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 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
Extreme Response: Tackling Service Learning Abroad
Reflecting on my Service Learning experience at Extreme Response - working in an after-school program with the kids of parents who work tirelessly sorting trash and recyclables in Quito's dump.
Sights of San Cristóbal
It’s surreal to me that I have now spent two months of my life on the Island of San Cristóbal. Although I have visited several other islands, this island is near and dear to my heart. It’s where I got my first sunburn, ate my first sea snails, and of course, saw my first boobies (the blue-footed versions, of course). Although the atmosphere is very laid back, I have been lucky enough to travel all around the island and experience what this wonderland has to offer.
Island Hopping for Spring Break
As a part of the IES Abroad program, during our spring break, an opportunity for a getaway vacation was graciously given to us. Naturally and thankfully, this just meant traveling from one tropical island to several other tropical islands. Throughout this week, I was able to visit the islands of Floreana, Isabela, and Santa Cruz.
12 Signs You Studied Abroad in Latin America
Our Chile, Argentina, and Ecuador Ambassadors are no strangers to nostalgia. We asked them to share their responses to “You know you studied abroad in Latin America when…”
Helpful Hints: Unexpected Lessons I've Learned Part 2
Further helpful hints I have learned while studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador
