Ecuador

The Archipiélago de Colón (Galápagos Islands) are volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 600 miles west of continental Ecuador. The archipelago is known for its many endemic species and was studied by Charles Darwin during the second voyage of HMS Beagle.

The Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is a private reserve in the Andes Mountains within the Pichincha Province of northwestern Ecuador. It is renowned for its lush cloud forests and stunning biodiversity and is a popular destination for ecotourism.

The Bosque Seco Biosphere Reserve is a biodiverse haven with diverse landscapes, from mountains to plains, providing vital climate regulation and water services. Home to Ecuador's best-preserved dry forests, the reserve boasts rich flora and fauna. Collaborating with Peru, it became part of the Bosques de Paz Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, showcasing the nexus of nature and culture.

Nestled in Ecuador's northern region, just northwest of Quito, lies a pristine wilderness teeming with biodiversity and cultural heritage—the Chocó Andino de Pichincha Biosphere Reserve. Spanning from the outer foothills to the inner reaches of the western cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, this reserve is a haven for unique flora, fauna, and archaeological treasures. The Biosphere Reserve presents a tapestry of landscapes, each contributing to the region's remarkable biodiversity.

Cordillera del Cóndor is a mountain range in the eastern Andes that is shared by and part of the international border between Ecuador and Peru. El Cóndor National Park is located in Ecuador, bordering the Santiago-Comaina protected area of Peru.

Nestled amidst the Andes Mountains in the heart of Ecuador lies the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, a haven of unparalleled ecological diversity and cultural heritage. It contains the Cotacachi Volcano, a prominent stratovolcano and Laguna de Cuicocha, a stunning crater lake.

Ecuador, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, is home to the awe-inspiring Cotopaxi National Park, a testament to its commitment to environmental conservation. At the heart of this protected area stands the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano, the second-highest summit in Ecuador.

The Ecuadorian Andes are divided into parallel volcanic cordilleras that form Ecuador's central Andean highlands region. This Sierra natural region contains ten major basins that contain roughly half of Ecuador's population.

El Cajas National Park is located in southern Ecuador and features tundra vegetation on a spectacular jagged landscape of hills and valleys. This results in a spectacular landscape where the outcrops alternate with a myriad of lakes and lagoons in the páramo of Cajas.

Cuenca is a city in Ecuador's southern highlands known for its cultural richness and historical significance. It is the capital and largest city of the Azuay Province, located at an elevation of approximately 2,560 meters. The town is surrounded by the Andes Mountains and irrigated by four rivers: Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui, and Machangara. Over centuries, Cuenca's identity has been shaped by its profound connection with the natural environment.