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Ecotourism in Ecuador
Wildlife in the highlands ranges from the very rare condor bird to the very common horse, as shown here in Cotopaxi National Park.

Ecotourism in Ecuador
These tigrios are being nursed back to health by volunteers before being released back into the wild.

Ecotourism in Ecuador
These parrots are being kept in a center primarily maintained and funded by once-tourists until they are strong enough to re-release into the wild.

Ecotourism in Ecuador
One of the many exotic flowers found in Ecuador.

Home arrow Destinations arrow Ecuador arrow About Ecuador arrow Ecotourism

Ecotourism in Ecuador

Ecuador is one the planet’s top 17 most biologically diverse nations. Ecuador’s drastic geographic and climatic variations have led to evolution of thousands of species of flora and fauna. Despite its tiny size, Ecuador is home to rainforests, tropical beaches, islands, and snowcapped mountain peaks. One of the main attractions is the Galapagos Islands and its marine reserve.

Flora

Ecuador is home to ten percent of the world’s plant species, the majority of which grow in the northeastern Amazon, where an estimated 10,000 plant species live. The diversity of the climate in the Amazon has also given rise to more than 25,000 species of trees. The Andes are home to an estimated 8,200 plant and vegetable species. In the orchid family alone, 2,725 species have been identified in the area. In the Galapagos, there are about 600 native species and 250 more that were introduced by humans.

Fauna

Ecuador is home to 8 percent of the world’s animal species and 18 percent of the planet’s birds. Around 3,800 species of vertebrates have been identified in Ecuador as well as 1,550 species of mammals, 350 reptile species, 375 species of amphibians, 800 fresh water fish species and 450 salt water fish species. Ecuador is also home to 15 percent of the world’s bird species. There are over 4,500 species of butterflies that live in Ecuador.

Natural Parks and Reserves

Ecuador 10 ten national parks, 14 natural reserves, as well as other protected areas that are considered natural heritages and are protected by the State. They cover an area of around 4,669,871 hectares of land and 14,110,000 of water, divided into four regions. The biodiversity is the main attraction of these areas.