Around The Globe: Ecuador - A Land of Wonders And Diversity

Although the smallest of all the Andean countries, The Republic of Ecuador holds historical, cultural and natural wonders befitting an entire continent. Straddling not only two hemispheres but also two worlds - the ancient and the modern - this tiny republic with its remnants of past civilizations and Spanish conquests offers the traveler a striking blend of landscapes, peoples and cultures.

From ancient markets of the indigenous peoples, Amazon tributaries, Inca ruins, Andean peaks, 16th century churches, and the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands, Ecuador boasts an incredible diversity which belies its diminutive size. Indigenous cultures, tropical forests, active volcanoes, and a wealth of animal and bird life are all highly accessible within a matter of hours in a country no bigger than the U.S. State of Colorado.

General Information:

Size: 175,780 square miles
Population: 12 million
Capital: Quito
Principal Port: Guayaquil
Languages: Spanish, Quichua, Quechua, and other indigenous languages. English is commonly spoken as a second language.
Currency: The Ecuadorian Dollar is the official unit of currency, but the U.S. Dollar is accepted throughout Ecuador at equal value.
Religions: 90% Roman Catholic with a small minority of other Christian denominations.
Type of Government: Democracy
President: Dr. Gustavo Noboa

Ecuador is situated on the equator on the South American continent. Almost due south of the U.S. state of Florida, Ecuador is about 4-hours by air from Miami.

Climate:

Temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the region, altitude, and seasonal factors.

· Quito, in the northern Andes, has an temperature varying from 45° to 74° F. The rainy season is typically from September to June, varying from 4 to 7 inches per month.

· Guayaquil, on the pacific coast, has a temperature that varies from 75

· North Seymour Island, in the Galapagos, typically has variations in temperatures from 88 F in March and April, to 75 F in August and September. January through April is the rainy season, but even then rainfall rarely exceeds 2 inches per month.

Once the Inca Empire's northernmost territory, successive waves of invaders have left their indelible mark on the country. The remains of Inca and pre-Inca fortresses dot hill tops across the Sierra, while in the highland valleys Quechua-speaking Indiana sell traditional handicrafts in thousand year old markets. The beautifully preserved cities of Quito and Cuenca, both rich in 16th century art and architecture, and the elegant colonial haciendas found throughout the conquests and three hundred years of Spanish rule.

Ecuador is the most diverse country in the world in proportion with the size of its territory.

With large protected areas (18% of the country’s area).
With the uniqueness of the Galapagos National Park and its Marine Biological Reserve, as well as the Sangay National Park, natural heritage of humanity sites.
With the Sumaco, Yasuni, and Galapagos National Parks, declared Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO.

With the largest amount of flora and fauna per square kilometer in the world: