Ecuador Natural Environment

Geography of Ecuador 

Ecuador is situated in the northwestern region of South America, with a size of 276,840 sq km.  It straddles the Andes, with coastal plains west of the Andes and the Amazonian jungle and lowlands in the east.  The equator runs through the country just north of Quito, the capital.  Ecuador also has numerous volcanic islands off the coast and also owns the Galápagos Islands, about 965 kilometers west of the mainland.

 

The 2,000 km long Pacific coast is lined with mangrove forests, jungles, estuaries and beaches.  Much of the inland area in the northern part of the coast in the province of Esmeraldas is covered by flooded tropical forests and rivers and can only be accessed by boat or canoe.  Along the coast of Esmeraldas and the province of Manabi further south are miles of beaches popular with visitors.

 

The Andean region has a diverse landscape, ranging from grassy highlands (or paramo), cloud forests, tall mountains, active volcanoes, lakes and valleys.  In this region is Ecuador’s tallest volcano, Chimborazo, at 6,320 m; also near the Quito is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, the Cotopaxi, at 5,897 m.

 

The Amazon basin in the east covers about thirty percent of the country, with vast expanse of forests and rivers which snake through the region.

There is a large variety of plant and animal species in the jungles and in the amazon basin.

Last edited Dec 16, 08 11:47 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Ecuador Climate 

The climate varies depending on the terrain and geographical location.  The coastal region is hot and humid; with average temperatures ranging from 25 degrees C to 31 C.  Rain falls mainly from December to May.

 

The Andean region generally has fairly pleasant weather, being cool and drier all year round, but weather can change during the day, being cool and misty in the morning, hot in the afternoon and cold at night.  In high altitudes, the weather can be very cold.  June to December tend to be drier; the rest of the year generally has rain showers everyday.

 

In the Amazon basin, the weather is hot and there is rain all year round, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from June to September.

Last edited Dec 16, 08 11:48 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
1. Özlem's Tip on Quito
Quito, Northern Highlands, Ecuador
If you arrive by plane and the weather is clear don't forget to keep your camera ready! A fantastic view expects you before landing!
Good tip?
(0)
2. Alexander's Tip on Quito
Quito, Northern Highlands, Ecuador
Quito is unique for its amount of churches. Even I am not a big fan of churches in general, some of them are really imressive such as "La compania" with its gold. Also the temperature is ideal for sightseeing; fresh in the morning, and about 20°C during the day. But also shopping fans will be sattisfied in on of the large malls. A third point is the nature. The mountain Pichincha is a beauty and als other volcanos further away build a breathtaking panorama.
Good tip?
(0)
3. Ricky's Tip on Quito
Quito, Northern Highlands, Ecuador
Quito has a beautiful climate. No matter what time of the year it is the weather seems to be very cool and comfortable. Although, always carry around an umbrella as it seems to rain a lot in the afternoons.
Good tip?
(0)
4. Mirjam's Tip on Huigra
Huigra, Central Highlands, Ecuador
It's a small villige in Ecuador. There is a swimming pool. Also you can visit the monument of the Virgin Mary. It's very important to the Ecuadorians. The climate is nice. It isn't cold but it's colder than the Ecuadorian coast.
Good tip?
(0)
5. Carolin's Tip on Cuenca
Cuenca, Southern Highlands, Ecuador
Is an absolutely must, wait unti the weather is beautiful, climb one of the mountains around it very early in the morning, watch the sunrise it's amazing!, Go to the market, visit the German School
Good tip?
(0)