About Republic of Ecuador
My Ecuador Travel Guides provide in depth articles on the Quito area and Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, and it has the most biodiversity per square km in the world. As its name implies, the equator goes through this South American country. Even more specifically, it goes through the capital city, Quito. Originally, French Explorers mapped out the location at the Mitad del Mundo Monument, just north of Quito. However, modern GPS discovered that 250 m north at the Intinan Museum is the accurate equator line. Both places offer demonstrations and museums to celebrate the middle of the world.
Four Main Regions of Ecuador
Coastal – This is the region west of the Andes and the most fertile with crops, such as, bananas and rice. Also, there are many productive fisheries.
Highlands – This region is the Andean highland provinces with most of the volcanoes in the country. They grow traditional crops here, such as, maize, quinoa and potatoes. The capital city, Quito, is in the highlands. Its most famous volcano, Cotopaxi, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Amazon – This region has the Amazon National Parks and tropical rainforests. It’s also the area in Ecuador with the largest reserves of petroleum. Therefore, the petroleum companies exploited much of this area.
Galapagos Islands – This archipelago is 1,000 km off the Ecuadorian Coast. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 21 islands with 18 being major. It’s located on the Nazca plate and is a volcanic hotspot. The youngest island, Isabela, has 5 volcanoes, including Sierra Negra, the most active in the Galapagos. The Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve protect the land and water for research and conservation.
Charles Darwin, the famous Naturalist from U.K. sailed to the Galapagos in 1835 on the HMS Beagle. He explored 4 of the islands, discovering species that compelled him to research evolutionary biology. Especially, the adaptations of the finches, marine iguanas and giant tortoises confirmed this theory. Therefore, this was the most influential environment, from which he researched and published On the Origin of Species about natural selection.
History & Currency Tips of Ecuador
After the Incan Rule, the Spanish ruled Ecuador for almost 300 years. Then, in 1822 Ecuador established independence from Spain. Therefore, the culture and architecture is largely influenced by Spain.
Ecuador uses the U.S. Dollar for currency to help boost their economy. Also, Ecuador uses the same electricity as U.S. with the 2 & 3-prong plugs. It’s the same current, so Americans don’t need adaptors.
Ecuador Travel Guides
Epic 9-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour at San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela & Santa Cruz
Like most wildlife lovers, I dreamed for years about a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Because this unique destination involves so much planning and expert advice, I chose my first tour group vacation with Intrepid Travel. I thankfully signed up for the 9-day Galapagos Island hopping tour in April, going to San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela…
Spectacular 2-Day San Cristobal, Galapagos Itinerary and Highlights
After my 9-day Galapagos adventure with Intrepid Travel, I discovered that San Cristobal is my favorite island on the archipelago. It’s one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos made from fused, extinct volcanoes. For me, it was the best island for seeing up close Blue-footed boobies and snorkeling with sea lions. Being the easternmost…
Incredible 2-Day Santa Cruz, Galapagos Itinerary and Highlights
The last stop for my 9-day Galapagos adventure with Intrepid Travel was Santa Cruz. In the center of the archipelago, Santa Cruz is the second largest island and most developed with the highest population. My highlights included the Charles Darwin Research Center, Lava Tunnels, tortoises in the highlands and Tortuga Bay. For me, Santa Cruz…
Amazing 3-Day Isabela, Galapagos Itinerary and Highlights
If visiting the Galapagos, Isabela is an island to definitely explore. It’s the youngest and largest island in the Galapagos. Also, Isabela has the most volcanoes and tortoises of any Galapagos Island. On my 9-day Galapagos trip, I stayed in Puerto Villamil for 3 days of tours with Intrepid Travel Group. I enjoyed a hike…
Historic Quito, Ecuador Travel Guide & Top Attractions
Quito is truly one of the most unique destinations in the world. It has its fair share of superlatives! As a city capital, it’s closest in the world to the earth’s equator and the second highest in altitude. Even more, 7 volcanoes surround Quito on the Avenue of Volcanoes. Quito has the largest and best-preserved…
Fun Half-Day Floreana, Galapagos Tour & Snorkeling
During my 9-day island-hopping adventure, we stopped for a half-day Floreana Galapagos tour. Floreana is the southernmost of the islands in the archipelago and full of mystery. Even though this quiet little island has only about 150 residents, its history is filled with some drama about death and murders. However, as I learned those stories…
