 Ecuador
is the smallest of the Andean nations located in South America.
The country is surrounded by Colombia to the north, Peru to
the south and east, and the Pacific to the west. The country
can be divided into four regions: the western coastal lowlands,
the Andean backbone, the eastern jungles of the Amazonian basin,
and the Galapagos Islands. The central highlands are composed
of two volcanic ranges separated by a central valley, where
much of the population lives.
Please note
that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found to
the right of this pages. 
 Despite
its small size, Ecuador is an incredibly diverse country. The
country has some of the world's oldest rain forests, the highest
active volcano in the
world, and the amazing Galapagos Islands. You will find Amazonian
tribes clinging to their traditional way of life, a thriving Andean
culture, and Latin America's
oldest Indian market. From an ecological standpoint, Ecuador is
one
of the most species-rich nations on earth. Throughout Ecuador
you will
have
the opportunity to discover exotic birds, plants, insects, and
fish. The highlight of any eco-tour is a trip to the Galapagos
Islands. Each island has a distinctive ecosystem, and at least
half of the approx. 58 species
found on the
islands are endemic.
The
schools and programs offered by Spanish Abroad in Ecuador are
located in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Quito is the second
highest national capital in the world at an elevation of 9,000
ft. (La Paz, Bolivia is the highest at over 12,000 ft.). Without
a doubt, Quito is one of the most beautiful
cities in South
America.
The city winds through a narrow valley, surrounded on all sides
by
towering, snow capped volcanoes. The view of the area around Quito
is dominated
by the majestic, cone-shaped Cotopaxi (approx. 19,000 ft.), the
highest
active volcano in the world. Due to the altitude of the city,
and its location just south of the equator, Quito has a wonderful
spring like climate throughout the year.
 Quito
is a modern city with every comfort and convenience readily available,
yet retains a large historic district which has been declared
a UNESCO cultural-heritage site. The new town contains numerous
modern office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants,
banks, and much more. In the colonial part of Quito you will find
Spanish colonial churches, whitewashed houses, narrow streets,
and old plazas. Overlooking the historic district stands the imposing
statue of the Virgin of Quito, know as the Panecillo. For the
language student or traveler, Quito is a very comfortable and
interesting place to spend some time.
If
visiting small villages and markets is something of interest to
you, Ecuador has much to offer. Otavalo, located a few hours north
of Quito, has a famous Saturday Indian market which dates back
to pre-colonial times. Visitors have the opportunity to buy pottery,
rugs, jewelry, etc. However, purchasing one of the high quality
rugs which the inhabitants are famous for, should be a top priority.
 To
the south of Quito lies the Avenue of Volcanoes. This impressive
valley is surrounded by two mountain ranges containing nine of
the ten highest peaks in Ecuador. Driving through this valley
on a clear day will offer the traveler absolutely spectacular
views. Throughout this area are scores of tiny Andean villages
nestled in some of the country's wildest mountain scenery. The
inhabitants' of these villages still cling to their centuries
old traditions. Some of the larger towns such as Saquisili, Zumbagua,
and San Miguel de Salcedo are well known for their market days.
At the end of the valley you will find Cuenca, the third largest
city in Ecuador. It is a beautiful city full of historic churches,
colonial buildings, and cobblestone streets.
Just
over the Andes, a few hours away from Quito, lies the Ecuadorian
Amazon basin (known as the Oriente). This area is a must see!
The Ecuadorian Amazon, which represents just two percent of the
whole basin, contains one-third of all the bird species in the
entire Amazon region, and 10 percent of all the tree species on
earth. Massive flows of water from the Andes collect in the Napo
and Aguarico river basins, creating the foundations for the Oriente’s
teeming bio-diversity. The Napo is one of the Amazon River’s principal
tributaries, and included in its fauna are sloths, caymans, jaguars,
monkeys, tapirs, pink dolphins, and over 1,000 species of birds.
Any trip to Ecuador should include a trip to the Oriente.
 Without
a doubt, the feature Ecuador is most well known for is the Galapagos
archipelago. Today these islands are extremely popular with natural
history enthusiasts. The islands are located in the Pacific approx.
600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The archipelago consists of
13 large and 6 small islands. These islands are known for their
unique marine and bird life, which include boobies, turtles, iguanas,
dolphins, and albatrosses. Plan at least a week to explore these
islands. Each one offers the visitor something unique. These islands
truly are something special that should not be missed!
Whatever your interests
may be, Ecuador has something to offer for you! |
