Located on the Pacific Coast of South America, Ecuador is tucked between Colombia and Peru and includes the Galapagos Islands. The equator splits the country and the name Ecuador literally translates as equator. You can even visit the equator and stand in both hemispheres at once; there are many spots to do this, some touristier than others, but all allowing the same novelty.

The natural world attracts and awes travelers and is a national priority in Ecuador. The constitution notes protection of nature as a right and a necessity. It is the first constitution in the world to do so. However, some of Ecuador’s natural wonders are still threatened by a number of factors, including oil extraction in the Amazon rainforest. Oil is a major export of Ecuador and essential to the economy.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve in Ecuador’s Amazon region is an excellent place to begin exploring the biodiversity of Ecuador. You can hike in the area to spot hundreds of different species including over 500 different birds. Of the approximately 1,600 bird species in Ecuador, 100 are hummingbirds, of which you’ll find many in Cuyabeno.

On the Galapagos Islands, the most stunning natural feature, aside from the ocean views, is the vast amount of wildlife you’ll encounter. Some of the world’s best birding is here. There are many bird species you’ll only find on the Galapagos including Darwin’s finches, several types of mockingbirds, and the large-billed flycatcher.

Trekking up Cotopaxi Volcano is a hike for the ambitious. Most healthy, active people make the climb to the (often snow-covered) summit with a guide. It is one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world and is visible from Quito. It is also one of the few places you’ll find a glacier along the equator. If Cotopaxi were to undergo a major eruption, the flooding from glacial melt would be as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than the lava flows and ash cloud.

In the Galapagos, the best adventure is underwater. Don your SCUBA gear and meet the life under the sea. Subtropical penguins, sea lions, and manta rays all live in the waters off the Galapagos Islands. Seventeen percent of the species in these waters, from shy to fierce, are endemic to the Galapagos, which means you can only see them there. Some tour operators offer accommodations on boats off the islands where you can stay and dive for a few days.

All images are used via Creative Commons Attribution rights. View the original images on Flickr at: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4