Ecuador

Ecuador, a country of exceptional biodiversity

Ecuador is a country in South America, bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The country is characterized by great geographical diversity. It is divided into four main regions: the Pacific coast, the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest to the east and the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The country is also home to numerous volcanoes, some of which are active. Quito is the capital of Ecuador, and is also the second highest capital in the world in terms of altitude, after La Paz in Bolivia.
Ecuador is a popular tourist destination for its spectacular scenery, cultural diversity and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the Amazon rainforest, climb the peaks of the Andes, discover colorful indigenous markets, and go on an adventure to the Galapagos Islands.

The UNESCO-listed Galapagos Islands

animal and plant life. The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for their unique fauna and their contributions to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Ecuador is home to thousands of endemic plant species. Ecuador's Amazon rainforest is particularly rich in plant biodiversity, with species of trees, lianas, orchids and ferns. The fauna is also exceptional. Some species are emblematic, such as the Andean condor, jaguar, tapir, puma, howler monkey and a variety of colorful birds. 

Biosphere reserves and national parks

The country boasts a number of protected areas, national parks and biosphere reserves that contribute to the preservation of its biodiversity. Among the most famous are Yasuní National Park in the Amazon, Cotopaxi National Park in the Andes and the Galapagos Islands National Park. However, despite numerous efforts to preserve it, this rich biodiversity is threatened by human activity such as deforestation, mining and poaching. 

Ecovolunteer in Ecuador

Ecuador is a wonderful place to volunteer, thanks to its rich biodiversity. On an eco-volunteering trip, you could 

• Off to the Galapagos to combat invasive plants and plant endemic species.
• Get involved in protecting the Amazon rainforest, one of the world's most biodiverse tropical forests. 
• Work with local organizations to raise community awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, sustainable resource management and biodiversity protection.
• Contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems along the coast of Ecuador.