|
 The Republic of Ecuador straddles the Equator. It is bordered by Colombia to the North and Northeast and Peru to the south and southeast.
Did you know that we are unique in the cruise and travel business. You can what our Ecuador Travel Advisors say about Ecuador here. See how we plan our renowned Ecuador vacations, cruises and tour experiences for our discriminatining clientele.
Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America: it is about the size of the state of Nevada. Yet despite it's small size, Ecuador is one of the most geographically varied countries in the world.
Ecuador is located on the northwestern coast of South America (is one of the smallest countries in the region: it is about the size of the state of Nevada). It comprises the continental territory between coordinates of latitude 01 27' 06' N and 05 00' 56' S and longitude 75 11' 49'W to 81 00' 40'W, that covers approximately 104,550 square miles -270,670 km2- plus the Galapagos Islands (1,000 km. off the coast of Ecuador).
FLORA: Ecuador has a vast and extremely diverse flora, despite its small size. Ecuador is one of the world's most biodiversified country in both flora and fauna. Its biological richness is reflected in a variety of organisms: 10% of the world's vascular plant species is located within an area that covers just. 02% of the Earth's surface. Its diverse ecosystems have interacted throughout geological history in a variety of habitats.
Even though it is only the size of Colorado, Ecuador has 25,000 species of vascular plants, more than all of North America (17,000). For instance, the orchid family for which Dodson has catalogued 2,725 species in Ecuador comprises up to 11% of the world's total and 30% of Latin America's orchid varieties. The Andes support 1,050 species. In the Amazon basin and along the coast, around 800 species have been collected.
FAUNA: Approximately 3.800 vertebrate species, 1,550 bird species, 320 species of mammals, 350 reptile species, 375 amphibian species, 800 fresh water fish species and 450 marine fish species have been catalogued in the country.
Ecuador has more bird species per area than any other country in Latin America; 18% of the world's total species are present here. Even though Brazil is 30 times larger than Ecuador, it has the same number of bird species. Needless to say, Ecuador is a paradise for bird watching and research. Some 15% of the world's endemic species are found in the Sierra, on the Coast and in the Amazon, adding up to the densest bird population in the world.
Ecuador is a developing country. Tourist facilities are adequate but vary in quality. U.S. currency became legal tender in Ecuador in 2000, although Ecuadorian coins have been minted in values equal to American coins and are concurrently in circulation. The paper sucre has been eliminated.
The Chaski Antawa Train makes Ecuador’s Northern Andes accessable
Ecuador’s Andean towns to the north of Quito offer an insight into Ecuador’s Andean culture following any trip to the famed Galapagos Islands. Those looking for breathtaking rural landscapes, bustling markets and a glimpse of the authentic Andean way of life will not be disappointed by Otavalo and the surrounding towns of Ibarra, Cotacahi and Zuleta.
The recently inaugurated Chaski Antawa Train has added to the regional possibilities and winds its way from Ibarra to the unique Afro-Ecuadorian culture in Salinas; a journey which takes just under three hours and passes through impressive mountain scenery.
As well as a visit to Salinas we can offer a host of options to personalise your itinerary including a visit to a local school dedicated to providing an education to all local children regardless of their economic standing or the opportunity to meet local textile and Totora reed weavers to see the intricate processes used in the production of local handicrafts. All this combined with excellent accommodation options including Hacienda Cusín, Hacienda Zuleta or the Relais & Chateux spa property; La Mirage make this area an absolute must for anyone travelling to Ecuador.
|
