Ecuador is one of the few countries where the equator runs through, and it proudly embraces this distinction. Located in northwestern South America, Ecuador has incredible natural beauty and variety.
Map of Ecuador
Key geography facts
1. Ecuador is named after the equator, which runs through the country just north of Quito.
2. The Andes Mountains run through Ecuador, and it’s home to Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The highest peak in Ecuador is Mount Chimborazo in the Andes, which rises to 20,702 feet (6,310 meters).
3. Ecuador includes the Galápagos Islands territory, officially called the Archipelago de Colon, located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometers west of the South American continent.
4. Ecuador has everything from tropical rainforests in the north, deserts in the south, and lush Amazonian rainforests to the east. The peaks of the Andes stretch north to south across the heart of the country.
5. Ecuador has a hot and humid climate in the coastal and Amazon regions and cooler temperatures in the mountains. Due to their altitude, some peaks are covered in snow year-round.
Recommended reading: Fun Facts About Ecuador
Ecuador regions (provinces)
Ecuador has 24 administrative divisions, which are called provinces.
- Azuay
- Bolívar
- Cañar
- Carchi
- Chimborazo
- Cotopaxi
- El Oro
- Esmeraldas
- Galápagos
- Guayas
- Imbabura
- Loja
- Los Ríos
- Manabí
- Morona Santiago
- Napo
- Orellana
- Pastaza
- Pichincha
- Santa Elena
- Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas
- Sucumbíos
- Tungurahua
- Zamora Chinchipe
Map of Ecuador in South America
Ecuador is bordered by Colombia to the north and Peru to the east and south. It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Ecuador major cities
Quito – The capital city, located high in the Andes, is known for its well-preserved colonial center and stunning mountain views.
Guayaquil – The largest city and main port, known for its vibrant waterfront, commercial activity, and cultural landmarks.
Cuenca – A historic city in the heart of the Andes, famous for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural heritage.
Santo Domingo – The fourth most populous city in the western foothills, known for its agricultural industry and as a transport hub.
Machala – A city in the Pacific coastal lowlands known as the “Banana Capital of the World” due to its extensive banana plantations.
Portoviejo – The capital of the Manabí Province, known for its commercial prosperity and tamarind trees.
Loja – A city in the southern Andes, considered to be the musical and cultural capital.
Ambato – Known as the “City of Flowers and Fruit,” located in the central highlands, famous for its annual festivals and strawberries.
Manta – A major coastal city and important port on the Pacific Ocean, known for its tuna fishing industry and beautiful beaches.
Durán – A city located across the river from Guayaquil, known for its industrial activities and as a key part of the Guayaquil metropolitan area.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
Ivy Hollys is a freelance content writer for integrity-based information platforms.
Her focus is primarily on using her skill to provide accurate information to everyone. With a background in natural resource conservation, she writes helpful content for platforms with similar interest.
Her experience in writing spans across various platforms including news and lifestyle blogs in her home country and abroad.