Ecuador is home to some of the most fantastic arrays of landscapes, habitats and species on the planet. Despite its relatively small size, it hosts approximately 10% of the world’s biodiversity.
Transected by both the equator and the Andean mountain chain, and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador encompasses four distinct regions each with its own natural and cultural beauty, charm and value.
The coastal region is a mix of beaches, bays and small islands where mangroves and jungles punctuate the coastline, greeting the rich marine life. Moving eastwards, the highland region is bordered by an avenue of snow-capped volcanoes sporting precious high altitude moorlands (páramos) and rainforests.
Descending to the east, the mountain landscape gives rise to rivers that flow into humid, lowland Amazon rainforest.
Lying about 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago well known for unique wildlife that once upon a time enthralled Charles Darwin.
Unfortunately, Ecuador’s natural wealth is threatened by unsustainable activities from extractive sectors such as oil and gas, industrial fisheries, logging, mining and infrastructure. Iconic species such as jaguars, great green macaws and brown-headed spider monkeys are all in jeopardy from the resulting habitat loss.