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Ecuador geography
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Notable Mountains and Volcanoes
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Chimborazo (6,267m), the furthest point
from the earth's center,
Cotopaxi (5,897m) the world's highest active volcano,
Tungurahua (5,023m),
Pichincha (4,784m) volcano overlooking
Quito |
Oriente (Amazon)
The Amazon or jungle region, located
to the east of the Andes, is one of the most accessible
and traveler-friendly areas of the upper Amazon basin, the
biologically richest area anywhere on earth. There are
innumerable varieties of flora, including many of Ecuador's
4,500 species of orchids, and many plants with medicinal
value.
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Wildlife such as butterflies, bats,
monkeys, sloths, parrots, macaws, river dolphins and caimans
are all relatively easy to view.
The Amazon offers a wide range of
activities including swimming, canoe journeys, rain forest
walks, bird watching, animal spotting and visits to local
jungle communities. |
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It accounts for little more than 5% of the
total population but here there are small communities of
Indians such as the Huaorani, Cofan, Shuar, and
Siona-Secoya who live in jungle villages and carry on with
many of their ancient traditions. |
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The Amazon also has some of the finest
white water rafting routes in the country. |
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