It wasn’t me who wanted to discover this country. I haven’t seen it feature in mine or in the bucket-lists of others. Once again, this is another one of the lesser known countries that we are all aware of, for the sakes of our geographical awareness but not much more than that. When asked, if he would like to revisit any of the countries that he has visited so far, he said Ecuador without a blink. It didn’t end there; I was sitting and looking at his intense expressions as he described the country. I wondered what did a man, who has visited the better part of the Asian and European countries, find so mesmerizing in a small South American country. When I did my research, I saw what he meant. Now you’ll see too.
5 Things To Know About Ecuador Better
So where is this magnificent country that I write of?
Ecuador lies in the Northwestern part of South America with a Pacific Ocean coastline, lying on the Equator between Colombia, to the northeast, and Peru to the south and east.
What would I say was the one thing that attracted me to this country?
If you’re a nature-lover or it’s a phase in passing, this is one country where you’d find a diverse wildlife, plantlife, rainforest, beach, volcano and an unadulterated version of the Amazon.
Every country is allowed visa, right?
Umm, almost. With the exceptions of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan and Somalia. As I wrote, almost. *moment of silence*
So is this a safe country or am I setting you up for an adventure, of sorts?
To be honest, I think a smart traveler is always alert despite the country they’re touring. But its best to not be flashy with money or clothes and to hike in groups.
So what, as per me, would be the biggest setback of visiting this otherwise beautiful country?
So. The internet connections aren’t great, English isn’t as widely spoken as it is in a lot of other countries, the radios and televisions broadcast in Spanish too and telephoning would be an expensive affair. But if you’re on your alert and you are looking for a cut-off vacation, head here.
Ecuador can be divided into 4 halves basing it on the geographical feature: Galapagos Islands, Amazon, Andes and Pacific Coast. How I’ll deal with it is this: I’ll give two places to go to from all 4 divisions.
8 Places To Biodiversically Ecuador It Better-
Yeah that’s not a word but when we have Ecuador in the scene, ‘biodiversity’ goes on repeat.I’m just trying to use it in as many forms as possible.
Galapagos Islands
Marine Reserve
The Galapagos Marine Reserve has an area equivalent to half of the Earth‘s surface of Ecuador, the second largest in the world. There can be found species from different parts of the Pacific Ocean waters. The visit of Galapagos ecosystems has become the main economic activity of the island. A MUST, I’d say, especially since I have been ranting on and on about the biodiversity.
San Cristobal
To be honest, Galapagos Island is plain and simple marvellous. Loads of white sand and scenic beauty and San Cristobal has them too; the difference being, the beaches here have sea lions lazing on them. This is probably the closest you’ll ever get to chilling by the seaside with a lion. Okay bad one. The highest area of San Cristobal is Cerro El Junco with an altitude of 650 meters. In this ancient volcano crater is located the only lagoon of sweet water in Galapagos.
Amazon
Podocarpus Park
Podocarpus National Park is home of a large area of moorland, cloud forests and scrubland. I mean just look at this place. I think standing at the cliff of one of these hills is a good lot of adventure-spirit. Podocarpus is considered one of the areas where most of the country‘s biodiversity due to their not-so-extreme cold, moisture, its microclimates and its geographic barriers. This is idyllic for the fulfilment of all your flora-fauna cravings.
Cuyabeno
In Cuyabeno, water replaces the firm ground and the canoe is the only means to be transported among the diversity of trees and vegetation that exists in the Amazon region. The flooded forests of Cuyabeno make this fauna reserve a magical and mysterious place that attracts thousands of visitors each year. It is also one of the protected areas of greater cultural diversity. Also, if you’ve wanted to have a first-hand Anaconda or Caiman experience, this is the place for you, my friend.
Plan A Trip To Brazilion Amazon
Andes
Quito
This place, I recommend, because it’s one hell of a lively city situated amongst the Andes and a volcano. Don’t be scared for your life, this city is suitably populated so yes, its safe and absolutely worth a visit. Quito is only the beginning of a magical adventure.
From the capital you can travel and meet the 4 worlds that Ecuador offers to you. Beaches on the coast, the mountains in the highlands, the biodiversity of the Amazon and the enchanted Galapagos Islands are waiting for you with open arms. Here you will learn to love life. There, there.
Andes Cruise Train
You don’t go to the Andes and not get on this train. The exceptional train travels through beautiful landscapes from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. Crossing through natural attractions such as the Avenue of Volcanoes, Nariz del Diablo and the Cloud Forest, the transition between the coastal and mountain region. It is literally serving the best of the Andes on a silver platter. You’ll return home a happy tourist.
Pacific Coast
Guayaquil
It is the main port of the Ecuador and the most populous city in the country. It also has a variety of features that turn it into a city representative of the Ecuadorian culture and iconic. You didn’t think Ecuador was all about the jungles, did you now? You have got to come here and experience the Ecuadorian city life.
Crucita
Crucita is one of the most beautiful beaches of the southern coast of Ecuador, located in the province of Manabi. It offers an extensive coastline of black sand and a very well stocked boardwalk with seafood restaurants so you can enjoy the best dishes of Ecuadorian cuisine. It strikes a beautiful balance for a place sun, sand and great food.
On a personal note, I personally enjoyed writing this article a lot. This goes on to say, if you have a bucket-list, include Ecuador and if you have a friend who has Ecuador in their bucket-list, keep them as well. Jokes apart, hope you’ve liked the country and the article. Until again,
Happy Holidays!
