ECUADOR

Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America. Its Spanish name is the República de Ecuador, which translates literally as "Republic of Ecuador" (Ikwadur Ripuwlika, in the Quechua language). Ecuador is a representative democratic republic located in the north western part South America. It borders Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador also includes the Galapagos Islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometres west of the continent.

The country was home to various Amerindian groups that were gradually incorporated into the Inca Empire during the 15th century. The territory was colonized by Spain during the 16th century, and gained independence in 1820 as part of "Gran Colombia" (Great Colombia), before becoming a sovereign state in 1830. The legacy of these two empires is reflected in the ethnic diversity of Ecuador's population, most of whose 15.2 million inhabitants are of mixed race, and also includes significant minorities of European, Amerindian and African origin.

The official language is Spanish, which is spoken by most Ecuadorians, although 13 Amerindian languages are also recognized.

The Expedition Ruta Del Oriente - is the circle route made from the Andes Mountains to the Amazonian basin and going back high to the tropical heights of the tropical Cordillera de los Andes. In the Andes we are trekking, bathing in the thermal hot springs and pools and in Amazonia we spend some core time with the indigenous Kichwa and Ashuar indigenous communities and families.

The country as a whole is divided into four geographical and cultural areas. In each of these areas (except for the Galapagos Islands) live many indigenous communities, which have more or less lost, or still retain to some extent, their ancient millennial culture and cosmology.

COSTA

(The Cost)

Awa

Chachis

Tsáchilas

Épera

Cayapas

Huancavilcas

SIERRA

(The mountains of the Andes)

Quichuas / Kichwa

ORIENTE