Ecuador: the country that has it all
Ecuador is a South American country, localized between Colombia (north) and Peru (South), with a Pacific Ocean coast at the west. Despite its small size when compared to its neighbors, Ecuador is the most biodiverse nation per square kilometer on Earth, and has 4 totally different worlds coexisting.
Next, I have written down 10 reasons why I think you should consider Ecuador as your next travel destination:
- Unmatched biodiversity. Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries per square kilometer on Earth, home to countless plant and animal species across multiple ecosystems.
2. The Galapagos Islands. Probably the most iconic Ecuadorian destination, the Enchanted Islands are a living laboratory of evolution where you can see species found nowhere else and experience world-class wildlife encounters.
3. Four distinct regions in close proximity. Ecuador has 4 regions: the Coast, the Highlands (Andes), the Amazon, and the Galapagos. Thanks to its relatively small size, you could move from region to region in literally just hours rather than days. In practical terms, this means that, with a smaller budget, you will be able to visit more places in less time and have an extended experience of the country.
4. Compact and easy to travel. Ecuador’s small size means less transit time and more time exploring; domestic flights and an efficient bus network connect major sights.
5. Stunning Andean scenery and volcanoes. If you are into hiking, climbing and mountaineering, Ecuador offers unique places, which are so close to each other, that you could easily cover plenty of them during your visit. Ecuador is the proud owner of some celebrated mountains, like the Chimborazo (the Earth’s closest point to the sun measured from the Earth’s center), the Cotopaxi (one of the World’s highest active volcanos) and the Cayambe. These (and others) Ecuadorian peaks are adequate for acclimatization and preparing yourself for higher climbs in the future.
6. Accessible and affordable adventures. Just a few hours away from the main cities by car, you can access a wide variety of destinations with a small budget. Local prices (hotels, tours, meals, etc.) are affordable for most of international tourists, allowing them to have a comprehensive glance of our diversity.
7. Rich indigenous culture and markets. Ecuador has 14 indigenous nationalities, 18 indigenous peoples, and 14 official languages besides the Spanish, making it a culturally rich destination, full of heritage, history, and tradition. Through Ecuador’s vibrant towns and markets you will experience the magic of our country’s culture.
8. Delicious and varied cuisine. Often overlooked, Ecuadorian gastronomy deserves recognition for its ingredients, variety, creativity, and taste, fitting all kind of preferences. Coastal, Andean, Amazonian, and Galapagos’ specialties create a diverse culinary catalogue, that includes among its ingredients some of Ecuador’s most popular goods: tropical and Andean fruits, green plantain, seafood, fish, pork, and potatoes.
9. Unique attractions. Places like Quito’s historic center, Mitad del Mundo, Chimborazo and Cotopaxi volcanos, Cuicocha and Quilotoa lakes, or Ingapirca ruins in the Andean region; Los Frailes beach, Isla de la Plata, Montañita, Salinas, or the Spondylus route in the Coastal region; the Yasuni National Park, the Cueva de los Tayos, Misahualli, or the Cuyabeno wildlife reserve in the Amazon region; Sierra Negra volcano, San Bartolome island, or Charles Darwin research station in the Galapagos. These are just some of the few landmarks of the Ecuadorian diversity.
10. The perfect adventure destination. Snorkeling with sea lions, diving with sharks, swimming with penguins, white-water rafting, canopying in cloud-forests, rappelling hidden waterfalls, or climbing some of the most iconic Andean peaks, the options are endless. Ecuador delivers high-adrenaline options for adventure seekers.
My list of reasons for visiting Ecuador is endless, but hopefully, I picked up the better ones that will convince you to come and experience firsthand one of the most accessible, affordable, diverse, and easiest-to-travel countries in the world.
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