Category: Ecuador Facts & Information

"Ecuador is also known as the World Capital of Orchids" Ecuador Orchids are a true testament to the country's rich biodiversity, earning Ecuador the title of "World Capital of Orchids." With 4,250 species, including 1,301 endemic varieties, these stunning flowers thrive in diverse habitats from tropical forests to highland regions. Their vibrant colors and unique forms attract scientists and nature enthusiasts from around the globe, making Ecuador a must-visit destination for orchid lovers. Andreas Kay photo Orchids, for its beauty and elegance, are the oldest plants in the world. Ecuador has 4,250 species and 1,301 endemic species classified in tropical, subtropical and conservation areas. Orchids belong to the family of Orchidaceae. They live on trees where capture heat, light and air. Some grow on rocks with moss, and other on the floor. Flowers are grouped in clusters of 2 to 20, orchids can be white, pink, lilac, red, yellow, green and even blue. Although they have similar sepals, petals and lips, they change from one gender to another.   Andreas Kay photo Orchid in their natural habitat grow by millions. If they have food, water and love, the reproduction is endless. If orchids disappear, disappear thousands of species of bees, wasps and insects that pollinate the plants. If insects disappear, disappear fruit species because they can't reproduce. Andreas Kay photo The Ecuador is the world capital of orchids, for that reason scientists from different latitudes are traveling throughout the year to observe and investigate orchids. Alexander Hirtz, during 40 years of research, discovered 800 species of orchids in Ecuador. "It is the family of plants with the highest number of species that can easily mutate against climate change. For example, the eruptions of the Ecuadorians were new orchid species that mutated and adapted to the climate and geography ". Yellow

Ecuador Volcanoes, a short list of must see volcanoes in Galapagos & Ecuador Travelers come daily to the country to climb or  hike along Ecuador Volcanoes. The beauty of the country is largely due to the Andean mountian chain it hosts.  Ecuador and Galapagos Islands have 27 potentially active volcanoes. Most of these are continental: Cayambe, Reventador, Guagua Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Sangay , Chacana among some. Galapagos is home to 7 volcanoes: Marchena Cerro Azul, Fernandina, St. Thomas Chico Volcano, Alcedo, Darwin and Wolf and Sierra Negra.   The volcanoes of Ecuador belong to the Northern Volcanic Zone of the Andes, which is the result of subduction of the Nazca Pacific oceanic plate under the nder the continental plate of South America. In Ecuador, the volcanoes occur on 4 chains, most of them are active and a few extinct. Here's a quick guide with some of the most beautiful volcanoc sights in Ecuador and things to do on each spot.    Antisana Volcano & Mica Lagoon Latitude: 0,4846° S Longitude: 78,1414°W Elevation: 5720 m (It is the fourth highest volcano in Ecuador) Volcano Type: Conical stratovolcano landslide scarp State: Active Antisana volcano is a large, glacier covered stratovolcano located 50 km SE Quito, Ecuador. It is located on the eastern margin of the Cordillera Real, at the latitude where the volcanic chain of the Northern Volcanic Zone is widest. Antisana is completely covered with snow and glaciers which makes it one of the most daring climbing expeditions. However, the volcano is surrounded by striking lagoons that reflect the Antisana Peak in their clear and undisturbed waters. The spot is awesome for a biking trip and visitors get to see wolves, wild horses, condors and llamas all along the Antisana expedition. Cayambe Volcano, right in the Equator Latitude: 0,025° N Longitude: 77,9871° W Elevation: 5759 m (maximum peak) Volcano Type: Conical stratovolcano landslide scarp State: Active Cayambe is also