Great things come in small packages. This is the case for Ecuador, one of the most diverse countries in the world. Ecuador is located in the Equator in South America; it has territories in both the northern and southern hemispheres. It borders Colombia to the north, shares a border with Peru to the south and to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is divided into four distinct regions; the amazon, coast, highlands and the Galapagos Islands.

Ecuador is one the planet’s top 17 most biologically diverse nations. The nation’s drastic geographic and climatic variations have led to evolution of thousands of species of flora and fauna, most of which thrive in habitats protected by the State and by private organizations. Despite its tiny size, Ecuador is home to rain forests, jungles, mountains, islands, deserts, valleys, and snowcapped peaks. One of its main attractions is the Galapagos Archipelago and its marine reserve, which contain endemic species unique to the area and the world.

Ecuador is a multiethnic and multicultural nation. It has a population of more than 13 million that includes more than 14 indigenous groups that live on the mainland, maintaining their own traditions and ways of life. The indigenous inhabitants of each region have distinctive clothing and are easily identified.

In Ecuador there are lost of traditions, festivals, music, art and architecture. Quito, the capital, was declared “Patrimonio de la Humanidad” (World Heritage Site) in 1978 by Unesco because of its well preserved colonial architecture. Part of the Ecuadorian traditions are the markets that take place a few days a week, the goods range from textile crafts to leatherwork, jewerly, wood-carving and ceramics.

(www.vivecuador.com)

So, prepare yourself because Ecuador is waiting for you to come and see for yourself!