amazon include the Huaroani, Shuar, Kichwa, Siona, Cofan, Secoya, and Quijos Zaparo living in their traditions and customs still to this day. This section includes many protected National Parks: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Yasuni National Park, Sumaco-Napo Galeras National Park, The Huaorani Protecturate, Limoncocha Bio Reserve as well as the Sangay National Park. All parks provide vast opportunities to truly experience the Amazon Rainforest at its finest. 

Wherever you choose to begin your Ecuadorian Adventure, in The Galapagos, The Coast, The Andes or the Jungle, remember to take it all in and treasure every moment of this majestic place on earth.