This document discusses the natural regions of Ecuador. It identifies four main regions: the Galapagos Archipelago islands located 970 km west of Ecuador, the diverse highlands region between the coastal lowlands and eastern jungles containing volcanoes and unique wildlife, the densely populated coastal lowlands known as "la Costa" running along the Pacific coast, and the eastern Amazon jungle region east of the Andes containing incredible biodiversity.

2. A natural region is a basic geographic unit.

3. The concept "natural region" may
refer to a small, well defined area, or
to a large basic geographical unit

4. Natural Regions in Ecuador

5.  The Galapagos Archipelago is located on both
sides of the equatorial line approximately
970 km (600 miles) west from continental
Ecuador. The largest island is Isabela.

6.  The highlands region of Ecuador, lies
between the western coastal lowlands and the
eastern jungles. It is a naturally diverse area
of untamed volcanoes, hot springs (thermal
baths), unique flora and fauna, serene
landscapes, misty cloud forests, and barren
paramo vistas.

7. The Ecuadorian Pacific coast and western
lowlands locally known as "la Costa" is
formed by the following densely populated
provinces, from north to south: Esmeraldas,
Manabí, Los Ríos, Guayas and El Oro.

8.  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.