13 Mar The Four Faces of Ecuador – A Country of Adventure and Diversity
Ecuador is a diverse country, carved cleanly into four digestible slices of paradise – each with their own distinct personality. From the Andean volcanoes up in the highlands of the Andes to the unspoilt islands of the Galapagos archipelago to the pristine beaches of the Pacific Coast to the dense and biodiverse Amazon rainforest, this South American nation holds more within its small span than most countries twice its size. Come with us as we take just a cursory look into the four faces of Ecuador.
ANDES – HIGHLANDS
First, we ascend into the highlands of Ecuador, where the historical city of Quito resides. The capital of the region is the second highest capital city in the world and its well-preserved center is like a portal back into Ecuador’s colonial past – you could explore its winding narrow streets and historic buildings alone for days. Venturing beyond the city and out into the mountains will take you – perhaps on horseback – below impressive snow-capped volcanoes, through idyllic landscapes, past authentic Ecuadorian villages, crossing by the plaque-green waters of Quilotoa Crater Lake and down past the waterfalls which fall into the Amazon basin. Should you tire, there’s always hot springs to ease the muscles of the weary traveler.
THE GALAPAGOS
From the mountains to the sea, the world-famous Galapagos islands couldn’t be more different from the Andes, and yet are still the proud property of Ecuador. The islands were visited by Charles Darwin himself. They are a world unspoilt by time and teeming with wildlife found nowhere else in the world – from inquisitive penguins and garishly coloured birds to lumbering sea turtles and elusive iguanas. Each island provides something a little different from its neighbors, be it the black lava rocks of Fernandina Island or the forests of Genovesa.
PACIFIC COAST
Back on the mainland we have the coastal region of Ecuador, known for its stunning beaches with flour-white soft sands, azure blue waters, and opportunities for water sports – or to devour Ecuador’s delicious range of seafood washed down with a cocktail. It is here on the coast that one of Ecuador’s biggest cities, Guayaquil, can be found. The port city is a great base to explore the Pacific Coast and Galapagos Islands and is full of colorful houses, art galleries, chapels and a lighthouse, giving a glimpse into the real Ecuador, both past and present.
THA AMAZON
About one third of Ecuador is encompassed by part of the Amazon Rainforest. The region is a wonderful “gateway” for any expedition into the legendary jungle. The Ecuadorian part of the Amazon is home to more than 300 species of mammal. 350 reptiles, over 2,000 plants and 800 fish – making it one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Ecuador’s crowning jewel within the amazon is Yasuni National Park, the Amazonian paradise where every step is a lesson on Ecuador’s unparalleled biodiversity, taking visitors through winding trails to exotic animal habitats and offering the chance to partake in a myriad of exciting outdoor activities. Endangered species such as the jaguar, pink river dolphin and poison frog can be found in their natural habitats. all within the park boundaries making it the best place to take a safe dip into this world within a world.
Your Guides – Nomadic Ecuador
You may be a nomad in Ecuador, but you need not explore alone. Nomadic Ecuador is a detailed orientated family-run travel company, focused on showing the world everything Ecuador has to offer. They offer tours, cruises and tailor-made trips with experienced guides, taking you throughout the four quarters of Ecuador – including LGBTQ+ concentrated trips. With Nomadic Ecuador the experience is about more than just seeing it’s feeling, breathing, hearing and believing. Ecuador awaits. Contact us!
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