Ecuador
Despite its small size, Ecuador features plenty of areas to explore. It is a tropical country located on the equator, well known for its active volcanoes and different climates, varying with elevation from the Andes mountains to the cloud forests of Mindo, to the Amazon Rain Forest, to the Pacific coast. Ecuador features a fantastic variety of unique flora and fauna, many of which can only be found in the Galapagos Islands, located 620 miles out in the Pacific Ocean.
Quito, once an administrative seat of the Spanish Empire, is the capital of Ecuador. It was one of the first cities designated as a world heritage site for the well-preserved architecture of its beautiful historical center. Ecuador’s colorful culture is prominent in the traditional textile markets of the largely indigenous city of Otavalo, which lies in the shadow of amazing volcanic peaks. The largest city is Guayaquil, a bustling port city home to many universities.
A land of distinct climates, dynamic natural settings, and diverse peoples, Ecuador is an exciting crossroads of South America.
Climate
Ecuador has a tropical climate that varies somewhat by altitude, where the lowlands are hottest and receive the most precipitation. The wet season occurs from December to May.|
Health and Safety
Malaria is a risk in less developed areas on the continent below an altitude of 5,000 feet (1500 meters).
Visit the CDC’s Ecuador page for updated information on health conditions in Ecuador.
Religion and Festivals
Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion of Ecuador.
Transportation
Ecuador is accessible by bus from neighboring countries and by plane through major airports at Quito and Guayaquil. Within the country, buses and taxis are common means of transportation. Excursions into the rain forest often utilize canoes.
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