Natural Region

By Martina Cepeda Coba

What is a natural region?

A natural region is a basic geographic unit.

Concept

The concept "natural region" may refer to a small, well defined area, or

to a large basic geographical unit

Natural Regions in Ecuador

The Galapagos

• 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.

Highlands

• 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.

Coast

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.

Amazon

• 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.