Geography of Ecuador
Ecuador's geography is deeply influenced by its volcanic landscape, making it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. The country sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity results in numerous volcanoes, both dormant and active. The Andes mountain range, which runs through the center of Ecuador, is the heart of this volcanic region, shaping much of the country's terrain and climate. Perhaps the most famous volcano in Ecuador, Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, standing at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. Its nearly perfect conical shape and snow-covered peak make it an iconic landmark. Cotopaxi is part of the Cotopaxi National Park and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. Although Chimborazo is not the highest mountain in the world, it holds the distinction of being the closest point on Earth to the sun due to the Earth's equatorial bulge. At 6,263m, Chimborazo’s summit is further from the center of the Earth than Mount Everest’s.
The Galápagos Islands sit off the coast of Ecuador and were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago on the Galápagos Hotspot, a volcanic area where molten rock from deep beneath the Earth's crust rose to the surface. This volcanic origin is evident in the islands’ dramatic landscapes, which include active volcanoes, rugged cliffs, calderas, lava fields, and crater lakes. The archipelago consists of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, and numerous islets, with the largest island being Isabela Island.