Ecuador

The Andes, running from north to south, divide the country into three main areas. The west consists of fertile lowlands overgrown by the Pacific rain forest. The center part is dominated by the 50 km (30 mi) wide and 2500-3500 meter (8000 - 11000 ft) high Andean highland. The mountains are of volcanic origin and tower up to 6000 m (20000 ft) altitude. Towards the east of the country lies the vast Amazon basin covered with dense jungle.

Quito

The capital of Ecuador is nestled in a lava basin on the Andean highlands at an elevation of  2800 m (9200 ft). In earlier times the city was the co-capital of the Inca kingdom besides Cusco in Peru. After the Spanish conquest it was rebuilt in colonial architecture. Today it has probably the most beautiful town center of South America.

Otavalo and vicinity

On the highland north of Quito we crossed the equator line towards to northern hemisphere. The Ecuadorian Andes are the only place on earth where the equator line runs out of the jungle and thus is easily accessible. The country was therefore an important place for geographers which aimed at measuring the circumference of the Earth. Due to the altitude the temperature on the highlands are quite pleasant, in wintertime it can even drop to 5°C (41°F). Frequently, most often during the rainy summer season, the humidity of the rain forest climbs the slopes of the Andes and rains down on the highlands where it produces intensively green vegetation.

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is the biggest city and the economic hub of the country. The city lies close the coast of the Pacific Ocean.