Ecuador is Very Diverse by Douglas Scott

The Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, by Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean on the west.

Ecuadors capital is Quito and is located in the province of Pichincha in the Sierra region. Its largest city is Guayaquil, located in the province of Guayas in the Coast. Cotopaxi, which is located just south of Quito, in the neighbouring province of that same name, is one of the worlds highest active volcanoes. Mount Chimborazo is considered to be the most distant point from the centre of the Earth, given the ovoid shape of the Earth, which is widest at the equator.

Tungurahua volcano, overlooking the town of Banos, south of Quito, has recently begun erupting again causing nearby villages to be evacuated. Travellers should monitor the news for any ongoing developments and heed any local advice regarding the mountain.

The smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador has an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest.

The country exports primary products such as oil, bananas, flowers and shrimp, fluctuations in world market prices can have a substantial domestic impact.

The largest ethnic group is comprised of Mestizos, the mixed descendants of Spanish colonists and indigenous Native Americans, who constitute over half of the population.

The food in Ecuador is very diverse, varying with altitude as do the agricultural conditions. Pork, chicken, meat or guinea pig are popular in the mountain regions served with an immense variety of cereals, potatoes or rice.

There is a high risk to the security of those travelling in the northern areas of Ecuador that border with Colombia because of kidnappings and increased crime. Landmines are present in the Cordillera Del Condor region, bordering Peru. Travel to these areas should be avoided.

In terms of weather, there are only two real seasons. The rainy season and the dry season but there are significant variations among the geographical regions and temperature is often a factor of altitude. Even during the rainy season, most days are sunny until the afternoon. Coastal Ecuador is quite cloudy most of the time but enjoys daily highs averaging around 30 all the year round and a short but quite damp wet season between January and April. The Galapagos Islands are strangely dry for their equatorial position.

Ecuador may be tiny, but it packs a spectacular punch.

Author Resource: Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Villa Ecuador Site

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