Ecuador
You are here
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 Galapagos Islands.
Darwin Island
Named after the famous scientist, Charles Darwin, Darwin is the smallest island of the Galapagos 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 Galapagos 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 Galapagos.
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
Embracing the Unknown: A Predeparture Guide to Quito Immersion
In this blog, I detail the process of how I chose to study abroad in Quito, Ecuador, what anxieties and curiosities are going through my mind in the 48 hours leading up to my departure from Indianapolis, IN, and a few helpful hints for those looking to study abroad. I hope to ease people's fears and introduce them to the beauty and adventure Quito has to offer.
Expecting to Expect Nothing in Ecuador
Hello to everybody who may be reading this! My name is Thomas Hotaling, and I am a geology and environmental studies student at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. About a year ago I decided that I should spend a semester in a place that is the exact opposite of Cleveland in every way, which I determined to be Ecuador and the Galapagos.
El Corazón and Ecuador: The Expectations Gap
My expectations of climbing the mountain El Corazón and of my time in Ecuador were both extremely different from how each thing ended up—but both were valuable experiences.
Homestaying and Boundaries: Lessons from Quito
Advice on homestaying from someone who made a few mistakes.
Mental Wellness in Quito: The Month I Spent In Bed
If you’ve been following my blog this semester, you know that towards the end of October, I experienced a personal tragedy: my grandmother passed away. It was the first personal loss I’d really ever experienced, and it hit me hard. For the next month, everything was just harder. It was harder for me to wake up in the morning, to get out of bed, to pay attention in class, or even just to think clearly.
