Ecuador is a country located in northwestern South America which is largely defined by two elements: the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. Despite the small size of the nation, you will find a diverse array of landscapes, cultures, and cities due in large part to the huge geographical differences found here.
In fact, Ecuador’s two biggest cities of Guayaquil and Quito illustrate these differences so well. Let’s take a look at why.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is a city of 2.6 million people which is known as “The Pearl of the Pacific.” Located on a port leading into the Guayaquil Bay, this city has tropical vibes and hot temperatures. Here, you can eat the country’s best ceviche, stroll along the water on the Malecon boardwalk and take in a neighborhood like Las Peñas, which conserves some of the most impressive colonial architecture found in the country. This is a warm, active, and vibrant destination!
Quito
Quito, the capital of the country and the home to just over 2 million inhabitants, is geographically close to Guayaquil but so different! Located at over 9,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, the cool, moderate climate of this city and its indigenous influences give it a very unique vibe. The historical center of the city is arguably the best-preserved in all of the world and was, along with Krakow, the first to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Run, don’t walk, here!
