Overview
Country Overview
Ecuador is bordered by Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean. There are three distinct zones: the Sierra or uplands of the Andes, the Costa, a coastal plain between the Andes and the Pacific with plantations of bananas, cacao, coffee and sugar; and the Oriente, the upper Amazon basin to the east, consisting of tropical jungles threaded by rivers. Quito, the capital city, is in a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruca and Guagua. Guayaquil, Ecuador’s biggest city, is also the chief port and commercial centre. The Littoral is a narrow coastal belt, 560km (350 miles) in length. The chief ports provide visitors with some of the best resorts for deep-sea fishing on the west coast. The Oriente is a primeval world of virgin forests and exotic flora and fauna, still inhabited by Indian tribes. Food specialities include llapingachos (pancakes with mashed potato and cheese) and the national delicacy of baked guinea pig. The best local drink is paico, made from fresh lemon. There is little nightlife except in Quito and Guayaquil, where there are excellent restaurants and other attractions.
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