Places to Visit in Ecuador
That Stun Most Americans

While you are still deciding on places to visit in Ecuador, which is one of the Galapagos Islands, you will not be disappointed when you experience the serenity and uniqueness of this area.

This is a popular stop among tourists visiting the country for the first time as well as returning visits. The islands are a result of a volcano, forming after the disruption. They are on the equator and the number of people who reside here are about 40,000.

Galapagos Islands

One bit of information you probably did not know was the word Galapagos is actually a Spanish word meaning saddle. Spanish is the main language of these islands. This South American destination is a must-see when considering places to visit in Ecuador.

There are 19 islands and there is quite a curious phenomenon that makes the islands definitely worth visiting. Called the ‘showcase of evolution’ the volcanoes and the island being extremely isolated has caused the emergence of a totally new form of animal life. A land iguana and a giant tortoise are the forms which are said to be a product of evolution.

Another curiosity is although the island is on the equator, the period from June to November, temperatures remain at approximately 71 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition from December to May the temperature only rises 2 degrees. The down side is the heavy rains that fall during this period. This area has frequent rains almost all year. If you are interested in unusual places, this is one of the more interesting places to visit in Ecuador.

Amazon Basin

Of the 19 islands, Ecuador is one of the most popular to visit. Although the Amazon Rainforest is in Brazil, some is also in Ecuador. The Amazon Rainforest is responsible for making about half of the entire world’s rainforest space. Millions of years old, it is hard to imagine how long the Amazon Rainforest has actually been here.

One of the curiosities you will find when choosing the Amazon Basin as one of the places to visit in Ecuador are the unspoiled areas. There are actually plants that have not been discovered yet and tribes living in this area who have had no contact whatsoever with the outside world. Home to 33 state protected natural reserves, this includes many species of birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians, most of which you have never heard.

Another thing that makes Ecuador quite different from the U.S. is the seasons. The winter in the U.S. is summer in Ecuador. Seeing snow covered mountain tops is not unusual even in the summer for Ecuador. The diversity of the weather is one of the unique aspects of this tiny country.

Quito

The capital of Ecuador is Quito. This city is 2800 miles above sea level. The weather here is beautiful and the view is gorgeous. Seeing the volcano tops covered with snow off in the distance is definitely worth a photo or two.

A cable car is available if you really want to be able to see the scenery. This city has plenty to do with all types of festivals and night life. It is definitely worth a stop when considering places to see in Ecuador.

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