Ecuador

Country information Ecuador

Welcome to Ecuador, a country full of contrasts and unforgettable experiences. As a destination located on the equator, Ecuador invites you to discover a variety of landscapes and cultures: from the majestic Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest and the breathtaking Galapagos Islands, this fascinating country offers an unrivaled palette of natural wonders.

Hike through the dense cloud forest, climb the steep volcanoes, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. Here you can also immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the indigenous peoples, explore colonial towns with their historical heritage, and be enchanted by the warmth of the locals.

Enjoy Ecuadorian cuisine, sample exotic fruits at the colourful markets, and let yourself be carried away by the lively music and many festivals. Ecuador awaits you with its beauty and diversity to make your trip an unforgettable adventure.

Our Ecuador trips:

Volunteering Ecuador – Species conservation on the Galapagos Islands

Highlights in Ecuador

Geography of Ecuador

Ecuador stretches along the equator and offers a diverse geography, ranging from the Andes on the inland to the coastal plains and the Amazon rainforest to the east. The Andes, part of the Pacific "fire belt", run through the country from north to south and are home to some of the highest volcanoes in the world, including the majestic Cotopaxi.

This mountain range divides the country into three geographical regions: the Sierra (highlands), the Costa in the west (coast), and the Oriente (east). The coastal region is characterised by its long sandy beaches and fertile plains. To the east is the Amazon rainforest with its lush vegetation and incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Another striking geographical feature of Ecuador is the Galapagos Islands, a remote archipelago in the Pacific Ocean known for its unique wildlife and geological formations. This geographical diversity makes Ecuador a hotspot for ecotourism and nature lovers.

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Geomorphology of Ecuador

Ecuador's geomorphology is significantly influenced by its location in the Andes highlands and the geological activities of the Pacific "fire belt". The Andes run through the country and are the result of the collision of the tectonic plates of the Nazca and South American plates. Volcanism plays a central role in Ecuador's geomorphology and the country is home to many volcanoes, the majority of which are active. Moreover, volcanic activity has led to the formation of mountain ranges, valleys, and plateaus that characterise the landscape.

Impressive glacial lakes and steep peaks shape the highland region, while fertile valleys and rivers dominate the coastal and Amazon regions. The country's geomorphology is a fascinating result of its geological history and shapes the habitats and ecosystems that make Ecuador a biologically rich and diverse country.

Travelling tips and interesting facts about Ecuador

In Ecuador, the electricity voltage is normally 120 volts at a frequency of 60 hertz. The sockets in Ecuador are usually designed for plugs with two flat pins, like the sockets in the USA. However, it is advisable to bring an adapter, as some older buildings may still have sockets with round pins, which are common in Europe. A universal adapter can be useful for travellers to ensure that their devices can be plugged in easily.
Means of transport

In Ecuador, there are a variety of modes of transport available for travellers to explore the country:

Buses:
The bus network in Ecuador is well-developed and offers an inexpensive way to get around the country. There are local buses that connect towns and villages as well as long-distance buses that connect different regions of the country.

Trains:
Ecuador has a limited train network that offers some scenic routes, such as the famous journey on the "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil's Nose) train between Alausí and Sibambe.

Taxi:
Taxis are readily available in most cities and larger towns. It is advisable to negotiate the fare before travelling or make sure the taximeter is switched on. In some cities such as Quito and Guayaquil, there are also private transport services such as Uber.

Car hire:
Rental cars are available for travellers who want to be independent. Roads in Ecuador are generally good, but some remote areas can be more difficult to access, especially during the rainy season.

Air connections:
For travellers who need to travel longer distances, there are domestic flights connecting different cities and regions of the country. The main airports are located in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. The main airport in the Galapagos is Seymour on Baltra Island – also recognized as the first ecological airport in the world.
- 1 January: New Year (Año Nuevo)
- 12/13 February: Carnival (Carneval)
- March/April: Easter (Viernes Santo)
- 01 May: Labour Day (Día del Trabajo)
- 24 May: Battle of Pichincha (Batalla de Pichincha)
- 10 August: First Declaration of Independence (Primer Grito de Independencia)
- 09 October: Independence of Guayaquil (Independencia de Guayaquil)
- 02 November: All Souls' Day (Día de los Difuntos)
- 03 November: Independence of Cuenca (Independencia de Cuenca)
- 25 December: Christmas (Navidad)
There are also several indigenous festivals such as the solstice in June and December as well as the sun festival in mid-June, which is celebrated particularly in the north of Ecuador.
To successfully navigate your way through Ecuador, there are a few things you should bear in mind:

Dos:
- Respect the culture and be polite, a smile never hurts
- Learn a little Spanish, even if many people in the tourist regions also speak English
- Always have enough small cash with you, as sometimes change is scarce
- Don't be afraid to bargain at markets, as this is part of normal behaviour here
- Be careful not to show expensive jewelry or digital devices too obviously
- Buy bottled water and avoid tap water
- Pack warm clothes for the colder regions so that you are always well-equipped
Don'ts:
- Getting too close to wild animals, so always keep enough distance for your safety and the well-being of the animals
- Be careless when eating fresh food, always remember "Peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it"
- Throw toilet paper in the toilet, this belongs in the nearby waste bins to avoid blockages
- Expect punctuality, as people in Ecuador are a little more relaxed about fixed-time arrangements

Climate in Ecuador

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Ecuador is a country of breathtaking diversity, both culturally and geographically, and its climatic regions reflect this. In general, the country can be divided into four main climate zones: Coastal Region, Highlands, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands.

The coast of Ecuador has a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity. Average temperatures are between 25 and 31 degrees Celsius all year round. Rainfall is more frequent between December and May.

The highlands, which include the Andes region, have a temperate climate with cooler temperatures. The days can be warm, while the nights are cool. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is in this region and experiences mild temperatures all year round due to its high altitude.

The Amazon rainforest in eastern Ecuador is known for its humid and warm climate. There is no distinct dry season here and temperatures remain high all year round, often above 30 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is frequent, especially from October to March. Finally, the Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate with mild temperatures all year round. The months from June to November are slightly cooler and drier, while the months from December to May are warmer and wetter.

Wildlife and flora in Ecuador

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Ecuador is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. From the humid rainforests of the Amazon basin to the majestic Andes and the unique Galapagos Islands, the country offers a wealth of habitats for an enormous variety of species.

The Amazon rainforest is home to a multitude of animal species, including exotic birds such as the colourful macaw, majestic mammals such as the jaguar, and a countless variety of amphibians, reptiles, and insects. But it's not just the wildlife that is impressive - the lush flora of the rainforest includes a multitude of plants, including countless tree species, epiphytic plants such as orchids and bromeliads, as well as a variety of medicinal plants that have been used by indigenous peoples for centuries.

The Andes region of Ecuador is also rich in animal and plant species. Majestic condors live here, as well as spectacled bears, tapirs, and numerous endemic bird species. The Andes are also home to a variety of plants, including the famous Puya Raimondii, the largest flowering plant in the world, as well as a variety of orchids that thrive in the high altitudes of the mountains.

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The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for their wildlife, which has evolved due to the islands' isolated location. Unique species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds can be found here. The flora of the Galapagos Islands is also fascinating, with a variety of endemic plant species adapted to the different habitats of the islands.

Notable endemic plant species of the Galapagos Islands include the Scalesia species, tree ferns such as Cyathea Wahlenbergii, and various cacti such as the Galapagos Opuntia (Opuntia echios), which have adapted to the dry and volcanic conditions of the islands. There are also endemic trees such as the Galapagos cassia (Senna fruticosa) and the Galapagos acacia (Acacia galapageia), which play an important role in the islands' ecosystem.

The unique flora of the Galapagos Islands is a fascinating example of nature's adaptability and an important part of the rich ecosystem that makes the islands an unforgettable destination.

Social geography in Ecuador

Ecuador is home to a diverse population of around 17.8 million people. The composition includes a mix of ethnic groups, including mestizos (around 65%), indigenous peoples such as the Quechua and the Shuar (around 13%), Afro-Ecuadorians (around 7%) and European descent (around 6%). Population growth is around 1.5% per year, with an average age of around 28 years. Also, the age structure shows an increasing life expectancy.

The population distribution in Ecuador stands out from its neighbors. On average 80% of the Latin American population lives in urban centres, compared to only 63% percent in Ecuador. The country's largest city, Quito, is also the capital and is home to more than 2 million inhabitants. Other important urban centres are Guayaquil and Cuenca. 
The economic structure of Ecuador is quite diverse with oil, agricultural products, and tourism being important sectors. The oil industry is a significant source of income but is susceptible to price fluctuations. The agricultural sector produces bananas, cocoa, and coffee. Despite the country's natural diversity, the economy is burdened by high levels of debt and structural challenges, which is reflected in an unemployment rate of around 8%. The agricultural sector contributes around 25% to GDP, while the tourism sector accounts for around 7%. Despite this potential, economic development and poverty reduction are hampered by structural challenges.
The religious landscape of Ecuador is largely characterised by Roman Catholicism, representing around 74% of the population. However, there are also a growing number of people with other religious beliefs, including evangelical Christians and Jehovah's Witnesses. In addition, the influence of indigenous people’s rich diversity of spiritual practices and beliefs such as those related to shamanism and animist traditions, play a significant role in the country's religious landscape.