Ecuador is an interesting country I recently had the pleasure of visiting while doing an Ayurvedic Retreat at Flowing River Retreat. As a nature lover, I soaked in the lush green-ness of thriving plants growing with abandon as we drove from Quito to the Retreat. Tropical plants, trees and shrubs in every shade of green covering steep mountain sides jutting up and plunging down caressed by lazy clouds kissing the tree tops and mountain peaks was our tranquil view as we made our way through the winding mountain pass. Along the way we passed the Middle of the World, measured at exactly Latitude 00 degrees 00’ 00”, which has been calculated by GPS. Did you know that Ecuador is the only country in the world to be named after a geographical feature, the Equator? For science lovers a visit to the Middle of the World will reveal how the highest point on earth affects gravity, strength, and even the direction of flowing water.
During our time in Ecuador it was hard not to notice the hummingbird was an image used again and again. This is because Ecuador is an environment where hummingbirds thrive, as there is a constant supply of flower nectar. The 130+ species of hummingbirds found throughout the country range from commonly seen to those limited to specific habitats. Another beautifully winged and colorful creature known well to this country rich in biodiversity is the butterfly. It is estimated there are over 4000 different species of butterflies in this small country more than half the size of Texas, USA. These delightful creatures of flight along with many others not mentioned, the multitude of plants and flowers including the 6000+ species of orchids, and lest we forget the creatures who swim, stalk, swing, trot, and crawl; combine to make Ecuador one of the 17 “Megadiverse” countries. In short, a visit to this country will be true delight to anyone interested in plants and animals.
Marking the short journey to our serene destination located in a Cloud Forest, we passed a splendid waterfall called Leap of the Tiger and steeped with folklore. This was the first of many waterfalls both easily accessible by road and those requiring some serious trekking through rivers and rainforest that highlighted our visit. One of the best features of this country is its diverse landscape, which includes the Andes Mountains, Coastal Lowlands, Amazon Jungle, and of course the Galapagos Islands means it has a lot to offer to many different kinds of travelers and each with its own special features and activities. One of the activities my party did was zip gliding. A truly exhilarating experience to slide across from one high point to another taking in the wonder of space below and around me as I made my way through the course. It was a fun and unique experience that I highly recommend.
My time in Ecuador was well spent but alas still ran short, and while I did not get to see all the country has to offer on this visit, I did have the chance to spend some deeply relaxing time, dotted with good conversation, tasty scratch-made meals, dips in the pool and hot tub along with yoga and Ayurvedic massage to round out the exploring and adventure. I look forward to planning a future trip back to the Flowing River Retreat and this beautiful country.
