The country is divided into four regions: The Costa, The Sierra, The Oriente , and The Galápagos Islands. One of the world's most famous mountain ranges- the Andes , bisects Ecuador from north to south. Ecuador is a land of geographical extremes, with the Andes mountain range with peaks rising almost 20,000 feet. Ecuador enjoys tremendous tourism and notoriety gained from the world famous Galápagos Islands which are approximately 660 miles (1000km) off the coast. It was the Galápagos Islands that inspired Charles Darwin to formulate his theory of evolution and led to the creation of the Galápagos Islands Trust for the preservation and conservation of the world most unique island. Some of the major Ecuadorian cities include its capital Quito as well as Cuenca , Guayaquil , Manta, Portoviejo , and Santo Domingo .

Ecuador 's population is estimated to be 12,646,095, with a less than 2% annual growth rate. The population is ethnically mixed: 55% mestizo (mixed indigenous - Caucasian), 25% Indigenous, 10% Caucasian, 9% African, and 1% other.

Ecuador is a country that certainly does not shy away from a party ( farra ) or celebration. Indeed, a month rarely passes without a major festival or a long weekend arising, giving way to spirited processions, colorful ceremonies, and lavish feasts. Due to the fact that Ecuador is over 90% Roman Catholic, most of the country's major holidays and celebrations follow the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. Boasting the year's most extravagant festivities, these holidays can often be appreciated best from highland indigenous villages where days of nonstop feasting, drinking, dancing, and performing ancient rituals give traditional Catholic holidays a distinctly Indian feel. Most of the remaining holidays are celebrated to commemorate important political or historical events and achievements.

Ecuador is known for its fabulous exotic fruits, high quality fish and seafood, and the countless varieties of Andean potatoes. Across the country you'll find a broad spectrum of national and regional dishes, including lemon-marinated shrimp, toasted corn, and pastries stuffed with spiced meats. If you're feeling courageous, you can put your culinary bravery to the test with roasted cuy (guinea pig) or tronquito (bull penis soup).

Visit Ecuador . It`s really nice.