 INTRODUCTION |
The "Republic of the Ecuador" was one
of three countries that emerged from the collapse
of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia
and Venezuela). The country consists of four distinct
regions: the tropical lowlands of the Pacific
coast, the mountains and valleys of the Andean
Sierra, the Amazon rain forest of the Oriente,
and the Galapagos Islands. From snowcapped mountains
and volcanoes to quaint Colonial cities. From
business oriented centers to the fabled Galapagos
Islands.
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Ecuador is located on
the northwest of South America, straddling latitude
0°, and although the smallest country in the
rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador is among the most
rewarding travel destinations in South America.
With its array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well
preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic
landscapes and dense rainforest, it packs its perimeters
with more points of interest than many countries
twice its size. Ecuador is one of the countries
with highest biodiversity in the world in relationship
with its size. 1,800 species of birds, 1,000 species
of fish, 680 of reptiles and amphibians, 230 of
mammals, and more than 20,000 species of plants. |
