Bisected by the equator, one part lying in the southern hemisphere and the other in the northern, Ecuador is a land divided into three distinct geological regions - Sierra, Oriente and Costa. These regions seem like three different planets squeezed into one tiny country. In addition, Ecuador controls the Galapagos Islands, which is even more like a distant universe.
SierraThe Andes
range runs through the center of the country, with the highest peak towering well above 6,000m (19,685ft). The landscape is dominated by volcanoes, half of them active. Ecuador's main cities
are located in the wide valley dubbed the Avenue of Volcanoes.
OrienteEast of the Sierra, this area of wet lowlands is covered by dense jungle and an intricate network of rivers, all of which carry water from the Andes into the Amazon River. This region is lauded for its extreme biodiversity.
Costa
Ecuador's Pacific coast is home to lush tropical forests, attractive beaches and the country's commercial capital, Guayaquil.
Galapagos IslandsFar out in the Pacific Ocean, this lost world is full of unique creatures that are not shy to show themselves to travelers. Explored by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, it is now of the world's top dream destinations.
GeographyEcuador is bordered to the north by Colombia, to the east and south by Peru, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The Andes running from the Colombian border in the north to Peru in the south have two main ranges - the Eastern and Western Cordilleras, divided by the Avenue of Volcanoes. The coastal plain between the Andes and the Pacific is covered by tropical forests and plantations of bananas, cacao, coffee and sugar. The Amazon jungle comprises 36% of Ecuador's land area, but contains only 3% of the population. Colonization is, however, increasing in the wake of the oil boom.
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