Ecuador
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Study abroad in Ecuador and experience one of the most culturally and geographically diverse countries in the world.
Roughly the size of Colorado, Ecuador has the environmental megadiversity of a much larger country. Four eco-regions—the Amazon basin, the high Andes, the coastal plain, and the Galápagos Islands—offer a wealth of flora and fauna that attracts biologists, botanists, and environmentalists from around the world. These internationally known natural wonders are at your fingertips when you study in Ecuador.
Adventure and learning opportunities will surround you when you study abroad in Ecuador. Snorkel in the Galápagos Islands as you study biodiversity, learn about indigenous culture as you stroll through Otavalo Market, and study environmental science in the Amazon rainforest! To make the most of your time in Ecuador, study abroad is a great opportunity to not only visit, but also learn about this stunningly diverse country.
Cities
Located to the west of continental Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are some of the most biodiverse islands on Earth.
Cousins Rock
Cousins Rock is a centrally located diving site in the islands and was recently named “one of the most photographically productive dives in the central islands” by Scuba Diving magazine. Octopi, sharks, sea turtles, and sea horses are among the myriad of species seen on a dive in this area.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Established in 1964, the Charles Darwin Research Station is located on the island of Santa Cruz. Scientists conduct research and projects here aimed at preserving the unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands.
Darwin Island
Named after the famous scientist, Charles Darwin, Darwin is the smallest island of the Galápagos measuring one kilometer in area. The highlight of the island is the marine life as the island itself is not open for land visits.
Sierra Negra Volcano
Sierra Negra is a large shield volcano at the south eastern end of Isabela Island in the Galápagos that rises to an altitude of 1124m.
Dragon Hill
Dragon Hill is one of the best places to view land iguanas and other terrestrial species unique to the Galápagos.
Quito, located in an Andean valley, is Ecuador’s capital and second largest city.
Carondelet Palace
Located in the Plaza de Independencia, the Carondelet Palace has been the home of the Ecuadorian president for more than 300 years. With an exterior designed with neoclassic architecture, the building is ornately decorated inside as well.
La Plaza de San Francisco
Previously the spot for local trading, the Plaza de San Francisco still bustles with activity today. Built on an incline, the Plaza provides beautiful views of Quito.
La Mitad del Mundo
La Mitad del Mundo, located 12 miles outside of Quito, marks the equatorial line. Visitors can discover more about Ecuador's indigenous people at the Museu Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo and experiment with the gravitational pull by testing balance, water flow, and resistance.
El Parque Carolina
As the largest park in Quito, El Parque La Carolina boasts an expansive space for recreation including a boating lake, playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, and restaurants. It is situated near several shopping centers and is home to art festivals on the weekends.
The Latest from Ecuador
A Light in the Fog
We were sitting on the bus when we got the news. I’m sure everyone is sick of this by now, sick of hearing only about one thing, and I know I’m tired of thinking about it. So this blog post won’t mention that-which-will-not-be-named. Let’s just say, for unspecified reasons, our program was canceled, Ecuador had declared a state of emergency, and we were given 24 hours to leave the country or risk being trapped for months. It was a dramatic bus ride.
How It All Went Wrong, Part 1
(Note** Due to the length of this story, this post will be divided into two parts. You probably gathered that from the title, but thought I’d reiterate.)
Gather around, children. I have a story for you.
Last we talked, if you recall, I told you of my idyllic everyday – the lullaby of tropical surf, a routine of birds, beach, and batidos. Life on the Galapagos was chugging along at a steady, comfortable pace, leaving deep footprints in dark sand.
Getting Around in Quito: Some Tips for Public Transportation
Recently, a group of professors and advisors in study abroad departments from various universities in the United States came to visit Quito. They were here to see what our program is really like, so they can advise students better in the future, and they were able to sit in on classes, take a tour, and eat dinner with some of us at our homes here.
24 Hours in the Galapagos (Hypothetical Monday)
We’ve been here in the Galapagos for over three weeks now, and some could say a routine has been established. Weekdays have a methodical rhythm, soothed by the omnipresent crashing of tropical surf, and so for this post, I thought I’d try and capture that rhythm through a series of everyday anecdotes. Enjoy.
Short Stories from the Galápagos
It’s now been almost two weeks since I arrived in the Galápagos, and it really is paradise. I feel like I’ve been picked up and dropped into a BBC documentary, or between the pages of one of my biology textbooks.
