Ecuador is located in northwestern South America and is bounded by Colombia on the north and by Peru on the east and south. The Pacific Ocean washes its west coast.

Ecuador possesses diverse vegetation and climates with warm and humid temperatures sustaining thick jungle-like forests. The city of Quito, Ecuador's capital, rises some 9350 feet above sea level. Because of its lofty position, it enjoys an annual temperature of about 55 Fahrenheit.

The Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles west of the mainland, belong to Ecuador.