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.
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.
The Latest from Ecuador
Proximity: A Poem
Between my friends and I, there is, at any given moment, a never-ending stream of diarrhea. Things I learned over study abroad: wear sunscreen, be wary of the water. In Spanish, I can recall the word for “kidneys” faster than “finches.” The hospital is the most reliable source of AC. I watch my girlfriend shit water. First kiss with a parasite. Chinchorros climb the line of the IV. They say the water at Puerta Ayora will give you a fever.
On Island Time & Space
On the island, there are no directions. All the things which used to guide me: the river, the highway, are gone. The land here peaks up in one high point, surrounded by sea on all sides. Back home, the river pulls South. There is a movement to follow. Even if you are stuck there, the movement implies that there is somewhere beyond. Here, the ocean, like a river all around me, licks back at my feet instead.
Letter to My Host Mother // Galápagos Islands
Dear Glenda,
For our last day together, I’ve been looking back on the last three months we’ve shared. In this letter, I want to tell you all the things I haven’t had the Spanish to say.
Making Kin // Galápagos Islands
Being queer, the concept of “found family” is not new to me.
The Legend of the Guava // Galápagos Islands
I first heard the legend of the guayaba (guava) recounted during a hike through the forest at Hacienda Guadalupe, a farm up in the Highlands of San Cristóbal island. Our tour guide began the legend in a hushed whisper, about a mile into our hike. It was the first we had ever heard of Manuel Julián Cobos, the infamous first settler and founder of the torturous Hacienda El Progresso.
