Ecuador: The Coast, Andes, Galápagos, and The Amazon

Despite its small size, Ecuador is one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, with four beautiful areas (the coast, the Andes, the Galápagos, and the Amazon) that are home to a wide variety of ecosystems and abundant animals. Off the coast of Ecuador's Galápagos Islands, researchers on a deep-sea expedition uncovered a thriving coral reef teeming with marine life. This finding, made just in time for World Environment Day, highlights the destination's abundant biodiversity and the many initiatives underway to safeguard the region's threatened species.

Due to its location on the equator, which connects the northern and southern hemispheres, Ecuador is home to about 10% of the world's plant species and 16% of the world's bird species. See the stunning solar eclipse in October.

Now that David Horwell and Pete Oxford have released their guide to the Galápagos, visitors to one of the world's most biodiverse regions may explore it with confidence thanks to their decades of experience exploring the archipelago. The 19 islands and islets that make up the Galápagos archipelago are on both sides of the equator in a spot where three ocean currents clash, some 1,000 kilometres west of the mainland coast of Ecuador.

The southern islands are harsh and desert, whereas the north is hot and humid with fertile terrain and abundant greenery. Charles Darwin, during a trip to the islands in 1835, found evidence for what would later become his Theory of Evolution: a number of species, like tortoises, finches, and land iguanas, had diverged from their mainland relatives due to differences in environment. These islands have been dubbed a "living museum and exhibition of evolution" because of their extraordinary variety of life. Marine iguanas, sea turtles, giant tortoises, and Galápagos penguins are just some of the features that visitors may learn about and help save with the help of a naturist guide.

Ecuador's jungle is considered the most species-rich area of the Amazon, despite the Galápagos Islands receiving more publicity. More than 300 species of mammals, 800 types of fish, and 350 species of reptiles all call Ecuador's Amazon Rainforest home.

Yasun National Park is the crown jewel of Ecuador's Amazonian tourist attractions. The park is the largest protected area in the Ecuadorian Amazon, covering 9,820 square kilometres and home to as many as 100 distinct varieties of trees per acre, as well as iconic wildlife like jaguars, caimans, and marmosets, and 600 species of birds, accounting for one third of all Amazon bird life. Macaws, toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds are just some of the highlights. The Yasun National Park is home to the Taromenane and Tagaeri peoples, who have chosen to avoid interaction with the outside world. They have an important role in preserving the environment, and the constitution of Ecuador guarantees their rights, especially the right to privacy.

The Andes highlands of Ecuador consist of two separate mountain ranges separated by verdant valleys teeming with llamas and alpacas. Lakes, blue volcanic lagoons, and natural springs of thermal waters abound in the region, making it a popular destination for tourists. Quito and Cuenca, both World Heritage Sites, are located in the highlands, as is the snow-capped Chimborazo Volcano, which is the closest location on Earth to the sun (6268m). For those without much climbing experience, this is one of the tallest mountains that offers straightforward routes. The summit, accessible by a 2, 4, or 5 day hike, provides breathtaking views from Ecuador's highest point.

There are 2,237 kilometres of sandy beaches, perfect surf, and delicious seafood on Ecuador's Pacific coast. One of the few protected coastal districts in the country, Machalilla National Park features tropical dry forest that leads right into magnificent beaches. Between June and October, humpback whales make the longest migration of any mammal, travelling 4,000 miles to the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, where they congregate in the seas around Isla de la Plata, which is located 25 miles off the coast. It's a spectacular sight for whale watchers since this is the perfect climate for mating and giving birth to live pups.

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