Book Cheap Flights to Ecuador
Nestled in the north-western area of South America, Ecuador is a country that is bordered by Colombia in the north, Peru in the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean in the west. The climate of the country varies a lot, thanks to the presence of maritime currents, the Amazon rainforest, and the Andes Mountains. Geographically speaking, Ecuador can be largely divided into four regions, namely the Highlands, the Coast, the Galapagos Islands, and the Amazon. It’s no wonder that travellers from all over the world board flights to Ecuador to catch its unparalleled beauty and appreciate picturesque landscapes.
The Pacific Coast, also known as the western lowlands, boasts fertile plains, sedimentary basins, and rolling hills traversed by an abundance of rivers that rush from the peaks of the Andes all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The region is teeming with attractive beaches, umpteen resorts, and hotels to catch the fancy of tourists. The region of the Highlands is home to the Andes Mountain Range that crosses Ecuador from north to south. Also famous as La Sierra, the Highlands is packed with significant peaks, including Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Antisana, and Cayambe. Mountain fiends love to explore the northern and central Ecuador where the highest peaks reside.
When it comes to the Amazon region, it’s divided into two sub-regions, namely the Amazon Lowlands and the High Amazon. While the Highlands comprises the Andean foothills descending towards the largest river basin in the world, the Amazon Basin; the Amazon lowlands are brimming with some of Ecuador’s most important and beautiful rivers, such as the Napo, the Putumayo, and the Pastaza. The Galapagos Islands, aka ‘The Archipelago of Colón’ constitutes several islands, islets, and ancient rock formations. Although, besides its spectacular beaches and varied and unique ecosystems, the archipelago also boasts lofty active volcanoes with a height of up to 1,600 metres.
Best Places to Visit in Ecuador
Galápagos Islands
One of the main reasons behind globetrotters flying down to Ecuador in flocks is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Galápagos Islands. The iconic islands are sought-after by tourists and natives alike for their sui generis biodiversity and unparalleled beauty of landscapes. Apart from its rugged terrains and vibrant marine life, travellers also take delight in exploring this volcanic archipelago for its intriguing wildlife, such as giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas.
Amazon Rainforest
No trip to Ecuador is considered complete without making your way to the ecological wonder of the Amazon Rainforest that’s teeming with lush green vegetation and exotic critters. The city of Tena serves as a perfect gateway to intriguing forest experiences, offering numerous opportunities for canoe rides, guided hikes, and encounters with native communities. Vibrant birdlife, elusive jungle cats, and diverse flora present in the rainforest are enough to pique the interest of travellers and provide an insight into the delicate ecosystem of the world’s largest rainforest.
Historic Centre of Quito
The well-preserved historic centre of Quito is the quintessential cultural gem that has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled amongst the Andes Mountains, this colonial city boasts epoch-making architecture, such as Baroque churches embellished with intricate gold leaf designs. Moreover, Independence Square which is flanked by prominent governmental buildings is nothing less than the epitome of the historical and cultural heritage of the city.