- Ecuador straddles part of the Andes Mountains and occupies part of the Amazon basin.
- The Ecuadoran mainland is divided into three main physical regions: the Costa (coastal region), the Sierra (highland region), and the Oriente (eastern region).
How would you describe Ecuador physical features and climate?
Ecuador encompasses a wide range of natural formations and climates, from the desert-like southern coast to the snowcapped peaks of the Andes mountain range to the plains of the Amazon Basin. Cotopaxi in Ecuador is one of the world’s highest active volcanos.
What type of landscape does Ecuador have?
Ecuador has three distinct, dramatically differentiated types of terrain throughout its continental territory: the highlands making up the Sierra, the Amazonian jungle of the Oriente, and the coastal plains that make up the Costa.
What is unique about Ecuador’s geographical location?
Ecuador is unique in its geography because it is located on the Earth’s equator. Its capital Quito is located only 15 miles (25 km) from a latitude of 0 degrees. Ecuador has a varied topography that includes coastal plains, central highlands, and a flat eastern jungle.
What are 5 interesting facts about Ecuador?
- Ecuador is the closest country to space.
- Ecuador is the only country in the world named after a geographical feature.
- Ecuador has the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Ecuador had a long-standing border conflict with Peru.
- Ecuador was once joined with Colombia and Venezuela.
Does Ecuador have a desert?
The Palmira desert is an arid and desert area where sand predominates. It is located in a small plateau in the central Andes of Ecuador. In this place it is evident how the lack of large rivers or lush forests make the vegetation and moorland surrounding the desert can barely survive.
How many volcanoes are there in Ecuador?
Ecuador is home to 47 volcanoes in total (both active and extinct), with 15 in volcanoes Galapagos and 32 on the mainland.
Does Ecuador have a beach?
The coast of Ecuador is dotted with beaches that make even the most well-traveled visitor swoon. For such a small country, the offerings are many.
How would you describe Ecuador?
Ecuador is a country in South America bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean. The country also includes the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific west of the mainland. Ecuador has a tropical and mountainous terrain and hosts the highest active volcano in the world.
Is the Amazon jungle in Ecuador?
Known as the Oriente, Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest is home to truly astounding biodiversity, with more than 300 species of mammal, 800 species of fish and 350 species of reptile. Occupying approximately one third of Ecuador’s land area, the Amazon basin lies to the east of the Andean Highlands.
Why is Ecuador named so?
Ecuador is named after the Equator, the imaginary line around the Earth that splits the country in two. Most of the country is in the Southern Hemisphere. Ecuador is roughly the size of Colorado and is bordered by Colombia and Peru.
What mountains run through Ecuador?
The Andes are the world’s longest continental mountain range, about 9,000 km in all. They lie as a continuous chain of highland along the western coast of South America, along that route, they cross through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia .
How many mountain ranges are in Ecuador?
Blending lush tropical rainforests and snow-capped mountains, Ecuador is a fantastically diverse and vibrant country located along the Equator in the northwestern part of South America. The country is home to 1,289 named mountains, the highest and most prominent of which is Chimborazo (6,268m/20,564ft).
What natural resources does Ecuador have?
Ecuador’s main natural resources are petroleum, fish, timber and hydropower. Its main hazards are frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, floods and periodic droughts.
Is Ecuador land locked?
Ecuador is not a landlocked country. It means that is is bordered by at least one major body of water. The average elevation range of Ecuador is 1,117 m (3,665 ft).
What is Ecuador famous for?
- #1. Galapagos Islands.
- #2. Amazon Rainforest.
- #3. Quito.
- #5. Cotopaxi Volcano.
- #6. Cuenca.
- #7. El Cajas National Park.
- #8. Banos.
- #9. Bananas.
Does Ecuador have rainforest?
Exceptionally rich in biodiversity, the Ecuadorian Amazon offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the rainforest in its pristine state. Though tiny in comparison to continental titans Brazil and Argentina, Ecuador packs a huge punch when it comes to natural wonders.
What’s the closest country to space?
Chimborazo peak, Ecuador: the closest place to space on Earth.
Does Ecuador have snow?
Snow rarely falls even at these high altitudes. The only glimpse of snow most Ecuadorians have ever had is of the snow capped peaks of 20,000+ feet (6,096m), which are covered in snow year round. Even as you go south through the Andes temperatures remain spring-like year round.
Does Ecuador have 4 seasons?
Seasons in Ecuador Due to its unique position so close to the equator, Ecuador’s seasons aren’t the usual four, but only two: a rainy one and a dry one. For the most part, the drier months run from June to September, and the rainy season begins in October, stretching into May.
Does Ecuador have winter?
There are only two seasons that Ecuador experiences – Summer extends from June to September and is the dry season; Winter goes from October through May and usually brings with it warmer temperatures, rain showers, and higher humidity.
What volcano is erupting in Ecuador right now?
Frequent activity at Ecuador’s Sangay has included pyroclastic flows, lava flows, ash plumes, and lahars reported since 1628. The current eruption began in March 2019 and has continued throughout 2021.
Can you swim in Ecuador?
You can try a little swimming at the south end of the beach which is sheltered from the wind by a bluff. If you’d like to snorkel, Islote Pedernales just off the shore is an excellent spot. Ecuador’s swimming spots are not just found in its many beaches and resorts.
Is the water in Ecuador warm?
Conditions of sea water on beaches in Ecuador Now in the beaches in Ecuador, the water temperature ranges from cool to comfortable and warm.
Is Ecuador cheap to travel?
Ecuador is one of the cheapest countries in South America. Unless you really, really pay attention to everything. From our experience a daily budget of 22€ per person would be more relevant.