【GreaterDIVE】(Explore Ecuador) Galápagos Islands: Witness the Miracle of Life～ Quito: The Capital Closest to the Equator in the World

(Explore Ecuador) Galápagos Islands: Witness the Miracle of Life～ Quito: The Capital Closest to the Equator in the World

Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands are located roughly 1,100 km west of the Pacific Coast. The island chain comprises 7 large islands, 23 small islands, and more than 50 spectacular reefs formed by volcanic activity. The famous Galápagos giant tortoise is one of the largest species of tortoises and the Galápagos saltwater iguana is the only iguana species in the world that ventures into saltwater habitats. The Galápagos penguin is the only penguin found north of the equator. These amazing creatures are found nowhere else on Earth. The islands’ pristine environment provided the inspiration for the Biologist, Charles Darwin, whose research of the Galápagos Islands led him to formulate his theory of evolution.

Visitors to the Galápagos Islands will likely begin their journey from Ecuador’s capital Quito, located at an altitude of 2852 meters, is the closest capital city to the equator. The city boasts some of the best examples of colonial architecture anywhere in Latin America including the infamous Church of La Compañía. The baroque church has a volcanic stone outer wall, and the interior is heavily decorated with gilding. Make sure to visit the equator marker just 24km outside the city for the chance to stand in two hemispheres at one time. Here recognised by UNESCO as the most accurate equatorial marker in the world, it is also called "the center of the earth". When travelers step on the yellow line on the ground, it means stepping on both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Ecuador, with its historic capital and incredible Galápagos Islands, is a timeless wonder and fantastic destination for any traveler.