The Ecuadorian coastal area stretches from the western slopes of the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. This important economic region is known for its warm, tropical climate, endless, unspoiled beaches and of course, delicious seafood. Here are found some of the oldest cultures of America, towns of ocean navigators and sailors, artists who created beautiful ceramics, with well developed cultures and social structures for more than 10,000 years.
The Sierra Region runs from the western foothills of the Andes to the eastern Andean slopes, and includes the valleys formed between. The Ecuadorian Sierra is characterized by its cultural diversity, its folk traditions and traditional food in every village, and of course its mountains and lofty, snow-capped peaks of eternal ice. In this region there are two cities that are considered by UNESCO as “World Heritage sites”: The current capital city of Quito and the historical capital city of Cuenca.
The Selva (Jungle) Region with its impenetrable rainforest extends from the eastern slopes of the Andes to the Amazon River Basin. This region is incredibly rich and beautiful. The jungle with its rivers, lakes and swamps, is home to a vast number of animals and plants. More species are found in this region of Ecuador than in all of North America. Aboriginal peoples living in the area have reached a productive harmony, maintaining their traditional culture and languages, while respecting the environment in which they live.
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles (1,000 Km) west of the Ecuadorian coast. This archipelago consists of 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones and 40 islets. For thousands of years, the animals and birds inhabiting these remote islands evolved independently from their relatives on the mainland forming unique new species that are now major attractions to visitors from around the world.