Information on Ecuador

Ecuador is one of the travel, volunteer, and internship abroad destinations in the International Volunteer Travel program. Ecuador is in western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean, Columbia, and Ecuador. It has a total size of 283,560 sq km (i.e. slightly smaller than Nevada in USA), and includes 2,237 km of coastline. The per capita GDP (purchasing power) of Ecuador is about USD 3700 per year (2004 estimate).

Quito, Ecuador Capital City

Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city surrounded by mountains, and coffee plantations. It has numerous internet cafes, shopping malls, fast food chains, rental car agencies and much more. The city is also home to a number of international businesses.

The Geography of Ecuador

Geographically speaking, Ecuador is a very unique and diverse country. Ecuador boasts of alluring jungles, rolling valleys teaming with life, and the majestic Andes mountains. Ecuador is also known for the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi, in the Andes. All this makes for a beautiful and unique landscape that captivates ecotourism lovers. Ecuador also offers a variety of activities including horseback riding, hiking mountainous paths and observing the various flora and fauna of the country.

The people of Ecuador are most welcoming; the landscape spellbinding nature lovers and those fascinated by diverse Latin American cultures will have an awesome experience.

As an international volunteer, some of your placements may be with organizations working towards protecting the environment and also promoting environmental consciousness among the local people.

There will be time to learn Ecuadorian culture, to laugh with children, try out your Espanol in the market, and let your eyes feast on breathtaking geographical features. This is the beckoning land of Ecuador in South America.