Ecuador straddles the equator and boasts incredible biodiversity, making it a fascinating place. It’s becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, and for good reason.
So, what makes this small South American country so special? This article explores some fun and interesting facts about Ecuador, from its claim to being the closest point on Earth to space to its…interesting culinary traditions.
Geography and naming
Ecuador sits on the western coast of South America, and its name comes from the Spanish word for “equator.”
Near Quito, you can visit the Mitad del Mundo monument, which marks the equator. However, modern GPS technology has shown that the monument isn’t exactly on the equator! For a more accurate equatorial experience, check out the nearby Intiñan Solar Museum.
A Land of Diverse Climates
Ecuador is a small country, but it has a hugely diverse landscape. You’ll find three distinct climate regions on the mainland:
- Costa: The coast
- Sierra: The mountains
- Oriente: The Amazon rainforest
The Galapagos Islands, which are part of Ecuador, have their own separate and unique climate.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: A Testament to Ecuador’s Heritage
Ecuador has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are places considered to have outstanding value to humanity.
The City of Quito, for example, is one of the best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. The Galapagos Islands are famous for their unique plant and animal life, which helped inspire Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Sangay National Park is known for its incredible biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. The other two sites are Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca and Qhapaq Ñan.
Quito: The Sky-High Capital
Did you know that Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, is the highest official capital city on Earth? It sits at a staggering 2,850 meters—that’s 9,350 feet!—above sea level.
Quito also has a rich history and boasts some pretty amazing colonial architecture. So, if you’re planning a trip to South America, be sure to add it to your list!
Ecuador: A Pioneer in Nature’s Rights
Did you know Ecuador was the first country in the world to put the rights of nature into its constitution? It’s a pretty unique stance on environmentalism, and it means the country views nature as something with the right to exist, persist, and maintain itself.
This decision has big implications for conservation efforts. It means Ecuador can prioritize protecting its ecosystems in policymaking and legal battles. It also gives citizens the right to defend nature in court, opening the door for all kinds of creative conservation efforts.
A biodiversity hotspot: Paradise for nature lovers
Ecuador is one of only 17 megadiverse countries in the world, which means it contains a huge proportion of the planet’s biodiversity.
Birdwatcher’s paradise
If you’re a birder, you’ll be thrilled to know that Ecuador has more than 1,632 confirmed bird species, including an astounding 132 species of hummingbird.
Plant and animal diversity
Although Ecuador is a small country, it contains about 10% of all the plant species on Earth and 8% of the world’s animal species.
Yasuní National Park
Located in the Amazon rainforest, Yasuní National Park is thought to be one of the most biodiverse spots on the globe. It’s home to an amazing array of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The Galapagos Islands: Darwin’s Inspiration
No discussion of Ecuador is complete without mentioning the Galapagos Islands. In 1835, Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands. His observations of the animals there heavily influenced his thinking about evolution.
The unique species of the Galapagos helped Darwin develop his theory of evolution, which he published in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species.
For example, there were originally 15 species of Galapagos tortoises. Today, 11 species remain.
Mount Chimborazo: Closer to the Stars
Here’s a surprising fact: Ecuador is technically the closest country to outer space.
Mount Chimborazo, which rises 6,000 meters above sea level, isn’t as tall as Mount Everest. But because Ecuador sits right on the equator, the Earth bulges outward. This bulge means that Chimborazo’s peak is actually the furthest point from the Earth’s center.
So, if you want to get as close to the stars as possible without leaving the planet, Ecuador is the place to be!
Culinary adventures: Guinea pigs and Panama hats
Cuy: A local delicacy
If you’re traveling in Ecuador, don’t be surprised to see guinea pigs on the menu. Called “cuy,” these little rodents are both pets and a popular food, especially in the Andes region. Cuy is often served whole and roasted, and it plays an important role in festivals and celebrations.
The Panama hat’s true origin
You might be surprised to learn that the famous Panama hat is actually from Ecuador! These hats were historically made there but became popular when workers building the Panama Canal wore them to protect themselves from the sun.
In Closing
From its stunningly diverse landscapes and vibrant culture to its groundbreaking environmental policies, Ecuador truly is a special place.
If you’re looking for an adventure, consider a visit! Whether you want to experience the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, immerse yourself in the culture of Quito, or explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andes and the Amazon, Ecuador has something for everyone.