The Natural Landscape of Ecuador

Ecuador is located on the western coast of South America, with 2,267 km (1,390 mi) of coastline on the Pacific Ocean. It borders Colombia in the north and Peru in the south and east.

Ecuador encompasses a wide range of natural landscapes and climates, from the arid Pacific coastal lowlands to the snowcapped peaks of the Andes Mountains to the eastern tropical lowland plains of the Amazon Basin. It also includes the Galápagos Islands (Archipiélago de Colón), about 965 km (600 mi) off the country's western coast in the Pacific Ocean.

Biodiversity

Ecuador is one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet, earning its reputation as a "megadiverse" nation. Despite its relatively small size, Ecuador boasts an astonishing array of ecosystems and species due to its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Amazon Rainforest to the high Andes Mountains and the unique Galápagos Islands.

According to the Global Biodiversity Index, Ecuador is 9th in the world regarding its biodiversity. With 1,629 bird species, 659 amphibian species, 1,111 fish species, 392 mammal species, 492 reptile species, and 18,466 vascular plant species, Ecuador is one of 17 megadiverse countries.

Conservation

Ecuador has established an extensive network of protected areas, including national parks, reserves, and marine protected areas, to safeguard its rich biodiversity. Notable protected areas include Yasuní National Park, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, and the protected areas of the Galápagos Islands.

Conservation in Ecuador is a critical and ongoing effort to preserve the country's remarkable biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and natural resources.

Challenges to conservation in Ecuador include deforestation, habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and the need for continued vigilance against unsustainable development practices.

Climate

Overall, Ecuador has a tropical climate with various microclimates, which vary with altitude and region. The mountain valleys experience a temperate climate year-round, and a humid subtropical climate exists in coastal areas and lowland rainforests.

Except for the eastern tropical lowlands, which experience rainfall throughout the year, most of the country experiences a wet and dry season, although the timeframe of each varies by region.

Ecuador has a diverse climate due to its location on the equator and varied topography. The country can be divided into four main climate regions:

• Coastal Lowlands: The coastal lowlands have a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Temperatures typically range from 27 - 32 °C (81 - 90 °F). The wet season runs from January to April, and the dry season runs from May to December.

• Andes Mountains: The Andes Mountains have a temperate climate with cooler temperatures and lower humidity than the coastal lowlands. Temperatures vary depending on altitude but typically range from 18 - 24 °C (64 - 75 °F). The wet season runs from October to May, and the dry season runs from June to September.

• Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon Rainforest has a humid tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Temperatures typically range from 25 - 30 °C (77 - 86 °F). The wet season runs from October to May, and the dry season runs from June to September.

• Galápagos Islands: The Galápagos Islands have a dry climate with warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures typically range from 22 - 28 °C (72 - 82 °F). The wet season runs from January to May, and the dry season runs from June to December.

_{Map depicting the countries on the continent of South America}

Natural Geography of Ecuador

Geographic Regions

The Ecuadoran mainland is divided into three main physical regions:

• the Costa (coastal region)

• the Sierra (highland region)

• the Oriente (eastern region)

The Galápagos Islands make up the fourth geographic region.

_{Topographic map of Ecuador}

Coastal Lowlands (La Costa)

The coastal lowlands of Ecuador (La Costa) extend eastward from the Pacific Ocean to the western edge of the Andes Mountains. They rise from sea level to approximately 500 m (1,650 ft) in elevation. Small coastal ranges run north and south between the coastal plains and the Andes, forming interior valleys.

Much of the native forest in the Costa has been replaced by agricultural production and cattle ranching. The remaining fragments include dry and wet tropical forests found primarily along the coastal mountain ranges.

Collectively known as the Pacific Equatorial Forest, these forest remnants are considered the most endangered tropical forest in the world. They are part of the Tumbes-Choco-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot, which includes Machalilla National Park.

The main watercourse of the coastal lowlands is the Guayas River, formed by the juncture of the Daule and Babahoyo rivers and their effluents. Other rivers that flow toward the Pacific coast include the Cayapas River, the Esmeraldas River, the Naranjal River, the Jubones River, and the Santa Rosa River.

Central Highlands (La Sierra)

The central highlands or Sierra natural region of Ecuador (La Sierra) encompasses the central and western ranges of the Ecuadorian Andes and their respective eastern and western foothills. Many of the mountain peaks are volcanic or snow-covered.

Transversal mountain chains connect the two ranges at intervals and feature large, isolated basins known as hoyas. Numerous rivers originate in the mountains and pass through the hoyas either to the Pacific coast in the west or through the eastern lowlands.

Protected areas within the Sierra region include El Cajas National Park, El Cóndor National Park, and Sangay National Park. The city of Quito, Ecuador's capital, is located in a high mountain valley on the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.

Eastern Lowlands (El Oriente)

To the east, beyond the eastern ranges of the central highlands, are the eastern lowlands of Ecuador (El Oriente). Here, tropical, moist, broadleaf forests descend from the eastern slopes into the Amazon Basin.

The Oriente is also home to many of Ecuador's indigenous groups, notably the lowland Quechua, Siona, Secoya, Huaorani, and Cofán. Protected areas within the Oriente region include Yasuní National Park and Podocarpus National Park.

The most important river in the eastern lowlands is the Napo River, which receives several large tributaries and makes its way toward Peru, eventually emptying into the Amazon River. Other significant rivers include the Pastaza, Morona, and Santiago, which drain into the Marañón River in Peru.

Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands (Archipiélago de Colón) consist of 7,880 sq km (3,040 sq mi) of land spread over 45,000 sq km (17,000 sq mi) of the Pacific Ocean.

The archipelago, approximately 965 km (600 mi) west of the coast of Ecuador, consists of 18 main islands, three smaller islands, and numerous rocks and islets. The islands are formed of lava piles and dotted with periodically active volcanoes. The arid landscape is rugged and accentuated by mountains, craters, and cliffs.

The climate of the Galápagos archipelago is characterized by low rainfall, low humidity, and relatively low air and water temperatures. An open cactus forest covers the arid lowlands. Thousands of plant and animal species, the vast majority endemic, are found here.

The Protected Areas of the Galápagos Islands include Galápagos National Park, Galápagos Marine Reserve, and Galápagos Biosphere Reserve.

^{Map depicting the geographic regions of Ecuador}

Mountain Ranges

Ecuador is characterized by its stunning and diverse mountainous regions, which play a central role in shaping its unique geography, climate, and culture.

The country's mountainous areas are primarily centered around the Andes, the world's most extended mountain range, which runs from north to south through the heart of Ecuador. However, other mountainous regions add to the country's rich natural beauty and biodiversity.

See more: Mountain Ranges of Ecuador

Islands and Archipelagos

Ecuador has diverse islands offering unique ecosystems, cultures, and experiences. These islands collectively embody Ecuador's diverse ecosystems' natural wonders and cultural significance.

The Galápagos Islands, in particular, stand out as a global symbol of conservation and a living laboratory for studying evolutionary biology.

See more: Islands and Archipelagos of Ecuador

Bodies of Water

The water bodies of Ecuador are an essential part of the country's natural and cultural heritage. They provide a source of water for drinking, irrigation, and transportation. They are also popular tourist destinations, and they offer a variety of recreational opportunities.

See more: Water Bodies of Ecuador

Administrative Divisions

Administratively, Ecuador is divided into 24 provinces, each with its own capital. In addition, the provinces are each divided into cantons.

See more: Cultural Landscape of Ecuador

_{Ecuador physiographic map}

Natural Regions

Ecological Regions

The following is a list of terrestrial ecoregions in Ecuador, as defined by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Ecuador is in the Neotropical realm. Ecoregions are classified by biome type - the major global plant communities determined by rainfall and climate.

Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests

• Eastern Cordillera Real montane forests

• Napo moist forests

• Northwestern Andean montane forests

• Western Ecuador moist forests

• Chocó-Darién moist forests

Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests

• Ecuadorian dry forests

• Tumbes-Piura dry forests

Flooded grasslands and savannas

• Guayaquil flooded grasslands

Montane grasslands and shrublands

• Northern Andean páramo

• Cordillera Central páramo

Mangroves

• Gulf of Guayaquil-Tumbes mangroves

• Manabí mangroves

_{Vegetation map of Ecuador}