ECUADOR

Ecuador is perfect for those who want to experience a wide variety of terrains, flora and fauna, and cultures all within a close proximity. Read on to learn about this amazing country...

Located in the north-west corner of South America, covering an area of 256.370 square kilometers, Ecuador is the smallest of the Andean countries. Ecuador borders with Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The country is divided into seven main geographical regions: the wet north coastal region, the arid south coastal region, the western and eastern Andean slopes, the high Andean region, the Amazonian region, and the Galapagos Islands.

Ecuador is the most densely populated country in South America (46.81 people per square kilometer). With a population of approximately 12 million people, Ecuador shows a rapid population growth. Ecuador is a multilingual and multicultural country, with 13 indigenous nationalities, and 14 ethnic groups representing 35% of the total population.

Although a small country in size, Ecuador contains some of the highest levels of natural and cultural diversity in the world. Ecuador has one of the richest floras in the world, with more than 20,000 species of plants. Roughly 4,500 of these species are endemic to Ecuador (found nowhere else in the world). Ecuador is home to 460 species of amphibians, roughly 10% of the world's species, 410 species of reptiles, 324 mammal species, and thousands of species of insects. However, considering its size, the most incredible diversity is observed in birds. Ecuador is home to roughly 1,600 species of birds, almost half of the species found in the Neotropics, more than double the number of species found in North America, and approximately 15% of all the species in the world. (WCS)

The important relationship between ecotourism, local sustainability, and environmental conservation, is the focus of our treks, expeditions, and explorations. Ecuador's protected areas amount to close to 20% of the Ecuadorian territory. Due to the high levels of population density and poverty rates, these protected areas are constantly being threatened by human activities. By joining our Ecuador tours, you are helping preserve some of Ecuador's most pristine regions, while promoting the sustainable development of local communities.

Learn more about our incredible Ecuador treks, explorations, and expeditions.....