Ecuador

Sierra, the name of the Andes mountain range for the territory straddling Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, is colloquially used to refer to the country half the size of France between the ocean and the Amazon. The name altiplano is no longer applicable; instead, it is a chaotic, heavily volcanic plateau informally called páramo. However, it is not called that in formal terms; instead, it is a snow-capped conical páramo and checkerboard highlands covering most of the highest slopes of the Sierra.

Ecuador has many different cultures and landscape varieties despite being a small nation. The country is made up of three regions: the Pacific coast, the Andes and the Ecuadorian Amazon. In addition, the Galapagos Islands are a unique wildlife reserve considered unique in the world. Coastal and inland Indians remain culturally similar due to Andean customs. However, Caribbean people seem more connected to Amazonian culture due to neighboring Caribbean tribes. As the Amazon's indigenous people face oil companies and deforestation, they fight to preserve their land and culture.

The Catholic Church continues to play an important role in Ecuadorian life. And, as in all of South America, military coups followed one another. Many Ecuadorians live in mestizo towns; most of them have long since adopted the Western way of life. The Galapagos Islands and Amazon rainforest offer abundant flora and fauna that significantly outshine the archaeological remains or colonial architecture of other countries. Additionally, the beauty of Ecuador's landscapes combined with the historical importance of Cuenca and Quito go a long way in filling this gap.

The main reasons to travel to Ecuador are the country's natural beauty and cultural authenticity. Additionally, the friendly atmosphere and low tourism rate make visiting Ecuador an attractive option. Ecuador is an excellent starting point for first trips to Latin America.