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
Getting around Quito
Before coming to Quito, my only experience with public transportation was the D.C. metro. Depending on how familiar you are with the D.C. metro, you would understand when I say that I usually walk to most places and take the metro or bus when it is absolutely necessary.
Island Hopping for Fall Break
While the leaves are beginning to change color and brisk temperatures emerge at my home university, it has started to get warmer and rainier in San Cristóbal. Luckily, a week-long Fall Break arrived alongside the warmer temperatures and provided a wonderful opportunity to experience the other three human-inhabited islands in the Galápagos.
Beginning a New Chapter
Books are filled with layers, plot twists, and chapters that have readers eagerly turning pages while also reminiscing the delicately crafted adventures of previous chapters. Every page of a book is a new day, a new thought, and a new idea that we carry with us as words continue to fly off the page.
Safety tips from an Overly Cautious person
In any new environment, safety is my #1 priority and I'm glad that with IES Abroad Quito the safety of all students is taken very seriously. I have come to realize that here in Quito, most people on the streets or those who take the bus are not actively looking to steal or cause harm towards anyone. Additionally, while traveling through different provinces, I found it necessary to be aware of my surroundings because it is sometimes obvious I am a foreigner.
